Sometimes the TOUGHEST part of our job is narrowing down the images we shoot on a wedding day to a remotely reasonable number. Lara and Ryan – you two made it harder on me than you can imagine! When a couple smiles and laughs as much as these two, it’s SO HARD to remove photos from the final set. But let’s be honest, they didn’t need 100 photos of their 5 minute first look. It’s times like these that we really dig into the nitty gritty…flipping back and forth between two photos that are nearly identical trying to find the thing that makes one just a wee bit better than the other. Just looking through all of the photos we take on a single wedding day and making these decisions can take upwards of 12 – 14 hours. We do not take this job lightly! We are responsible for once in a lifetime memories over here. Now for the blog post I have to narrow it down even further…sheesh. ;) Enjoy!

Lara debated the carrying the sparkly Kate Spade glitter clutch. We all voted yes.

Pretty watercolor envelope liner.


I love these old books at The Cheshire. It is such an incredibly cool hotel. If you are coming in town and need a place to stay definitely check it out! And if you are from St. Louis certainly consider a romantic staycation weekend. :)


Lara…that smile. So big and inviting and genuine. Love that it lit up your face all day!


You obviously get that smiley demeanor from somewhere….hmmmm….wonder where? ;)


Fun with reflections. What can I say?! I’m easily entertained.

Meet Ryan and the guys! Big thanks to the crazy talented Kelly Park for guest shooting with me on this beautiful day!


All dressed up and time for the first look…


And then out and about for a few fun wedding party photos!

“Fun” may not have been a strong enough word.


Loving the loose natural feel of these bouquets by Bloomin’ Buckets.

It was a wee bit breezy so we had some ribbon and veil blowing here and there. I like the feel of movement it gives to a still photo.


Although it does mean sometimes random pieces of hair look like they are trying to fly away. Still worth it!


Off to goof around at the Missouri Botanical Garden before the ceremony!


Maybe not all silly…just throwing a little romance into the mix.


Me showing Lara and Ryan just how awesome they looked in that last set of shots. I like making people happy. :)

It was the end of September and fall was just around the the corner. You can see some hints of the very first leaves changing in the Japanese Garden.



Ceremony time!

Sigh…perfect sunset lighting. I have happy memories of this day. It was one of those few perfectly beautiful St. Louis days. Not something we’re known for around these parts. :)




These images make me smile aback at the computer screen. I probably look like a crazy person right now.


After a few family photos we headed back to Monsanto Hall for the party!




Lara and Ryan spent some time in Japan and have a love of Japanese culture. Hence the Japanese Garden ceremony and these hundreds of handmade origami swans.


Awesome toasts get these kinds of reactions.





You know it’s a successful party when you have square dancing…

…AND air guitar.

Much love to you both! With love, Liz + Kelly

VENDOR LOVE

Ceremony: Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Reception: Monsanto Hall at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Minister: Dr. John Carothers

Caterer: Catering St. Louis

Hair & Makeup: Wilson Means Salon

Stationery: The Service Bureau

Florist: Bloomin’ Buckets

Cake: Sarah’s Cake Shop

Ceremony Musician: Christopher Sarra

DJ: Eric Krone – RockStar DJs

Videographer: Robert Panico

Transportation: St. Louis Transportation 

L Photographie St. Louis Wedding Photographers with special guest photographer Kelly Park Photography