Engaged: Arielle + Bob ~ Main Street St. Charles

Simple engagement photos of a seriously cute couple.

Arielle and Bob are having a destination wedding.... here in St. Louis ... this summer.

They were in town briefly and since we had never met before, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take some engagement photos for them so we could get to know each other a bit before the "big day".

An engagement session accomplishes two purposes....one of them being for the couple to get to know me as their photographer and the other is for them to have some really cute pictures.

I think it is really, really important to have an engagement session with their wedding photographer because:
1) They get to see what it's going to be like to have me around them ALL DAY LONG on their wedding day.
2) They will also get a taste of the kinds of things I will ask them to do .... it's like a rehearsal or a trial run of the wedding day photos.
3) I get to see what kind of people they are like in front of the camera. Are they more reserved and shy or outgoing and crazy/fun. Either way is totally fine by me, but if I know this in advance, I think I feel more prepared for the day of their wedding. I'm also better able to help them be more relaxed if I know how they are in front of my camera.

In fact, I feel so strongly about engagment photos that I include a complimentary e-session in EVERY one of my wedding packages.

Love the wind in the hair!!!





I think this might be my favorite shot of the day.






I love giving people something to do. I think it makes them feel less awkward.


I love this shot because it really emphasizes a woman's beautiful eyelashes.


I love pictures of people laughing a smiling....I think it makes you want to smile too.


I think this must be my favorite of Arielle. Beautiful eyes and a very mysterious smile ....reminiscent of Mona Lisa.


I don't know why, but the light that bounces around in an alley is always so beautiful.
I think that most clients first reaction is that an alley is a really odd place to want to take pictures. But really, the light is so flattering so we do it anyway.





Seriously loooooonnnnngggg legs.
I'm so jealous (..uhg, I'm somewhat vertically challenged).






Arielle and Bob, can't wait for your August wedding!!!!

*

Married: Kaetlyn + Francesco - Coronado Ballroom

Winter weddings are unique.

I was particularly excited to shoot this wedding for Kaetlyn and Francesco. Not only are they a simply beautiful couple, they were delightful to work with!

They have a truly romantic love story. She was a college student taking a course in Italy (how cool is that right?). They met and fell in love and she ended up staying there.

I always start with my favs...



It's winter. When the sun goes down, we have a very limited time to get some great photos.

I am mainly a natural light photographer. I prefer shooting WITHOUT a lot of extra lighting equipment so it's very important to me to be outside or if we are inside we need someplace with beautiful light.

SIDENOTE: No worries though my dear clients, I DO know how and when to use my flash and extra lighting when needed.

So it being winter, it gets dark fast. We had to hurry, and in fact, took this series of shots in 15 minutes or less. We photographers can rise to the challenge when necessary.

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Another favorite. The lighting in this room was fantastic.

Kaetlyn and Francesco were adorable!










I think this one needs to be on a 20"x30" canvas on their wall.

LOVE IT!!!!!





I've always wanted to get an image like this.

OK....so here we are back to unfolding more of the story of the day.

Kaetlyn and her beautiful mom...getting all dolled up.








Flowers by Tina Barrera - The Special Event Florist (314-845-3362)

I LOVE "First Looks".This is when the bride and groom make time BEFORE the ceremony to see each other.It's a very special time.Only the two of them.It's an opportunity to slow down from the wedding day crazinessto take a deep breath and re-focus back on to each other and the meaning of this day.We set it up and then step back to let things happen naturally.We position the groom somewhere that has great light.


Then we have the bride come in from behind him.











That first time he sees her and she gets a good look at him. ....It's magical!!!!!





We leave them alone for several minutes for them to talk and just re-connect. Some couples also use this time to give each other their wedding gifts.And then afterwards, we have time to get some relaxed pictures. SIDE NOTE: This is also great for the wedding day timeline. If you do a First Look, there's less lag time between the ceremony and reception since a good portion of the pictures will already have been completed. This is particularly important during a winter wedding since we have less daylight for picture taking.We then did some of the wedding party pics.


One of my favorites!!!








Classic bride + father walk down the aisle.








Both the Ceremony and Reception were at the Coronado Ballroom.


I love hearing the toasts. I always love hearing what stories people share.


First Dance.


Love the expressions. I just happened to be walking past ... searching for candid, real moments and couldn't resist this shot.


Thanks Kaetlyn and Francesco for including me in your special day!*

Married: Crystal + Dean ~ Glen Echo Country Club

The day was sunny and bright. Crystal was sunny and happy. On this day, she was singing joyfully...."Going to the chapel and I'mmmmm gonna get married" as she was getting ready. I can't tell you how sweet that was to slide into the Bridal Getting Room to hear that.

I knew we were going to have a lovely day together...me documenting their sweetness.

Even though it was the middle of winter (end of January), we still had some beautiful light to get some beautiful pics...so without much further ado...here are the pics

The whole group was really great! It was mighty chilly, but for the sake of some fine photos, they braved the cold to get these images (see the snow on the ground?!?!). I'm sure glad they were so willing!!!This one below is one of my favorites!


Love the white furry cape! Its perfect for a winter wedding!


As they were walking back towards me, saw this gorgeous light and again asked them to "STOPPPPP, kiss for me again!!!!!" and of course they did. Who doesn't like to kiss when they have just gotten married? So just be forewarned....I ask you to kiss and smootch A LOT during your photo session.





The handsome groom.


I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shot!!! I am a fan of sun flare! I'm always looking to get sun flare in a pic.


I love this shot. I was going for a fashiony-glamourous kind of image. Do you think it works?


I love this because of their expressions. Soo romantic to me.


Love this shot for the drama!











Oooooh the BLING!!!!!

So here, Crystal and here ladies are having brunch before the festivities begin.SIDE NOTE: Remember to eat and keep nourished on the day of your wedding. Yes, you will be busy but you've got a really long day and you don't want to faint or lose your energy only half way thru the day.



More getting ready. Gotta have pretty nails! Always makes me feel more girly if my nails are done and isn't a wedding day a pretty girly day?


Look at this set! Daddy's gift to his little girl. Just gorgeous!!!



Love the shoes!!!!You'all know I'm a shoe girl right?!?!Well, Crystal knew this and she made sure to point it out to me that the ladies were getting deep purple shoes. I squeeled I was sooo excited. I LOVE when the bride wears a bright shoe...that little pop of color underneath her dress is so fun! It's a GREAT trend!!!!!












The ceremony and reception were at Glen Echo Country Club. If you've not ever seen the place, check it out!!! It's a super venue and the staff were awesome!!!














Classic shot...bride coming down the aisle with Dad.


And of course, the new Mr. and Mrs....


I couldn't resist this pic. I turned around and saw them just sitting there so sweetly.



First Dance.


One of my favorite all time "Father-Daughter" dance.


They had a live band that was awesome, The Anita Rosamond Band.









Overall a super-fantastic day! Thank you, Crystal and Dean, for a fun day!!! *