January 13, 2020

Jennifer + Justin wedding {by liz}

I can’t tell you how many couples come in and tell me that they are super uncomfortable having their photo taken, that they know they need photos but they don’t want to take very many, that think they look bad in photos, make funny faces, have a terrible fake smile, etc, etc. Jennifer and her mom Connie basically opened our convo this way. And my answer? I can relate. I hate having my photo taken. Have I practiced my photo smile in a mirror over the years? Yes. But I swear every time I need new headshots, or a photo taken for a feature, etc everything I know as a photographer goes out the window. My brain starts running…where should I put my hands, I need to shift my weight, is my chin down enough, do my fingers look natural, which way should I tilt my head, should I even tilt my head at all for that matter, oh my god my smile has gotten plastic-y think of something funny Liz! Next thing I know my lip is quivering and I’m a nervous mess. Sound familiar to anyone?!

Now let’s talk about what I love about wedding days. MOST of the day is not a portrait session. It is just a day of your life! A special day for sure, but a day none-the-less. You will get up, brush your teeth, put on some makeup, style your hair, get dressed, put on some shoes and some jewelry and you’re out the door! Yes, I know, it’s not the same. But my point is, I get to photograph you doing those things. No posing. No where are my hands. Just life! It’s so much easier. And by the time we get around to the posing portrait stuff you’re so used to hearing my click in the background that it’s become no big deal. I mean, maybe a little, but that is why I am here to give you little nudges in the right direction. Easy peasy!

Ok, now let’s talk about all of the beauty going on here. First of all, Jen looks like Bryce Dallas Howard. Seriously. Then St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is just so ornate and pretty. Afterwards we met up in Forest Park for photos with their adorable pup Siri! And then off to the zoo where one sea lion took quite the interest in these two. Such an awesome day!

Emerald has been, is and always will be one of my favorite colors.

See?! Bryce Dallas Howard!

Justin and the guys were super fun, playful and easy to shoot.
Cheers! With Coors Light?! This has to be some sort of inside joke.

The cape is totally your look Justin.

Practicing for the Greek ceremony. Justin’s brother was SUPER nervous about messing it up! Jen your stand in does not do you justice. ;)

Fun with prism photography.

Married!!!

Cute little Siri! So good.

Sea lions!

And our final stop for the evening: River Camp at the St. Louis Zoo.

Hi little guy! When you have a wedding at the zoo you get animal ambassadors. Like this fella.