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.

Brennan & Melissa celebrated their nuptials in one of the most unique venues I have ever photographed. Their beautiful ceremony & reception were held in a quaint horse arena. When you stepped inside, you never would have known (other than the frequent whinnies heard from outside). The whole place was decorated beautifully and filled with their closest friends & family pouring their love & support on them.  Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Callahan! As always, it was an honor being a part of your special day!

Thank you to my 2nd photographer: Megan Ehret
Dress: The Bridal Shoppe  
​Cake: Harters Bakery  

​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.

Dan & Chelsea's wedding day was downright perfect. The whole atmosphere from the moment we arrived was full of light, laughter &  love.
As a St. Louis Wedding Photographer, I love working with new venues. 
  A Pocket Full Of Sunshine is a gorgeous all inclusive venue. I was blown away with every  detail they thought of, from a gorgeous floral arbor, all the way down to the little teacups they placed the cupcakes in. 
  Chelsea & Dan have such a fun, love filled relationship. I truly enjoyed every moment of our time together over the past year. I can not wait to see their future unfold. I always tell my couples, laughter is truly what will hold you together, and these two have plenty of that in their lives. 
Shout out to my 2nd photographer Megan Ehret
and to all the vendors 
Venue: A Pocket Full of Sunshine
Dress: Maggie Sottero-Abbie
Cake: Artistry on Cakes
Flowers: Flower Girls
HMU: Halo Salon
Catering: Silver Spoon​

When I think back on Lindsay & Austin's wedding day, the word that comes to mind is MAGIC. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the excitement! Lindsay & Austin had so much support surrounding them as they celebrated their love for each other. 
Lost Hill Lake Weddings was the perfect venue for the McRaven ceremony. I never get tired of shooting here. There are so many wonderful backdrops, from the beautiful lake and bridge, to the amazing walnut grove. This venue does NOT disappoint. 
Witnessing such sweet and tender moments is one of my favorite things as a St. Louis Wedding Photographer. The jokes and laughter, as well as the stolen glances and sweet kisses are what make a wedding day magical. It doesn't hurt when the bride & groom are as stunning as these two love birds are. Lindsay was jaw dropping in her elegant gown and cathedral veil. Austin was as handsome as could be. Every detail was perfect. 

Shout out to these amazing Vendors!
Venue: Lost Hill Lake Weddings
​Dress: Maiden Voyage Bridal
​Cake: Creations by Laura
Flowers: Sister Chicks Flowers
HMU: Jennifer's Steel Magnolia's Salon & Spa
Catering: Sugar Fire BBQ