February 13, 2017

Ally + Kevin wedding {by liz & meredith}

This was my last wedding of 2016. The final wedding of the year is always bitter sweet for me. I know you’re going to think I’m wimpy, but shooting weddings is HARD both mentally and physically! By the end of the year I’m pretty beat up. My feet feel permanently bruised on the bottoms, my shoulders are covered in giant knots, my roots are two inches long, my cuticles are a dry cracked mess, I have had wedding nightmares and haven’t slept well in months, my stomach is turning in constant circles from stress and adrenaline and I’m spending days at a time at the chiropractor’s office. By the time the end of the year rolls around my body needs a break! (Anyone out there considering a wedding photography career keep reading – it gets better I swear!) What’s crazy though, is that as a photographer I’m technically at my best. I’m a well-oiled machine! Rarely second guessing lighting or posing decisions and catching way more moments than I’m missing. Practice really does make perfect. ;) In the end I feel a sense of relief and accomplishment looking back at another successful year, all while a little sad that another year of life has passed by. It is such a crazy job we have. So full of all of the emotions. I don’t know if I would feel like I was fully living without it.

This was absolutely the perfect wedding to wrap things up. Talk about going out on a high note! Smiles, tears and beauty everywhere. Congratulations Ally and Kevin! Thanks for giving me the perfect ending to a wonderful year.

The breathtaking Haley Paige gown.

A napkin from Ally and Kevin’s wedding with a matching one from Ally’s parent’s wedding. So cute.

All of the beautiful girls. Loved these PJ sets!

Absolutely flawless Ally!

The letter. And the first tears.

Meanwhile Meredith was hanging out with Kevin and the guys.

Teary and sweet first look.

It may look nice but it was windy and chilly! Thanks for braving the cold in those dresses ladies!

Taking advantage of some late fall leaves! Seriously, I have NEVER seen leaves still on trees this late in November. This year will go down in the record books for longest fall ever!

Mmmm…sunset.

Off to Graham Chapel – time to get married!

Mr and Mrs Harris!

Off to the Grand Hall at St. Louis Union Station.

Lovely floral design by the even lovelier ladies at Belli Fiori!

Pretty cake from McArthur’s Bakery.

Extra goodies at the dessert bar! I REALLY wanted to steal a rice crispy treat but there weren’t very many of them and guilt kicked in. For some reason those things are my weakness. Well those and glazed donuts. ;)

Kevin played with the band for Ally and her dad to have their dance.

Picture perfect you two!