From the moment Tessa and Bryant reached out, I knew their intimate day was going to be special. They told me they had wanted to hire me to photograph their wedding before they were even officially engaged. I was so honored!
Tessa and Bryant knew what they wanted! And that clarity & confidence carried through their entire day. They planned a day that was meaningful at every turn. No fluff, no pressure to perform… just genuine moments and intentional choices that reflected who they are as a couple. As a St. Louis wedding photographer, this was a dream to photograph. All the authentic moments and true joy. Sign me up, any day.
Tessa started the morning getting ready at the Chase Hotel in St. Louis, surrounded by her sisters. The room buzzed with excitement and quiet joy as they helped her into her gown. From there, we snuck down the grand staircase to a quiet spot outside for a private first look with Bryant. He turned around, saw her, and I swear the rest of the world fell away for a moment. Just these two, on the sidewalk, taking in the moment.
The bride wore the cutest mini dress with oversized bow for her intimate day. She incoporated pops of color to add that spark of joy that aligns so well with her personality. I loved her whole look!
After that sweet “just-us” moment for the first look, these two made their way to Tower Grove Park (in the coolest transportation, I might add) for private vows under a sweeping willow tree. They chose this spot to say “I do”, just the two of them. And it was honestly such an honor to be there in the quiet moments to witness & document for them. There were happy tears, big smiles, and just a deep sense of peace. This wasn’t just a photo op. This was the beginning of their marriage, said out loud and witnessed under the bright blue skies.
Given that it was 100 degrees (because, you know, the south in September), we took a little break to cool off at the St. Louis Art Museum. Wandering the halls with them, surrounded by timeless art, was such a cool experience. There’s something grounding about pausing on your intimate day to just be. No audience, no timeline pressure, just the two of you taking it all in.
Their reception was held at A.Casa, one of my favorite dinner venues in the city.
Tessa and Bryant started the evening with an intimate dinner party with their closest circle. Think: delicious food, sentimental toasts, and so many tender moments. Later, the rest of their community joined for a joyful celebration on the patio. There was more food, dancing, and (my personal favorite) scoops of Clementine’s Ice Cream under the stars.
This day felt like a breath of fresh air. If you’ve ever felt like the big-traditional-wedding format isn’t quite you, let this be your permission slip to do things your way.
Plan your intimate day!
Whether it’s private vows under a willow tree, an afternoon museum date, or a backyard-style dinner party with your favorite people (or all of the above!) – this is your reminder that your celebration should feel like you.
Tessa and Bryant, thank you for letting me in on this day and trusting me to tell your story. I’ll never forget the magic of your day.
