New Trails

We meet again! First, if you haven't caught on yet, let me start by saying how much we adore outdoor weddings. Second, we also love a good winery. Put them together and you have a match made in heaven!

We were stoked to find out that Caitlin and Jason were hosting their big day at Villa Marie in Maryville, Illinois. Villa Marie is one of our favorite wineries in the area and it's the perfect location for an outdoor ceremony.

Jason started the day with golfing a few miles down the road, while Caitlin did a little bridal prep in the hotel. After they were both dressed and ready, they had their first look in the vineyards. Not only is a winery perfect for an outdoor ceremony, but the vineyards make for an excellent first look!

If you're unfamiliar with the concept of a first look, let me explain. A first look is when a bride and groom see each other before the ceremony. This gives the couple an opportunity to calm their nerves before they say "I do", in addition to having a little extra time to spend together on their otherwise hectic day. We often encourage our couples to have a first look, especially when they think they might be anxious the day of the wedding. The saying everything else falls away when you see each other is often true, but it's nice to have that moment privately. It's hard to share your thoughts and feelings throughout the rush of the day, so recently couples have started scheduling time to do just that.

If you're considering a first look, watch Caitlin and Jason's same day edit below for inspiration.

[embed]https://vimeo.com/132026342[/embed]

Enjoy!

captured in frames - St. Louis Wedding Videography

Sail On

If you're looking for contagious smiles, you've found them! It's hard not to smile in such a quaint picturesque town as Grafton, Illinois. Pulling into town felt like arriving at an Eastern coastal village. You know, like the ones you might see in a romantic comedy or read about in a Nicholas Sparks novel, where Mom and Pops dominate main street and you can find a bed and breakfast on every corner. The kind of town where everyone knows everybody and, if you're lucky, you might even catch one of the many local festivals hosted throughout the year. Grafton is that kind of town.

When we first learned that Carly and Styles decided to tie the knot along the banks of the Mississippi, we knew their Grafton Illinois wedding was going to be perfect!

Whether you've been following us for a while, or simply stopping by, you'll soon learn that we LOVE outdoor weddings. There's just something romantic about saying "I do" out in the open, for all of nature to see. Carly and Styles's outdoor ceremony was the ideal setting for love, laughter, and happy tears! We even saw a pirate ship haha!

Jimmy and I also enjoyed filming their reception at the Loading Dock in Grafton, IL. The hollowed out industrial space was prefect for dancing the night away (and for their same day edit ;) )!!

[embed]https://vimeo.com/119857410[/embed]

See ya soon!

captured in frames - St. Louis Wedding Videography

Finding The One

Hello again! Another week, and another wedding! Today I wanted to share Jenna and Josh's beautiful wedding story with you.

Last Saturday started at the Renaissance Hotel, where Jenna was getting ready for her and Josh's big day. I had so much fun hanging out with everyone in the morning! Jenna was so sweet and welcoming and made me feel as if I were just another one of the girls! :)

Meanwhile, Jimmy headed over Josh's parent's house to capture the boys getting ready. He was rewarded with a birthday beer and had a wonderful time grilling out!

Both Jenna and Josh were so accommodating and wonderful to work with. We couldn't have asked for a better way to spend our Saturday!

Jenna and Josh both wrote their cards in the morning and presented them to each other before the ceremony.

We love when couples write and exchange cards in the morning. It's such a nice personal touch to add to their Same Day Edit!!

My favorite moment of a wedding day is when the bride and groom first see each other! I can't help but smile every time! :)

Check out Jenna and Josh's Same Day Edit for below!

[embed]https://vimeo.com/76288262[/embed]

We had so much fun with Jenna and Josh and I hope you all enjoy their Same Day Edit as much as we do!

Take care!

captured in frames - St. Louis Wedding Videography