When I was in my late teens/early twenties,  I had a few friends that had their entire lives planned out. Like year by year. It TOTALLY blew my mind. They would rattle it off… “when I’m 25 I’ll be making $50,000 a year, when I turn 26 I’ll get married, we’ll buy a house in a good school district and a fenced yard so that we can get our chocolate lab, when I’m 28 we’ll have our first kid, then we’ll have the 2nd one three years later so they can be close in age but not too close…” “The Plan” seemed set in stone with no room for error. I was always astounded during these conversations because I have never envisioned my future life in such specific detail. Yeah, I assumed I would eventually find a guy I loved the crap out of and we would get married. Maybe we would have kids and maybe we wouldn’t. I’m a pretty competent person and have no problem working my ass off, so I figured I’d be successful enough to pay bills and enjoy life a little. Kinda always wanted a nice car. Those things all seemed reasonable to young me, and it turns out they were! I know I’ve been a lucky gal.

As time has gone by, life has made it crystal clear to me that although I have control over some things, others are totally out of my hands. It has it’s own timeline. Each decision I make sends it on a new path, sometimes not exactly headed in the direction I had planned. Sometimes that new direction isn’t so awesome. But other times (and I type this with a little smirk on my face) that new version I had never ever envisioned for myself is WAY better than the original plan.

I never planned on being a wedding photographer. One of my favorite life accidents ever.

I got to meet Abby and Jake’s little unexpected life twist on their wedding day, and let me tell you, cutest little curve ball EVER! This little family is proof that there is no “correct order” for life to unfold. They did it their own way and it was a crazy, awesome, fun, sweet and amazing celebration!

That dress detail is killer, but that tiny tux melts my heart a little.

As does this little cutie being held by his beautiful mama.



Gorgeous Abby!


This was my favorite smile. You kind of look like a trouble maker. But like a beautiful goddess trouble maker. ;)




I love all of these but that picture perfect pout is my FAVORITE.


Meanwhile Jake the guys put on the finishing touches…





A quick sip and we’re off. Let’s do this!










Love the small wedding party! Means we can fit in cute spaces like this tiny park.











Perfect wavy curls.



A little tilt shift fun in pillars.





Next stop: Bissinger’s Caramel Room and a gorgeous champagne bar to get the party started early!






And Moscow Mules. I caught multiple people double fisting pre-ceremony. That is a sign of fun things to come!

Ceremony time on the patio…



It was literally the PERFECT evening for an outdoor, sunset ceremony. We don’t have very many of those in St. Louis.

The officiant explained the story of Abby and Jake and it was awesome.





Woo hoo! Even Chase looks like he’s doing a little cheer.


And as if that’s not enough, check out this amazing decor.




The Edison lights hanging from the ceiling were stellar!

Ok, so we totally need to talk about this dinner. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that this was my favorite wedding dinner OF ALL TIME. The Caramel Room knocked this out of the park. They set up station dining with so many amazing options. This is the steak station in action. There were different grills so that you would pick how well done you would like your steak and then they were each hand branded with Abby and Jake’s monogram.

Continuing around the room to the Southern Station complete with white cheddar mac and cheese and fried chicken sliders with blue cheese sauce. I mean seriously.

And the Asian station with spring rolls, Korean BBQ and so much more!

Mexican station?! Yes please! Tamales, mini tacos and tiny margaritas! Seriously amazing dinner.












This was the evening that Michael Phelps swam his last Olympic race. They put it on the big screen the whole crowd cheered the US relay team to a gold medal! Nice way to kick off the dance party.









Griffin and the Gargoyles killing it like always.

Not everyone made it to the end of the night.


Due to eh amount of liquor consumed, late night snacks were most definitely in order.


You guys. Seriously amazing day! Meredith and I had an awesome time and wish you both and Chase nothing but the very best! With love, Liz + Mer

VENDOR LOVE

Planner: Dishy Event Planning

Ceremony & Reception venue: The Caramel Room at Bissinger’s

Florist: The Special Event Florist

Lighting & Decor: Exclusive Events

Linen: BBJ Linen

Band: Griffin & the Gargoyles

Cake: La Patisserie Chouquette

Transportation: JED Limousine

Hair & Makeup: STL Looks

Gown: Monique Lhuillier – The Ultimate Bride

Suit: custom made by Tom James

L Photographie St. Louis Wedding Photographers

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