Brit and Brady :: Engaged!

Brit is one of those brides who really, really understands weddings. I mean, she's on the cutting edge of trends in every genre, she loves all the details, and she has some really brilliant ideas. When we first met, I could tell right away that she was going to be a dream to work with and would no doubt have an incredible wedding. And then I found her blog. Known to her readers as the Landlocked Bride, Brit regularly provides excellent inspiration and ideas for brides-to-be. Her blog has a wealth of information for all things wedding, and I read it quite regularly :). You should check her out. No really, check it out. Now. Go. You'll be inspired fo sho.

If their engagement photos are any indication of the loveliness that will be their wedding day, I think we're all in for a treat:).

We started the day off underneath a blanket of clouds in downtown St. Charles. The weatherman promised the clouds would break, but it wasn't looking likely. Luckily, Brit's dog Katie didn't seem to mind


Brit told me that saying "Christmas Tree" would perk Katie right up. She was right :).




I love this series. Happy couple walking, walking... and little boy in red hoodie darts into the frame.






After a quick outfit change, we headed over to Creve Coeur Park. And as we drove, it looked like the weatherman might know what he was talking about...


And then the golden sun peeked out from behind the clouds, just in the nick of time.


How fabulous are these balloons? I love when clients take initiative and incorporate beautiful, meaningful, or downright fun things into their session.


Fabulous Brit.


Gorgeous soft light+a beautiful couple+love=this lovely




How cute is Brit's ruffled blouse? I love love love it.




I think Brit and Brady look so classic... they look like they could be in an ad for J. Crew. Don't you agree?


Brit and Brady, I can't wait to see what you cook up for your wedding :).

As always, more on facebook.

Ellen and Jay :: a Beautiful Wedding, Pt. 2

And now more photos from Ellen and Jay's lovely wedding:

Ellen and Jay met while studying at Fontbonne University. It was important to them that we incorporate Fontbonne into their wedding photos, which I think was a truly splendid idea :). So we took a stop by the lobby where they first met for a few quick images.


I asked Ellen and Jay what they typically did in the lobby while they were students, and they motioned me over to the computer stations. I imagine that when they flirted in the lobby those years ago, they may have been dressed less formally ;).


And then the bridal party took a quick stop by Chuy's in the CWE for a little mid-day salsa and margaritas. Props to Ellen for planning her day out so well. Brides, if you have quite a bit of time in your schedule between the ceremony and reception, scheduling something fun for your wedding party to do together is always a hit. It gives you time to relax with your bestest of friends before mingling with the entire guest list, as well as providing giving you another opportunity to show off how fab you look in your dress :).










After our quick stop at chuy's, we headed out for some more photos. First up, the lovely ladies


The bridesmaids wore the most fab shoes. I need a pair of these for myself.


And the gents


Photographing a bride and groom together is my absolutely favorite part of the day.




This makes me smile


and then my smile gets a little bigger when I see this


The beautiful bride. Breathtaking.


And the handsome groom










And then it was off to the reception. During the cocktail hour, Jay and Ellen had the chance to see their evening decor before the guests had entered. Stephanie Burke of Fete Stl (left) did an absolutely amazing job designing the event. I mean seriously, it was beautiful.




This cake was so beautiful, I'm not sure how anyone could eat it. Oh, who am I kidding... I'd eat cake no matter what it looks like....






Ellen's mom and sister looking on during the father/daughter dance


Jay and his mom took dancing lessons for the mother/son dance and it was so adorable that it made me get a little teary.


A good friend of Ellen and Jay's couldn't attend the wedding because he is teaching English in southeast Asia, so he skyped in during the middle of the party.


He even got a chance to be with everyone out on the dance floor


And speaking of dancing, the floor was packed all night... because all of Ellen and Jay's friends and family know how to have a good time AND because Boogie Chyld was the band that evening. I think they may just be the very best band I've ever heard. For real.


It was truly my pleasure to be a part of this lovely day. I have the best job :)


Much more on facebook.

Ellen and Jay :: a Beautiful Wedding, Pt. 1

From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was part of the party. It was such a beautiful day -pretty much perfect in terms of a wedding day- which was perfectly complimented by a perfectly lovely couple. I just can't say enough good things about Ellen and Jay. In fact, my camera and I loved their wedding day so much that I'm going to have to split up their post into two parts. Too much loveliness for one post :).

I shot this at the beginning of the day and knew it was going to be lovely. "No one else comes close." Melt my heart.


Lovely invitations by the ever fab Rachel.


Adorable flower girls make me smile. And I'm betting they made you smile too.


Some pretty deets




Nothing beats a bride getting ready.


Ellen, you're amazing


cuteness overload


The back of Ellen's dress is ca-razy awesome.


The wedding party got ready at the Moonrise Hotel in The Loop. I had heard so much about this hotel and I was so excited to see it from the inside. Eclectic, mod, and swanky.


Meanwhile......


Get ready for it again... adorable flower girls on the move.


Jon captured this moment. Makes me remember what it felt like to walk down the aisle.




I love the kiss that ends in a huge, relieved, joyful hug.


Married!


more tomorrow :).