There were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard in St. Louis, Missouri.  Soulard is full of history & was the perfect setting for the wedding.  The church was gorgeous & was full of natural light, which I loved!! (quick side note to future brides…when choosing a location for your ceremony, choose a location with lots of natural light!)  I arrived in time to capture the last few touchups of makeup and of Erin getting into her dress.  Her friends were so sweet and just took such great care of her as she got ready…she knew how to pick some amazing bridesmaids to have by her side that day!

After the makeup was done & the dress was on, it was time for the ceremony to begin.  (see…I told you the church was gorgeous!!)  The minister had such a way of connecting with them and truly made their ceremony all about them and captured their personalities so well!After the ceremony, we headed to Forest Park to get some photos before it was time for the reception.  It was Earth day celebration at Forest Park and there were tables and vendors EVERYWHERE!!  Thankfully the groomsmen jumped right in and helped me move some out of the way so we could get the shot below!  You can’t tell from this angle, but there are tons of tables behind them!Erin…you are so gorgeous.  Seriously breathtaking.Our next spot at Forest Park was full of people getting family photos done, a couple of wedding parties, and high school students getting their prom photos done.  I was beginning to feel like I was on a TLC type show…”Photography Challenge”  That…or I was on Punked.  We dodged people left and right and I just laid on the ground in crazy positions to get all of the extras out of our photos that day.  It completely paid off!  This one below makes me swoon.  It would be a gorgeous 20×30 canvas hanging above a couch!Isn’t this waterfall area beautiful???  This wedding party knew how to rock it!After we finished up at Forest Park, we headed to the reception venue, which was directly behind the church where they got married.  The reception was held at the Ninth Street Abbey which is an old church that has been converted into a gorgeous reception venue.  Amazing!!

It was truly a special, magical day.  Erin & Steve, thank you so much for choosing me to be the one to photograph your day!  Also, a big thanks to Erin for sharing with us who took care of all of the details from her day!

Vendor Information (click on the names for links to the sites):

Wedding Planner- Myself and my mother

Hair and Bridesmaid’s Makeup- Adam and Eaves 

Bride’s Makeup- Jennifer Brimm

Florist- Bella Fiori

Church- Trinity Lutheran

Reception- Ninth Street Abbey

Cupcakes and Cake- Jilly’s Cupcake Bar

Dress– Amore Today’s Bridal and Fashions made by La Sposa

Tuxes- Savvi Formalwear

Soloist- Toni Oestmann, bridesmaid

Graphic Design (Monogram Creation, Program Design, Favor Stickers, Fascinator)- Ellsworth Designs

Graphic Design (Invitations, Reception Signage)- Jackie Baker

DJ and Lighting- Millennium Productions

Photo “Booth”- Fish Eye Fun

First dance song– “Better Together” by Jack Johnson

How did the two of you meet?

Steve and I attended the same middle school and high school, but we did not become good friends until senior year. After high school, we went separate ways to colleges in different states, but remained close. We always had such a great time hanging out during breaks and summers, it only seemed right to try dating. Obviously…the rest is history!

How did he propose…and what made you say yes?

Since we live in Houston and most of our family is in St. Louis, we spend a majority of Christmas in Missouri every year. The night before we were supposed to fly out, Steve surprised me with plane tickets to Chicago instead of St. Louis. Chicago had always been (and always will be) very special to us since we had spent two previous trips there during the Christmas season. Steve booked us a room in the hotel we stayed at the first time we visited Chicago, which I thought was super sweet, but I did not yet see the connection. When I woke up on our first morning in Chicago, Steve told me he had ordered room service for breakfast. Again, my thought is, that is so nice, he knows I love hotel breakfast, but no connection. When the breakfast came, the hotel concierge brought the trays in and set them on the bed, but (much to his dismay) one of the lids fell off revealing a navy blue ring box. Instinctively, I tried to convince myself that it was a necklace or bracelet so I wouldn’t get all worked up. However, I did work myself up and the words out of my mouth were “What is that?”, which in turn he responded with getting down on one knee and asking me to marry him. There hadn’t been a doubt in my mind I wouldn’t have said yes since our very first date.

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?
Seeing the look on his face when they opened the doors and I walked down the aisle. I made the mistake of glancing at a couple of aunts, which made me cry, but the moment I stared straight at him with his BEAMING smile, I felt lighter than air. I would not trade that feeling for anything.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?

My whole goal was to make sure everyone had a great time and I think we definitely accomplished that with the Fish Eye Fun photo booth.

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?

Something old was the piece of my mother-in-law’s dress we sewed into the inside of mine and the fascinator my sister-in-law made from the lace of my mom’s veil. Something new were my shoes (and they were fabulous!), jewelry, dress, and veil. Something borrowed was my mother-in-law’s opal ring. Something blue was my mother’s garter from her wedding.

Any advice you would give to future brides and grooms?

Take just a minute to take pictures of every detail you zoom by. I am so happy I snapped a few quick pictures of the centerpieces and our cake because I barely remember them! The whole day was a wonderful blur, like a dream.

Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?

Nothing at all. I couldn’t be more blessed!

Where did you go on your honeymoon? 
St. Lucia- We stayed at Calabash Cove and we highly recommend it!

Anything else you’d like to include on the blog post from your day?
It was such an honor to have Kellie involved in our wedding day. She was very upbeat, on task, and quick on her feet when presented with an interesting situation. My second favorite moment of the day was stopping at a gas station restroom so Kellie, my maid-of-honor, and my sister-in-law could clean off the bottom of my dress after we got a little too happy in some very dark mud and flowers . I appreciated her ability to keep cool under pressure which in turn made me feel like everything was going to be 100% O.K.. On top of this and Earth Day in Forest Park, she proved to be totally awesome at every turn. Thank you, Kellie! Our memories will forever be more beautiful because of you!

This is a photo from Easter Sunday in Korea (the day before we came home to the states.)  Love seeing all of my family together!  Looking forward to getting new family photos done soon to fill the walls in our home!

And the last two were taken on April 22nd, Miles’ Heaven Day.  We loaded up and spent the day in Indianapolis at the zoo.  We sure miss our sweet Miles, but we are so grateful for moments like these where we make new memories together.

And, the way he’s looking at me here melts my heart into a huge puddle!  LOVE him!!!

And, now that’s he’s been home a little over 4 weeks, I am hoping we are about to start settling into a new, normal routine.  Thank you all for your patience during this past month!

Casey & Chrisitna were married in Bloomington, IL on April 14th.  It was a rainy day, but their venue had some gorgeous indoor locations & then the rain let up and we were able to get some outdoors as well!  Christina looked amazing & Casey was so overcome with emotion when he saw her during the first look.  Their day was filled with sweet moments…from her mom using a bonnet that she put on Christina as a baby & now it became a handkerchief for her wedding day (would it be weird for me to get one for Millie?…She’s 6, but it was so sweet! haha!), to the moment where she embraced her daddy in the sweetest hug, to the moment when Casey twirled his mom around the dance floor, and the choreographed wedding party dance.  There were so many things that I won’t easily forget from their day!  I’m so grateful I was a part of it!

Casey & Christina, thank you for allowing me to take part in your special day!!

I started out the morning of the wedding by meeting up with Lindsey & the girls at Rod Sickler Salon & Spa.  I always enjoy this extra time with the girls…it’s fun to see them get all gorgeous.  I’m constantly amazed by the stylists and the work of art that they do week after week on hair & makeup!  I’m always secretly wishing it was me sitting in the chair getting my hair and makeup done! haha!!

After we left the salon, we headed to the church to get Lindsey in her gown & then do their first look.  I can’t put into words the emotion that they showed to each other during their first look.  It was full of tears, smiles, and lots of hugs.  These two are such a perfect match & were so excited that they were marrying their best friend.  I admit to getting teary eyed myself!

The ceremony was so personal & intimate & truly captured the love they shared for each other.  After the ceremony, we headed to the Arboreteum at the U of I for the wedding party photos.  Everything was in full bloom (thank you mother nature for the amazing March!!!!)  I squealed inside when I saw the cherry blossoms in full bloom.  It made me even more excited to head to Korea.  (and wouldn’t you know that the cherry blossoms in Korea waited until we were on the plane home to bloom.  Figures.)

I loved getting to spend the day with Brad & Lindsey & all of their family & friends.  They are truly surrounded by people that love and adore them. (and many even traveled as far as England to spend the day with them.  I just wanted to hang out at their table during the reception & listen to them talk! haha!!)

Here’s a few photos from their love-filled day:

Wedding Day Vendors:

Hair… Rod Sickler Salon and Spa- Champaign, IL

Makeup …Rod Sickler Salon and Spa- Champaign, IL

Florist …. Kim Snyder-Petals and Porch Posts- Bement, IL

Church ….St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – Ivesdale, IL

Reception … The Refinery- Champaign, IL

Cake … Erica Henry

Caterer… LA Gourmet

Dress–I bought my dress at Michelle’s Bridal and the design was Essence of Australia

Tuxes … All the tuxes were from Michelle’s Bridal

DJ … Elite Entertainment

First dance song—“As Fast As I Could” by Josh Turner

How did the two of you meet? My uncle set us up. He gave Brad my phone number and the rest was up to him.

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day? I loved seeing Brad before the wedding. It is such a big day, that it was great to have that little moment together where we could take it all in.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? I loved seeing everything put together. I thought the kids were adorable!

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue? My grandma gave me an old handkerchief that she had made. I pinned it into my dress. I borrowed my sister’s veil and earrings that she used for her wedding. My something blue was my Chicago Cubs garter.

Any advice you would give to future brides and grooms? Really try and take it all in. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Little things that you are worrying about…no one else will even notice. The day goes by so fast, take a deep breath and enjoy!

Would you change anything if you could do it all over again? I wouldn’t change a thing!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?  We went to Jamaica… Couples Tower Isle

I would like to give a big thanks to Kellie for everything she did! I had seven kids in my wedding and I couldn’t have picked a better photographer to work with all of them. You always kept us smiling and having a good time! We are still getting compliments on what a great job you did! Thank you so much!

I was loving the warm temps that we were so blessed with in March.  It made for such a gorgeous day!!! Nathalee & Grant were so relaxed and calm & were so excited and ready to start their new lives together.  When Nathalee walked down the aisle & Grant laid eyes on her for the first time, he got so emotional.  (as did the rest of everyone in the church!)  They are both so loved by their friends and family.  You could just feel the love and support that these two have as they begin their new lives together.

Nathalee & Grant, thank you so much for choosing me as your wedding photographer! I’m so grateful!!

Luke…I.am.your.ringbearer.  (You have to say that in the voice of Darth Vader…or Dark Vader as my kids call him.)

Instead of throwing birdseed or rice, they threw corn!  (Did I mention that they are both from farming families? My son & daughter have had the pleasure of riding in the tractor with Nathalee’s Dad & climbing on her Dad & Grandpa’s farm equipment!)Nathalee…you.are.stunning!I think the photo below may just be my favorite from the day.  I think it would make a gorgeous canvas!!

Wedding Day Vendors:

Wedding Planner/Florist- Cheri Welsh, Floral-N-Flair- Catlin, IL

Hair- Lacey Loop & Janna Nicholson, The Hair Gallery- Fairmount, IL

Makeup- Brooke Jarvis (One of my bridesmaids)

Church- Sidell United Methodist Church- Sidell, IL

Reception- The Refinery- Champaign, IL

Cake- Mary Taylor- Sidell, IL

Dress- Casablanca Bridals, Michelle’s Bridal & Tuxedo- Urbana, IL

Tuxes- Michelle’s Bridal & Tuxedo- Urbana, IL

Videographer- ParkLife Videography

DJ- Bugbee’s DJ Plus

First dance song- God Gave Me You, Blake Shelton

Section two:

• How did the two of you meet? We went to high school together.

•  How did he propose…and what made you say yes?  Grant proposed May 23, 2010 and we had decided to plant a garden. We were at his parent’s house working on the garden, and he told me that we had to down to his (what now is our) house to water some stuff there. We got to our house, watered all the plants and were just kind of standing around. He started talking about all he had… the house, the barns, the land, the view (the house sits on a big hill), etc., but he said something was missing, especially on the barn, so he told me to look at the barn. Well, while I am looking at the barn, he got into his truck to get the ring. I turn around, he’s on one knee and says that I am what is missing in the picture and he wants to spend forever with me, and then asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes!

•  What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?  Definitely seeing Grant for the first time as I walked down the aisle!

•  What was your favorite detail from your wedding day? Everything came together beautifully and it was a perfect day.

•  What was your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?  Something old- My bouquet was wrapped with lace from my mom’s wedding gown and included a brooch from my Granny Eads and my Grandma Ford’s baby ring.  Something new-  My dress and all the accessories.  Something borrowed- Our card box.  Something blue- My garter

•  Any advice you would give to future brides and grooms? Give yourself plenty of time to plan all of your details and hire a wedding planner!  Don’t sweat the small stuff, it all comes together in the end!

•  Would you change anything if you could do it all over again? No!

•  Where did you go on your honeymoon? We took an overnight trip to Sybaris in Indianapolis and we are planning on going to Negril, Jamaica in late November/early December.

I was laughing the other day when I was thinking about my kids and their own journeys…Mason & Miles arrived 10 weeks early.  They both had struggles in the NICU, Mason arrived home after 6 weeks in the NICU, and Miles arrived in the arms of our Savior after 3 months in the NICU.  Millie decided to not be outdone by her brothers and arrived 5 weeks early.  She stopped breathing & was critical her first 24 hours.  She only spent a week in the NICU, but it was a scary one!  And then there’s Madden.  One reason we chose Korea was that the process was stable and predicatable…that is until we enter the process!  When we started, babies were coming home around their first birthdays.  We prepared ourselves that he would be 12-15 months old when he came home…then 15-18 months….then 21 months…and now, who knows???  Mason, Miles, and Millie were all really early, Madden is really late…my kids all follow their own crazy timelines!   We’ve been told he’d be home in February since last May.  February is now almost over and they haven’t started any adoptions as of this year in Korea.  I know Madden will be one of the first ones to come home once they do begin in the process.  But…we are still waiting.  And once they begin the process, it’s generally 4-6 weeks until they come home.  But, I’m not believing any timelines anymore.  It is so hard to adjust my expectations over and over and over and over.  My stomach and been in knots, I now have more gray hairs, and I’ve eaten more chocolate this past month than one should eat in a year.  I am so ready to jump on a plane and meet my sweet boy.  I just have no idea when that will be.

I recently downloaded Kari Jobe’s new album & it was like each song was written for me during this journey.  I have played it over and over since I bought it! (If you need an encouraging album…go buy it!!) There’s a song on there called “Steady My Heart.”  My heart has been feeling unsettled because I have no control at all during this process.  But, I trust in the One with all control and need to continue to lean on Him to steady my heart.

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You’re here
You’re real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it’s hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart

I’m not gonna worry
I know that You got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What’s good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan

And I will run to You
You’re my refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are
You steady my heart

(and then I hit repeat and listen again and again…I know He’s in control.  He’s not surprised by any of this.  Thank you, God, for steadying my heart.)

The plan was for me to be on “maternity” leave in February and March, but it looks like he won’t be home until early April, so I’ve decided to go ahead and open up my calendar for the month of March & I’ll just keep going month to month until he gets home.  Once he arrives, I will only be photographing weddings for a couple of months while he adjusts.  Once he seems to be adjusting and we’ve settled into a routine, I’ll open up my availability calendar again to photographing high school seniors and families.

I’m looking forward to a 2012 full of adventure…it’s been quite the roller coaster ride so far!

Thank you all for keeping me and my family in your prayers.  I can’t say thank you enough.  I am so grateful.  Please continue to pray as we continue to learn to wait.

Much love,

Kellie

We hope you & yours have a wonderful Christmas together!

I’m officially in love with this tree image!