Kelsey e-mailed me about a year before her wedding in St. Louis, after having been a bridesmaid in Rachel & Josh’s wedding two years before in northern Illinois. At the time of Rachel’s wedding, I lived in central Illinois, and traveled up north for Rachel & Josh. When Kelsey wrote to me, she was living in Colorado, but getting married in St. Louis, not even knowing that I had moved to Columbia, Missouri since Rachel got married. Talk about everything falling into place perfectly! I was so, so excited that she contacted me about her wedding, and remembered her vividly from being so wonderful at Rachel’s wedding. Such a compliment. The bridesmaids really see me when I’m under a bit of stress at times, so when they like me, I feel on top of the world. Ha! Best feelings!
I think one of the first words that comes to mind for anyone that attended Kelsey & Pat’s wedding is this: HOT! It had to have been over 100 degrees outside that day, but it didn’t matter, as you can see! Everyone was still all smiles, despite the wine slushies turning into just regular wine. It was such a beautiful wedding, full of love, laughing, and Kelsey & Pat’s favorite people.
Kelsey & Pat’s first look is one of my very, very favorites (if not my favorite) of all time. Take a look at Pat’s expressions when he first sees Kelsey, at the courtyard outside of the hotel where they were getting ready. He was completely overcome with emotion, and it was absolutely incredible for Kathleen and I to get to photograph the two of them, seeing each other for the first time in their wedding attire. Such an absolutely beautiful moment.
We orchestrated the wedding party photos carefully due to the heat, planning our layout and plan of action under the shade of trees or bushes in Forest Park, then executing and running out in the sunshine to get the shots as quickly and efficiently as possible, and then back to the air-conditioned bus. Whew! It was sweaty, fun, and so memorable and sweet.
Ceremony & Reception Location: World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO
Getting Ready Location: Ritz Carlton in Clayton, MO
Second Photographer: Kathleen Lewis
Hair & Make-Up: Char Morris and Emily Miller Hair & Makeup
Wedding Gown: Wolsfelt’s Bridal in Aurora, IL
DJ: Elite Pro DJ in St. Louis, MO
Catering / Linens / Cake: Russo’s Catering
Floral: Soulard Florist
