Oh so lovely!  Another wedding at one of my favorite venues: Oliva on the Hill.  I keep trying to narrow down the number of images I blog per wedding so it isn’t such an incredibly gigantic daunting task to sort, resize, logo, order, upload, etc…but my couples keep having such beautiful weddings that that goal has become unreachable.  My favorite detail from this wedding was the brooch bouquet handmade by the bride and consisting of family brooches, some from friends and family and others from antique shops.  I LOVE it.

I also love how much these two love each other.  Each of their families was so obviously happy for them and Mike was a wee bit teary eyed through the ceremony.  Their theme for the day to friends and fam: We love our ordinary life with you.  How perfect is that?  On with the photos!

I almost never get to carry a dress outside for a photo! And how about those shoes?!

I love this one. The getting ready photos always have this sort of calm before the storm sort of feel for me. Not to compare a wedding to a storm...more of a whirlwind!

Mike is a fire chief in Belleville and this is his truck. And his girl Angie.

When in Illinois...find a corn field! Hey - I went to high school over there so I am allowed to poke fun. I think corn fields are cool. We went from a corn field to the City Garden...I like the juxtaposition.

The fabulous brooch bouquet. There are no words.

Aged bench at Oliva on the Hill.

Even Mike's boutonniere was a perfectly shaped brooch.

Oliva later in the summer with the wisteria vines filled in.

Every guest had their OWN chocolate gnash covered cake. YUM.

Cute cake topper. Their nicknames for each other may have something to do with bunnies...or so I've heard.

Congrats!

ARE HERE!

So here’s the deal… I’m taking a page out of the “wedding photographer’s book” and going to start offering portrait sessions that include all your digital files. Yes, that’s right. I just said DIGITAL FILES. And I don’t mean little digital files to print 4×6, I mean BIG digital files. The full high resolution! I don’t want to feel like I’m holding your high resolution files hostage anymore, so they are going to be included in these sessions!

Then, I want you to take those digital files, and do something with them… get lots of prints made, canvas galore, make a scrapbook, print a photo book, get calendars for the whole family… just don’t leave those files on the CD to do nothing. OK? And don’t worry… if you feel overwhelmed with those big digital files in hand, we at L Photographie are going to start a NEW BLOG SERIES to help you figure out what to do with all those photos. (That’s a whole other topic I’ll get into a bit later, but we’ll be giving you lots of tips, tricks, and fun things to do with your photos!)

To start off this new celebration of portrait digital photos, and because the holidays are approaching, this year’s (and this year’s only) HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS will be $200 OFF! In my best car-salesman-commercial voice, “YES. That’s right! $200 OFF. For a limited time only! So Book NOW!”

OK, so the down-and-dirty details…

HOLIDAY MINI SESSIONS: $400
30 minute session (open to child, or small family sessions)
High Resolution Photos included on CD (~20 files)
5×7 Proof Print of each photo
Online Gallery for 3 weeks
$50 Credit towards Holiday Cards

DATES
Sunday, October 10 (in Tower Grove Park)
Saturday, October 30 (in Forest Park)
Saturday, November 6 (in Forest Park)
Saturday, November 13 (in Tower Grove Park)

HOLIDAY CARDS
circle ornament cards: set of 24: $100
square cards: set of 24: $70

Here’s a peek at our Holiday Card designs:

EMAIL Kristie for available times and to book your session.

These are going to go fast… First to email, First served!

(and sorry, NO newborn babies or extended family sessions here – they can not be captured this quickly)

And some FAQ:

- What if it rains?
I will have back-up rain dates, so keep these dates flexible too! October 31 and November 14 mornings.

- When will I get my photos?
Within two-three weeks (before Thanksgiving) Kristie will have your photos online, send you a link and password via email, then drop your CD and proof prints in the mail. You’ll also be given a deadline to submit your Holiday Card order, so they arrive to you in enough time.

- What’s the difference between a “proof print” and a regular print?
Proof prints have a small white border around the edge, are not mounted on mat board, and are not UV sprayed for protection – but, they still come from a Pro Lab and are printed on a top quality paper using top quality ink, so the prints are still great!

- Can I still order regular prints from you, if I don’t have time to deal with it myself before Christmas?
Yes. You sure can. Within your online gallery link will be the ability to order any of my products.

Have more questions? Just EMAIL Kristie!

I just felt like ooo la la-ing because Kate and I just came from a sexy, sultry boudoir shoot! AND these photos are quite sassy as well. SO much fun with these fun special portrait sessions. Holly’s “trash the dress” session (which I like to call Love the Dress…or just bridal portraits…no trashing involved) was a blast. It sure was hot and steamy but the light was sweet and we cooled her off with a little water at the end. I kinda wish I had a photo of Kristie and I trying to get my red chair through a running stream standing on wet, slippery moss covered rocks. Twice (over and back). I seriously almost went in head over heels a couple of times with a chair over my head. But it was definitely worth it. Holly – you are beautiful. Thank you for doing this with us!

As I was lying in bed last night, far from sleep, husband snoring so loud it woke up the dog, I started thinking. I have really had some kick ass weddings this year! I mean, one is just as beautiful as the next. I’m feeling so incredibly lucky that it may be time to go buy a lottery ticket! Although now that I’ve said that I’ve jinxed it. Kind of like telling your birthday wish. Oh well. It was a fun thought while it lasted.

Welcome to the beautiful wedding of Erika and Tyler. They had a quaint ceremony at the Missouri Botanical Gardens followed by a very personalized reception at the Grand Hall at the Marriott in Union Station. Let’s put it this way…no DJ at this wedding. You’ll never guess…BLUEGRASS BAND Cumberland Gap! Their love of music carried through to the tables where each one donned a record and matching name. Like the REM and Michael Buble tables. Kate and I had a great time. Thanks to you both for having us! Now on to the photos. I’m making a concerted effort to talk less rather than ramble on and on and on…some call me long winded. I won’t tell you what the others call me.

Paper and wood parasols for guests at the outdoor wedding in the Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

And program fans in a jute basket. They were ready for the July heat!

Thanks to Kate for both of these awesome walking shots! I had the fabulous idea to use the hill and the strong sun flare but then my camera refused to cooperate. These turned out great! Just as I envisioned.

Take a look at the right side of this photo. Due to the slow shutter speed and a slight breeze, it looks as if the greens and yellows have been manipulated and pulled around like paint. No photoshop work here whatsoever! Cool eh? Not that I did it on purpose. Just thought it was sweet.

One of my very favorites from the day. Serene yet strong.

The beautiful Grand Hall at Union Station.

I didn't take a photo of my place card because I am that self involved. It was one of the only ones left! Very cool display.

I have never seen this and I love it! Instead of a guestbook, they had a board with years on it. Guests wrote notes and stuck pins in on the year in which they met or had a specific memory. So very cool.

See? Record themed tables. Genius.

Tyler wrote a song for Erica. It was beautiful and brave of him. He was a wee bit nervous so he sang most of it with his eyes closed to block out the crowd.

The effect Tyler's song had on the ladies. Not a dry female eye in the house.

I think they like each other.

Ceremony: Missouri Botanical Garden Japanese Garden
Reception: Marriott St. Louis Union Station Grand Hall
Flowers: Botanicals Design Studio
Cake: McArthurs Bakery

L Photographie St. Louis Wedding Photography by Liz Sloan and Kate Hayes

A beautiful morning in the park with little Claire… We shot in Forest Park early before it got too crazy hot (what is with this hot summer! Usually only Liz complains about that out here, but I’m with her this year). Anyway, Claire was so easy and fun to photograph – she was full of smiles, and loved the little chair I brought so much, she wanted to sit in it at every scene change. Ha. Usually when I bring the chair, I have to really convince the kids to try it out ; ) She is also THE sweetest two-year-old. I mean literally the sweetest – after the shoot she went over to my bags and props to hand them all to me so we could go. How cute! She is going to make a GREAT big sis to her new baby sister arriving this November. Yeah!

St. Louis Children’s Photography.

This blog is not only long, but has been a long time coming. Kate and I shot this one together and it was a good day which means WAY too many photos to sift through and edit. Now it was hot as hell, and if you’ve ever been here before you know I’m a snow bunny and like Frosty the Snowman, I melt when placed outside during crazy St. Louis summers. However, even heat indexes over 110 couldn’t put a damper on this day. A little bit (ok – A LOT) of heat didn’t stop Natalie, Grant and their friends and family from enjoying every minute of it! And capturing that is what we love to do. No matter when I put the camera on either of them, neither was ever frowning, or complaining, or worried. They were always smiling and usually in the direction of each other. Talk about making our jobs easy! Take a look!

Kate caught this one. I couldn't think of a better way to start the blog. Or the day for that matter!

Oooo...shiny. And Tiffany blue! Considering changing the L photo green. Darn color ADD kicking in again.

Grant re-tied his tie at least 5 times. It had to be perfect! Which gave Kate and I plenty of time to get great shots...which we appreciated!

First sight at the Artists' Guild! These two were so excited to marry each other.

How sweet are those TAUPE roses in this beautiful bouquet by Bloomin' Buckets? Exquisite!

Kate captured one of my favorite images of the day!

It was about 110 degrees but everyone was still in great spirits!

These two never stopped smiling all the way through the ceremony. The sun was beating down on us and I had to photoshop a glistening droplet of sweat off of the tip of Grant's nose, but it really didn't matter. Still so happy!

Fun cute details! From the Gooey Looey butter cakes to the wheat grass holding the place cards, to the colorful Asian lanterns...it was perfect.

A little bit of dramatic flair to end the evening!

Congratulations! Kate and I could not have felt more appreciated by both families. And to the wedding party: THANK YOU for being the best sports ever on a seriously devilishly hot St. Louis day. We couldn’t have asked for a more fun group!

Ceremony: St. Louis Artists’ Guild
Reception: St. Louis Artist’s Guild
Caterer: Catering St. Louis
Flowers: Bloomin’ Buckets
Cake: The Cakery Bakery
Dress: Maggie Sottero

L Photographie St. Louis Wedding Photographers Liz Sloan and Kate Hayes

This was a really fun shoot for me!  Not only was Robyn awesome to work with, but I also get to say I photographed her before she was big and famous! Meet singer/songwriter Robyn Lee. She has a Country Pop vibe going with her music and she couldn’t be cuter … which never hurts in the business ; )  We ran all over St. Louis to get her some different looks for her marketing pieces, website, and CD.  We started off at the Soulard Market, hit a few side streets by the riverfront, over to The Loop for the Tivoli Theater (one of her songs mentions a movie theater), then ended with some awesome sunset light in Forest Park. (I love playing with sun flair and don’t get to much, as the little kids I usually photograph are going to bed at that time).

Hope you enjoy your preview Robyn!  I’d love to share your website out here when it’s all done, and where people can buy your CD, so keep me posted!

on with the photos…………

St. Louis Portraits.

to my little guy! : )

I was out the door to a photo shoot tonight, but had to force Mike and Will into the backyard for just a couple photos for his three month birthday. I was literally given 5 minutes (by Mike … and by Will spitting up all over the front of himself). It’s always the Dads that I “lose” first at my shoots. I want a full half hour when he’s 6 months!

And, Liz, I can’t get over this hat. LOVE. Thanks again!

Happy 3 Months little buddy. Please start sleeping longer tonight : )

St. Louis Children’s Photography.

Julie is coming by to pick up her proofs today….so, I, uh, thought I would try to get a blog up first. So behind on my blogging! So many beautiful weddings to edit that it’s tough finding time to share them! This gorgeous wedding (both ceremony and reception) took place at the Ninth Street Abbey in Soulard. It just so happens that for over 3 years of my life I lived in the apartment literally right next door. I mean, their driveway was 2 feet from my front steps. Being back in the neighborhood was a little bit of a flashback so I was feeling a bit nostalgic all day. Really, if you’re going to have a crazy hot wedding day, it’s great if you don’t have to be out in it too much. We had about 30 minutes for photos and we made the best of it! Just walking around a 2 block radius in Soulard. So many hidden gems! Due to the fact that Julie is swinging by in a couple of hours, I’m going to cut my story telling a bit short and get to the photos. I think that’s what most people visit for anyway. Not my witty banter?! I’m hurt. Hee-hee!

The flowers, the cake, EVERYTHING was beautiful at this wedding. Once I find out vendors from Julie today I will comeback and add them all here! I think I remember them, but I'm not 100% sure and don't want to misrepresent.

My very favorite photo of the day.

I'm kind of in love with yellow right now, so basically, I love this.

Beautiful linens on the head table from BBJ!

Matching little personalized m&m's. And seriously, I LOVE fruit in arrangements. Mesmerizes me every time. I'm drawn to them like a raccoon and shiny things. Wait, I'm drawn to shiny things too. Hmmmm....

Congratualtions!

L Photographie St. Louis Wedding Photography by Liz Sloan and Kate Hayes
Ceremony and Reception: Ninth Street Abbey
Cake: The Cakery Bakery
Florist: Kenary Park in Webster Groves

Once a year I shoot a day of mini-sessions for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis. They use the photos in their yearly calendar and for some marketing pieces. I always have a great time doing these and this year I couldn’t have asked for 5 better families! Seriously, you were all an absolute joy to photograph – a few times I had to stop shooting because I was laughing too much and my camera was just giving me blurry photos. I need a laugh-shock-absorber on my arm sometimes. Well, here is your sneak peek – just a few photos from each family – many more to come!

Thanks again for a great day!

St. Louis Children’s Photography and St. Louis Family Photography.

Just had to share one of a million fab shots of the beautiful Holly! Her trash the dress session was smashing (or Love the Dress as we like to call it). So tough to narrow it down to the best of the best. More to come!

L Photographie Trash the Dress St. Louis

We had Sculpture Park almost to ourselves last weekend for this shoot. It’s a fun little park to shoot in, with lots of hidden spots. You should check it out if you’ve never been.
So… to be honest, these two little sweeties were not having the best morning, and ended up coming down with awful fevers that night (never fun!) … but we did get to see a few smiles during our shoot. So, Mom & Dad I hope you’re happy (and pleasantly surprised) at your sneak peek!

St. Louis Family Photography.