I’m not going to lie to you wonderful people out there in the world. The weather pattern that has been swirling around over the St. Louis metropolitan area has been TOUGH on us poor wedding photographers this year. These little storms that seem to be coming in daily are all fine and dandy as long as they don’t pop in to say hi at the exact time of outdoor ceremonies or portraits. But that seems to be exactly when they want to visit! Little buggers.That being said, no amount of rain could put a damper on this day with two of the kindest, most laid back, fun-loving ladies I have ever met. We managed to get in a few outdoor photos before the storm came up over the river bluffs, and we tried to wait it out, but in the end the ceremony back-up plan prevailed and we moved under the reception tent. Which was filled with love from every angle. It almost made it more intimate. As we threw straw over muddy puddles and I watched the bottom of Kat’s dress slowly soak up some of what nature had given us that day, I smiled. Because her and Michelle were smiling at each other. And friends and family were smiling at them. And smiles are contagious. The last thing on anyone’s mind as they watched these two pledge to love each other for the rest of their lives was whether or not the bottom couple of inches of a dress had gotten a little bit dirty. And then they were married. And the sun came out as if to add it’s approval. It was lovely. :)

These are Kat’s boots and that’s Michelle sitting in the same chair. Michelle almost never wears makeup, and although she looks absolutely lovely, I have seen her without it and she doesn’t need a speck of it.

Kat’s finishing touches…

Yay pretty gown!

Gorgeous.

Pretty purple bouquet from Randy at Artistry Florist.

Love this first look.

Just strolling through the garden…

And hugging and loving on each other. :)

And now is when the downpour begins.  Rain reflections kind of look like saran wrap.

Our sweet flower girl ready to throw some petals!

Just a few relaxing photos while waiting out the storm…

And here is one little shot of what the ceremony space would have looked like had we gotten to use it. So cute! But that’s ok, because the way it all went down was WAY more unique and memorable.

Here come the brides!

Like I said…all smiles.

Married!

Michelle makes wine and owns her own tasting room and winery so they went for a wine-themed, rustic chic vibe for the wedding by adding some wine barrel tables, cork place card holders, birch bark containers, wooden bar and custom wrapped chandeliers in the tent. Big shout out to Kristen with Bride’s Vision for coordination and design and the masterminds at Exclusive Events for flawless execution as always!

Favorite things in favor box: orange tic tacs and cherry chapstick. Love it.

That reclaimed wood bar I was mentioning along with wines made by Michelle!

AND the custom chandeliers to add a little extra rustic vibe.

Randy always gives me pretty flowers to photograph. Thank you Randy. ;)

Oooo! I almost forgot about the custom wine bottle chandelier in the tent entrance! Crazy cool right?!

Yes, this happened. Not photoshopped.

Cheers to the happy couple!

Kat and I talked a little about the bottom of her dress. Together we decided that it actually matched the rustic theme more nicely this way. ;)

Let the dancing begin!

How cute are these two?! They had a special anniversary dance just for them.

It was a perfect night.

Congratulations to you both! I am honored to have been there for all of it…rain or shine. With love, Liz

VENDOR LOVE
Wedding planner: Bride’s Vision
Ceremony & Reception venue: Kuhs Estate and Farm
Caterer and cake: Westwood Catering
Florist: Artistry Florist
Stationery: Vellum
Wedding Gown: Jasmine with modifications by Frews Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Britany Cary from Lox Salon & Spa
Lighting & Decor: Exclusive Events
DJ: TKO DJs

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