I wrapped up my 2020 wedding season with a magical day spent celebrating Abby & Ben's love for one another.
2020 has been INSANE as everyone in the world knows. Trying to plan a wedding during a pandemic hasn't been easy on anyone. Last minute changes or reschedules were at the top of the list of concerns for most couples. As a St. Louis Wedding Photographer, I have seen first hand, the panic these poor couples have gone through. LUCKILY Abby & Ben were able to have a gorgeous ceremony and a little bit of post ceremony fun, despite their last minute rearrangements to their big day. 
It was literally the most beautiful December day, with very comfortable temps and the perfect amount of sunlight. These two somehow found a way to combine their love of all things Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings & a sprinkle of Disney magic thrown in.  Abby's main request for their formal portraits were to make sure to capture their weird/goofy/playful side. It was great! I love being able to see the real you during your portraits! They had me cracking up. 
CONGRATULATIONS MR. & MRS. DIERKER! 

Vendors:

Dress: Wedding Creations
Hair: Designers Edge
Makeup: Megan Gaither
Florals: Sister Chicks Flowers

​​​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.

If you are lucky enough to spend just a few minutes with Jessy & Mike, you will immediately see just how perfect they are for one another. I have been blessed with getting to know the two of them over the last year. Their wedding day was perfectly them. They were surrounded by so many of their friends & family, showering them with love & support. In spite of the chilly damp weather, all of us felt the warmth of their love. 
I absolutely love when I get to work with the team at Lost Hill Lake. As a St Louis Wedding Photographer, it is always a pleasure working with a team as thoughtful and attentive as the LHL team. They truly pull out all the stops at every wedding they host. I loved all the little touches they included for The Schaljo's big day. The baskets of blankets and the cozy bonfires helped keep everyone nice and comfortable. 
Congratulations Mike & Jessy! This is just the beginning to what will be a beautiful love story!

Vendors
Venue: Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events
Accommodations/Bridal Suite: Budget Lodging
Dress: Clarice's Bridal Fashions
Florals: Sisterchicks Flowers
Video/DJ: Applause Weddings
​HMU: Ashley Boren
2nd Photographer: Kristen Pruser

​​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.

2ndWhen I think back on Kellie & Kevin's wedding day, I can't help but grin from ear to ear. They share a love so strong & so full of laughter. As a wedding photographer, I get to stand back and just absorb some of the moments in the day. What I saw were two people who are truly each others best friend. There were so many moments where they looked at one another and just couldn't help but laugh at an inside joke, or something silly one of them had done. It is a blessing when you are able to have your best friend become your spouse. 
The Smegner's wedding was absolutely stunning. (I am obsessed with how gorgeous The Caramel Room in St Louis is.) Their day was full of so many laughs, tears, and giant smiles. Kellie & Kevin have so many people surrounding them with support & wisdom. I can not wait to see the rest of their love story unfold. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. & Mrs. Smegner! 

Vendors
Venue: The Caramel Room
Dress: Clarice's Bridal Fashions
Florist: Petal Pushers STL
Cake: Sarah's Cake Shop
HMU: KAMCO Beauty
2nd Photographer: Kristen Pruser
Videographer: Daniel Thompson Film & 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.

Amanda & Logan traveled from Texas to be with their family & friends as they said "I Do". They are both originally from the Union MO & Washington MO areas, so coming back to their home town to share their celebration was a no brainer. It was the perfect autumn day with warm sun and the smell of crisp leaves in the air. Amanda looked like a fairytale princess and Logan had a look of awe in his eyes, every time he gazed at his bride. These two middle school sweethearts couldn't be more perfect for one another. 
The details of this wonderful day were so gorgeous. Everything from the bridesmaids dresses, to the flowers, down to the centerpieces, were straight out of a magazine. It hasn't been easy for our 2020 brides, planning their wedding day, and if you throw in the Morton's out of town factor, planning was a big task to manage. Despite all the obstacles, everything was absolutely perfect.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Morton! I wish you all the best and know you will have a long marriage full of laughter & love. 

Vendors: 
Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church & St. Francis Borgia Ballroom-Washington MO
Dress: Wedding Creations 
Hair: Leslie Unnerstall/Trashy Roots Salon
Makeup: Christine Newton
Florist: Four Seasons Florist
Cake: Teresa Lynn Cakes

​​​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.

When I think back on Karley & Keith's day, the word that comes to mind is elegance. Everything about their day was perfectly thought out and absolutely stunning. Karley & Keith are such a beautiful couple! They could not stop smiling all day. Their grins were so contagious that my cheeks hurt by the end of the night.
As a St Louis Wedding Photographer, I love working with new (to me) venue's. The Villa Antonio Winery in Hillsboro MO is so picturesque. Nestled back off the beaten path, surrounded by quiet rolling hills, it is a beautiful venue. 
Big congratulations to the Pfaff's! They have a beautiful future ahead of them. 

Vendors
Venue: Villa Antonio Winery
Dress: Sincerely Yours Bridal
Florist: Charlee Storner
Cake: Cake House Design
DJ: Sound Solutions Live LLC

​​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.

Kelsie & Emmett have a love story like none I've ever heard before. 
Kelsie fell in love with Emmett in 7th grade and knew they had to be together. They finally got serious in Highschool and haven't looked back since.  
You guys! Kelsie married Emmett "FREAKING" Parker! 
Hearing the retelling of their story through the words of their closest family & friends was so special. As a wedding photographer, I feel like I truly get to know my couples when their family & friends paint those pictures. PS: I most definitely was fighting back tears. Especially when Kelsie's mom spoke. 
Heartland Farms in Bourbon MO was the perfect setting for these two soul mates to celebrate with family/friends. It's a hidden gem! 
Their day was everything Kelsie & Emmett imagined it would be and I know the rest of their lives will be just as magical. CONGRATULATIONS Mr. & Mrs. PARKER. I can't wait to see your story continue!
I could go on & on all day about all the beautiful things about this wedding, but I know you are here for the gorgeous pics.

Vendors
Venue: Heartland Farms
Dress/Tux: Mimi's Bridal
Hair: Beauty Marked by Sarah
Makeup: Tyra Mangrum
Videographer: These Forever Moments
DJ: Hysteria Sound

​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.

Brittany & Garrett were married on one of the prettiest September days I can remember. Here in St. Louis MO, we never know what September will bring. The air was brisk and the sun was shining. There was excitement floating around and the couple was surrounded by so much love and support. It was the kind of day that every wedding photographer hopes for. 
Brittany & Garrett traveled from their home in California, to celebrate their union with family and friends here in St. Louis. So many things about their day were different than what they originally had planned. The date changed. The venue changed. Some of their family/friends were unable to make it. They rolled with it and didn't let it dampen their spirits. I was blown away at how they were able to transform Brittany's childhood back yard in to a magical reception.
I feel such a sense of pride for all of my couples affected by COVID. Watching how the handle these unexpected situations and seeing their love shine just warms my heart.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Meier! I was honored to capture your day and help tell your love story. 

Vendors
Dress: Clarice's Bridal
Florist: The Greenhouse of Highland
Suits: Calvin Klein
Cake: Sarah's Cake Shop
DJ: Nick Calandro (family friend)
Videographer: These Forever Moments
2nd Photographer: Kristen Pruser

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.
​

Casey & Peter planned the perfect micro wedding and it was beautiful! As a wedding photographer in St Louis, I'm quickly becoming a fan of these intimate celebrations. The need for social distancing and smaller gatherings was difficult to adjust to, but the way couples are adapting and making changes warms my heart. The Arseneault's chose a picturesque AirBNB called Grafton Getaway (Grafton IL) for their big day. It was absolutely adorable with so many perks. The life size chess board was a favorite of mine. 
Now, let me just tell you..... walking down the aisle was too basic for Casey. She took full advantage of the slide built in to the side  of the hill  and made her grand entrance in the most unique way! It was a surprise to (almost) everyone. BEST ENTRANCE EVER! 
The Arseneault's have a big, full life ahead of them. I can't wait to see what they will accomplish together!
CONGRATULATIONS!

Vendors
Dress: Cleo Bridal
Venue: Grafton Getaway
Hair: Mane Attraction
Florist: Soulard Florist
Videography: The Film Perspective

What do you imagine your perfect wedding day will look like? As a wedding photographer in St Louis, I think the perfect wedding day is one full of support and joy. Sun shining warmly on your face. A gentle breeze with the scent of summer.. A calm morning spent getting ready with your family and friends. Lot's of smiles, hugs, love & laughter. Family and friends gathered around to celebrate your love for one another. All of the details coming together to create the perfect look.
Well, Tori & Kyle were blessed with all of those elements and more for their wedding day.
The Keeven's home Parish of St. Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul MO was so beautiful. It has stunning stained glass windows and a domed ceiling with a beautiful mural that gives off those old world vibes. I fell in love with the gorgeous white light the dome ceiling provides.
After the ceremony, we headed over to a family friends farm for with Mr & Mrs Keeven, to photograph them in the green rolling hills with quaint rustic buildings. It was a blast!
The reception that followed was absolutely perfect. I've never seen a KC Hall quite as beautiful as the one in St. Paul MO.
Tori & Kyle had a day full of support, love, emotion, laughter & joy. I know their marriage will be equally as full. Congratulations Mr & Mrs Keeven! I can't wait to watch the rest of your love story unfold. 

~VENDORS~
Reception Venue/Catering: Knights of Columbus, St. Paul MO
Wedding Coordinator & Cake: Sharida Mitchell - Simply You Events
Dress: Mia Grace Bridal
Suits: Savvi
Florist: Netti Mueller
Hair: Bliss Day Salon & Spa
Makeup: Belleza
DJ: Music House DJ
2nd Photographer: Kristen Pruser

If you are in the St Louis area, you know that August is usually unbearably hot & humid. Well, God smiled down on Breanna & Patrick's wedding because it was the most perfect August day I've ever experienced. Plus we had the most gorgeous sunset, which is every Wedding Photographers dream.
Breanna & Patrick are blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support. Seeing how much each of the parents care for the one another & how they adore this couple, filled my heart with warmth. (I kind of want them to adopt me, haha.)
They are truly an awesome family.
When I pulled in to the venue, I instantly fell in love! Rose Oak Acres, located in St. James MO is perfect for that rustic barn look with a ton of classy touches. The high ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers make for a beautiful reception and that green house....
Oh my! I am obsessed!
Congratulations Mr & Mrs Schau! I know you will have a long and happy marriage and I can't wait to see your story unfold! 
**Make sure to scroll down to the pics of Breanna seeing Patrick's ring for the first time.... he MADE IT HIMSELF! I was floored! ​

VENDORS
Venue: Rose Oak Acres
Dress/Suits/Florals: Margo's A Wedding Place
Cake/Cupcakes: Family Friend: Rachel Bethel
​DJ: Hysteria Sound
Caterer: Argyle Catering
​2nd Photographer: Kristen Pruser