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Category Archives: weddings

Duo + Bing: Clayton Wedding

01.31.12

No matter how many years I’ve been in business, there are always room for firsts. Duo and Bing were my first courthouse wedding. When we met and they told me they wanted a wedding photographer for a very short wedding, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but it was SO much fun. There was even a little drama. What’s a wedding without a little drama? To get married at the Clayton courthouse, you have to go get a number in the morning and then wait your turn. Duo and Bing had the last number of the day, assuming Bing had time to get her hair and makeup done. Well, the judge was rolling through the weddings incredibly quickly, and their number was approaching, but only Duo was there. And I was there. And many of their friends were there. (Both of their families are in China.) But Bing was not. Duo was a frantic mess, talking to her on his cell. Then in an instant, a white blur whisked through the metal detectors and up the elevator. There was still time for them to get married before the judge left. After the wedding, we had a few hours to make our way across St. Louis to photograph this adorable couple. It was nice to have no pressure, just all the time in the world to take photographs of this newly married couple. It was a blast. I hope you enjoy these images.

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Kerri + Adam: Four Seasons Wedding St. Louis

01.26.12

I have a confession. I am so behind on blogging. Truly, horribly behind. The holidays, my husband’s graduation, my son’s birthday, and so on and so on….got the best of me. But I would like to get caught up, and I’d love for you to come back and see a few more weddings. I love sharing all the wonderful weddings I shoot. So I’m going to start now. I’m going to begin with a beautiful wedding that took place at the lovely Four Seasons Hotel a couple of months ago…

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Kerri + Adam’s Vendors:
Ceremony – Four Seasons
Reception – Windows on Washington
Photographer – Nicole Welch Photography
DJ – First Class Weddings
Florist – Kirkwood Florist
Bakery – The Cup (Seriously the best cupcake I have ever eaten in my life. No lie.

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Meghan + Joel: Mount Pleasant Estates Wedding

12.05.11

I’m finally catching up (phew!), so I figured I would get caught up on the blog, too. If you’ve been following my blog for anytime at all, you know outdoor weddings are my absolute favorite. Meghan and Joel were married out at Mount Pleasant Estates in October, and the day was absolute perfection. Meghan and Joel, thank you so much for including me in your beautiful day. I hope you had an amazing honeymoon in Turks and Caicos! (jealous!)

Love, love, love the colors and tangerine theme. Gorgeous + unique!

How beautiful does she look in her dress?! I love how happy she is. And I love her veil. So pretty.

Meghan, you are so lovely!

Waiting for his bride…

Got me!

Meghan and Joel’s Vendors:

Ceremony: Mount Pleasant Estates
Reception: Mount Pleasant Estates
Photographer: Nicole Welch Photography
Florist: Hillerman Nursery + Florist
Bakery: Whipt Cream

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Allie + Jon: Norwood Hills Country Club Wedding

11.15.11

I knew the day of Allie + Jon’s wedding that it was going to be amazing. They were having an outdoor ceremony. Scheduled at the right time, they are by far my favorite to shoot – especially on a cool, beautiful, sunny October day. And what an emotional day it was. I’ll never forget the look on Allie’s face as she walked down the aisle toward her groom, tears in his own eyes. You could just feel the love these two have for each other, and it was such a special day to be a part of.

Her gown was amazing. I hope this shot does it a little bit of justice.

norwood hills country club wedding

Allie + her mom were just adorable together.

How cute is this flowergirl in her wagon?!

Such a beautiful venue at Norwood Hills Country Club, and the light was just amazing. We were so lucky.

Celebrating when everything was signed. Officially married.

More yummy light out at Lafayette Park.

lafayette square wedding photography

Allie works at a vet’s office, and her love for animals was apparent at her wedding. She and Jon had a picture of a dog who needed to be adopted as part of their centerpieces at every table. They also had a little story about each dog. Isn’t that such an amazing idea?! I hope more people will do this. It’s brilliant and such a good cause.

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Soooo in love. *swoon*

soulard preservation hall wedding st. louis

Allie and her dad have such a fun relationship, which was obvious from their father-daughter dance. They both have some sweet moves. SO FUN.

soulard preservation hall wedding st. louis

Allie + Jon’s Vendors:

Ceremony: Norwood Hills Country Club

Reception: Soulard Preservation Hall

Photographer: Nicole Welch Photography

Videographer: Milestone Pro Films

Bakery: The Cup

Florist: Troy Florist

DJ: TKO

Salon: Vida Verde Studio Salon

Allie + Jon’s Engagement Session: http://nicolewelchphotography.com/blog/2011/07/22/allie-jon-tower-grove-engagement-session/

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Jamie + Leslee: St. Louis wedding photography

11.02.11

Jamie + Leslee’s day began with some quick portraits on one of the most gorgeous days of the year (what a beautiful October we have had!!!) at Forest Park. The Muny is always a great spot for wedding day portraits. I love the classic elegance of the architecture. I honestly never get tired of shooting there…

I LOVE her dress. So elegant.

After the 20 minutes of portraits, we headed to the church, where the girls took a little breather.

I caught a quick shot of her mom before the ceremony. Mmmmm pretty light.

The cake was so gorgeous!

And so were the rings. Love.

Thank you, Jamie and Leslee, for sharing your beautiful day with me! Thanks to Paula Bathon for sharing her talent with me.

Ceremony: Bethel Lutheran Church

Reception: Norwood Hills Country Club

Photographer: Nicole Welch Photography

Barkery: Sugaree Baking Co.

DJ: TKO

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Laura + Kevin: St. Peters Wedding

10.24.11

I first met Laura last year when she was a bridesmaid in Carolyn + Matt’s wedding in Columbia. When I found out she was engaged and wanted to hire me, I was just a little bit ecstatic. She and Kevin completely get my style. Their engagement session earlier this year was almost too easy. There is so much joy in their relationship, it made my job easy peasy. Their wedding day was no different.

midwest wedding photographer Laura was surrounded by love as she got ready for the wedding at her parents’ house where she grew up. Her sisters, friends, and parents were all there, and let me tell you, it was an extremely joyous, emotional time for everyone. And I am so lucky I was there to capture that beauty. Best job in the world, I tell ya.

Laura’s mom getting a first look at her daughter in her wedding gown. Love this one.

And dad’s turn…The look on his face – priceless. st. peters mo wedding photographer missouri wedding photographer

Kevin’s parents were just as thrilled as Laura’s.

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What do you do when there’s a festival with a billion people all over Old Town St. Charles where you planned to do your wedding party pictures? Hit up a park just next door to your reception site. Major win. Much more their speed, I happen to believe.

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Beautiful light, perfectly scripted for a beautiful bride.

The florals were magnificent.

Kevin is a musican, and he performed a song he wrote for Laura at their reception. There was not a dry eye in sight after the song. Major props to Kevin!

Congratulations, you two! It was truly an amazing day to be a part of. Thank you!

Ceremony: All Saints Catholic Church
Reception: St. Peters Cultural Arts Centre
Photographer: Nicole Welch Photography
Caterer: Catering by Georgianna
Bride’s gown: Alfred Angelo
Bridesmaids gowns: Alfred Angelo

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Christina + Justin: 9th Street Abbey Wedding

10.05.11

I love to have engagement sessions with my clients. It gives us time to get to know each other, especially if we didn’t have an initial consultation, which happens when out of town couples book me over the phone/internet. With Christina + Justin, I had neither, which always makes me a little nervous. Meeting on the wedding day is always very interesting because I have no idea what to expect. Lucky for me, this great couple were really natural in front of my camera and a joy to be around. Everybody was so happy and so kind, and I had a really wonderful time documenting their wedding day.

If you have never been to the 9th Street Abbey, you are seriously missing out. The outdoor space is like a fairytale, which is why Christina + Justin had their first look out there.

Isn’t it just an amazing venue?

We did all the portraits before the ceremony so the guests didn’t have to wait between the ceremony and reception, which were both held at the 9th Street Abbey.

I was so thankful for this wall. It pretty much rocked.

Leave it to a little boy to make a bouquet into a gun. Reminds me of my little 4-year-old.

Great shot by my wonderful second shooter, Paula. Love their expressions.

My second shooter, Paula, grabbed this beautiful balcony shot.

How adorable are these 2? They had an audience while they were dancing the night away.

Love this shot of the bridesmaids that my second shooter, Paula grabbed.

VENDORS
Ceremony: 9th Street Abbey
Reception: 9th Street Abbey
Photographer: Nicole Welch Photography
Bakery: McArthurs

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Sneak peeks

09.30.11

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Lauren + Dave: Vineyard at Riverbend Wedding

09.27.11

Thank you SO much for being patient with me and my lack of blog posts lately. I’m right in the middle of the crazy fall wedding season. So many weddings in a row, combined with engagement shoots, family sessions and my own family has made my blogging time few and far between. I’m staying on top of galleries though! As a little side note, if you’re needing an October engagement session, please email ASAP because I only have a couple dates left. And now, for Lauren + Dave’s wedding day post!!!

Pounding rain greeted me as I exited my car and ran into the hotel where Lauren was getting her hair and makeup done. Not exactly how a bride wants to start her day, especially when she’s supposed to be getting married at a beautiful vineyard in the picturesque Washington, MO. We all kept our fingers crossed that the clouds would part and the sun would make an appearance, but it was not to be. It was easy to see that Lauren was a little disappointed, but at the end of the day, she was marrying Dave, and the joy on their faces as they walked down that aisle after the ceremony was all the mattered. And lucky for us, during the reception, the skies took pity upon us and gave us a little of that glorious sunshine, and we were able to sneak out for a few portraits in the vineyard.

I love these next 2 shots. They put a smile on my face.

Lauren’s bouquet from Four Seasons Florist was spectacular! st. louis wedding photographer the vineyard at riverbend chapel wedding photographer midwest wedding photojournalist

There was such joy in their faces after they were married. I hope they love this shot as much as I do. They couldn’t stop looking at one another.

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We ran outside for a few shots in the drizzling rain…We weren’t sure we’d get back outside, and Lauren really wanted some outdoor shots of the 2 of them. the vineyard at riverbend chapel wedding photographer

Love this cake, especially the cake topper! Looks just like them. the vineyard at riverbend chapel wedding photographer

This kid had some MOVES! the vineyard at riverbend chapel wedding photographer

And so did this one. the vineyard at riverbend chapel wedding photographer

And look who was also at Lauren and Dave’s wedding!!! Katie + Jonathan! I shot their wedding last year, and it’s just about their 1 year anniversary. Happy early anniversary, you guys. Much love. the vineyard at riverbend chapel wedding photographer

This was a fun group for sure. washington, mo wedding photographer

And this is where the sun came out, and we ran out for a few minutes for portraits of just the 2 of them. It was sticky. It was hot. But we were all happy.

The end. Congratulations again, Lauren + Dave! It was such a joy to be a part of your day.

Lauren + Dave’s Vendors:
Ceremony: The Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel

Reception: The Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel

Bakery:Exquisite Cakes

Florist: Four Seasons Florist

Photographer: Nicole Welch Photography

Makeup: Emily Miller with Delicately Bold

Hair: Hair by Chrissy

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Lauren + Dan: The Vineyard at Riverbend Wedding

09.15.11

If you’ve ever been to my blog before, you know I LOVE outdoor weddings, especially when they take place at a vineyard. It’s such a magical, romantic type of venue. Their ceremony took place at sunset, and I couldn’t have planned the day any better. Congrats Lauren + Dan. It was an amazing wedding.

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What are sisters for?! Steaming wedding dresses.

The guys have it WAY too easy on their wedding day. missouri vineyard wedding

The location…breath-taking.

I couldn’t resist grabbing this shot as I waited for the ceremony to begin.

Lauren’s brothers…They were fantastic!

So the flower girl didn’t quite make it up the aisle…She made her own way.

And everyone loved it. (Look at that gorgeous light!!!)

Best groom reaction. EVER. Seeing Lauren for the first time.

I love that even the groomsmen have the BIGGEST smiles on their faces. missouri vineyard wedding photographer missouri wedding photographer missouri winery wedding the vineyard at riverbend wedding st. louis wedding photographer

No matter how many times I shoot at The Vineyard at Riverbend, I never get tired of it. This is why. the vineyard at riverbend wedding washington, mo wedding photographer

Lauren + Dan had a pretty rockin’ candy table for their guests.

They showed a very touching slideshow at the reception. missouri wedding midwest wedding photographer

Lauren’s little brother celebrated his birthday on her wedding day…It wasn’t complete without a birthday cake! missouri wedding photographer

VENDORS:
Photography: Nicole Welch Photography

Ceremony: The Vineyard at Riverbend

Reception: The Vineyard at Riverbend

Florist: For Seasons Florist

Bakery: Wedding Wonderland

Videographer: Photo Video Image Productions

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Lauren + Dan: Sneak Peek

09.07.11

st. louis wedding photographer

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Leslie + Peter: Third Degree Glass Factory Wedding

08.05.11

I didn’t know Leslie + Peter very well before their wedding day. I had only met with them once, never had an engagement session with them, didn’t really know their personalities. All I knew is that they were beautiful and in love. What I came to learn on their wedding day is that they are truly genuine, kind, welcoming people. I also learned that Leslie is one of the most laid-back brides ever. (Do you detect a theme in the wonderful people who hire me?! I do!) She was laughing the entire day, and I’m so happy for them both. I hope you guys had a great time in Mexico and enjoy your wedding day preview!

Her gown suited her perfectly. moonrise hotel st. louis

Even the carpet at Moonrise Hotel was fabulously modern. moonrise hotel st. louis

She was so calm and happy as she prepared for her wedding day. st. louis wedding photographer

Leslie’s dad seeing her for the first time.

I see you!

Success! The dress is on! st. louis wedding photographer

They decided to do a first-look at the hotel, which I thought was a great idea. Even better was that they did it in the privacy of the amazing suite in which Leslie got ready that day – wasn’t that brilliant?! I thought so.

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Peter gave her a gorgeous pearl necklace for a wedding gift. I think she was just a little happy. st. louis wedding photographer

Everybody wants a little Clark Gable (or 3) in their wedding pictures, am I right? I love this shot. st. louis wedding photographer

It was despicably hot that day, so Leslie + Peter decided to completely forgo outdoor pictures that day, which was ok by me! We ended up shooting at Union Station, and let me tell you, that was the FASTEST bit of shooting I have probably ever done in my life. We did family, wedding party pictures and their portraits in such a small amount of time, I could barely see straight. I wish I had timed it, but I know it wasn’t much! Not even an hour. Everyone was amazing and cooperative though, and we survived! union station wedding

Leslie and Peter were great as I barked orders around and shot all their portraits in about 15 minutes (if that). They didn’t even blink when I made them ride the escalator.

union station wedding

We actually found some great light in Union Station.

union station wedding

I don’t think I’ve ever shot so many verticals at any wedding in my life. Just a strange observation. union station wedding

Fave. st. louis wedding photography union station wedding

I love this completely candid shot of them waiting for a ride to their ceremony. union station st. louis wedding pictures

Peter built the altar completely by himself. I was impressed. It turned out beautifully.

Ok, another amazing detail. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a wedding detail more than this one. These are photographs of Peter asking Leslie to marry him. The entire process documented. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! It’s amazing to see the emotion, second by second, on their faces.

I’m sorry to keep blabbing on this blog entry, but I have so much to say! Originally, Leslie and Peter didn’t have a second shooter included in their wedding day coverage. A couple of weeks before the wedding, they asked if they could add a second photographer. I called my main second shooter, Paula, and was thrilled she was available. Why do I bring this up now? Because when I shoot alone, it’s impossible for me to get those last-minute images of a bride waiting to walk down the aisle. And if they hadn’t added a second shooter, we wouldn’t have this image. And I love this image. Absolutely love it. Just a quiet moment before she marries the love of her life. Thank you Paula! third degree glass factory wedding

The Third Degree Glass Factory is such a unique space to have a wedding. Love it! third degree glass factory wedding

Thanks to Paula for this rockin’ shot, too! third degree glass factory wedding

Leslie’s sister brought her sweet 6-week-old baby girl to her first wedding ever.

third degree glass factory wedding

So. Much. Sugar. YUM! third degree glass factory wedding

Cookies and milk for the guests as they departed the wedding. Great touch. third degree glass factory wedding

I don’t usually include many dancing pictures, but as I was culling through about 700 images from their wedding, this one kept cracking me up so I had to include it. third degree glass factory wedding

Flowers: MCK Designs

Gown: Mori Lee

Hotel for getting ready: Moonrise Hotel

Ceremony + Reception: Third Degree Glass Factory

Bakery: The Cakery

Band: The Gallexy

Caterer: Entre

Hair + Makeup: Fusajiro

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Leslie + Peter: Sneak Peek

07.26.11

st. louis wedding photography in union station

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Shawna + Reid: Brentwood Wedding

07.19.11

Oh where to begin with Shawna + Reid’s wedding day. It was hot. Really freaking, dripping hot. But despite the crazy St. Louis heat on their wedding day, Shawna + Reid were one of the happiest couples ever. There was such a joy in their eyes the entire day, and they treat each other with such joy and respect, it was such a treat to document their big day. Thank you, Shawna + Reid, for being 2 of the nicest clients I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. They made sure my second shooter, Paula, and I were hydrated the entire day, they were constantly checking in with us about the day’s schedule, they were apologizing for a beer run (so not necessary!) – just truly great people. I had a smile on my face the entire time I was editing these images…

Thanks for visiting!

Love the hanger that Shawna made. So creative! brentwood missouri wedding

A lil bubbly! brentwood missouri wedding

The flower girls were ADORABLE. I couldn’t stop photographing them. st. louis wedding photographer

One of my favorites of the day. st. louis wedding photograph

Shawna was so emotional when she opened the card + gift from Reid. st. louis wedding photographer

Inside the little blue Tiffany’s box was probably the sweetest, most thoughtful gift ever. A locket with a picture of each of them from their engagement session. LOVE IT, REID! What a good man. st. louis wedding photographer

Told ya they were uber cute. flower girls

Thanks to my second shooter Paula for capturing the guys getting ready! st. louis wedding photojournalist

I love the look on Shawna’s face and the look on her mom’s face. So much beautiful emotion. saint mary magdalen church brentwood missouri wedding

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood is an absolutely stunning church. saint mary magdalen church brentwood missouri wedding

A moment of pure joy from Reid. saint mary magdalen church brentwood missouri wedding

They scouted their locations all by themselves, and they did a MAGNIFICENT job. st. louis urban wedding pictures

Doesn’t get better than this! central west end st. louis wedding pictures

Paula’s view. (Which I totally adore, and I love that it shows how beautiful the back of her hair was!) central west end st. louis wedding pictures

My view. This picture makes me happy. How could it not?! central west end st. louis wedding pictures

During the reception, we snuck out for about 10 minutes and captured a few pictures in some yummy golden light. Dear brides + grooms: please do this. You won’t regret it! Promise. st. louis zoo wedding st. louis missouri zoo wedding photography st. louis zoo wedding pictures

Their cocktail hour at the St. Louis Zoo during their reception included a visit from some pretty cool friends. st. louis zoo wedding receptions

How cute is this guy? st. louis zoo wedding receptions

Just a little embarrassed during the best man’s speech. st. louis zoo wedding receptions

Shawna and Reid’s wedding had some great details. Shawna made all of these seat numbers herself. st. louis zoo wedding receptions

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I Shawna’s dress and the fact that it had SO much movement, especially during their first dance. Thanks to Paula for these fabulous shots showing it off!

And Reid’s visit with an old friend…. shawna and reid bronson st. louis missouri wedding

The end! Thanks again for sharing the story of Reid and Shawna’s wedding!

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Grace + Kent: Lafayette Square Wedding

07.05.11

Well, I’m a day late posting this, but I forgot yesterday was a holiday! So here it is, FINALLY – Grace and Kent’s wedding. Where to begin?!

Couples like Grace and Kent make my line of work incredible. They are why I do what I do. They are madly in love, and you could just see it on their faces the entire day. The joy they experienced on their wedding day was infectious, and I love that. It makes every click of my shutter so rewarding, and it makes me smile when I’m sitting at my computer for hours into the wee morning while I’m sifting through images that tell the story of their day. It doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks for visiting.

You know it’s going to be a good day when you start with a beautiful, colorful pair of shoes!

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Checking for rain…But it held off. lafayette united methodist church

Such a happy bride. st. louis wedding photographer

Why are these beautiful bridesmaids laughing?! st. louis wedding photographer

Check out the broken shoe. Poor girl! She found a replacement before she had to walk down the aisle. lafayette square wedding

One of my favorites… lafayette square wedding

This image is courtesy of my second shooter, Brian Kramer. LOVE the perspective.

Grace’s mom was so emotional after the ceremony. I love this image.

Kent is quite the gentleman.

Forget the cake and cupcakes, Grace and Kent went with DOUGHNUTS! Yum.

The Third Degree Glass Factory is such a unique, beautiful space for a reception. I couldn’t resist photographing some of the beautiful glass creations… st. louis third degree glass factory wedding