February 23, 2018

Stephanie + Alex wedding {by liz & meredith}

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE winter weddings?! They are generally few and far between in St. Louis. Which I honestly find surprising (even though I’m kind of a winter person so I may have slight bias). See, the way I figure it you are either a winter or a summer person. Meaning given only those two options (both of which are kind of miserable around here in their own way and no, spring and fall don’t count. everyone loves those.) would you rather be hot or cold? Because summers here are HUMID and HOT. I mean 93 degrees and feels like 108 with air so thick you feel like maybe you should chew it instead of breathe it. And winters can get pretty frigid with damp air that gets into your bones and wind that goes straight through you. So in my opinion each season has an even amount of non-perfection. However, I will generally have something like 15 summer weddings and 2 winter weddings. I just don’t get it! I look forward to winter weddings with their sparkly holiday lights, fur capes, friends hugging and cuddling together, evergreen trees and barren landscapes, and if we are lucky…SNOW! Now it didn’t snow on this beautiful day but we had so much other gorgeousness (including these high school sweethearts themselves) that we certainly didn’t need it.

Let’s start with all of the pretty things including these Betsey Johnson shoes that might be my faves of the whole year. Who’s with me?!

Stephanie actually works in the wedding industry and told me that she did what so many of her brides do and picked a dress that was not at all what she thought she would wear. It was beautiful and fit her like a glove! Wait until you see the back later…

Even had a few holiday lights in the background of makeup photos. See? Such a fun and festive time of year!

One of my favorites…love mother daughter moments.

So freaking cute. It’s tough not to smile back at Stephanie.

The guys got ready at their loft. Meredith had a fun and happy group to work with!

Let’s do this.

Off to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville.

Another fave. I love how all of the guys are looking at Alex in this one. I think his best man is reminding him to breathe as Stephanie makes her entrance.

The priest had all kinds of great stories for us! These two have quite the history. It was awesome. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard quite this much laughter at a wedding ceremony. He might be able to get a job in stand up comedy if the priest gig gets old. ;)

It’s official!

Collinsville tradition…hit a bar on Main Street!

Off to the Mississippi River overlook to get a few photos with the city in the background.

One of my all time favorite double exposures right here.

As the sun creeped down the horizon, we traveled over to Union Station for a few final photos before the reception.

It’s so fun that weddings make even random people happy. Look at that guy in the background grinning from ear to ear.

Gorgeous holiday wreaths all in a row.

Cocktail hour on the lower level of historic Union Station.

Lovely floral arrangements by my friend Tina Barrera the Special Event Florist!

Gorgeous place settings in a spectacular venue.

Sweet treats!

Let the party begin!

Love!

Stephanie’s dance team friends from through the years came out to make toast time extra special!