St. Louis wedding photographer Nicole Welch

Tag Archives: chicago wedding photographers

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

View full post »

Kristin and Jed: Oliva on the Hill Wedding

06.29.11

It was a warm, beautiful day filled with love and laughter. Jed and Kristin were married at Oliva on the Hill, a hidden gem in St. Louis. Here’s their wedding day story. Thanks for looking!

alt=”" width=”2832″ height=”4256″ />

View full post »

Kerri + Adam: St. Louis engagement session

06.20.11

These two chose Washington Avenue for the location of their engagement session. It also just so happens to be where they live! Urban shoots are so much fun, and it had been a while since I had shot on Washington. Needless to say, it’s always fun because there are always new locations to discover. Including this first shot, which is a place I’ve been wanting to shoot for two years. I finally got the opportunity.

Thanks, Kerri + Adam, for a great shoot! I can’t wait for your October wedding.

View full post »

Lori + Shawn: St. Louis Wedding Photography

12.13.10

This was my very last wedding of the year! And it was a great one. Lori and I had been emailing for what seems like years before she and Shawn were able to set their date. We had been in contact for such a long time before they had booked, I felt I really knew them well before we ever met. Their wedding took place in early November, when the leaves were still beautiful, though there was a deep chill in the air. (I didn’t mind, I much prefer shooting in the cold than the heat, especially pregnant…)

One thing that stuck out in my mind with Lori is that she is so vibrant. I think you always know what she’s thinking because she wears her heart on her sleeve. And on this day, her wedding day, she was full of joy. And let me tell you, she was a joy to photography.

Lori and Shawn, you guys are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever photograph. Thank you so much for including me in your day. It was beautiful!

Her dress was amazing.

A lil bling.

st. louis wedding photographer

Love the shoes, and they matched the season perfectly.

Just a little happy?!

Lori, you’re absolutely adorable.

Jumping over the broom.

st. louis wedding photographer

View full post »

Lauren + Dave: St. Charles Engagement Photography

11.19.10

I shot Lauren and Dave’s engagement session in St. Charles a few weeks ago. They’re a referral from one of my favorite 2010 brides, Katie. I really enjoyed our session because not only are Lauren and Dan one of the nicest couples I’ve ever met, the light and colors in Old Town St. Charles were PERFECT. I’m so glad we didn’t miss the beauty of the fall.

Looking forward to your September wedding next year!!

st. charles engagement pictures

st. louis engagement pictures

View full post »

Gretchen + Lenny: Day After Session

11.15.10

We didn’t have much time for portraits on their wedding day, so Gretchen + Lenny asked if we could do a “day after” session, one of my favorite kinds of shoots! It’s so much fun to have a couple in their wedding attire, but they’re always more relaxed, and we have PLENTY of time.

They chose a pumpkin patch in Chesterfield first, and then we headed back over to the ceremony site in Wentzville.

st. louis wedding photographer

Fave.

st. louis wedding photographer

View full post »

Elaine + Chris: St. Louis wedding photography

11.15.10

People often ask me if I get nervous shooting the wedding of a fellow wedding photographer. The answer is absolutely not, not at all. Photographing other photographers is a huge compliment, not to mention a great time. Usually they are willing to do anything and anything for some great pictures, and I LOVE that. They never look at me like I’m crazy, they always just say, “let’s do it!.” The same went for Elaine ( a great photographer out of Cape Girardeau) and her groom, Chris. Not to mention, they got ready at a hotel with big windows, which is always a plus, did a first look, and were just so much fun to be around. Thank you Elaine + Chris for choosing me as your wedding photographer. I had a blast with you guys. All the best!

PS Thanks for being so patient with getting your blog preview…For other clients wondering where their blog post is, I PROMISE I’m going in order of your shoots. This wedding took place on October 16, just to give you an idea where I am in the editing process.

And to the pictures…..(I made it an extra long post to make up for it! Haha.)

Loved her shoes.

The girls were having a grand ole time in the hotel.

Her dress was stunning. I’ve never seen one quite like it.

Thanks to Paula Bathon (of Lightsource Photography) for sharing her talents! She got to hang out with the boys for a while.

First look time!

Urban wedding party pics rule.

This wall was fun to play with.

I love how Chris and Elaine’s dad are looking at one another in this shot.

Elaine got a little emotional during the ceremony, and Paula was in the perfect spot to shoot.

After the ceremony, we took Elaine + Chris all over downtown Kirkwood for some photos of just the two of them.

Fave.

I LOVE this spot. It was tough to shoot here at midday with the sun so bright, but I LOVE how the next 2 turned out.

I hope you guys had an amazing honeymoon in Hawaii!!!!!

View full post »

Abby + Steven: Tower Grove Engagement Session

11.12.10

Abby + Steven are having a destination wedding, but they wanted some engagement pictures taken here in St. Louis. They chose the fabulous Tower Grove Park for their session, which always makes me happy because the light is always stunning.

Thanks you guys for a great session!

Love this light. That is all.

st. louis engagement pictures

tower grove park engagement

Abby and Steven were so much fun, up for pretty much anything.

st. louis wedding photographer

Fave.

st. louis wedding photographer

View full post »

Sarah + Todd: Farmington Wedding Photographer

11.08.10

Sarah and Todd were married on a very hot, beautiful October day. Every little detail of their day was fabulous. From the jewelry, to the tuxes, to her dress and the cake. My favorite part of the day? Hands down, when they jumped up on a hay bale right before the reception. Thanks to Sarah and Todd for rocking out those portraits!!!

View full post »

Katie + Jonathan: St. Louis Wedding Photography

10.26.10

You may remember Katie and Jonathan from their engagement session last fall…

I had been anticipating this wedding FOREVER because Katie made sure I was one of the first people she contacted once she got engaged to make sure the date she wanted was open…AND it was! I was thrilled to be their choice for a wedding photographer. I have known Katie since high school, we were in french class together for several years. We didn’t keep in touch, but you have to love Facebook for bringing people together!

Their October wedding was gorgeous, we had some great weather for most of the day, though it did get a little chilly later in the day during group pictures at Forest Park. Nobody complained though, they were a really great bunch to be around. Paula Bathon of Lightsource Photography second shot for me, and we were both smiling the entire day. I seriously don’t think I’ve ever felt more appreciated or welcomed at a wedding. Everyone was so nice.

And to top it off, Katie was one of the happiest brides I have ever seen. She looked radiant, and if she was nervous, I couldn’t tell. She was too busy smiling.

Katie, if you were wondering where Paula and I took your dress…Now you know. Don’t hate me. Haha.

She was so thrilled when she opened a card from Jonathan…not to mention the beautiful pink pearls he gave her as a wedding gift. Good job, Jonathan!

Yup. The smile never left her face.

Thanks to Paula for grabbing these next 2 shots.

The church was so pretty and had a nice “new” smell to it…Plus some good light. Can’t beat that!

Ok, so there was one minute where Katie wasn’t smiling, but I think she was just crying because she was so happy…And so were the bridesmaids. Thanks to Paula for grabbing one of my favorite shots of the day!

We were so lucky that the grounds of the church were very picturesque.

Great choice for the bridesmaids’ dresses, they really pop in the photos!

Normally the Grand Basin isn’t my favorite place to shoot because usually I’m there at noon, and the sun is always out of control. On this wedding day, I was VERY lucky. We were there right before sunset, and the light was perfect.

I took this ring shot on Katie’s grandmothers’ handbag. I love how it turned out.

Katie’s dad has a band, and they played at the beginning of the reception. Live music at receptions rocks.

Is it love?

Ceremony: First Congregation Church of Webster Groves

Reception: Orlando Gardens

Flowers: Soulard Florist

DJ: Complete Music

View full post »

Mandy and Curtis: Columbia, IL Wedding

10.18.10

You may remember this wonderful couple from their engagement session. Mandy and Curtis were married at a lovely little church in Columbia, IL on a beautiful September day.

Some wedding days are a filled with crazy hustle and bustle. Mandy and Curtis’ was a little more laid back. I love the irony of this shot, and of course all the colorful decorations.

They were both pretty relaxed before the ceremony.

I really wish I could remember what was happening here. Love the shot anyway. Haha.

The church was super colorful!

I love when couples have their receiving line outside (well, assuming it’s not 1000 degrees). Everyone tends to hang around, and there are so many great moments to capture, plus the light is always better.

The beautiful wedding party. I think this was my largest wedding party of the year? And they were wonderful, some of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.

The skies got really dark during our short time for fun wedding party pictures, but it made for some great photos.

I’m pretty sure this is my favorite groomsmen shot ever.

Mandy, you’re beautiful.

I love fun entrances!

Mandy and Curtis, thank you SO much for including me in your day. It was such a beautiful wedding!! Hope you had fun in Jaimaca.

View full post »

Sneak Peeks! (St. Louis wedding photographer)

10.17.10

Thank you to all my wonderful clients who are being SO patient with me as I tackle the busiest part of my year (while being pregnant and having my 3 year-old on cycle break from pre-school!).

Here’s a sneak peek of some of the things I’m working on. Eventually, I WILL get all of you blogged. Again, thanks for being so understanding.

Mandy and Curtis.

st. louis wedding photographer

Kate and Chris.

faust park engagement pictures

Liz and Nathan.

st. charles engagement pictures

Katie and Jonathan.

st. louis wedding photographer

Kristin and Greg.

st. louis wedding photographer

Sarah and Todd.

st. louis wedding photographer

Lauren and Dan.

Abby and Steven.

creve coeur engagement pictures

Elaine and Chris.

st. louis wedding photographer

View full post »

Kadie + Cole: Forest Park Wedding Photography

10.11.10

Somehow, I am the luckiest photographer ever. I always end up with the nicest, most laid-back couples on earth. And Kadie and Cole were definitely no different. In fact, they’re one of the MOST laid back couples I’ve ever met. These two were married on a Friday at the end of September, and it was a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding.

We started at the Sheraton in downtown St. Louis for some getting ready shots of the girls. (I shot this wedding solo.)

Kadie wore these gorgeous shoes. Love the color! They matched the bridesmaids’ dresses.

I think things really started to feel “real” once she got her gown on. Look how excited she was!

Something blue!

Then we headed to Busch Stadium for some pictures of just Kadie and Cole.

busch stadium wedding pictures

And lastly, we headed over to Forest Park for a few shots before the ceremony began.

forest park wedding photography

We found some beautiful light!

forest park wedding photography

And then it was time for the ceremony to begin, and everybody was a bit emotional.

forest park wedding photography

Especially Kadie…

forest park wedding photography

The ceremony actually took place in an undefined space in the grass on the north side of the boathouse. It was beautiful. As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of outdoor weddings…especially when the weather is as nice as it was that day.

forest park wedding photography

What’s a bored flower girl to do during a wedding ceremony? This one tossed her bouquet high in the air. Over. And over. I don’t think Kadie + Cole ever noticed, but she was a huge hit with the guests. And with me.

forest park wedding photography

st. louis wedding photographer

My favorite of the day.

st. louis wedding photographer

Ceremony: Forest Park

Reception: Windows on Washington

Flowers: Walter Knoll

DJ: Rockstar DJs

Wedding gown: David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

View full post »

Eli + David: Missouri Botanical Gardens Engagement Photography

10.11.10

Eli’s a chef, and David’s in medical school at Washington Univeristy. Needless to say, they’re super busy people. Luckily they were able to squeeze in an engagement shoot at the Missouri Botanical Gardens (a really beautiful place to shoot, by the way!). They’re planning a wedding next April out of town, and it’s actually scheduled on my due date! Isn’t that ironic? I loved this shoot because of all the beautiful colors! I normally am all about the black and white, but not with the gorgeous greenery and the bright colors of their clothes.

Thanks for a great shoot and best wishes to the 2 of you!

missouri botanical gardens engagement photography

After the Botanical Gardens, we drove down to the Arch for a couple of quick shots. This was my fave from the session.
st. louis arch engagement pictures

View full post »

Gretchen + Lenny: Wentzville Wedding Photography

10.06.10

This post has taken me 5 billion years to get together, and this is because it’s, by far, the longest post ever on this blog. No lie. Why? Well, I had the honor of photographing the wedding of a dear friend I’ve known since junior high. And let me tell you, that was a L O N G time ago. Needless to say, she’s like a sister to me, and it was impossible to narrow down photos for this blog since I was completely emotionally invested. I cried at least 5 times. No lie.

So many things were wonderful in this wedding. Not just because it was for a friend. From a photography standpoint, the outdoor pictures we took were a dream because the light and the scenery at Quail Ridge Park on this day were absolutely perfect. The ceremony took place just a little before sunset, and we had the most amazing light for all the portraits and ceremony. On top of that, Gretchen was one of the happiest brides I have ever seen. I love when my brides are relaxed and happy on their day, but that doesn’t always happen. Despite a few little glitches before the wedding, Gretchen was smiling and laughing through it all. That made me happy as both photographer and friend.

All the little details were great, too. Her bouquet was stunning, hair and makeup were perfect, and I LOVED Lenny’s suit. Such a great choice for an outdoor wedding, in my opinion. Honestly, it was just amazing day, and I was so grateful to be there to capture their day. And, now it’s time for some pictures. Well, ok, 5 million pictures…(Well, maybe only 60.)

Did I mention we had some great light at the hotel where the girls were getting ready? No dark, dungeon-like church. Love.

st. louis wedding

st. louis wedding photographer

Gretchen’s mom was pretty happy that day, too.

st. louis wedding

I thought Holly did a magnificent job with Gretchen’s makeup, especially her eyes. She looked stunning.

st. louis wedding photographer

Some mimosas for the ladies, well, the little lady (Bella, Lenny’s daughter) had straight-up OJ.

st. louis wedding photographer

Everyone looked amazing.

st. louis wedding photographer

I rented a tilt-shift lens for the wedding. It was SO much fun to play around with, and I’m pretty fond of this image.

st. louis wedding photographer

Yes, Gretchen’s mom, Sonje, had to use her foot to get Gretchen’s dress tight enough.

st. louis wedding photographer

Gret, you’re gorgeous.

st. louis wedding photographer

While all the girls were at the hotel, my husband (and frequent second shooter) was at Lenny’s best man’s house with the guys while they got ready.

st. louis wedding photographer

Love their expressions. Dan caught this one!

wentzville, mo wedding photographer

quail ridge park wedding missouri

She was laughing all day.

quail ridge park wedding missouri

Hello tilt-shift…I never want to let you go.

quail ridge park wedding missouri

Dan shot this while Gretchen and her dad waited to walk down to the ceremony.

quail ridge park wedding missouri

Juuuuust a little happy.

quail ridge park wedding missouri

Isn’t it a beautiful place for a ceremony?

quail ridge park wedding missouri

st. charles missouri wedding photographer

Thanks to Dan for capturing this one.

Beautiful golden light I was so happy to see.

st. charles missouri wedding photographer

So one thing I noticed about shooting a good friend’s wedding is that pretty much everyone is comfortable around me because their family knows me. I can’t say I’ve ever caught a sibling shot like this. Love it. Thanks for being your silly selves, you guys.

missouri wedding photographer