One of my very favorite things about what I do is getting to experience so many different cultures and traditions. The Eritrean ladies dancing around the bride as she leaves the house for her wedding, the Vietnamese family tea ceremony, the Greek couple in flower crowns taking their first steps around the altar as husband and wife, the Jewish stomping of the glass, the celebratory Baraat as the groom is traveling to see his bride at their wedding ceremony…they are all so full of love and hope. I am so blessed that all of these families accept, embrace and trust me to capture such a special day. Even though I may not share their cultural backgrounds, I have such deep respect for the traditions that are so special to them.

Jenny and Gautam don’t live in St. Louis, so the first time I got to meet them as at the Sangeet the evening before their wedding. This is so rare and I always hope that we will mesh well together. And we did! I feel like I barely got to see them at the Sangeet…as the guests of honor they were being pulled in a multitude of directions. Poor Jenny had a tough time finding 5 minutes to eat a bite of dinner! But it was a fabulous night, and the band from high school even got back together for a short set.

The Sangeet at the Statler Ballroom at the Marriott Grand in downtown St. Louis.

Next up – wedding day! Absolute beauty everywhere at the Marriott Grand in downtown St. Louis. Such a perfect day!

All of the gold.

Gorgeous Sari and jewelry gifted to Jenny by Gautam’s sister.

Jenny’s reception gown was no less beautiful.


The process of getting dressed takes much longer than most western wedding gowns. So many pieces to perfect!






Jenny you are stunning (with or without the hair, makeup and jewelry, but this is a great look on you!)

Meanwhile the guys can put off the getting ready process until close to the very end. It takes them about 10 minutes total. I’m good with being a girl, but damn am I jealous about the lack of time spent primping.


This embroidery was exquisite.



Quick informal first look…



Seriously you two. Killing it.



Fall came quite late this year…but I found us one tree starting to turn a wee bit orange and took full advantage!




Sometimes I forget to take my tilt shift lens out of my bag, but I’m so glad when I remember.





Time to head back for the Baraat.




Veiling of the bridegroom.

And he’s off!






Ceremony set up in the beautiful Crystal Ballroom.











Congratulations!


The same ballroom as the ceremony is quickly flipped and re-set for a gorgeous reception while Gautam and Jenny take a little break for an outfit change.







Sweet toasts.









Fun dance troop performance to kick off the dance floor.

Meredith and I loved being a part of your wedding day. Thank you for having us! With love, Liz + Mer

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