If you have ever asked a wedding planner or photographer “How many hours of photography coverage do I need on my wedding day?” you will find that the go to answer is 8-10 hours. It’s totally true that most couples fall into this window! However, the timeline of every wedding day is different. We have shot as many as SIXTEEN hours on a wedding day. And as little as five! But both of those are extreme ends of the spectrum. Emily and Alec fell into the rare category at seven. The only way 6-7 hours of photography coverage is feasible on a wedding day is if you are having a back to back ceremony and reception in the same location and you are not doing a first look with photos before the ceremony. However, that means we have a jam packed crazy cocktail hour in store for us and you 100% need a 2nd photographer! In that one hour (which really needs to be an extended cocktail hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres) we need to capture portraits of the two of you, all of your wedding party photos, family photos, cocktail hour details such as signature drinks and it’s our only chance to shoot the dinner room to get pretty photos of your tables, flowers, cake, menus, etc. It is frantic and all of these things get shot in a totally minimal way, but it is possible. I present Emily and Alec’s gorgeous summer wedding day at Chandler Hill Winery as an example of a short but oh so sweet wedding day! I can barely believe this was only seven hours. I was extremely lucky to have the oh so talented Michelle Ross from Under Grace Photography with me. Michelle, you are an amazing creative soul and awesome human being. Thank you!

Chandler Hill may be my favorite Missouri winery for a wedding…let me think…yep. Kinda love it.

Pretty, fresh, light color scheme of peach and pale blue. Gorgeous blooms from Sisters Flowers.




This pin has been worn by the women in Emily’s family on their wedding days for generations. Emily was the 6th! Such an incredibly cool tradition.



The ladies were all in great spirits. Just relaxing before the craziness begins!


It’s time.


Finishing touches (not that you need any – you are gorgeous Emily!)

And tall. Shortie over here had to stand on a chair quite a bit. ;) Love moments with mom.


Taking a moment to remember those attached to the special pin.

SO pretty!

Lots of great hugs and laughs all around as Emily gets ready to head down the aisle.


First look with dad.


Alec and the guys just chillin’. Seriously jealous of the “getting ready” process the guys have to go through. ;)


Ok, so I did NOTHING to enhance Alec’s eye color. I just wanted to point that out. Fabulous portrait by Michelle!

Off to the patio at Chandler Hill for the ceremony. As it was mid July, the fan programs were a fabulous idea.

Another Michelle masterpiece. I love this moment.



Smiley tears are the best kind.








Woo hoo!





Pretty vines for portraits are a definite perk with a winery wedding. Doesn’t hurt to have an adorable couple to put in them. ;)

I was rounding up family members while Michelle took a minute to shoot a little veil drama with Emily in the sun. Love this one!

And then I came back and got the “soft” version. I think it’s a good mix!







I really like the wooden board with the schedule of things! I’ve never seen it, but guests usually don’t get this info. Great idea!



Adorable little cake topper.



Shoulder squeeze.




Biggest smile ever.

As the last little bit of  light leaves the land…we get ready to party!


Shooting outdoors at night means that off camera flash is a must. It’s going to be a little more dramatic than what you usually see us do, but so pretty!





Let’s party!





These foam head things were awesomely hilarious.

Wobble.


Off they go!

Congratulations to you both! There are so many great memories that I can’t believe we were only with you for seven hours. Hugs! With love, Liz

VENDOR LOVE

Venue: Chandler Hill Vineyards

Day of Coordinator: Julie Cordy

Florist: Sisters Flowers

Makeup: American Image Salon

Gown: Allure from Frew’s Bridal

Suits: J.Crew

Bridesmaid dresses and bowties: Union Station

Cake: Susie G’s Specialty Cakes

DJ: Porta Party DJ’s

Invitations: Minted

Programs: The Enchanted Hedge 

Koozies: Coffelt Designs

Robes: Silk and More

Cake Topper: The Rosemarry Toppers

L Photographie St. Louis area wedding photographers