Congratulations Jack and Lauren!

Photography: Burns Photography

Ceremony:  UMSL -Provincial House Chapel

Flowers:  Sisters Flowers

Reception: The Gardens at Malmaison

Cake: Sara’s Bakery

We have to admit that between David’s undivided attention to Traci and her contagious smile we can tell that this couple is going to be great to work with in the wedding day! We feel like we have know them forever and we can’t wait to capture more of their passion for life in the big day!

Looking forward to it, guys! We are totally excited!!

They traveled from San Diego to the summer in St. Louis to celebrate their day with friends and family. There were no complaints about the heat, it was all smooth sailing in inspite of the weather. And, of course, you know bride and groom are totally in love when, to her suggestion to find a new hobby, he answers: “Honey, you are my hobby!” . That’s what we call scoring high in the making-someone-happy department.

Congrats, guys, what a pleasure it is to work with you!

Photography: Burns Photography

Ceremony: Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Eureka

Florist: Ken Coleman, Coleman Florist

Reception: Highlands Golf Course, Forest Park

Cake: Pastries of Denmark

And that is precisely what Ryan and Sarah did.  As if they were unaware of the summer heat burning down on the rest of the city, they were surrounded by an aura of joy and that intimate complicity that soul mates share.

…but, after all, it was june and it was St. Louis weather, so after venturing the outside elements for a while, the bridal party enjoyed the cool warmth of Ted Drewes hospitality and the laid-back atmosphere at the Schlafly Tap Room before heading to the reception with the great staff at the Randall Gallery.

Ryan and Sarah met in their freshman year of college at Truman State University and started dating two years after graduation. The first six months of their relationship were spent long-distance while Ryan studied abroad in Hamburg, Germany.

Their honeymoon took them to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Congratulations Ryan and Sarah, wishing you many years of life, love and great times!

Photography: Burns Photography

Ceremony: Basilica of St Louis, King

Florist: Lori Cox at Riley’s Florist

Reception: The Randall Gallery

Cake: McArthur’s Bakery

We can’t wait to see her grow and capture her every step of the way!

We are totally in love with this little person; he has such expressive eyes that we do not need words to describe his personality.  Check it out for yourself:

After an amazing engagement session, we were eagerly anticipating to see this great couple in action on their wedding day…and here they are!  It was an absolute delight to enjoy their day and realize what a great marriage they are going to share.

From the getting ready shots to the wedding talk – all the way to the dance floor – we were reminded of the precious bond of friends and family.  These experiences continue to shape the lives of Jared and Jessica and make them the beautiful people they both are today.  We are sure they will enjoy many years of marital bliss as they share the love dreams are made of!

Congratulations guys, we loved every minute of your day – our work was never made that easy!

Ceremony:  Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses – Centreville, IL.

Reception: The Regency – O’Fallon, IL.

As with every sort of makeup we’ve all seen it done wrong, but my little divas, do not dismay.  

Whether you are a glamour goddess or a bare beauty, you can have the lovely lashes of your dreams with no drag queen drama if you follow these instructions.  It will be more gorgeous than you can imagine, and the camera will LOVE you!  Remember your face is the focus.  Most of your photos will be captured from mid and full length.  Do not let your dress steal the spotlight!  There are three ways to do this right….

1. Lash Extensions:  This is a professional application and is bonded to your own lashes in a way that lets the lash fall out naturally over time.  It’s amazing because it will last through the honeymoon and you will look extra hot on the beach because they are waterproof.   Just remember all pros are not equal.  Go in for a first set to make sure you get the style you love, and then have them refilled to perfect the look up to the big day.
2. Temporary False Lash Strips: Contrary to popular belief these, if applied properly, are very pretty.  All eye shadow should be applied prior to the lash strip so no dust gets on the lashes.  It should in most cases be applied using a latex adhesive which dries invisibly.  This lash literally comes in 1000’s of styles and sizes; the trick is in having an artist who is talented in choosing the proper fit and style for you. Economical and relatively tear resistant one-day wear with easy painless removal.
3. Semi-permanent individual lashes: These are also a favorite and can be applied in any style you prefer.  They are designed to be worn for a few days, and applied with an adhesive that must be removed using an oil based makeup remover.  Application is a little more time consuming, but you can expect these to last a couple days at least.   The only drawback is that many people are sensitive to the adhesive which can cause them to tear up during application, but once they are on you can cry your eyes out and they won’t budge!

Next up…Luscious Lips that last all day, and bombshell brows.

(To view D’Shannon previous posts on Bridal Beauty Preparation click here!)

When we saw them look at each other like there was nothing else that mattered, we knew we had a winner couple to work with. We could not wait to photograph their wedding… the images of which will be posted here shortly…so come and visit again!