Andrea & Mark – engaged!

The moment SO many people have been waiting for – Andrea & Mark are (finally) engaged! And I say finally because, well, they’ve been dating for 14 years. Good Lord! I was in college when they started dating! They had been together so long that they thought the idea of engagement photos sounded silly — and then they revealed to me that they’d never had professional photos taken of the two of them! Such craziness! So with that knowledge; we discussed the benefits and quickly (very quickly) decided to do an engagement session on The Hill! So let’s get to them!

Ok, opening with an image like below, you may think Mark is shy – but you’d be (very) wrong. Trust me, Mark is anything but shy. He’s in a band (guitar) and almost (but not quite) as chatty as me. I don’t think he’s ever met a stranger.

And I have to say, these two were troopers. Seriously, we started the session getting beaten by the wind because a storm was coming in. (It reminded me of Sofie’s session.) But Andrea & Mark were good sports. Mark even wore that great jacket despite the fact that it was MEGA hot. Way to be a slave to fashion Mark!

And Andrea, are you kidding me – how adorable is she? I just love how she’s looking at Mark in that (above) photo. Andrea is my sister Jenny’s best friend. So I’ve grown up with her, never (in a million years) thought I would shoot her wedding! And I love, love, love this next photo…..

The wind did eventually calm down. We wrapped the shoot at Andrea’s grandma’s house, a special place for Andrea. I recommend going to meaningful places for both engagement and wedding day photos. Don’t worry about whether or not you think the place is “picturesque” – leave it to the photographer to find a good angle, that’s why we’re professionals!

Beautiful light….. (sigh)

On the way to grab a bite to eat, we passed a store that had lace curtains in their front window. It was beautiful! I had to get a few frames! Mark says this store changes their window display all the time and assures me these curtains will be gone in weeks. Major sad face.

Andrea & Mark – thank you so much for hiring me to document this time in your lives! I am absolutely thrilled and can not wait for August! Best, ie

Kate & Nick – engaged!

You know there’s a lot of trust (both ways) when the attorney you hire to do your will & trust paperwork refers his daughter to you for wedding photography! That’s what happened late last year – pretty cool, huh? I am so honored to be documenting such a momentous occasion for these wonderful people. Enjoy the engagements, shot all over downtown!

Kate & Nick are huge sports fans, a stop at Busch Stadium was a must!

Kate is from STL, Nick is from Ohio, they met at Ball State (in Indiana) and now live in Kentucky. Knowing how much STL means to Kate, Nick chose to propose to Kate at a STL landmark – the Old Courthouse. So naturally we wanted to incorporate the Courthouse into some photos.

I love the Arch grounds!

How cute is their dog? Hi Mo! She just couldn’t be bothered to look at me. Oh well, she’s a good girl.

Possibly my favorite…..

Steps of the Old Courthouse

Kate & Nick – thank you for all your time! I look forward to the June festivities! Best, Beckie!

Ritu & Markus – engaged!

This past weekend I photographed Ritu & Markus’ engagement photos. The weather was a bit chill, but they were troopers.

Are they not totally adorable? And Markus was functioning on maybe 4 hours of sleep, never complained once, not once!

After time at one park, we went to another park! Seriously, Ritu & Markus, you two are just so good looking! I can’t wait to see your babies!

And one last water shot….. (sigh)

Ritu & Markus, thank you so much for sharing your time with me! I can’t wait for the Summer festivities! Best, Beckie

Paige & Oliver – engaged!

I love, love, LOVE shooting in new locations. And this engagement session was shot in THREE new locations. We shot at a park, a cemetery and university campus – lots of fun. Oliver is hysterical and Paige handles him VERY well. Enjoy the images!

Love this first one!

Great dress…..

Love it!

I really like to watch (and photograph) the way people look at each other. Especially couples because, if you have kids – this is how they’ll learn about the early days of their parent’s relationship. Remember people, photos OF you aren’t FOR you, they’re for the people who love you. Think about it. It’s true.

Again with the sweetness.

Paige & Oliver, thank you for your time! Your wedding is going to be fabulous! Best, Beckie

Susan & Ryan engaged!

I recently shot Susan & Ryan’s engagements at the new City Garden downtown. Because it was in July we did it in the AM to avoid the sweltering heat.

After our session, I was driving home, hadn’t gone far and saw these really great buildings. I just loved them and thought they were SO the right style for Susan & Ryan. So, at the risk of seeming like a nut, I frantically called Ryan’s cell and said “Where are you? Can you meet me at this street corner? There are these really great buildings and – trust me – you’ll be glad you did this. I promise!” So glad they trusted me! Below are just two photos from this location. And the best part? Ryan works for Brown Show… note the words on the building. Perfect! Susan & Ryan, thanks for all your time AND for trusting me! Can’t wait for the big day! Best, Beckie

Phyllis & Stan – engaged!

Meet Phyllis & Stan, they’re fabulous (& straight out of J. Crew).

So timeless.

Favorite…

Other favorite…..

What can I say about Phyllis & Stan…. I love their names, I mean come on, Phyllis & Stan! So old school, so 1950s solid, I want to play dominos with these two! And they totally live up to their names! Phyllis is a teacher, Stan a business man. Phyllis & Stan, I look forward to your July wedding! Thank you for choosing me! Best, Beckie

Jennifer & Deric engaged!

Behold the beauty of Jennifer & Deric!

Seriously, I love the way she looks at him.

Jennifer & Deric, looking forward to the big day! Thanks for spending your Sunday AM with me, next time I’ll *try* not to bring the heat & humidity. Best, Beckie

Mary & Martin – engaged!

This weekend I shot several (3) engagements, here is the first (or lead batter as Mary says . Mary & Martin are awesome, fun and full of hilariousness. Enjoy these photos!

I’m pretty sure this last one is my favorite…..

Mary & Martin – thank you so much for sharing this time in your lives with me! I can’t wait for the main event! Best, Beckie

Katie & Tony

Tonight I had a super brief engagement session with Katie & Tony. You may remember that I photographed them just a few weeks ago at the Chase (their reception location). Well, long story short, my neighbor has a really great shed that looks like a barn (says this County girl) and I’ve been wanting to use it for a couple (I’ve used it for my kids). Sooo, Katie & Tony were willing and tonight was our night. Enjoy these few!

Favorite:

Now, although tonight was “our night”….. not everyone got the memo, my dear husband (Denny) was running late. So there we were; professional photographer, lovely engaged couple and two children (who, btw, were more than happy to hang out with clients, if you’ve been to my studio, you know my kids LOVE meeting my clients). Thankfully our location was literally next door to my house and Katie & Tony were SO not bothered by my “assistants.” In fact, they were quite amused… and the kids? Well, what can I say?

Apparently Griffin saw a spot for him, so he took it…

Katie & Tony, I can not thank you enough for being such great sports this evening. Looking forward to the big day! Best, Beckie

Katie & Tony – engaged!

Last weekend I shot Katie & Tony’s engagement photos at the beautiful Chase Park Plaza (their reception location). They looked great and Katie was a real trooper while outside – never complained once of the lingering March chill! Enjoy the photos.

Katie & Tony – I look forward to the wedding in October! Thank you so much for sharing this time with me! Best, Beckie