Anna + Brian - Strongwater Wedding

Great venue. Check

Amazing floral design. Check

Popsicle cart. Check

Jeni's Ice Cream. Check

Wedding cake flown in from New York. Check

Navy blue tuxedo. Check

Gorgeous couple with big city style. Check

Anna + Brian carried themselves with class and confidence. When they walked into a room they did it with such graceful class with a touch of spunk (laughter, silliness, etc). They moved through their wedding day with ease and joy, taking in each moment as it unfolded. They did so because they knew who they were and what was important to them, and knew in the end those things were all that mattered. They trusted us to capture it all, which gave them the freedom to be who they were and enjoy every moment. 

Sophisticated, classy, stylish, creative, joyful, confident, graceful, thoughtful, intentional are all words we would use when describing Anna + Brian. Two people that don’t question who they are today because they value where they have come from and have visions of where they are going. They have faith in themselves to get there and trust the people around them. Working with them was a dream because this trust and confidence allowed them to be fully present, taking in every moment as it happened, with laughter and smiles along the way.

Venue: Strongwater Food and Spirits

Makeup: Blushed by Victoria

Florist: Jewelweed Floral Studio

Dress: Stella McCartney

Tuxedo: Bonobos

Wedding Cake: Milkbar NYC

Popsicle Cart: J-Pops 

Ice Cream: Jeni's

Caterer: Made From Scratch

Abby + Will - Contemporary Arts Center Wedding

Feeling the family vibes. We shot Abby's sister's wedding a few years ago, and we're back for more.

The CAC killed it, and once again, the rain gave us the perfect little window for portraits. Enjoy.

Joe + Ali - The Covenant Sessions - Saint Louis

Returning to St. Louis is always an interesting experience for me. I was part of a suburban middle class family, and we basically went from home to school to church to Target and back. We seemed to avoid going to the city center other than for hockey or baseball games. On occasion we would head down to see the Arch, pack ourselves into a tiny pod and slowly make our way to the top. From the top of the arch you can see for miles in all directions, but the history, culture, and beauty of the city were essentially lost on me. St. Louis has a few serious, very real issues, but the city is thriving, especially now, more than I ever realized.

Joe + Ali have been dear, dear friends of ours for about as long as we can remember. The three of us were part of the same church youth group, and from the moment Mindy and I met, she and Ali started forming a bond that has grown stronger over the years. One of our favorite things about visiting Joe + Ali is that we know, not matter what, they're going to lead us to an amazing restaurant. Usually these restaurants are in parts of the city that I never saw growing up, like Rooster in South Grand, or Dressel's Public House in the Central West End. The Shaved Duck in Tower Grove, or Baily's Range downtown. Seriously, if you're a foodie, St. Louis should be on your list.

Coincidentally, today marks their nine year anniversary. In those nine years, they've been through a lot, and it's been amazing to watch their relationship flourish despite some financial hardships, losing jobs, a number of miscarriages and car accidents, and starting a business. They have never lost sight of their love for each other, and even after having four beautiful children, I've seen first hand the way they look at each other. That look may be a little more tired, and a whole lot wiser, but it's not entirely different from the way they looked at each other in high school. They have always remained faithful to one another and to Jesus. Ali has served on the staff of their church, and Joe is a brilliant worship leader. Their marriage has been an encouragement and a blessing to us for years, and we're so excited to share these images.

Here's to you, Joe + Ali, on your anniversary! We pray that God will continue to strengthen your relationship and instill an even more intense desire to follow Him.

Flannery + Pat - Downtown Engagement

Connection. Do you feel it?

The two of them, talking, giggling, touching. Seated in the front of the bar they've been going to since they once lived in the neighborhood. Sharing memories and enjoying each other's company, sipping on familiar drinks they could've ordered for each other without question.

It's these moments, these stories, that we capture with our little photographic boxes. The physics of a camera system can be complicated, but they way photos make us feel is not. The way an image passes through a series of glass elements and makes an impression on a physical surface mirrors the way that same image passes through our minds and makes an impression on our soul. This emotional connection to photography is what keeps us going. This emotional connection with our work is what we look for in new clients. It's the fuel for what we do.

Do you feel it?

Bethany + Peter - Pallet 23 Wedding Cincinnati Ohio

Dear everyone,

Brunch receptions are the best idea.

Sincerely,
The Brauns

Bethany + Peter's ceremony took place at noon, and was followed up by a reception with breakfast foods and beer that was handmade by Peter himself. Um, yes please! Bethany and Peter are both speech language pathologists, and the centerpieces on the tables were highlighted by phonetic symbols from parts of words representing their relationship. Nearly everything at the wedding was hand crafted by Bethany herself, and she managed to combine excellent aesthetics with personal significance. Not an easy feat. It's hard to beat well done DIY if you ask us.

If you're looking for a killer little venue for an intimate event, you need to check out Pallet 23.