A few weeks ago, I headed to the St. Louis area to photograph Jamie & Jessica’s wedding. I just adore this couple & was so excited to photograph their big day! I’ve known the groom’s family since I was in Kindergarten, and they got married in the church where Tyler & I were married in. My brother in law also officiated the wedding! I knew lots of the guests…so this wedding was extra special for me to photograph!
I met up with Jessica at the church to get some photos of her getting ready. Her dress was gorgeous!!
We then did their first look photos at the church. I LOVE when brides and grooms opt to see each other before the wedding…it allows us to have so much more time in getting amazing photos before the ceremony! And, you end up with some sweet moments like this:
We all loaded in the bus to head to St. Louis for some photos before the wedding. Once in St. Louis, our first stop was at Lafayette Square Park. It was pretty chilly outside…but the park was gorgeous! The fall foliage was so vibrant & made for some perfect photos!
After spending a while at the park, we headed to Busch Stadium for a few more photos!
Then, it was back to the church for their ceremony & then to Julia’s for the reception! Everyone had so much fun on the dance floor & my favorite moment was when Jamie & his brother in law did a little routine to “Devil went down to Georgia.” It was awesome!!!
It was such a gorgeous, perfect day & I’m so grateful I got to help capture the photos! I’m also grateful to my second shooter, Amanda, for all of her hard work and amazing pictures she took that day!
Jessica answered some questions to help us learn about her vendors & the unique things they did to make their day so special! Thanks Jessica!!!
Wedding Planner: Mary Nesler – my mom and I planned the wedding ourselves. Jamie Winship and Jackie Page (Family Friends) coordinated the day of the wedding.
Hair: The Blonde Salon & Spa; O’Fallon, IL
Makeup: Monika Ruzicka @ The Blonde Salon & Spa; O’Fallon, IL
Florist: Connie Poston (I work in a floral shop, my boss did our flowers as a wedding gift…they were FABULOUS!)
Church: Peace Church; Granite City, IL
Reception: Julia’s Banquet Center; East Alton, IL
Cake: Brandy Bagent
Dress- Maggie Sottero Rhianna Royale; purchased at Elegent Brides in Glen Carbon, IL
Tuxes: Savvi Formal Wear
Musicians: Bethany Martin (Pianist)
DJ: Eric Mullen
First dance song:”When I said I do” -Clint Black-
What will you remember the most from your wedding day?
-Definitely the first look! I am so glad Jamie and I decided to break tradition and see each other beforehand! It was so special having that moment all to ourselves!!
Funniest memory from your wedding day?
-Oh where to start!? My bridesmaids surprised me during the reception with a special dance…they called it “The Jessica.” They formed a circle around me on the dance floor and tried to duplicate my mad dancing skills.
-Also at the reception, Jamie and my brother David acted out the song ‘Devil went down to Georgia’ with props and all. My brother wore a devils face mask and they both worked the dance floor with violins. It was too funny!
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
– My mom had a special heart pendant made with my late Grandpa’s picture on it. She surprised me with it before the ceremony. We attached it to my bouquet to make sure he had a front row seat! He may not have been there in person, but he was definitely there in spirit!
Any advice you would give to future brides and grooms?
-Don’t stress! It’s not worth it! Just enjoy your day with the people you love and let the small mishaps slide.
-I did ask 2 family friends to be the ‘go to’ people the day of the wedding should anything go wrong. This allowed my mother and I to be stress free on the big day. They were so wonderful and took care of all the little things that often get forgotten during the stress of a wedding.
Would you change anything if you did it all over again?
-NOTHING! Everything was absolutely perfect; I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
-We are leaving for St. Lucia on December 14th…we cannot wait! We will be staying at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort.
Here’s a little slideshow from their day! 🙂 Jamie & Jessica…thanks again for choosing me for your wedding photos!
Thank you so much for posting these~! I have been friends with this family since i was a child.. I went to school with Jamies Aunt, and he and his sister grew up across the street from my house! You couldnt have found a more beautiful family to work with.. The pictures are gorgeous! And since I couldnt be there, they almost made me cry!! Thank you!
Great pictures, as always! Brian and I are going to get married again so that you can be our photagrapher. Where were you 5 years ago? 🙂
Oh what a fun and blessed day! Thank you so much for having me come along. I had so much fun and the photos are gorgeous!
I LOVE Jessica and Jamie’s wedding pictures! They look awesome. You captured so many cute and fun moments. The photo booth ones were so fun too. How is she ever going to choose which ones to get…
Very pretty! My favorite part is her boots, though that dress totally rocks, too!! Cool Busch stadium pics too! 🙂
That dress is amazing! Beautiful wedding!