Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events is one of my favorite wedding venues. BONUS, it's right in my backyard. I think it's wonderful that my small town of St. Clair MO has such a stunning event space available.
When Samantha (LHL Owner) came to me with this idea for a Glamping Anniversary Styled Shoot, I was thrilled. As a St. Louis Wedding Photographer, I love getting to showcase these beautiful venues and stretch  my creative wings. 
Their glamping set up is DIVINE. Even I *this non-camping type of girl* would totally book a few nights here. The Big Blue Bus is so unbelievable inside. It's a boho-chic wonderland. I was blown away when I stepped inside. The amenities on site are plentiful with bonfires pits, a beautiful lake, canoes and hiking trails and even an adorable shower house. They have truly thought of it all. It is quaint and romantic and perfect for a few nights in the gorgeous countryside near the Meremac River. Stargazing on the rooftop deck of the bus is a must! 
Our Glamping Anniversary Styled Shoot was impeccably planned, down to the last tea light. Let me tell you no detail goes unnoticed with Samantha & the staff at Lost Hill Lake. If you dream it, they will make it happen. Every event I work there is stunning.  They have so many vendors they work with and so many options you can add. So many vendors came together to make this styled shoot happen. It was an honor to work with everyone! 

Venue & Decor: Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events
Lead Photographer: Elegant Illusions Photography
Desserts: Spoil Me Sweetly & Patty's Cheesecake
Charcuterie board: SugarFire Washington MO 
Live Painting: Florelle Rodenberg
Model Couple: Katy & Tre
Model Couple: Taylor & Valerie
2nd Photographer: Carleigh Michelle Photography

​​Elegant Illusions Photography is an award winning St. Louis MO Wedding & Portrait Photographer, specializing in St. Louis Wedding, Engagement, & Portrait Photography, serving St. Louis, Franklin County, and surrounding areas.  
Destination Wedding Packages available.

Jennifer & Scott tied the knot this past weekend, on LEAP DAY 2020! 
( I'm low key jealous that these two  have such a unique anniversary date now. )
Their ceremony was utterly perfect. Seriously. 
As a St. Louis MO Wedding Photographer, I know I say that all the time LOL, but for real. Their day was remarkable. 
Their family and friends gathered at the stunning Hermann Hills Weddings venue, to celebrate the love these two share. 
February can be so hit or miss with weather & let me tell you, Jennifer & Scott seriously lucked out. It was so beautiful out, that they were able to hold their ceremony atop the beautiful bluff overlooking the river. 
Congratulations Jennifer & Scott! I can't wait to watch the rest of your story unfold!
Much love to my 2nd shooter of the day, Jenny Kishpaugh-Wells. 

Shout out to all the amazing vendors that helped make their day perfect.
Venue: Hermann Hills Weddings
HMU: Trashy Roots Salon
Dress: Bridal Parlour
Flowers: Four Seasons Florist
DJ: House DJ St. Louis
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​Elegant Illusions Photography is an award winning St. Louis MO Wedding & Portrait Photographer, specializing in St. Louis Wedding, Engagement, & Portrait Photography, serving St. Louis, Franklin County, and surrounding areas.  
Destination Wedding Packages available.

I am absolutely over the moon in love with Ed & JoJo's engagement session! Surprisingly enough, as a St. Louis Wedding Photographer, I don't often get the opportunity to shoot in the downtown area. The St. Louis Arch makes a magnificent background and the skyline is so unique. When I suggested this location to Ed & JoJo, they were totally down.
​This made my photographer heart so happy. 
I absolutely love the dynamic that these two have. From the bit of time we've spent together, I've learned that these two balance each other perfectly and definitely bring out the best in one another. I am so excited for their spring wedding. I know it will be a show stopper! 

One of my favorite parts of being a Wedding Photographer in St. Louis is the Engagement Session! Lucky for me, Engagement Season is in full swing!
DID YOU KNOW: all of my wedding collections include a complimentary engagement session? Couples love this because it gives them an opportunity to connect during the busy planning stages and capture this stage of their life. A lot of couples choose to use their images for Save the Dates as well as for their Invites. 

ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS ARE SOOOO IMPORTANT! Here is why.
I value you. I want to capture your wedding the best way possible, so it is crucial that we get to know one another prior to your big day. On your wedding day, you will likely spend more time with me than anyone else. I will be with you every step of the day, so these engagement sessions give us time to laugh and connect. You will get to know me and all my goofiness ahead of time, so that you are more comfortable with me on the biggest day of your life. 

Your engagement session should reflect YOU! Your style. Your relationship. Your personality. It is my goal to capture the very essence of what makes you tick as a couple. I love to hear your proposal story, where you met, or your favorite thing to do as a couple. Together, we can find ways to incorporate that in to your session to make it more personal. 

Without further ado, here are just a few of the 2020 love birds! I can't wait to meet the rest of you over the next few months. This will be our best season yet! 

Miranda & Kyle had the most perfect November wedding. I absolutely love the relationship these two share. The love they share for each other just pours out of them. When they told me their "how we met" story, I knew in an instant that we were a perfect fit! These two are old souls, much like myself. They love to swing dance (and dang they are good!) I had the best time at their reception watching everyone join them on the floor for a jiving good time!  Congratulations Miranda & Kyle! How lucky you are, to have found your forever dance partner. 
Big thanks to my 2nd of the day, Kristen. Couldn't do it without you, girl!

​Wedding Venue: Old Stone Chapel
Reception Venue: Le Belle Coeur
Dress: Mia Grace
HMU: Blush Salon
Cake: Sarah's Cake Shop
Flowers: Lawrence Florist

Monica & Justin's wedding absolutely blew me away. So much thought went in to every little detail. From the moment I arrived, the air was vibrating with anticipation and excitement. There were so many laughs, hugs and happy tears shared. We started off the day in the Unnerstall home, where Monica got ready & shared her first look with her doting daddy. The ceremony at St. Francis Borgia in Washington MO was as beautiful as ever. I love when I get the opportunity to shoot there. It is such a beautiful historic church. We then headed out to New Haven and I was in complete awe over how they were able to convert their family farm in to a reception venue that could rival the best of them! 
These two share something so special, I can't wait to watch their future unfold!
Shout out to all of the wonderful vendors!
Videographer: The Storyteller Films
Flowers: Four Seasons Florist
Cake: Schultes Bakery
Hair: Shear Design
Makeup: Emily Miller Makeup
Tux: The Black Tux
Dress: Kleinfeld 
Big thanks to my 2nd for the day, Kristen. 

Dan & Sarah had the most elegant wedding weekend surrounded by family and friends from across several states. I was honored to be a part of their weekend extravaganza. I always enjoy getting to know my couples over the course of their engagement, from the time we first meet, to their engagement session, on through their big day. However, I feel like I get to know them best while listening to what their closest family/friends have to say about them. I'm back there behind the camera, laughing & crying right along with you as I listen to the stories told. I have to say that my favorite part of their whole day was when the MOH got the dueling pianos involved in her speech and started singing "Friends in Low Places". The guests erupted in to song with her!
Sunset Country Club in St. Louis was absolutely picturesque and was the perfect spot for these two to say I Do. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Dan & Sarah. 

Vendors
​Venue: Sunset Country Club
Dueling Pianos: Spanky Entertainment 
Cake: Hanks Cheesecake 
HMU: New Seasons Spa​
Florist: Always in Bloom 
Dress: Whittington Bridal - Kingston TX​

I knew the moment I met Dan & Julia, that their love story is one for the records. Their day was full of so much tender emotion. I can't help but smile as I look through all of their images. As a wedding photographer in St. Louis MO, I am blessed to capture magic with every wedding I shoot. Every so often though, I get to capture something EXTRA magical. The rain threatened all day, but literally just after saying "I Do" the clouds gave way & let the sun shine through. I can't wait to see what the future holds for this special couple.
PS: They danced a BOMB choreographed number for their first dance & I'm still obsessed with it! 
Venue: Noboleis Vineyards 
​Dress: Cleo Bridal 
​Flowers: The Flower Stop 
​Cake: Sarah's Bakery
Big thanks to my 2nd for the day, Megan. 
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​Elegant Illusions Photography is an award winning St. Louis, MO Wedding & Portrait Photographer, specializing in St. Louis Wedding, Engagement, & Portrait Photography, serving St. Louis, Franklin County, and surrounding areas.  
Destination Wedding Packages available.

Juliet & Keith had the most beautiful day for their celebration! From the weather, down to the sparkler entrance/first dance, every detail was perfect. I absolutely loved the culmination of boho & upscale chic. Juliet had the most intricate henna work done and decided to spend her day barefoot, which I LOVE! Keith had the most stylish/chic tux I've seen so far. I loved everything about the navy with the floral tie. 
Lost Hill Lake Weddings here in St. Clair MO is absolutely picturesque & I love every chance I get to work with this venue since it is basically in my backyard! 

​HUGE thanks to my rockstar 2nd photographer for the day, Jenny.  
Venue: Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events 
Dress: The Bridal Shoppe 
Suit: Suits 4 Men
HMU: The Hair Lab 
​Cake: Creations by Laura 
​Flowers: Sisterchicks Flowers & More 

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Chris & Alyssa through many of their big milestones. From capturing Alyssa absolutely glowing during her maternity session, to snuggling Bennett during his newborn pics. I have to say, watching these two celebrate their love as they said I Do, tops it all. As a wedding photographer, it is the ultimate honor capturing these moments for you. Alyssa & Chris, your day was nothing short of perfect & I can't wait to see your future unfold! 

Vendors
​Venue: Elijah McLean's 
Hair: Beauty Marked by Sarah 
Makeup: Vanessa Zingrich 
Cake: Sweet Designs by Mandi 
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​Elegant Illusions Photography is an award winning St. Louis, MO Wedding & Portrait Photographer, specializing in St. Louis Wedding, Engagement, & Portrait Photography, serving St. Louis, Franklin County, and surrounding areas.  
Destination Wedding Packages available.