Erin + John l Engagement Photos Forest Park

Erin and John will be tying the knot on July 12th of this year!! After spending the afternoon with them at Forest Park for their engagement session, I am more excited than ever for their wedding day. I photographed John's brother's wedding last year, so I know their family and am very much looking forward to seeing them again. I am anticipating a very energetic and fun filled day.

The reason I include an engagement session in most of my packages is not only for the bride and groom to be to have a collection of beautiful pictures that can be used for framing, albums, guest books, party favors, etc., but it also a fantastic way to get to know each other even better. This serves us both well - I get to know their personalities and preferences of how they like to be photographed, and they feel more comfortable after experiencing my style and way of taking pictures. This makes taking pictures on their wedding day a "snap" because I am already familiar with what they like and how they photograph.

Erin and John make my job too easy! :) They are always up for anything and they take adorable pictures together. Thanks guys!

Kristen + Pat l Maternity Photos

I simply LOVE doing maternity shots for expecting couples. Like weddings, it is such an exciting and monumental time in people's lives. I love the opportunity to document this very precious experience. I know that these are the photos that will be looked back upon by families for years and years to come. And what a trip for the kids!! To be able to see pictures from when they were in their mother's belly and how beautiful and radiant she looked. I have only one blurry picture of my own mother when she was pregnant with me and I must say it's one of my most cherished photographs. It's so hard to imagine that's me in there! :) I'm so happy to be able to do this for families.

Here are a few of pictures of Kristen and Pat, two dear friends of mine. I loved that we were able to take some pictures outside in the privacy of her mother's home. I could have photographed them all day. As you can see they take adorable pictures together.

Nikki + Antwan Wedding l Columbia, MO

A few weeks ago I was in Columbia, Missouri to photograph Nikki and Antwan's wedding at the Columbia Country Club. I have known Nikki for about a year now, as she is the director of catering at the club. I have photographed a number of weddings here and I must say it is one of my favorite places to shoot. The grounds are just beautiful and the staff is super friendly - the ideal location for any wedding.

If the old saying is true, "It's good luck to have rain on your wedding day," then Nikki and Antwan are going to have good luck for quite some time. :) The crazy weather didn't dampen their spirits whatsoever though. It was obvious that the only thing on their minds that day was making their commitment to each other and sharing it with their friends and families - all the details and changed plans were secondary.

As it often does, the rain did let up in time to take a few bride and groom pictures outside after their ceremony. I still have many to go through yet, but here are some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy! The rest will follow shortly.

Paula + Bill Wedding l St. Louis CWE

I had the pleasure of photographing Paula and Bill's wedding on May 24th, 2008. It took place at one of their favorite St. Louis locations - the Wildflower restaurant in the CWE. Once again, the crazy St. Louis weather did it's usual routine, it rained for awhile and then it was beautiful. Thankfully it held off for us when it was time for pictures outside the restaurant and also a few at Forest Park. Their ceremony was lovely. The Wildflower Restaurant has a charming and elegant space upstairs with exposed brick and lots of windows. As expected the dinner was sensational, and the reception was filled with lots of laughs, dancing, and smiling faces. The pictures certainly reflect the very positive, happy, and loving energy of the evening. I hope you guys had a wonderful time on your honey moon and I can't wait to show you your pictures!