Some new wedding images

I've had some great weddings lately and have worked with some incredible people. Here's just a small sampling of some of the wonderful images I've been able to create.

The Continuing Adventures of Jon and Zoya

 I'm happy to say that Jon and Zoya, who's engagement session was my first blog entry, are no longer engaged.

 They are now married!

Zoya is Russian and it was an absolute pleasure to meet her friends and family that traveled to St. Louis for the wedding. They are wonderful people and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a couple days getting to know them along with some Russian traditions and customs.

The couple exchanged personalized vows at the picturesque World Fair Pavilion in Forest Park.  

Unity Candles aren't a good option outdoors, especially at the always windy World's Fair Pavilion. So Jon and Zoya opted for a sand ceremony. The mixing of multi-colored sand, while a more modern "tradition" has become quite popular for these events.

Zoya is a tall Russian beauty that should looks and moves like a fashion model rather than the accountant she truly is. Her looks combined with the incredible natural light of the Pavilion certainly made my job easy. We created some beautiful portraits together.

Zoya's stature however, didn't make Jon's job easy when it came to the customary kiss. So, I arranged a little surprise. At the right moment, the best man produce a foot stool I'd brought with me. For once, Jon could be taller than Zoya. Everyone thought it was hilarious and totally appropriate for this fun loving couple. 

Considering the geographic diversity of this couple, some quick, yet unique Arch pictures were a must before heading to the reception. 

A wedding as unique as this one required an equally stunning reception. 

Kemoll's Top of the Met with it's incredible view of Saint Louis was the choice.

  Millenium Productions transformed the room into something truly spectacular with draping and lighting effects. They created the perfect backdrop for the many traditional toasts that took place.

 Have I mentioned that Russian's love Vodka? The Vodka was just like Jon and Zoya...

The Best!

Introducing: Mr. and Mrs. Shinkle

Anyone that knows me or reads my blog knows how honored I am to be part of every single wedding.  However, I was especially honored to be chosen by Jennifer and Jason because the wedding was on a weekday.  They could have chosen any photographer in town, many of which would have given them incredible deals simply to book a weekday wedding. But thanks to Jenny, the found and chose me to capture their day.

  Simply saying thank you seems inadequate.

The inscription on Jennifer and Jason's Unity Candle obviously wasn't just a saying. The fun they had on their wedding day was evidence of how much they love being in each other's company. They lit their Unity Candle, quite appropriately, at the Unity Church of Peace.

After a wonderful ceremony we went to Sylvan Springs Park for a lot of fun pictures. The love that Jennifer and Jason have just shows. They certainly made my job easy and I can't even begin to describe the fun we had together!

And although it's slightly off topic... how can I leave a shot of a flower this cute out?

It was a great day.

Thanks Jennifer and Jason. 

And without Jenny it wouldn't have happened.

Thanks Jenny! 

You've GOT to love a bride that wears flip flops and climbs on walls!

Who likes boring pictures? 

I don't.

Cate certainly doesn't!

Thanks to fun loving couples and their wedding parties I'm now creating images that truly represent the personalities of those involved. 

 

In the past, the obligatory photography sessions that accompany a wedding have been dreaded my most of those involved.

  My goal is to change that!  

Cate and Rob were incredible to work with. 

Their families and friends are equally awesome.

Thanks to everyone involved!

A Tuesday Wedding?

It doesn't happen very often but couples do occasionally get married during the week. Such is the case with Jen and Jason who's wedding is coming up in a few weeks...on a Tuesday.

Yesterday they were in the studio for their engagement portrait session which is included with all of our packages.

From a photographers perspective, the engagement session is a nice way to get to know the couple better prior to the wedding and create something special for them at the same time. We build each couple a signature board for display at the wedding. However, since we also give our customers the rights to their images, they can be used for save-the-dates, announcements as well as a variety of other uses.

I'm looking forward to shooting Jen and Jason's TUESDAY wedding!

Play Ball...

I just finished a wedding album from a great wedding. All couples want their wedding to be unique and special. Many have to work rather hard in achieve this goal while others get some additional assistance. For Brooke and Andy that assistance came in the form of a video created about their day. 

Unlike a typical videographer that might be hired to capture a wedding, the Post Dispatch decided to tell this story for all to see. As part of their Day in the Life series, highlighting baseball fans, the Post Dispatch chose Brooke and Andy as great story. Obviously you've got to be serious Cardinal fans in order to incorporate a baseball video into your wedding day and Brooke and Andy are!   

Working with the Post videographer was a unique experience. Due to her journalistic beliefs she was unable to orchestrate anything, shooting only what happened naturally or that I created. I therefore became something of a director in addition to doing creating my own images. It was new territory for me but helped me create a lot of wonderful images both for the album and for the video.

It was joy to work with Brooke and Andy and everyone else involved. Here are some of the pages from Brooke and Andy's wedding album.  

 

See the video: 

 http://interact.stltoday.com/mds/sports-cardinals/html/2561 

Sounds fun! Where do I sign up?

"What would you say if we told you the wedding is going to in Chicago on Friday night. Then on Saturday morning, everyone will load up on tour busses and come to St. Louis for a reception here on Saturday night. It's A Tale of Two Cities wedding?" 

"Sounds fun! Where do I sign up." was my response upon hearing the question. 

What followed my answer was more surprising than the original question.  "Really? You'd be willing to do that. All of the other photographers have told us no." 

Not only was I willing to do it, I was excited about the opportunity! Apparently other photographers aren't flexible enough to accommodate such a request. And am I glad they aren't! A Tale of Two Cities will certainly remain one of my most memorable weddings. 

The wedding was performed at the Shrine of Pompeii in Chicago, a beautiful historic church.  Emily looked like she'd been dropped in straight from a classic Hollywood film! Ron pulled off his part pretty well too. How could I not produce great images given these conditions?

Being a professional singer, Ron's father provided entertainment for a small, informal reception friday evening in Chicago.

As promised a fun-filled bus ride from Chicago provided a great opportunity to capture tons of candids. It also afforded me time to get to know the Culella and Estrada families better. The reception at Windows on Washington was incredible with great entertainment by Tony Viviano and an unforgettable cake based upon their theme. 

What a unique wedding and a incredible opportunity for a photographer! 

It's just fine with me if the other photographers want to stay home in the future as well. Just let me know where you need me. I'll be happy to go and create great images just like these!