I love new experiences! Don’t get me wrong, I also appreciate the comfort that comes with knowing what you’re going to get. I have certain restaurants where I order the same entree every single time because I know I love it. Same thing happens with my wedding photography! I have favorite end tables for details at certain hotels (ahem, little gold table, Chase Park Plaza), at others I know there is a good window for hanging the gown and still others I know exactly where the light will be beautiful for portraits of the bride. All that said, I feel like it is easy to fall into a rut when you know what is going to work.

Christine and Nick got me out of my comfort zone with a few firsts! They both got ready at the Doubletree in Chesterfield…totally not a new hotel, but new to me. Props to the Doubletree for some good looking suites! Their ceremony took place at Our Lady of the Pillar and somehow through all of these years I have managed to never shoot at this pretty church. We did spend a wee bit of time in Forest Park which made me feel right at home, but then we headed back out to the permanent Doubletree tent for the reception…also a first! And I seriously LOVE that tent. I could happily shoot in there every weekend. But then I guess I might get into a rut, and we wouldn’t want that. ;)

Such a gorgeous day with so many amazing vendors. And as you will see a bit further down, this group really knew how to party!

Christine’s Tara Keely gown from The Ultimate Bride was absolutely unique and totally her.

Perfect little bows…



Lovely invitation suite from Two Blue Doors! Always impressed by their creations.

All the gorgeous ladies!







Mom and her daughters. They were actually getting ready for me to take their photo facing the window. I went back to my bag to switch lenses and caught this one on the way back and it’s my favorite.

Off to Nick and the guys!


Polka dots never go out of style. Classic.


Our Lady of the Pillar. Love these boxwood wreaths!




Emily at Sisters Flowers knocked it out of the park with the bouquets!

I love this church. It is so bright and airy!



I don’t know about you guys, but my hands swell up a bit on really warm days. Nick finally got that sucker on there though!



Woo hoo!



And off to the park! They specifically requested the Muny for some shots, which was a great idea because it was about 110 degrees out and shade was spectacular.


Breakin’ it…






One more quick stop before we all get soaked in sweat! Ahhh…St. Louis summers. How I don’t miss you. :)


Dapper.


I know you guys were suffering at this point (as was I) but you fought through and I can’t tell whatsoever!


And back out to the Doubletree to celebrate!

I LOVE this white tent. So much pretty light. And the design by Kate and Co was beyond lovely.




The flowers down the center of the head table. Perfection.





Great toasts by all.









Time to party! This dude was the mac daddy all night long.



As was this guy. :)


You know it’s a slammin’ party when guests start dancing on the tables.

Sorry Christine, I had to. So much fun! ;)




A little horsing around with sweet treats from Clementines Ice Cream!

I’m sparing you guys the after party pics, but oh my god. So much fun! Thank you so much for having me! Everything was absolutely perfect! With love, Liz
VENDOR LOVE

Planner: Kate & Company

Ceremony venue: Our Lady of the Pillar

Reception venue: DoubleTree Chesterfield Hotel – Pavillion

DJ/Band: Contemporary Productions – The Charles Glenn Band

After party music: Rockstar DJ’s

Videographer: Sweet Tea Media

Florist: Sisters Flowers

Hair & Makeup: Daniellestyle

Gown: Tara Keely from The Ultimate Bride

Tuxedos: Saavi Formalwear

Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff from Bella Bridesmaid

Transportation: Best Transportation

Cake: The Cakery

Ice Cream: Clementine’s Creamery

Linens: Nuage Linens 

Decor: Exclusive Events 

Paper goods: Two Blue Doors

Wedding photographers in St. Louis