Laura & Dustin's Wedding

Back in the fall, I got a taste of how lovely Laura & Dustin's wedding would be when I photographed them for their engagement session.  These two are sweet, laid back, head-over-heels, and to be quite honest, quite photogenic.  This combination makes for a perfect wedding day, and I'd say it was. 

Gorgeous weather. Great families. Fun friends. Wonderful venues. Love and simplicity. It was a splendid day, if I do say so myself.  It made narrowing these down pretty tricky, but here's what I've got to share. 

 A great first look:

Chase captured this moment, and I just can't get enough of it... These are the ones that you can't plan for but captivate you, even without smiles and laughter. Straight from a movie, perhaps...

 But then comes the laughter...

 What a beautiful stained glass window to showcase!

 Love grandma hugs!

 I love this!

Congratulations Laura & Dustin!

Sara's Dancin'

I had the opportunity to photograph some dance portraits and headshots, and I love it every time.  It is such a creative outlet for me.  The movement and posing is so beautiful and exciting, and dancers have this way of just understanding how to move to create nice lines and visually interesting interaction with the camera.

Amusing tale: Most of these photos were taken in my church lobby, where space and color are ample.  I kept chuckling to myself because we were rocking out to a Lady Gaga pandora station and had equipment and tutus and leotards strewn all over while leaping off of chairs and moving furniture here and there.  Thanks to Ben & Eric.  Not your average day in the life of a pastor, eh?

We worked to show a variety of aspects of Sara as a dancer.  I love the combination of athleticism, spunk, and liveliness with grace and poise.

Sara & Charlie

Sara & Charlie totally made my yesterday afternoon (City Diner made my evening-mmm!)... They sure knew how to strike a pose.  These photos engagement pictures have a big story to tell, and I think we were able to squeeze in everything we wanted to!

Sara & Charlie have a destination wedding planned for December in Mexico.  I wanted to give them some pictures that reflect the liveliness and color of Mexico, but in St. Louis.  One spot even had some tall grasses, reminiscent of the beach- but we were just on the Loop.

Charlie loves architecture, especially old mixed with the new.  Little nooks along the Loop and Reservoir Park fit that bill!

Sara is a dancer and they both love music, so not only did we stop at Vintage Vinyl, but...

they danced to the sound of a street-side trumpeter.

This one took my breath away the moment I clicked the shutter.