It was October of 2010 when I met Taylor for her senior pictures. She and her mom drove six hours so she could have her session with me. Her mom told me last Saturday, at her wedding, that it was that day Taylor decided I was also going to shoot her wedding. She e-mailed me and I was so honored and changed my yearly cruise to make it work! You see, Taylor and I have somehow never lost touch in the almost seven years since we met. Thank you social media, especially Pinterest on this case, for this beautiful thing. 

And so I flew to St. Louis, MO, rented a Dodge Journey, and drove to Wildwood. The night I arrived I ate fried ravioli, provel cheese (only available in MO), and gooey butter cake, which has become one of my favorite cakes EVER. I just couldn’t believe that senior girl I had met was getting married! 

THE VENUE

The Silver Oaks Chateau was built for weddings, and you can truly see that the moment you arrive. Everything, from the stunning floors to the chandeliers is perfect and breathtaking. A venue where you can get ready, have your ceremony, cocktail hour AND reception all in one place, and not have to sacrifice a thing, as everything is beautiful. 

As a wedding gift, Taylor gave Kellen a canvas of the sound vibration of the words “I love you Kellen,” it brought him to tears. Kellen is so in love with Taylor, and through the entire day, it was visible just how important and meaningful every single detail was to him. At the reception he thanked Taylor for planning all the little things, and for making it so perfect. She did everything in six months! 

THE BRIDE AND GROOM

What started as a secret, office romance, soon bloomed into love. You can always find a new job, but love, oh love, you never know when you’ll find it. And when you do, you better not let it go. So they fought for love and love won. 

THE WEDDING PARTY

Your very favorite people in the world get to be by your side on the best days of your life. I looked at this group, siblings and best friends, and I was so proud of K&T. They nailed it with this group. The color of the bridesmaids dresses in contrast with the dark blue suits, AND those flowers… Yes, absolutely nailed it! 

THE CEREMONY

The single rose on the very first chair was there to represent her dad, who left this earth too soon. Under the layers of her dress were earrings gifted by Kellen, with her dad’s birthstone. The earrings were also her something blue. They wrote their own vows, and said yes to a lifetime together. Best friends, now husband and wife. 

THE RECEPTION

It’s hard to believe this entire wedding was planned in six months. Even more when there wasn’t a wedding planner. Taylor’s impeccable taste and attention to detail made it all possible. From the invitations she made herself, to carefully choosing every vendor, everything was perfect. 

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER…

Not the end, but the beginning. 

WEDDING VENDORS: 

Photography: Poly Mendes Photography 

Venue: Silver Oaks Chateau

Cake: Sarah’s Cake Shop 

Catering: Hollyberry Catering

DJ: TKO Djs

Florist: Mary Tuttle’s Floral

Hair & Makeup: Julius Monroe O’Fallon

String Quartet: Heritage String Quartet