Leah + Graham - A Backyard DIY Wedding

This one was special. Leah + Graham invited us up to Saginaw, Michigan to be a part of their wedding weekend, which took place in Leah's mom's backyard (aka garden). They planted wildflowers which were used for the bouquets, they planted vegetables which were used for dinner, and they planted goodwill and joy in the hearts of everyone who attended.

We just love the all-hands-on-deck approach to weddings. Getting your family involved produces a genuine response of love, commitment, and care from the people closest to you, and this was so evident all weekend. Leah's sister picked veggies, while Graham's mom mixed sangria. Graham assembled the sweetheart tent while his best friends set up the ceremony audio. Leah's mom delicately arranged the decorations lining the aisle and the cocktail party. Her uncle smoked a pig. It was beautiful to witness.

Add to all of that a threat of rain, and you'd think panic and frustration might take over, but the way their families handled everything was graceful and patient. The rain also gave us an excuse to come back the following day for portraits in the sun.

Proof that simplicity wins and family is first.

Sara + Tyler - An Ideal Ohio Evening Engagement

The sun and the snuggles were on point.

Lauren + Max - Rocky Mountain National Park Engagement

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” 
― John Muir

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.

Alana + David - Old Courthouse Wedding

Torrential downpours, sunshine, snow, wind, and clouds. We pretty much saw the full weather spectrum.

No one really wanted to spend much time outside, so the bridal party decided it was time for shots. Alana convinced Butcher and the Brewer to open their doors just for us. You can get away with a lot when you're in a wedding dress.

We walked to our hotel at the end of the night with signs blowing off buildings and our bodies at a 45° angle.

Alana was gorgeous, and their love was tangible, but If we could make a day like this pretty, we can make anything pretty. Bring it on.

What a way to start the season.

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.