As I dove in to prepare this blog it reminded me that I need to call my auto insurance company and finally take care of the hail damage on both of our cars. Did I give away the date of this gorgeous Coronado wedding?! Thankfully Jessie’s hair held up better than both my clear umbrella and the roof of my car. An impressive win for pins and hairspray! And they were just awesome to work with despite the questionable weather that rolled through twice that day. There are a few photos in here that will conjure both laughter and gratefulness in me for years to come. Shall we?!

Starting with Jessie’s beautiful one-shoulder gown from Demetrios.

Followed by some sultry red stilettos and shiny things!

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers.  Have been for YEARS.  Red is the color I generally see the least and I love it’s rich yet elegant nature.  Seriously, I tried to plant red peony bulbs in my backyard.  Two years later when they finally had enough energy to bloom…pink.  Boo.

Rich West designed Jessie’s light and airy bouquet.

I don’t know if blog quality will allow you to get a good look at this, but I love that the string of text message starts with crazy wedding errands like “don’t forget the cake topper” and ends with “very, very excited (to see you).”

Nothing better than a hug from dad.

Jessie reading Craig’s card.

The only thing as good as a giant hug from dad?  And engulfing hug from mom.

Beautiful Jessie!

Now we get into the thick of it!  I take Craig outside and get him in place for their first sight.  Just as we get out there?  Sprinkles.  And not the kind you put on an ice cream sundae. So I run back in to get Jessie asap so hopefully they can take each other in and then get back inside before the sky lets loose!

So let’s just say we didn’t have long before the sky turned the color of charcoal and 3:00 in the afternoon looked like 9:00 at night.  The photos below will fool you – it’s a little bit of camera magic.  It was black outside.  I hand Craig my umbrella “just incase” it’s starts pouring on our short walk back inside.  Well that plan failed.  Not only did it start to rain, but I would say a good 50 mph gust of wind took out my umbrella in one fell swoop.  So I just looked and them and said “just run for it!” while trying to get a few good clicks in to capture this moment in time forever.  Makes me smile and laugh just thinking about us sprinting for cover with an inside out umbrella.

Whew!  Back inside the Chase for a lovely staircase shot.

The wedding party waited out the first storm at the bar while I watched the sky finally brighten and start to clear.  So we scurried out to Forest Park for a few quick shots not knowing how soon it would return.  And I love them!

This is for the Mother of the Groom.  Sibling love.  So heartwarming. :)

Yay for after rain reflections!

And we had a little tiny bit of time left so we made a quick stop at my favorite vine wall on the way to the Coronado.

A few quick detail shots while everyone gets freshened up and guests start to arrive…

Come rain or shine these two got married and had a perfect ceremony!

Now on to the pretty dinner room.  These linens and chargers are to die for.

As are the salted chocolate caramels by Kakao Chocolates.  If you have not had any of their confections you must!

And now I must tell you a story that my dear friend Chris Johnson is going to kill me for telling.  Or he may just buy me a killer shot or two at my birthday in about a week!  Chris is one of the best and most professional DJ’s out there.  I would hands down recommend him to anyone!  Heck, he was even the DJ for Steve and I at our wedding so what does that tell you?!  Upon announcing the bride and groom, one little tiny prefix was misplaced.  Said prefix (Dr.) belonged in front of Jessie’s name and was instead put in front of Craig’s name…and they cracked up.  It was awesome.  I thanked Chris for getting me some of my best walking in/announced photos ever!  He of course sarcastically told me that he would do anything for me to get good photos.  And that is why I love him.

Sweet and funny toasts…

Everyone was in full on dance party mode by the time I left.

Congratulations Jessie and Craig! Thank you for having the best possible attitude about the rather volatile weather on your wedding day! It is 100% because of you that we were still able to get great photos. You’re the best! With love, Liz

Ceremony & Reception: The Coronado Ballroom
Cake: Steven Becker Fine Dining
Flowers: Rich West of RW Designs
Stationary: Embellished by Tiffany
Linens and Chargers: BBJ Linens
Dress (salon and brand): Sposabella from Brides By Demetrios
Hair: Katie Chavez Identity Salon and Spa
makeup: Christina Passanise from Clare’s of Clayton
Favors: Kakao Chocolates
Jewelry: Lisa Bauer of Loose Ends Jewelry
DJ: CJ DJ

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