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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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Natalie + Kevin: St. Louis engagement photography

11.18.11

This was a fun one, you guys. Not only did we have a gloriously beautiful day at one of my favorite St. Louis parks with wonderful autumn colors, but this GORGEOUS couple brought along their handsome, 1 year-old Mason. Doesn’t get much better than that! This family was so sweet, and there is so much love between them. I’m pretty darn sure you’ll be able to see it in the pictures. Natalie – thank you for choosing me to be your photographer. I can’t WAIT for your St. Patrick’s Day wedding next year.

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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.

soulard preservation hall wedding st. louis

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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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.

All Saints Catholic Church St. Peters Missouri midwest wedding photographer

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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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Lindsay + Doug: Sneak Peek

09.21.11

I seriously cannot wait to show you more from this session. It’ll knock your socks off. Lindsay + Doug really went above and beyond, but you’ll have to wait to see more.

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Leslee + Jamie: Laumeier Sculpture Park Engagement Session

08.17.11

This was another scorcher of a shoot! Thank you to Jamie and Leslee for being such good sports in front of my camera on a crazy hot day at the wonderful Laumeier Sculpture Park. It was my first time there, and it was a really unique place for a shoot – which I love. Jamie and Leslee, I’m really looking forward to your October wedding!

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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.

st. louis wedding photographer

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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Erin + Ben: Tower Grove Engagement Session

07.20.11

Ben and Erin’s engagement session was scheduled on what I think was THE hottest day of the year, unfortunately. But lucky for me, they’re super easy going and made for a fun engagement session. We did have to take some “cooling off breaks” in our cars, but we made it through! And Erin’s hair looked amazing down to the last shot of the day – how is that even possible?! I am really looking forward to your wedding next year. Thanks for a great shoot, you guys.

There’s always nice light out at Tower Grove an hour before sunset.

They are TOO cute together!

Erin, you are gorgeous! My favorite shot of the day.

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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

st. louis wedding photographer

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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Allie + Jon: Sneak Peek

07.14.11

tower grove engagement pictures

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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!

st. louis wedding photographer

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

And their beautiful exit…. st. louis third degree glass factory wedding

And if you didn’t already see it, Grace and Kent’s sparkler exit made it on Moment Junkie last week.

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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!

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