Fall Family

One of the wonderful parts of my job is to help document families as they grow and change, following them from season to season.  This particular family I've know since I moved to St. Louis and have photographed them just as long. As we wrapped up this session Rachel mentioned a particularly hilarious photo I had taken of them at a friend's wedding several years ago which they had never seen. And it made me realize that I have scads of photos from years gone by of shared experiences and how valuable those photographs are of Brett with long hair and my son dressed in a coat that looks like a monkey in their apartment when we were neighbors (the 2nd or 3rd time). It's valuable to have photos of these big moments and small season changes from weddings to children and the fun moments in between. 

And this particular time together, it was extra special to be able to photograph Rachel's parents with them.  It was a difficult time on their wedding day when her parents were unable to make it to the wedding at the last minute due to weather and health.  But now we have some photos of them together with their grandchildren, and I hope these are special for many years.  

Today I'll share a few photos of their darling children. Here's J!

 

And little N, who just had her first birthday!

Anthony and Carrie's Alice In Wonderland Wedding

Friends of our family, Anthony and Carrie, had a local wedding celebration after some other recent wedding adventures, and allowed us a fun way to usher in the first weeks of fall.  For us, this time of celebration was well-needed.

This particular wedding had been in many ways, up-in-the-air for our family for quite some time as we anticipated our newest son, though adoption, to join our family here in St. Louis.  We had no idea if we would be in the country or if I would be on maternity leave, and had back up plans and back up plans for back up plans.  As weeks drew nearer for us to go to see our son, the weeks also drew nearer to their wedding date, and I did not know if we would be able to make it or not. While gone, we expected our trip to be extended and that our back up plan was headed into action. Then we had to unexpectedly leave our son in foster care for a while. After a harsh emotional week without him home with us, we were able to join in with Carrie and Anthony and enjoy a most beautiful September day.  (To read more of our adoption journey, head over to our other blog www.ghana-love.blogspot.com)

I began to wonder if I'd have to be like the white rabbit in saying, "I'm late! I'm late, for a very important date!"

This wedding was no doubt, one of great visual interest, unique inspiration with an Alice in Wonderland theme, and a lot of fun.  I have been to many interesting weddings, several relaxed and fun, but none complete with costumes, yard games, board games, and a food truck! What a unique way to spend the evening with your family and dear friends.  There is much I could say, but I'll let the photos tell the story of their intimate garden wedding and unique Alice and Wonderland party.

 Many congratulations and smiles as wide as the Cheshire Cat.