I know that we are soon entering spring, but I’m still wrapping up editing some beautiful fall wedding images! Fall is so lovely when the sun is low in the sky and shining through the colorful leaves. It makes me a little nostalgic right now just writing about it. Don’t get me wrong, every time of year has it’s “thing” for me. Winter has coats, scarves, boots and cuddles. Spring has gorgeous flowering trees and bushes around every corner (and maybe the opportunity for a few romantic tight squeezes under umbrellas!) Summer has lush, bright beautiful landscapes. And fall has rich color and a special quality of light in St. Louis. Alison and Nathan were really the only couple I had this year who were able to take full advantage of everything fall had to offer!

They were married and had their reception out at the beautiful Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston, IL on an absolutely perfect day. Even their doggie Stella made it out to the celebration! Not every couple is willing to hike through weeds for good photos, but these two were up for anything. Not concerned in the least with the well being of shoes, gown, etc. After all, probably not putting it back on anytime soon right?! Meredith and I would like to say THANK YOU and that we hope you think the photos are worth it!

After I dropped Meredith off with Nathan and the guys, my first stop was Alison’s sister’s 7nineOh! Hair Co salon where the girls were hanging out getting ready.

Alison juggling a teary note and a Stella in her lap.

Everyone got pampered. Even the flower girls!

I mean if you can’t trust your sister to do your hair…who can you trust?! Not a bad skill for a sibling! Maybe I’ll send one of my brothers to beauty school…

The lovely ladies.

So Nathan’s pants weren’t exactly the right length but no fear help is here! Thanks grandma. You’re the best.



Not a bad gift right guys?

The way I figure it, anything Frozen is a sign of the times. They will forever look back at their wedding and think “remember how crazy everyone was about that movie Frozen?!”

Now this is when the guys hijack Meredith. They are SUPPOSED to be headed to the winery, but they seem to have lost their way and landed in a local pub. But they look so happy so how can you not just go along with it?!

Meanwhile, I’m starting in on some of Alison’s pretty stuff.



This same month, just a week or so prior, we used this EXACT gown for a fashion shoot for Saint Louis Bride Magazine. What are the chances?! I laughed out loud when I took it out of the bag. In a good way of course. I love this Maggie Sottero dress!


Cute little moment with an even cuter little girl.

Alison it was perfect on you.


Simply smashing.



Almost ceremony time…

Um…cutest program girls ever.


Here comes the bride…papa looks proud.

How gorgeous is this location?




Congrats to you both!

Why hello little Stella.

Nope. You don’t love that dog at all do you Alison?


Loving the neutral pallet against the yellow trees.

Sometimes the “in between” moments are my favorites. ;)


Time for a rather large number of pretty portraits. Seriously, this was tough to narrow down.




Remember trying to get into this spot Alison? I totally think it was worth it!

When in Illinois… :)


That last little tiny bit of light before sunset…sigh.

So gallant Nathan.

There were pretty spots everywhere! It’s probably a good thing we eventually ran out of sunlight and had to stop.

Behold pretty and fun reception goodies!



Heartfelt toasts…


A little something sweet…


And time to dance!






The Eyenamics videography team did a spectacular job and finished off the evening with what is called a same day edit. Everyone was able to relive the day through their eyes. It was awesome!

The first appearance of the light saber! (Otherwise known as the Ice Light. But it looks like a light saber so we’re going with it because that is more fun.) It’s a hand held constant light that emits beautiful light quality. So excited about our fun new toy! I kind of think it looks like a forest fire behind them, but no worries it’s just a street lamp.

Congratulations you two! We had a wonderful time with everyone and were thrilled to be a part of your perfect day! Tell Stella we say hi please. ;) With love, Liz + Meredith.

VENDOR LOVE

Ceremony & Reception venue : Hidden Lake Winery, Aviston, IL

Hair : 7nineOh! Hair Co.

Makeup : Nu Image 

Stationery : Fresh Pear Design

Florist : Wyldflowers – Crystal Lucas 

Cake : The Cakery 

Gown : Maggie Sottero from The Andrew Jackson Bridal Co., Cape Girardeau, MO

Videographer : Eyenamics, Vincennes, IN

Cheesecakes : Covered in Chocolate, Carlyle, IL

Late night snack : Dairy King, Breese, IL

L Photographie Southwestern Illinois wedding photographers