Mona & Divya

Mona & Divya's wedding was a fusion of culture- Persian, Indian, American- and likewise a fusion of photography styles.  They were a lively couple with a mind for energetic, silly poses mixed with beautifully lit, romantic pictures.

One time I turned around and the girls had posted themselves and the wind was perfectly blowing their hair like this:

Their sunset ceremony was outside the jewel box with the reception inside- it was my first time shooting there, and it was a really unique location.  It seemed fitting for the style of wedding with a lot of traditional Persian decor and dancing.

Sarah's Scene & Scott's Spot

Sarah & Scott had a photo shoot... just because.  Or perhaps to celebrate their love, their relationship, and the fact that they have some great frames to fill.  It's rare to have such a laid back reason to shoot a laid back couple- how fun!

We started at one of Sarah's favorite parks- Willmore Park and followed it up with a trip to Scott's favorite place- the Missouri History Museum.   Here are a few favorites from today's session!  For those of you who know them, don't you think these really show them? Especially the one of Sarah dancing and laughing?

Alyssa & Justin

Do you remember when I took some pictures of a delightful young couple near her grandmother's barn?

Alyssa & Justin's marriage began on Saturday, and it was such an honor to be a part of their wedding day.  Despite the summer heat blasting down on them, they radiated with beauty and passion and joy.  I loved hearing about what God is doing in their lives, even from such a young age.  Their story of falling in love as barely-teenagers reminded me of my own love story.  Several things about their relationship and their wedding day reminded me of my cousin and also of one of my dear friends, Miranda and her husband, so felt even special-er to me. I can say special-er, right? It is my blog.

They didn't exactly take a bad picture all day, so favorites were hard to choose.  This is just a random selection from the day.  We were aiming for a combination of striking beauty and off-the-wall creativity, mixed with a fresh look at Cape Girardeau. 

They had an awesome car for the their grand exit from the ceremony!  Wait for it... wait... wait... WIND!

Who doesn't love a good cake throw? And let me just say, they had a happenin' party! They've got a great collection of dancing pictures.

Jessie & Joe

As I looked back on Jessie & Joe's wedding, pleased as punch with the awesome pictures we were able to take that truly reflect their character and their passion, something remarkable came to mind.  I have known Jessie for several years  and have seen God make a huge triumphant victory in her life (if you've followed this blog and my previous blog, you've seen her making appearances every few months).  It was said many times during their wedding day and as they prepared for marriage, but it is true to see how God restored a muddy view of love into the remarkable gift that it really is.  How clearly she can see that now.  But a few years ago, there was a season when I was spending a lot of time praying with Jessie, though I barely new her at the time.  She was brokenhearted and simply wanted to know love. She wanted to be a wife and to have a devoted father to her son.  We prayed for that, trusting God for the outcome to be not only his perfect will, but to be perfect for her as well.

I am thankful to know that God answers prayers, and that I got to photograph the proof.

I am also thankful for A) a second shooter, and B) auto-focus.   It was a challenge to photograph their ceremony as I was crying too hard and sweat was rolling in my eyes.  Who would want to miss these moments that make your heart pitter-patter?

I love how my favorite pictures of the three of them all have the same feel and orientation. What a set!

A few other favorites from the day.  Several of these were taken at Square One Brewery & Distillery in the Lafayette Square area.  The staff there was so accommodating as we took over their patio for a little while.

A few from the reception.

This is an image that I had in my head for months for them. They are full of life and vigor and excitement as a couple.  They are also focused.  During their wedding day, I kept seeing busyness all around them, but they stayed focused on each other, truly soaking in love.  I made this to reflect that aspect of their relationship.

And they lived happily ever after.

Many thanks to Casey for her second shooting expertise. Great Job!