I remember meeting with Lauren and her mom for the first time.  I have a clear memory of feeling like a chatterbox and thinking that I needed to shut my mouth for a minute and allow one of them to get a word in edgewise. How else was I going to find out more about them and what they were looking for in a photographer?!  That is what happens when I have too much coffee!  Not to mention I tend to over compensate when in the company of more reserved beings than myself.   So I am just rambling along and mention something about taking detail photos of all of Lauren’s pretty things like her wedding dress hanging in a window or a tree.  And suddenly her mom’s eyes well up and she says they have a special tree.  And that it would be so perfect if we could hang her dress in it.  And as the tears start to stream Lauren smiles, looks at me and says “I think you got her!”  So I have been looking forward to this tree and Lauren and Matt’s wedding for quite some time now.  I think that is a fitting place to start this beautiful and heartfelt wedding day!

That is Lauren’s mother’s wedding gown hanging with hers.  Two generations of gowns side by side.

Lauren and Matt received this beautifully framed invitation as a gift.  The little paper swirls around it were intricate and whimsical.

One of my favorite parts of the day…the gown always seems to have special powers. There is something about that dress that makes almost every bride say something along the lines of “This is it!  I can’t believe it’s finally here.  This is really happening.”

Lauren’s dad was just walking by…then he saw Lauren and it stopped him in his tracks.

Teary hugs.  Sniff.

And at the exact same time, here’s a glimpse into Matt’s activities!  Hanging at the bar with the guys. :)

And back to shoes…

One quick photo of all the beautiful ladies and its off to the church!

Lauren and her dad just before the doors open.

St. Cecilia’s is one of the most beautiful churches in St. Louis and caters to a Hispanic congregation.  I think it has the second most mosaic tiles of the Catholic churches in St. Louis behind the Cathedral Basilica (but I’m not 100% sure so don’t quote me on that!) Lauren’s heritage is Irish and Hispanic and both were pulled in with personal touches throughout the day.

A new and different aisle exit angle thanks to Kristie shooting from the balcony!

My favorite spot in St. Cecilia’s.  So pretty.

Off to frolic in the park!  To the wedding party: THANK YOU for braving the heat.  I know it was asking a lot of you but I truly believe these photos were worth it!

Pocket watch groomsmen gifts!  And the gorgeous flowers from Bloomin’ Buckets…they never disappoint.

The happy couple!  Can’t even tell it’s hot out…

Just enough time for a few on the Riverfront where there was a much better breeze.

Off to the Ballpark Hilton for reception details and cocktails! Mmmmm…the Cakery Bakery.

Margarita specialty drinks were served while the Mariachi band played.

Toasts were both heartfelt…

…and a little embarrassing. :)

The Hilton has windows covering two sides where the city lights sparkle in the background of Lauren and Matt’s first dance.

A party just isn’t a party without a Thriller flash mob!

Congratulations Lauren and Matt! I hope your wedding day was all you imagined and more! With love, Liz + Kristie

Wedding coordination: Cosmopolitan Events
Ceremony: St. Cecilia’s
Reception: Hilton at the Ballpark
Flowers: Bloomin’ Buckets
Cake: The Cakery
Stationary: Courtney Callahan Paper
Linens: BBJ Linen
Favors: Mother of the Groom
Band: Galaxy
Bride Hair/Makeup: Danielle Style
Bridesmaid Hair: Ginger Bay
Bridesmaid Makeup: Kim Stuart
Dress: Enzoani from Simply Elegant Bridal

Anything else I am forgetting! – Cosmopolitan Events!