Ceremony: Bethesda Evangelical Church in South St. Louis County
Reception: Spazio’s
Florist: Walter Knoll
DJ: TKO DJs
Transportation: Elite Limousine Service
Tag Archives: st. louis family photographers
Matt and Deanne are a dream couple. They’re sweet, adorable, and absolutely natural in front of the camera. When we did their engagement session back in November, I just KNEW their wedding would be a great one, and they didn’t disappoint! All of their wedding details were absolutely beautiful, and it was really incredible to be part of an event for a family that is so close. The moments before Deanne walked down the aisle with her father were so special that it made me tear up. I absolutely love my job, and having the opportunity to document moments like those are a huge reason why.
Here’s part I of Deanne + Matt’s beautiful wedding day…
Don’t forget to come back to check out Part 2! It’s going to be a HUGE post.
Kadie + Cole chose Forest Park for their engagement session because that’s where Cole proposed to Kadie, and it also just so happens to be where they’re getting married this fall! I’m REALLY looking forward to it. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love outdoor weddings!
I recently photographed the wedding of Dani + Joe – one of the most laid back couples I have EVER met. Especially Dani. Nothing seemed to phase her on her wedding day – she just kept a huge smile on her face the entire day. And she’s just like a friend, a very gorgeous friend. And I must say, she’s been that way since the moment I met her at the Bread Co. in Chesterfield. This first post from their wedding is all about the getting ready, and I can honestly say she was the most calm bride I have ever photographed. (Ceremony + reception pics coming tomorrow!)
Her ring is just incredible…
And his isn’t too shabby either.
Occasionally, I will meet with a bride who says she doesn’t want any “getting ready” photos. I happen to be a huge fan of the getting ready process. Sure, I like to photograph all the little details – shoes, jewelry, rings, etc. But what it really comes down to are all the little moments that take place before the ceremony even starts – moments with some of the most important people in a bride’s or groom’s life…Like this moment with Dani putting on her mom’s bracelet. It’s just a small thing in the scheme of things, but it’s such a cherished time, and I hate to miss the opportunity to document these moments. Just a little something to think about for all of my brides who haven’t gotten married yet…
Moments like this with her bridesmaids when she opened her gift, a watch, from Joe. (She also gave him a watch for his wedding day present. How cute is that?!)
One of my faves of the day.
Showing everyone the dress for the first time.
Showing off the dress to everyone. Think they’re a little excited?
And then came her dad.
And the tears…
From everyone. (Myself included, I must add.)
So please, please, please don’t overlook the moments and that precious, unforgettable time before the ceremony when you’re making your wedding timeline. It’s not just about “getting ready.”
I promise.
Originally, Katy, Steve and I had planned to meet at a great outdoor location for their engagement session. But mother nature had different plans. Luckily, here in St. Louis, there are plenty of great indoor locations for engagement shoots! Katy + Steve picked the City Museum in downtown St. Louis, and what a great choice it was. There are SO many unique areas to photograph, and I probably could have shot there all day! I highly recommend it for a great indoor shoot! Plus, you can always take a break from shooting and head down the 3-story slide, and that is really freakin cool.
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of shooting the engagement of a fellow wedding photographer! Elaine + Chris live in Cape Girardeau and are getting married here in St. Louis. I was thrilled when they chose me as their wedding photographer, and I’m really looking forward to their October wedding! (No pressure! 
) We had gorgeous weather, and I always love shooting in Old Town St. Charles. I find different places to shoot everytime I walk up Main Street with a couple. Love that!!!
I love ivy! Especially with her pink shirt.
Get a little closer…
How cute is that bench!?
One of my faves from the day. I could have shot in this little area all day! The trees and light were incredible.
Same spot, different angle + pose. Love this. They’re so cute together. Talk about cute babies someday!!!
Yup. They’re gorgeous.
My favorite.
Here’s a quick shot from a great session today. Amazing light. Amazing couple. More to come.
Here I am! I hadn’t realized it had been so long since I blogged until people started emailing asking where I was. Then I checked the blog and realized it had been nearly a month! Between the crazy holidays and a crazy bug making its way through our house, I haven’t been on my computer much, except to design some albums. So here we are! It’s 2010, and my baby boy just turned 3! Unfortunately for him, we didn’t even get to celebrate because mommy was as sick as a dog. We’re rescheduling his party for this Saturday, so he’ll finally open his presents. Yeah, we’re that horrible, he didn’t open anything. But I don’t think he noticed, he was still too excited about all of his Christmas gifts.
Here he is. The light of my life.
When Elaina first sent me an email saying she wanted to do her bridal shoot in the church where she and John were getting married, I was a little nervous. Traditional portraits aren’t my thing. Not that I don’t appreciate them, they’re just not a strength. I like to shoot outside. Give me a field. Give me a busy city street. But in a church? I even wrote her back saying, “Are you sure you want to do this in a church?” Yes. She did. It was a church her grandparents have attended for many, many years. I believe her grandfather even helped build the church. Well, when I heard that, I knew she was right. We had to shoot there. This was going to be a good test for me and a chance to stretch my abilities, but I was up for the challenge. And oh my, I’m SO glad she didn’t let me talk her out of it. The church is way out in the country – about an hour’s drive for me. (A beautiful drive, though!) There was a ton of natural light in the church, and I have to say, it was a bit ethereal. I really loved shooting there for the bridal session…And I really can’t wait to show you their wedding. But first thing’s first…Here’s Elaina, and she was a true dream to have in front of my camera.
My favorite. Isn’t she stunning?! Her eyes are just incredible!
We had SO much fun with her veil…And the light. It was spectacular
I couldn’t decide if I liked the color or black and white. What do you guys think?!
Here’s a quick sneak peek at what I was up to last night. Thanks, Diane + Josh! You guys were up for anything and everything. I had so much fun! More to come in a few days!
Nearly a month later, and I finally have some NYC pics for the blog! Now this is going to be the.longest.post.ever. Sorry!
Several weeks ago, I headed back to my old stomping grounds in Columbia. I love that town, and it always amazes me how much it grows every time I visit. I didn’t fully appreciate all my years of college I spent there, but I appreciate my rare visits now. I’m really hoping that one day, Dan + I will have Mizzou football season tickets, so our visits will be much more frequent. Maybe Aidan will be a Tiger one day, too.
So my reason for visiting Columbia? Another session with the sweet, fun couple Manda + JR. If you missed the first session, well, let’s must say I’ve known Manda her whole life, and I’ve known her mom + dad my entire life. Our moms have been BFFs since high school. (And let me tell ya, that was a LONG time ago. *wink* (Oh man, I hope they don’t read this!)
Anyway, on to the pictures. And I really like this session. Anytime I wanted to try anything, their response was always, “Sure!” And they had some pretty fab ideas themselves.
How cute are they!?
This was totally my idea, and JR was all for it. Manda, on the other hand, was not too excited. But no worries. She survived 3 attempts at this shot and never got hurt. Who says white boys can’t jump?!
My fave from the session. I love the look on her face.
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get this post up! I’m so behind with updating the blog. I had a session with this great couple on an evening filled with tornado watches. I’m so glad we made it through with no rain…or tornadoes. I’m not a fan. Emily + Lucas – I’ll see you in August!
