It’s true.

Her groom “Don’t Need No Tuxedo” (See the end of this post).

Being the bride of one of our area’s top male models can be intimidating. Especially on your wedding day. Lee has been a “groom” more than once modeling for plenty of shoots (Including the spread in St Louis Bride Magazine I (Amy) shot back in 2017). Can you imagine being a bride feeling like you are in the shadow of your groom who is a PROFESSIONAL groom? Melinda knew many would jump at the opportunity to document her husband on their wedding day, she just didn’t want to get lost in the mix. Melinda, you may feel like you stepped out of his shadow on your wedding day, but girl… you were never in it. You are radiant.

I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Introducing  Melinda Anderson and her groom, Lee.  

In all of our years of business and friendship would you believe Joel and I had never shot a wedding together until their wedding?

It was definitely a lot of fun. We need to mix it up more often. You know, with all the spare time we have.   

I love this snuggly image Joel took.

Me: I want to use this tunnel for something.

Joel: Hold my beer.

Ill never tell why she’s laughing. I hope you two think of us every time you cook hot dogs though. Every. Single. Time.

This fur wrap is everything… just get me some hot cocoa and and a fire. I’m ready.

By the time we arrived to Old Stone Chapel, we were more than ready for the warmth this quaint venue provides.         

I just had to take the below image for my friend, Jimmy Hussey.

We were together for both of our weddings that weekend and it is always so much fun to see his familiar face.

I love Jimmy’s set up and I took this photo because this is his view every weekend, many times a weekend.
He LOVES his couples as much as we do and that just makes us love him even more.

I always love running into former couples of ours at weddings. Early Congratulations to Gina and Kyle who are expecting their 2nd baby!

You two. This was a wonderful day. Not because of how outwardly adorable you two are but simply because well you get us. Melinda, your sense of humor is as killer as your smile and Lee… thanks for leaving the fishing poles at home. I have a feeling she would have shoved one somewhere if you didn’t. We love you guys. Dinner soon! Just… no hot dogs.

Venue: Old Stone Chapel

Photo & Video: Shadow and Light

Florist: Walter Knoll

Cake: J Noto Bakery

DJ: Jimmy Hussey

Makeup Artist: Flawless Makeup

Wedding Gown: Robin’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus

Groomsmen: Suits4Men

Favors: Grandma’s Cookies

Photobooth: Fisheye Fun

Check out this video and see Lee not needing a tuxedo!!!

The Green Carpet. It’s reserved for the stars, the pros- the masters. This past spring, people watched in awe from afar as the members of the PGA tour walked the Green Carpet at Bellerive Country Club in St Louis, Missouri. I feel like love is a little bit similar. We go to weddings and we look to the couple who has endured the test of time. We go to the pros and ask for help. We all want to be among those who are masters at making marriage work.

Surrounded by family and dear friends, all eyes were on Kelsey and Will as they walked both the red carpet at there ceremony (which was also where Kelsey’s mom and dad got married) and the green carpet at Bellerive Country Club for their Reception. They got just enough of a downpour to ensure lots of good luck (it’s a thing, really) and with the great advice we are sure they will get from their loved ones (to which Kelsey may give an eye roll or two), we (Andrew and Amy) are certain Kelsey and Will have all of the tools needed to be the last couple on the dance floor 60 years from now.

We had so much fun getting to know Kelsey and Will’s families. One day Kelsey, you are going to laugh until you cry about the fish platter your mom put on your registry.  You will picture her smirk you know she had as she devised her plan to add it on there. I know your parents feel like they make you crazy sometimes (they probably do) but the love and support they all give you is a beautiful thing that should be cherished. Congratulations on your marriage, keep walking side by side on whatever carpet you choose, I can’t wait to see where you end up!

In true St Louis form, the weather went from Sunny, to pouring, to sunny again within a matter of 15 minutes so we had quite the dynamic day!

I absolutely loved this moment. Will extended his hand to his grandmother during the mother/son dance. I think his momma was happy to share.

Being in quite the band of his own, Will had to take the stage for just one song!

Ceremony Venue: Salem United Methodist Church

Reception Venue: Bellerive Country Club

Wedding Gown: Ultimate Bride

Hair and Makeup: Bella Ragazza

Officiant: Terri Swan

Ceremony Music: Landolfi Quartet

Planner: Proposing Dreams

Stationery: Service Bureau

Photo & Cinema Shadow and Light

Floral Design: Bloomin’ Buckets

Transportation: Saint Louis Trolley

Cake: Sugaree

Band: Griffin & the Gargoyles

Rentals: BBJ Linens, Exclusive Events. Premier Party Rentals

Decor: Millennium Productions, Exclusive Events, Parties and Props

Second Photographer: Madeline Emma

No party is complete without salsa. Even a night with wine in our house includes a Greek Salsa that I (Amy) love to make. So when the Hadobas family told me that Callie was the Salsa to their Chips- I completely understood the reference. This family knows the staples of a good party. While they may be the chips… they are some really, really delicious chips. Perfect amount of salt and a little Chili Powder (they are from Texas). These chips are good on their own, but the Salsa… the Salsa brings the punch to keep everyone raving. If Callie is the Salsa to the mix, I am going to deem Nate the Margarita. He is cool, refreshing- sweet with just the right amount of kick and just when you aren’t paying attention… BAM- he’s on the stage with the microphone in his hand. Callie and Nate… I just typed 3 different insufficient sentences trying to explain to people how great of a party you all threw. I haven’t shot a 14 hour wedding in YEARS. Truthfully, I was worried the dance floor content was going to be a bunch of different pictures of the same people looking less and less sober as the night went on- but WOW. Usually by the end of the night my body is already in a world of pain, but there was no time for that. I was running from one thing to the next and when it was time to go… I was wishing there was more. I think all of your guests had to feel the same judging by the number of the people still tearing up the dance floor at the end of the night. I hope you always treat life as a party. Callie, I hope you are always the spiciest of Salsas and Nate the most refreshing of drinks. If Callie’s family is the party snacks, Nate’s would be the refreshments. Both are wonderful separately but together? Together you get the following…

#Truth. Sometimes the littles need their daddies to pop into the aisle- or into the pictures. I think it just makes the moment even cuter.    

I just LOVED Callie’s bouquet by An Affair to Remember. She said she felt like she just couldn’t pick which flowers to add so she picked a ton of her favorites. She did perfect. Kinda like the creator of SALSA. “hmmm these things are all good… lets put them together and make them amazing!”

I don’t think these two families could have possibly been more excited for their kids. They were beaming with pride all day, and with very good reason. They did am incredible job parenting. Their kids chose well when picking the person they would do life with. It was time to celebrate- and celebrate they did!

I can’t even begin to tell you how great the Emerald City Band was. This dance floor was dangerous! People were having a blast and dancing their hearts out. Getting from one place to the other was almost impossible but it was SO WORTH IT! 

Salsa. 

And there we are. I’m left wanting more. More time with Callie and Nate and their families. More chips, salsa, and margaritas and some more God Blessed Texas.

I stand by my statement that there should be a yearly reunion of all who were involved.

I’ll bring the cheese (Andrew) and the chocolate cupcakes (me).

Planning/Coordination – A Bride’s Ally

Hair/Makeup – Simply Breathtaking

Photo/Video – Shadow & Light

Floral/Rentals – An Affair to Remember

Paper Goods – M. Haley Design

Ceremony Venue – Messiah Lutheran Chruch

Ceremony Music – The Rosewood Ensemble

Reception Venue – Marriott St. Louis Grand

Band – Emerald City Band

Cupcakes – The Cup

Photo Booth – Everyday Elegance

Transportation (limo & limo bus) – Fun Tyme Limo

Bride’s Dress – Pronovias

Bridesmaid Dresses – Azazie

Groom & Groomsmen Attire – JoS. A. Bank