Jared & Ashley | St. Louis, MO Wedding Photographer

Sigh.  This wedding left me speechless.  I knew the bride & groom would be wonderful to photograph…they knocked it out of the park during their engagement session.  But, I had no idea just how perfect their day would actually be.

When Jenny (my second shooter) & I followed the bride to the wedding location, we had no idea what to expect.  They got married at The Studio Inn at St. Albans.  I had never been there before & I was oohing and ahhing the whole drive through St. Albans.  It was such a perfect venue!  Jenny & I were giddy!!

The bride & groom got ready and were then ready to do their first look.  I suggested that we go down to the wooded lane for their first look (a-because it was beautiful, and b-because it was sprinkling and we’d be much drier covered by the trees!)  I stood with Jared and he waited for his bride to be.  I think that may be one of my very favorite parts of a wedding day. I love watching their nervous expressions & I swear I can hear their heart beating rapidly as they wait.  Ashley was a vision of beauty as she came up to Jared.  Her smile was huge as she saw her man waiting for her.  I consider myself so extremely blessed that I get to capture these intimate moments!

After a perfect first-look & loads of gorgeous wedding party & family photos, it was time for the wedding to begin.  Thankfully the rain had stopped since the wedding was outdoors.  Her sweet grandpa walked her down the aisle (I don’t think there’s a cuter elderly man than him!)  The parents were all smiles as they gave their children away.  I think it’s because they knew that Jared & Ashley are just such a perfect fit!  They had a sweet, intimate ceremony & then danced the night away.  It was perfection.  And, I’m so glad I was there to be a part of it!!

Jared & Ashley…thank you.  From the bottom of my heart. xoxo.

I had no idea how to choose which ones to put on the blog. Basically, it was a big game of eenie meenie miney mo!  To see more, check out the slideshow at the end of this post.

Vendors Used:

Hair: Kelly – Salon de Christe

Makeup: Lindsey – MAC West County

Florist – Becky Huffman Florals

Ceremony & Reception: The Studio Inn @ St. Albans

Cake: Amy Portray – Le Cake

Dress:  Madeira, La Sposa – Simply Elegant Bridal

Grooms Suit:  Savile Row Custom Clothiers

Groomsmen Suits:  Macy’s

DJ:  Jimmy Hussey – A Rockin DJ (Jimmy did such a great job!!)

First dance song – ‘Your Mistake’ by Sister Hazel

Videographer:  Nathan – Complete Music

Lighting & Décor:  Carley – Millennium Productions

What will you remember the most from your wedding day?

Feeling so blessed – I have never felt so much love and support in my entire life.  Two specific things:

1.  Looking out over the crowd before the ceremony in amazement that so many people came to support Jared and I.

2.  My 91 year old grandfather walking me down the isle – he is so special to me!

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

My 91 year old grandfather can’t see extremely well… so when we got to the end of the isle he had a difficult time locating Jared (the groom).  He looked up towards our pastor and proclaimed “Where is that BOY!” Everyone couldn’t help but giggle at his candid statement.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?

I really loved every detail about our wedding!  But if I had to pick I would say our music – both the ceremony and the reception.  Jared and I both put a lot of thought and effort into our selections and it really paid off.  We also had an amazing DJ – Thanks Jimmy!

Any advice you would give to future brides and grooms?

Have a “first look” with your groom!  Not only was it so special, but it eased my nerves allowing me to be so excited (stress free) for the rest of the day. J

Would you change anything if you did it all over again?

Not a thing –  It was perfect – simply the best day of my life!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Maui, Hawaii (the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen)

Selecting Kellie as our photographer was one of the greatest decisions Jared and I made.  Not only is she super talented, but her calming and supportive presence at our wedding made the day even more special.  The compliments on our amazing photographer continue to pour in from family and friends!  Thank you so much Kellie – you’re the best!