May 16, 2017

Jess + Derek wedding {by liz}

I have a confession. I know that I’m a photographer and that means that I should somehow naturally be good at social media, but I am certifiably TERRIBLE. I can’t remember the exact years that blogging became a “thing”, but I remember when Kristie told me I had to start doing it. I rolled my eyes in exasperation at the thought of some sort of extra work and responded, with zero sarcasm, “Fine, what is a blog?” From that day forward I started blogging every single wedding I shot (because when I do something I never half ass it!) Fast forward about a decade and that is what you are reading today! Not much has changed over all of these years. Well, the photos have gotten WAY better. (Don’t ever let anyone tell you that experience doesn’t matter!) Styles have of course changed – lace is no longer only for your grandmother’s doilies and the illusion of bare skin on a wedding day is not considered risque. Venues have come and gone. Weddings are less traditional now…some couples are skipping the cake and opting for pie or other goodies (yum!) But through a decade of time and hundreds of weddings, the emotion of the day never falters. I started shooting weddings because I was attracted to the raw emotion they elicit. It feels good to be near it…maybe even makes me feel a little more alive. What a journey it’s been so far.

Jess and Derek, I loved every smile and tear on your gorgeous wedding day! It is clear you are both very loved by your families and friends. I wish you nothing but the best for years to come!

Maybe I’ve watched too much “This is Us”, but I think that Jess looks like Mandy Moore when she laughs. Just putting that in your heads early. ;)

There’s always one…

Peeking down at her handsome groom before their first look…

These two were able to tune out the hundreds of attendees at a beer festival just a few feet away and just focus on each other…

All of the beautiful people!

St. Louis Union Station.

Ceremony set up by Belli Fiori in Gothic Hall in St. Louis Union Station. The ceiling in there is phenomenal.

Jess’ beautiful mama smiling up at her future son in law…

Derek’s beautiful mama giving him that “I’m so proud of you son” teary look….

Married!

Place cards on champagne designed by my good friend Jen at Pretty Together and gorgeous tiered confection by Celebrating Life Cakes.

The Grand Hall in St. Louis Union Station.

Proud papa.

All of the laughs!

Jess took over vocals for awhile with her killer voice!