Colleen & Jay :: Newlywed & Family Photos

A lot of wonderful things happen when two people get married.  Perhaps one of the most significant, though, is that families come together!

Colleen and Jay recently said "I do" with a justice of the peace in Texas.  They then came to St. Louis, where family is, to celebrate!  Since everyone would be dressed up, Colleen figured, why not sneak in a family photo session?!  I totally agree.

We began with group photos.  One of my favorites is this adorable picture of Colleen with her two sweet girls, Sophia and Norah.

 

The whole group included Beth & Rory - Colleen's siblings; Jay & Colleen - the newlyweds; Brendan, Norah, & Sophia - the kiddos; and grandma & grandpa Eileen & Steve.  They make a pretty lovely family.

 

Eileen & Steve were too cute.  I love being able to see such a visible spark of romance after years and years together!

This family was very light-hearted, so we strayed from the normal posed shots and had some fun too!

I had no idea just how much personality these kids would have!  They were a lot of fun!

After seeing how happy Colleen and Jay were and how much they and the kids laughed together, I knew this was an awesome match!  Congratulations, Colleen, Jay, and family!  

Danielle & Dominick :: Married!

This past Friday was an exciting day.  Danielle, my sister-in-law's little sister, got married!  It was a dream wedding!  The dress, the locations, the details -- all worked out gorgeously!  Words don't say enough, so I'll try to keep it short and let the pictures do the talking!

We started with a first look.  For those of you who don't know, this is a special moment before the ceremony where the bride reveals herself to the groom for the first time that day.  It is such an emotional moment, and I loved being a part of it!

Waiting to approach the groom . . . .

During moments like these, I can't help but love my job.

 After the first look, we trekked to the City Museum for bridal party pictures.  

Oh. My. Goodness!  

I could not have been more pleased with Danielle's choice to do the pictures here! 

We started on the rooftop . . .

. . . then had a little more fun inside!

So many more fun shots happened!  I can't wait for you to see the rest, Danielle & Dominick!

 After the City Museum, Danielle had a little time to go back to the church and freshen up.  We also found time to sneak in a few more photos, of course :)

 She looked absolutely stunning.

The ceremony was held at St. Stanislaus cathedral.  The interior is probably among the most beautiful in the St. Louis area.  So fitting for such a perfect wedding day.

I had a very talented second shooter for the day too!  She grabbed this awesome wide shot.   Thanks so much for all your help, Lindsey!

 The ceremony, like everything else about the day, was sweet and beautiful.  

I don't think I can imagine a couple looking any happier!

Congratulations, Danielle & Dominick!  That was such a fun and meaningful day, and I was honored to be a part of it!  You two are wonderful people, and I know this is the beginning of many wonderful years together!  I hope you are having the time of your life in Jamaica!

Abby & Jimmy :: Happily, Newly, Wed!

 It was a little over 6 months ago.  They dressed to impress.  They invited family and friends and promised great things to each other.  They kissed.  We saw the photos.  Abby and Jimmy were married!

This couple is so happy together!  6 months might as well have been 6 minutes, because they look just as love-struck as they did the first day they were married.  I had so much fun walking around downtown Lebanon and stealing shots with these two!  Abby brought a very cute umbrella, so we'll start with this {slightly silly} shot of each of them.

 

We got to spend some time in the mini-park where Jimmy actually proposed to Abby.  Right above, they're sitting in the gazebo of that park.  But, below, they're standing where the very act took place!  Too cute.

 Thanks so much, Abby and Jimmy!  You two were a lot of fun to hang out with, as I knew you'd be!  Let's do this again some time! :)