I think it was 2009 .. I traveled to Grand Forks, ND to photograph a wedding for a friend of the family. I became fast friends with one of the bridesmaids, her name was Rita. I remember thinking she was so funny, and so welcoming and that she could brighten any room. Thankfully through the powers of Facebook, we’ve been able to stay in touch. I was honored when she asked me if I would photograph her wedding, and I was really excited to meet her bride-to-be. So, I packed up and headed East to St. Louis… and a little bit beyond.


Rita and Rebecca chose the picturesque Weingarten as the backdrop for their reception. [The brides had a private ceremony earlier] The Weingarten sits on several acres, has an outdoor beer garden, a gorgeous out door ceremony space, a pond and some pretty stellar wine. Did I mention the cemetery? The venue is located on the grounds of an old family farm along with it’s descendants cemetery. One headstone had what appeared to be an old photo frame attached to it. The image had been long washed away, but the glass had turned a beautiful opalescent. Nearby, another headstone had been adorned with two fossilized looking conch shells. It made me wonder how long they have been there, was the person from the coast, or maybe they just loved the ocean.


:::Whoops! Sorry. . . I got a little distracted. I love old cemeteries . . . now back to the wedding:::
Rita and Rebecca’s wedding was fun, down-to-Earth and bursting at the seams with love. Rita’s mom actually found her dress on-line at David’s Bridal. They were unable to find it in local stores to try on, so they took a chance and ordered it. After just a couple slight alterations, it literally fit her like a glove. I loved Rebecca’s choice for simple yet timeless outfit. (I believe she got everything at Express). This is just one example of how much I love it, when my clients “break the mold” or go outside the box. They wore what they wanted, and what made them comfortable. . versus that is what you are “suppose” to wear for your wedding. #idowhatiwant
Congratulations ladies. I wish you both the best and a lifetime of Kodak Moments. xomo

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