11:11: It's in the Numbers. 2 Sneak Peeks!

When I hear November and Saint Louis in the same sentence, I think frigid weather, darkness that tricks you into thinking it is 9pm when in fact it is really 5pm, and bare trees.   This year has proven my preconceived November stereotypes to be far from the truth.....which I do not mind whatsoever!   This November has brought temperatures you could not have asked to be any more perfect, trees painted in leaves that looked as if they were on fire.   Burnt oranges, Deep reds, and every shade of yellow in between, all ingredients for sheer perfection and the type of wedding weather brides dream of.   I am beginning to think my new lucky number should be 11.   This has been the year of 11's.  Cardinals winning their 11th World Series Championship in 2011.  The 11th month of 2011providing some of the most perfect days my brides could have asked for.

Let the sneak peek begin... November has never looked so beautiful.  

First up, Meet Jenn and Aaron...

BEAUTIFUL flowers by Miss Kimberly Michelle......

I was SOOOOOO excited about this new location!!!     Can NOT wait to share more with you from this spot......

This picture is especially special, near and dear to Aaron's heart.   He was so happy and proud to have his two military buddies, more like his brothers by his side on the happiest day of his life.   This one is for you boys!   

 Meet Jeff & Michele.     Longtime friends of mine.  Jeff owns RinaWear Clothing Company and Michele is a Hair Stylist.   Both have that creative and artistic eye....and they are ALWAYS fun.   They have always been interested in photography. I did their BirthStory, and we talked cameras pretty much the entire time.   They have since started doing videography....and Awkward Moments Productions was born.  Our combined senses of humor, personalities and creativity makes we excited for every wedding we do together.

 Here is their video from Jenn and Aaron's shoot:

                                                                                                                                                                    

Yesterday we celebrated with Susan and Chad as they began their lives as man and wife.  I have known Susan going on about 12 years now. Last October, I was there shooting her little brother's wedding.   I met her boyfriend, Chad.  As we indulged in our usual girl talk....she could not hide the smile gleaming ear to ear as she said this is the man she was going to marry.   These two never settled for anything less than the real thing and go to show that when you meet that one person who makes you feel the way you didn't know was realistically possible, you will know.   Words can not begin to express how thankful and blessed I felt to share in this day with Susan.  The moment she first slipped her dress on to the moments before she walked down the aisle, I felt nothing but love and happiness for you and the man that loves you so perfectly.   I can NOT wait to share more from this beautiful November wedding day.  

Susan incorporated her love and infatuation that began as a child with The Wizard of Oz into her wedding.  Including the ruby red slippers.     

My absolute, most favorite, make me swoon flower is a peony.   I am not sure what it is about them....but they can bring up that fluttering feeling of happiness every time I see them.   They are springtime flowers, and pretty hard to get in the fall.   Susan, knowing that these are my absolute fave could NOT wait to surprise me with what Sisters Flowers was able to get in especially for her day.....PEONIES!!!   You never cease to amaze me, Sisters!!   :) 

We made a special stop before the reception at Ted Drewes.  They have their annual Christmas Tree lot up right now.  Something about the holidays, but it brings out that romantic/things are better together feeling.   Thank you, Ted Drewes, for having us and OF COURSE for the best, most famous frozen custard around!   :) 

Thank you Jenn, Aaron, Chad and Susan for giving me that much more to be thankful for during these holidays!    I love you all.   

xo

Ash-a-ley

Meet the Johnsons: Kelly & Matt

We have several wedding posts coming up on our blog. Each one complete with their own love story. A story that can be so unique and one of a kind, but usually always starts the same. Boy meets girl/Girl meets boy and they fall in love. Each love story may have its own journey and path, but one thing is certain....they all have that same "It factor". That spark, love, connection and adoration that has brought them to the moment and day that I am able to capture them reciting their vows as they look into each other's eyes. It seems so long ago when I first met Kelly and her mother. As they shared the wedding details and we talked pictures, I knew this was a love story I wanted to be a part of. Kelly and Matt have a simple love. They both come from strong homes. Both sets of parents are still married and have instilled the kind of morals and respect that parents always hope and work towards. I know that everyone comes from different families, but I really loved the tradition, love and strength that I witnessed in Matt and Kelly's families. I could see the same type of respect and love in Matt and Kelly's eyes throughout the day. As I looked at their sets of parents, I envisioned Kelly and Matt years from now. Matt and Kelly- I hope you both enjoyed every moment of your honeymoon and let it last long past when you return home. :)
Purple: my absolute fave. :)

Such a sweet moment between Kelly and her mom moments before the ceremony...

I am absolutely crazy about my niece, Madelyn. She stole my heart from the moment she came into my life. Because I know this love, I am absolutely certain of the way Kelly feels for her niece. She chose her to be her flower girl. She stole the show all day! :) A+ Flowergirl.

While the girls were fixing their makeup and helping Kel get into her dress......

. Looking good, Matt!

As usual, the few moments before the ceremony was my favorite moment of the day. It was obvious to see that Kelly was a total Daddy's girl. As her father saw his daughter for the first time that morning, his eyes welled with tears. I could see the realization in his mind that he was about to walk the same little girl that he held in his arms so many times down the aisle towards her future. He looked like he had never been more proud in his life. This is love.

And the big moment......

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson!

One of my favorite pics of the day! I was LOVING the grey suits!






After we took a few pictures at the church, we headed to Forest Park. This next series of pictures is my 2nd favorite moment of the day. I had the boys set their beers down as I was lining the boys up to take some awesome GQ by the golf course.....
And then a crazy golfer came flying by on his golf cart like a bat out of hell taking no mercy on any beer can that was standing in his way.......
Their reactions: Priceless. :) We were crying we were laughing so hard.
Love the hairpiece, Kel!

What a beautiful couple.


It was hot as heck on their wedding day! You would never be able to tell by the pictures, because they were pure troopers and smiled through all of the pics. Kelly decided on stopping by St. Louis's most notorious famous ice cream stop for a cool treat.....Ted Drewes! It was perfect!!!! Ted Drewes gives free ice-cream not only to the bride and groom, but also the entire bridal party!!!
Then it was party time.....

As they danced to "Lucky" by Colbie Caillet and Jason Mraz, I could see Matt singing every word to Kelly. It may be because of my love of music, but first dances are one of my favorite moments of the day.....and they were no exception. :)

Once again, congrats Kelly and Matt!!! We were honored to be a part of your big day!!! :)

Watch Kelly and Matt's Slideshow HERE.

And here is all of Kelly's Vendor info:

Ceremony Location: Concordia Lutheran, Kirkwood, Mo

Reception Venue: Orlando Gardens on Watson

Florist: Soulard Florist

DJ: Elizabeth A. with Complete Music

Cake: Lubeley's Bakery

Hair/Makeup: Sarah Trauterman
Where you got your dress from: David's Bridal

1st Dance Song: Lucky - Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

Father Daughter Song: Unforgettable - Nat King Cole & Natalie King Cole