Katie and Vince’s wedding was held on a very special date that only happens once a century (11-11-11) inside the Sawyer Room in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. With the number one being so prevalent on that date it was only appropriate that it was also a day of firsts for L. Frisch Photography. It was my first Friday night wedding, my first KC wedding of the year and first time I’d seen someone take such a unique concept and turn it into a cake (you’ll see what I mean later). Katie and Vince are super crazy about each other, it’s obvious to anyone who spends any time in their presence.  From the minute Katie walked down that aisle and reached Vince at the other end the two held hands. While a friend gave a special reading from The Velveteen Rabbit I caught them both exchanging sweet little glances and smiles. When it came time for the vows it was so touching how Katie teared up while she said hers,  but what really got me was the tenderness with which they danced their first dance (to Peter Gabriel’s “Book of Love”). Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Mollica! Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day and entrusting me with your memories, it’s truly an honor.

Family portrait sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph. I enter into my portrait sessions with the same mindset that I do at weddings, capture emotive images. My goal is always to photograph authentic and genuine moments, to document these brief perfect little instances and preserve them for a lifetime. Here are images from my family session with the Preul’s, taken in their own backyard. Their daughter is one of the happiest babies I’ve ever met and she’s just learning to trust herself standing and taking steps. Before we know it she’ll be full-on walking, so it was really cool to chronicle this point in her development. Someday when she’s older they’ll look back on these photos and reminisce about how little she was and I’m over-the-moon that I was the one that got to preserve those memories on “film”. {sigh} I love this job.

How do you not fall totally in love with this baby? Look at that smile!

With the holidays approaching it’s that time of year again…time to get family photos taken! Here are some images from a session I photographed in KC yesterday,  gotta love those marvelous Fall colors. Interested in having me take some photos of your family? Just give me a shout. You can reach me via the contact form on my blog. Thanks!

Mike and Susie are pretty cool.

It’s not every wedding that you start the day at a historic church and end the night with twins spittin’, “Rapper’s Delight”, however this past Saturday was filled with all of that and much, much more.

The day began at Our Lady of the Holy Cross Catholic church in Baden, Missouri. The 102 year-old Gothic-style church was a perfect setting for a very sentimental and spiritual ceremony that included a homily by Susie’s Uncle, Terry.  Many a (happy) tear was shed, vows were exchanged, a kiss and Mr. & Mrs. Newsham exited through a church full of cheering family & friends snapping pics & video paparazzi-style. Next stop, Blues City Deli, a favorite eatery of the couple where we all refueled with some amazing sandwiches. Of course no girl is a fan of pictures of her eating, but watching Susie take a big bite of a sub in her immaculately white wedding dress with no fear was pretty great. After everyone was re-charged on sammies we headed to Tower Grove Park for photos. I love this park. The afternoon light filters so beautifully through the tall trees and this time of year the colors of the foliage are spectacular. Mike & Susie are proud St. Louisians so a quick stop for a photo-opp by the arch was a must.

The reception was held at Lumen, a really modern and sleek event space with a great set up. While shooting from the balcony during the cocktail hour I ran into Mike’s brother, Chris, “Can you tell I’m wearing anything under this?”, he asked. I stared back confused, “Um…no….why?…”. To honor their family’s Austrian heritage Chris was wearing Lederhosen under his tux, with plans to disrobe as part of his Best Man toast.

Maid of honor Rachel gave a sweet toast and hugged her bestie, then came Best Man Chris’ turn who took off his tux and climbed onto the head table to reveal not only Ledherhosen, but gi-normous basketball shoes. The room rocked with laughter. Susie and Mike’s first dance was quite the show too, those two have some serious moves (they’d give those Dancing With The Stars people a run for their money) and I love how in the photos you can see the intensity in their eyes. The night went on with lots of great dancing (including the Polka) and eventually it was time for me to go, but not before one last thing…Susie’s twin uncles’ rendition of “Rapper’s Delight”. I have no words besides, awesome.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Newsham! Thank you for inviting me into your lives to capture this very special day for you. You two sure know how to throw a party. May marriage bring you a lifetime of happiness filled with lots and lots of dancing.

As per usual I have way too many favorite images from Susie & Mike’s wedding. I’m busy working on whittling my extra-large helping of “selects” down into a sizable blog post, but I’m getting antsy with excitement. I just can’t wait anymore, I’m compelled to share this one that I really, really love of Susie & her bridesmaids:

Tower Grove Park + late afternoon sun + a little vintage-y editing =  {sigh} magic

Stay tuned for the full blog post containing a Lederhosen-clad groomsman, some sweet polka action and an epic rendition of “Rapper’s Delight”.

Intrigued? You should be.

Meet Molly & Fernando, married this past Saturday in St. Louis, Missouri.

We were ready to leave one of our photo locations when I spotted this ivy covered wall. Everyone had already gotten back into their cars and I literally stopped my car and jumped out, ran to the limo, knocked on the window and asked if they’d mind if we took “just a few more”. Yeah, I may have seemed totally crazy, but I just couldn’t leave without getting some shots at that awesome wall.

October is my favorite month to photograph weddings, all the colorful foliage and great afternoon light make for some magical pics.

Dan got this great shot of Molly’s shoes. I think he must have crawled on the ground to get it, which is why he’s my favorite assistant.

Molly and her mom.

Molly opening a wedding day gift from Fernando, a beautiful diamond necklace.

Which her sister, Katie, helps her put on.

The dashing groom.

Fernando, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Molly’s family.

Fernando’s family.

The Crystal Ballroom.

The Crystal Ballroom; Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel

Molly & Fernando included their dog, Rudy, on the cake topper. Isn’t that adorable?!

Molly’s dad had everyone cracking up. I love how the sunset filtered through the ballroom.

Molly’s sister, Katie, giving her toast.

Fernando’s friend, Antonio, gave his toast in both English & Spanish.

Molly’s dad brought out some old-school dance moves.

Fernando and his mom are really great dancers.

And the dance party begins! Fernando shows off his moves.

Congratulations Molly & Fernando! Your wedding day was beautiful. Thank you for inviting L. Frisch Photography into your lives to capture this very special day. Dan and myself truly enjoyed meeting all of your wonderful family and friends.

This past weekend, Thumper Entertainment hosted the fifth annual Boone County National Bank Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival in Columbia, Missouri. Besides featuring 30+ music artists, over 2 days, on 3 different stages throughout downtown Columbia, this year they added a wedding to the mix.

Marilyn & Casey are longtime blues enthusiasts who began dating 06/07/08. Over the course of their relationship the couple made many trips down from their home in Iowa to attend the Roots N Blues Festival. A few months before attending last year’s festival Casey proposed to Marilyn and the two planned to have a wedding in Hawaii. Driving home from Columbia last year, after enjoying a wonderful blues-filled weekend at RNB 2010, Casey jokingly said to Marilyn, “We should just get married at the festival.”.

Maybe it wasn’t such a crazy idea after all?

The couple contacted festival producers to ask if holding a small wedding during RNB 2011 was even a possibility and before they knew it a plan was in motion to hold ‘Love: Roots N Blues Style’. Wedding vendors throughout mid-Missouri came together to provide services to make Marilyn & Casey’s special day even bigger then they had ever dreamed.

As for my part I photographed the events leading up to the wedding; the planning, meeting with vendors etc…in addition to photographing what I know best, the wedding day. And without further ado here are some of my favorite images that tell the story of Marilyn & Casey’s Roots N Blues style wedding.

One my favorite details….Marilyn & Casey started dating on 06/07/08 and were wed on 09/10/11 Head Frocks provided by Amy Susan. http://www.headfrock.com/Marilyn admiring her hairdo at Kelani Salon & Spa http://www.kelanisalonandspa.com/Oh yes, that Head Frock will look just Perfect!Marilyn’s granddaughter, Lily, (the flower girl) is pretty pleased with her hairdo & Head Frock as well.Marilyn and her daughter, Amy, getting their make-up done by Kelani’s specialists.Wedding Bands from Buchroeders. http://www.buchroeders.com/And the lovely wedding bands sitting atop Marilyn’s bouquet, provided by My Secret Garden. www.secretgardenmo.comRuth LaHue, owner of My Secret Garden, shows Marilyn how to properly hold her bouquet.Marilyn & her mother Mary admiring the wrist corsage from My Secret Garden.Ruth, of My Secret Garden, presents Lily with her flower girl basket.Marilyn helping Casey get ready.Ruth presents Casey with his flower lei, sent from Hawaii to Columbia, MO just for this occasion. So cool!Marilyn & Merrill.Marilyn & her granddaughter getting ready in rooms provided by the Courtyard Marriott-Columbia, MO. http://www.marriott.com/Marilyn’s grandson, Bo.Lily is such a cutie. All dressed up and ready to go with her basket.Marilyn & her daughter Amy.They love to laugh.Marilyn & Casey with Marilyn’s kids, son-in-law & grand-kids.In about 30 min. they’ll be up on the Flatbranch stage getting married.

Marilyn’s mother, Mary, with her longtime companion, Merrill, share a  sweet moment.

Edith Hall with the FABULOUS guitar-themed cake she provided for the wedding. Notice the veil & bow tie on the guitars? http://cakeswiththepersonaltouchbyedithhall.blogspot.com/Amy Susan, who provided the ladies with their Head Frocks, helps Marilyn adjust hers in the limo before the big event begins.Amy S. customizes her Head Frocks to coordinate perfectly with your colors and add that special little something to your wedding day look.Harmonica players provide tunes while the ushers seat the guests.A family friend, Quay Schaus, plays while the wedding party and Marilyn walk down the aisle.Marilyn’s son, David, walks her down the aisle to the Flatbranch stage. Marilyn’s friends hoot & holler for her the whole walk down the aisle.A view of the wedding party and minister Justin Garrett of The Crossing on the Flatbranch stage, Saturday night at the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival.

Justin Garrett did a wonderful job officiating. The ceremony was very sweet and meaningful. The kiss! Check out Marilyn’s grandson, Bo, cheering with his ring bearer pillow.JUST MARRIED!!!And now for a slice of that awesome guitar cake.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Casey Cannon!

Your wedding was one for the record books and I’m very happy I was able to capture all the memories along the way.

Thanks to all who participated and contributed their time & talents to give Marilyn & Casey such a unique and memorable wedding day:

Buchroeder’s Jewelers :: http://www.buchroeders.com/

Amy Susan, Head Frocks :: http://www.headfrock.com/

Courtyard by Marriott :: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/coucy-courtyard-columbia/

My Secret Garden :: http://www.secretgardenmo.com

Thumper Entertainment :: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THUMPER-ENTERTAINMENT/44079244298

Cakes with the Personal Touch by Edith Hall :: http://cakeswiththepersonaltouchbyedithhall.blogspot.com/

Kelani Salon & Spa :: http://www.kelanisalonandspa.com/

(If I’m missing any vendors please leave a comment and I will add them to the post.)

This past holiday weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful Perkins-Walsh wedding, held at the Forest Park World’s Fair Pavilion in St. Louis, Missouri. I love photographing weddings in Forest Park and the World’s Fair Pavilion is one of my favorite venues. It was a beautiful afternoon with an overcast sky (great for photos!), cool temperatures and a breeze. The pavilion sits atop a hill and it was quite windy up there-which made for some awesome photos with Jessica’s cathedral length veil. Congratulations Jessica & Brandon! I wish you all the happiness in the world. Thank you for entrusting the L. Frisch Photography team to document such a special day in your lives!

Also, a special thanks to two people who helped everything run seamlessly on Jessica & Brandon’s special day:

My awesome assistant photographer, Daniel Brenner.

&

Wedding planner Sabrina Torti, of Proposing Dreams.

Here are some images from Sunday’s portrait session.

When I photograph kids I prefer to let them run around and play so that I can capture them in their element. Plus, then the kids have a lot more fun too!