I really like this photo and am very proud of it. I wanted to post it as Carolyn + Matt’s sneak peek from their Columbia wedding for a few reasons. First, you can make beautiful pictures anywhere, even at a bus stop. You just need to see the light. The light here was beautiful, and I had to use it. Luckily, I had a great couple who trusted me and didn’t look at me like I was insane for wanting to take their wedding pictures in a parking lot. They said, “Ok Nikki. Let’s do it.” How awesome is that? The second reason I wanted to post this is because Carolyn + Matt really valued photography when they were planning their wedding. I was thrilled they hired me, but even more thrilled that they truly appreciate what I do. So much so, that they made the perfect schedule for their day around photography. This included taking about 15 minutes from their reception to get the “golden light” that you see in this photograph. They’re on their honeymoon right now, but I assure you, they’d say it was worth it to get the images we did. Just a little something for all the brides + grooms out there to think about.

My baby is not a baby any longer. He had his first day of preschool last week, and he did SO well. I was really proud of him. Parents were able to go in the classrooms with the kids for about 30 minutes to help get them accustomed. We played at the sand table, with playdough, and painted. All of Aidan’s favorite things in the first 10 minutes! Eventually it was time for me to leave …*tear*… and he grabbed onto my leg and said “NO MOMMY.” He looked like he was going to cry, but one of the teachers came up to him and asked him if he wanted to play trains. That was the magic word. I walked out of the room and listened by the door. He couldn’t care less that I was gone. Success! He did really well, and when I picked him up, he immediately came in the house, took off all his clothes and his shoes, asked for some warm milk, Ben (his stuffed dog), and he asked in his sweetest voice, “Mommy, will you bring my bed downstairs?” He had a little rest on the couch, but not for long because then it was time for t-ball. I couldn’t believe he made it through all that with no nap.

Love this guy.

He was so proud to bring his big boy back pack that his Oma sent him.

These two need no introduction for most of my blog followers. I know many of you have been anticipating this very blog post since Autumn + Kellen’s wedding last weekend. If you don’t remember them, check out their engagement session. It was pure magic – one of my favorites this year. (I can say that, it’s my blog! Right?!) Ever since then, I’ve had many friends and blog stalkers email me about how they loved Autumn’s hair, or her shoes, or Kellen’s smile, or that pose, or that location, or that light. They really do have quite the following. So here it is friends, Autumn + Kellen’s wedding!!!

Ceremony: Dardenne Presbyterian Church in O’Fallon, MO
Reception: The Columns in St. Charles, MO

I couldn’t get over the shoes.

I think this may be my favorite ring shot EVER.

Thanks to Paula, my awesome second shooter for grabbing this one for me!

Again with the shoes. I know. They’re pretty sweet.

Paula captured this shot when she was hanging out with the guys. I’m still not sure what the joke was.

This church was GORGEOUS! (As you can tell.)

Wow. That’s all I’ve got. Check out the slideshow to see Paula’s version. It’s pretty rockin, too!

They are beautiful people inside and out. Truly.

Love this one Paula grabbed.

Her mom watching Autumn with her dad. Priceless.

Thank you SO much for letting me be a part of your amazing day. I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon!!!!

And….since I haven’t shared a slideshow in a L O N G time, I figured this would be a good time. I’m pretty proud of this one.

Happy Monday!

Don’t forget to give it a minute to load!

Kelly emailed me about 3 weeks ago to ask if I was available for a wedding on July 7. July 7?! I was a little shocked at the short notice, but then she told me her plans. Their original plans to have a destination wedding in California had fallen through, and they were in a hurry to plan a wedding in St. Louis. It was a very special, intimate wedding with just the 2 of them in the perfect setting at dusk. And it was beautiful, emotional…perfect.

Ceremony Venue: The Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel

Hair/Makeup: Danielle Erb

Videography: Gebbs Total Video

Her dress was stunning.

The fabulous Danielle Erb did her hair and makeup, and it turned out AMAZING.

Beautiful!!!

Kelly had her vows on her Blackberry. Donny had his on his iPod.

After they got ready in Fenton, all of  us headed out to the Vineyard at Riverbend Chapel in Washington, MO. It’s a stunning location, and I LOVE shooting there.

If you look closely, you’ll see Donny’s name.

Kelly’s mom was there to help her get ready…

Love the veils…

Although she got a little stuck in them.

They opted for a first look!

And it was very emotional for both of them.

We didn’t shoot a single posed picture on this day, although this one looks posed. I love the looks on their faces. They were SOOOOO happy.

Then it was ceremony time, so Kelly busted out the Blackberry. Too cute!

They did a first dance overlooking the river. It was such a spectacular view.

We’re going to do a “day-after” shoot soon, so stay tuned for that!

I probably could have blogged this ENTIRE session. Well, to be honest, I almost did. The light, the location and the couple = PERFECTION. I loved working with Mandy + Curtis not only because it’s so obvious how much they care for each other, but they’re also really comfortable in front of the camera. Now I know that doesn’t come easily for everyone, I’m one of those people myself. But these two rocked this session, and I am REALLY looking forward to their wedding in September!

The light. Oh my goodness. I love the light at Tower Grove Park pretty much always.

Love these 2 shots.

Aren’t they adorable?

My fave from the session.

Eskimo kiss!

Hello golden light. I love you!

Check out the back of her dress! Gorgeous. I thought this was a fitting parting shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

I apologize for slacking on the blogging lately!

Candy + Michael are getting married last year, and they were referred to me by a really fabulous couple I photographed last fall, Elaina + John. Candy and Michael are the ones I photographed for about all of 25 minutes right before a CRAZY storm. We’re going to do another mini-shoot to make up for it, but Candy is kind of busy…IN ITALY. Lucky girl!

There was no light on this day, and I had to rock some crazy high ISOs, but I loved this session. These 2 were incredible, and we were shooting SUPER QUICKLY the entire time, trying to beat the storm out, since they were in from out of town.

Thanks, Candy + Michael! I will see you again soon.

Beautiful couple + amazing light = fabulous session! (And a very happy photographer.) Can’t wait to show you guys more.

I first met this little guy at Katy + Steve’s wedding a couple of weeks ago.. I was SO excited when his parents told me they wanted to hire me for his 9-month pictures. He’s just too adorable and smiley! Cute baby, great weather and a beautiful location make for a fabulous photo shoot!

Poor little guy was getting some teeth in, so he had his hands in his mouth for most of the session.

His mom and dad kept him occupied and entertained with a lot of singing and reading a book. He LOVED it.

Kevin LOVES to fly. My fave of the shoot.

Kevin was introduced to a lot of “firsts” during our shoot. It was his first time in the grass and his first time seeing bubbles. I’m not sure he was much of a fan of either, but I still like this shot anyway.

Seriously could he BE any cuter? I think I could have photographed him all day.

Naked baby feet are scrumptious.

Aidan and I were playing outside in the extreme Missouri heat, and all of a sudden he just plopped down. Luckily, my camera was nearby.

You know that horrible storm that rolled through St. Louis last night? Well we got this shot about 5.3 seconds before the downpour hit. I lucked out.

Our shoot was only about 25 minutes long, but I will have more to share. Stay tuned!

Ok, if I’m really honest, he’s a sports FANATIC. Not a day, or probably hour – more realistically, goes by without my son swinging a bat, kicking a soccer ball, running laps around the house, swinging a tennis racket, dancing (he calls it shaking his bootie), or bouncing a basketball. Oh, and I forgot hockey. Hockey’s a big one. I shoudl also add that he doesn’t really even need the ball or the bat/aparatus needed for said sports. He can also play pretend sports. And sometimes he likes to play them naked, but that’s another story for another day. (But yes, that’s an at home only thing. Promise.)

During his 3 shorts years of life, he has played soccer, had swimming lessons, did a gymnastics class, but I knew baseball would be a good one to try… Honestly, I think baseball is his absolute favorite sport. He knows Albert Pujols’ face and number. He recognizes most teams by their picture and will say their team name. If we’re in the city, he MUST see Busch Stadium. He adores all things baseball. From the National Anthem, to the peanuts and Cracker Jax, and even baseball movies – most notably Angels in the Outfield and Rookie of the Year. When we watch those movies, he even puts his little baseball hat over his heart and stands very still until it’s over. That in itself is a small miracle.

When I found out our YMCA had t-ball for 3-year-olds, I knew I had so sign him up. He was so excited when I told him. On the way to what I thought would be his first practice, he asked if they would sing the National Anthem. I didn’t have the heart to tell him no, so I just kind of avoided the question. He did forget about it, but when we got there and realized someone had told us the wrong day, Aidan was absolutely devastated. I’ve never seen him so upset. No injury could match the pain he felt that day, and it completely broke my heart. I’m actually sitting here tearing up at the thought. That’s how serious it was. He sobbed, and we sat on the curb of the parking lot for a good 10 minutes while I had to explain to him that his t-ball wasn’t today. His team wasn’t here. All the little boys out on the field were older, bigger, more advanced t-ball players. T-ball for little guys didn’t start for 2 more weeks. I had to wipe his tears and bribe him with a trip to Target where we bought him a new glove, a bat, batting helmet and a t. And then his dad met us at the field where we played baseball for a good hour and a half. He didn’t care about the playground. He just wanted to play baseball, and he probably would have played until the sun went down.

So there you have it. An understanding of just how monumental this first t-ball practice was. He was so intense, listened so well to his coach, encouraged the other boys, ran hard, and even tackled a few teammates to get the ball. (We did have a discussion about tackling.) What a great day. And of course, I brought my camera. I am SO going to be that mom. Sorry, buddy.

So focused!

Could he be any more excited?!

Told ya. Tackling at t-ball.

And his favorite part – batting! I love the look on his face. And yes, he does bat lefty. The other parents at t-ball were very impressed…See the little twinkle of sun on his helmet? I love it.

Yes, I know. We went on vacation a trillion years ago. Yes, I know. I’m just now putting up pictures. What can I say. I’ve had a busy spring! Better late than never, right?

Without further ado…St. Thomas, San Juan, the Bahamas, and Grand Turk!

First up was Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. The beach was incredible. I really want to take Aidan back there. I think he would LOVE it.

The food was actually pretty good!

Dan’s…

Arriving into St. Thomas…Dan was talking to Aidan, who stayed with Dan’s parents in NYC while we were on the cruise. It was SO hard to be away from our little guy.

I love St. Thomas. I think I want to move there.

Most of our trip to St. Thomas was spent snorkeling and riding on a Catamaran and having a few cocktails. I don’t have pictures of that. It was one of the best days of my life though, I’ll tell you that!

This was when we were arriving into San Juan, Puerto Rico.

We went on an excursion into the rainforest. It was incredible.

We climbed the stairs in this tower….

And it was so worth it for this view. It was spectacular. I think I need to print this big and hang it in our house.

Our crabby bus driver who told us nothing about the rain forest. Oh well.

On the way back, we had the driver drop us off in Old San Juan. It was really interesting to be there, if only for a couple of hours. The lunch we ate there was…well, incredible.

Our last stop was in Grand Turk, Turks + Caicos. It was beautiful, and the beaches were incredible. There were conch shells everywhere. We weren’t supposed to take one, but I snuck one in our bag because I really wanted to show it to Aidan. He was thrilled to hear the ocean in the shell. He is definitely going with us on our next vacation…I didn’t take many photos in Grand Turk because Dan and I spent most of the day just snorkeling on our own, searching for sand dollars. And getting burnt. But it was SO worth it. Best. Vacation. Ever.