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

Randi & Matt had one of the most beautiful backyard weddings I've ever seen. They both grew up in St. Clair Missouri and decided to keep their day intimate, close to home, shared with those closest to them.. I love that! There was so much love surrounding these two. 

When you imagine your wedding, you picture it as the perfect day. The DeWeese wedding truly was perfect. Even when a storm rolled in suddenly. Everyone packed everything up quickly & took the celebration inside. The happy couple (nor the guests) let it dampen their spirits, even if it dampened our clothes. I wasn't even a little bit mad that it rained during their first dance, I mean come on! That rain was magic! 

Hair: Sarah VonDracek with Beauty Marked by Sarah
Dress: Mimi's Bridal
Cake: Celebrating Life Cake Boutique

"If indeed you must be candid, be candid beautifully."

Think about that for a second. There are many ways to catch a candid photograph, but to execute the candid image in a beautiful way is difficult when you’re working in the moment. So what if as photographers, we focused more on the client connection and basic movements to really capture a candid moment? You end up with beautiful things.

As a photographer, I have worked diligently to capture my clients in their truest form. I want to get to know them and I want their images to tell a story. Bringing out genuine emotion in front of the camera isn't always the easiest, but it is the definitely the most satisfying part of my job. This candid style is what has shaped my business and helped it grow by leaps & bounds over the past year or so. 

When Jenny, of Jheart Photography asked me to partner up with her, to teach these techniques along with pose flow/workflow, I jumped at the opportunity! Jenny & I have very similar philosophies when it comes to photography and being a business woman. After many hours of discussing these beliefs and goals, we decided we had to share our knowledge and love of our craft with others.  Thus, Candid Beautifully was born! 

10 amazing women gathered at The Marry Me Cottage in O’Fallon MO to learn, grow, and network. We talked about posing tips, easy prompts to tell clients to maximize the shots rendered, how to flow from one pose to the next, and even some business tips. We were also blessed to work with some phenomenal wedding vendors in our area! 

It was such a wonderful experience to share the things Jenny & I have learned, as well as to get to know each of the beautiful women who attended. We all have varying styles and goals, but we were able to come together and share a day of laughter and support. Sharing and helping others brings me such fulfillment. 

Candid Beautifully Workshop is hosted by Elegant Illusions Photography & Jheart Photography

Vendors:

• Marry Me Cottage - @MarryMeCottage - Venue and Large floral bouquet

• Moment of Grace Florist - @AMomentofGraceFlorist - Round floral small bouquet
• Wedding Creations - @WeddingCreations - Romantic Dress
• BeautyMarked by Sarah - @SarahMalinda - Beautiful Hair Stylist and Braid Specialist
• H. L. Boutique - @H. L. Boutique - Our casual outfit
• Huge Thank You to Kate & Trey for modeling. Check Kate out here: KG Lillian
• Hometown Bakery - @hometownbakery - Thank you Amanda K for the delicious and adorable camera cookies we gifted each lady.
• Amber’s Custom Cakes - @amberscustomcakes - Small sample wedding cake
• The T-Shirt Shack - @TshirtshackSTC - Thank you so much for the beautiful T-shirts we all received as a keepsake from the workshop!

Jake & Elizabeth's wedding day was sweet perfection. With golden light, fire blazing in the hearth & love in the air, this February celebration was everything we hoped for. I was blown away by the love and support surrounding these two. I know their marriage will be Oh So Blessed! The ceremony & reception were held at the stunning Chandler Hill Vineyards. This was the first time I've had the pleasure of working there and it did NOT disappoint! It is such a beautiful and warm venue. Elizabeth, you were absolutely breathtaking and Jake, just as handsome as ever!
Shout out to all the amazing vendors who did such a beautiful job! 
Venue: Chandler Hill Vineyards
Dress: Wedding Creations
Flowers: Jackie Kitson
Makeup: Marrisa Messex

Dylan + Cathy's New Year's Eve wedding was nothing short of perfect. Gold & glitter & bubbly drinks. It was everything a festive New Year's Eve should be. The love, support and laughter surrounding these two as they committed their lives to one another was inspiring. The ceremony & reception were held at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery in Washington MO & I've never seen it look more beautiful. Plus, isn't Cathy's dress just stunning?! From that champagne base to the beautiful lace detailed overlay. Cathy, you were an absolutely beautiful bride! I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two love birds. 
Shout out to my 2nd for the day: Crystal Kosednar
and to all the vendors
Venue: The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center, Washington MO
Cake: Schultes
Flowers: Four Seasons
Dress: Wedding Creations