A Botanical Wedding

When we were getting ready for our first consultation with Deanna and Tom, we were preparing as we always do. I was greeted with a huge surprise once they arrived, though, because the groom, Tom, was an old friend of mine. I had been communicating with Deanna (since the bride is the one with whom we usually have nearly all of the communication), and I had no idea who her fiance was. Tom for years was part of the St. Louis band “The Conformists,” and back in the day when my brothers and I were in a band together called “Jesús and the Flaming Tacos,”  we used to play with the Conformists fairly often. (Yes, that really was our band name…). We always got along great with the guys in the band, and we would see them at other concerts as well when we were attending and not playing. They were awesome people, and it was always a pleasure when we had to chance to hang out with them. So, that was a great surprise when I saw him walk in the door.

We were also very excited about their wedding because it was going to be our first time of shooting a wedding at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It is hard to believe we had never had a wedding there before, but it was just one of those classic St. Louis wedding locations that we had never shot at before. My sister was visiting in town the week before, so the three of us made a day trip to go there and explore the place. It is such a great location for wedding photography, floral photography, or even just having a relaxing day. If you have never been there before, we would definitely recommend it.

The weather in StL this year has been, as we have said several times, pretty brutally hot. But, this Saturday was absolutely perfect. It was great to have an outdoor wedding where we were not sweating ourselves like mad. The wedding was in the rose garden at the Gardens, and after the ceremony was over, we spent some time walking around getting some photos in a few other very picturesque spots. We always love getting to photograph in new locations to us, because it always opens up the creative side in our minds more and more. That, by itself, made it so much fun.

Speaking of fun, the bridal party was an absolute riot to hang out. Two of the guys in the party were also bandmates of Tom’s, so when you have that much history between people, it always yields very funny and relaxed moments. (the photo of Jim ever-so-gently caressing Mike’s head is a perfect example of this…those guys are nuts). After finished at the Garden’s, we popped down to Lafayette Square  to get some pictures by a fountain and in the Lafayette Fire Company No. 1 restaurant. A nice little stop over before the reception is always fun. From there we went on to the reception, which was being held at the Franklin Room in the Soulard area. I have to say (and Shannon agrees) that this venue is just awesome. We loved it…every part of it. It is an older venue which always hits things off well for me, but along with that, the food was amazing and staff was great too. We very highly recommend checking into the place if you are looking for a reception venue. It was a great day, and we wish the absolute best to Tom and Deanna. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your day!