I never met Samantha or Steve before their wedding rehearsal. I did not even know what to expect. I was thrilled they chose us to cover her special day and I knew she would not have a second thought about her wedding photography!

Kirkwood Missouri is where they were married and it’s really such a beautiful small town. There is a train station, market and a really cute open air plaza.

Sam and Steve were already married, Steve is a U.S. Marine and Sam wanted to be with him, so last year in August, they married so she could move to California with him, but Steve always promised her a wedding! Today was her day! Steve married Sam with family and friends in attendance and she had the celebration of a lifetime!

Samantha’s three sisters were at her side and Steve’s two and half (he’s adopted) brothers were on his side (it’s a joke)! The greatest thing about this whole day was everyone was so close, both families were so bonded it was hard to tell what side they belonged to, and at the reception for the bridal party dance, the DJ played “We Are Family”!

Such tight, loving families AND friends!

Sam designed her own cake and used her grandmothers beautiful earrings as decorations. They chose an amazing arrangement of flowers and even incorporated ornamental cabbage into the plan, it made for something very different, yet so beautiful.

Now here is a news flash even IF your GPS AND the lady at the hall tell you, you are going the right way. Don’t believe them! I ended up 30 minutes on the OTHER side of the reception hall and had to really struggle to find my way to 2 hearts banquet center. I actually ended up near 70 by the airport! We did miss a few things, but, got there in time to cover everything that needed to be covered and Thanks to great families that understand.

**Note taken to find the venue the night before! Point taken!

It was just so beautiful of a day and a gorgeous night! Raquel and I are very thankful that you chose us to cover your special day. It was awesome getting to know you all.

Ohhh, and you have to tell me, WHERE did you get those chocolate truffles? They were amazing! WOW!

How cute is this! All I did was ask!

This shot is simply amazing!

This just made me laugh. I had to share it with you, they all had such a great time and like I said, they were all family!

We had a blast shooting Steve and Samatha…So, here is a sneak peak! My last shoot (Lori) told me she did not like me too much after the sneak peak of her. Ha, she was dying to see her images!

I love the sneak peaks.

We met after a bridal show in St. Peters, Missouri and I knew Tony and Annie had a story, everyone does, but not everyone has a story of lifelong commitment and dedication with both families requiring them both to make the right calls and decisions on their lives. That was 8 years ago.

Today I was able to spend a day with their family and friends and watch two beautiful people take vows openly that they carried in their hearts from years ago.

Looking onward were their two sons Jackson and Tyler, Tony made sure to take them fishing this morning and spend special time with them before he added “husband” to his new role in life.

Tony is a man of character and honor. I was impressed as his mother took time at the reception to tell me a little bit more of his “life story”

Annie is dedicated and even talked of not minding if the kids came with them to Jamaica (no, the kids are not going, but she still would not mind!). They were announced at the reception as a family, danced as a couple then, as a family.

When I think of the character of people like this, it just makes me smile to know good people do exist.

They got married on the hottest day of the year, (so far) (108 heat index) and everyone, even their amazing bridal party sucked it up and did whatever Annie and Tony wanted for pictures to remember their special day.

The reception was at an amazing venue called “The Christy”

The night was still going strong with lots of dancing, celebrating and love!

Thank you all so much for allowing us into your lives and allowing us to capture the emotion as your two families were joined together!

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of flying into Ohio to shoot the wedding of Justin and Amanda, a few months earlier I also had the pleasure of shooting their E-session.

This couple was so much fun and did everything we asked them to do. We had a blast and they were one of the first couples that got to experience our new “alley” that we found in Ohio.

One of the first things I realized about them is how much they cared for each other, concerned what each other thought and the respect. You know, when two people look into each others eyes and you can just feel the love that they have. It’s an amazing thing to witness.

One of the greatest things about being a wedding photographer is to be able to witness the bond and love between two people, it’s so strong and sometimes so overwhelming. I love being able to capture that emotion and give back an image that reminds them exactly what they felt at that moment in time.

Capturing Amanda and Justin’s love was and easy task, they were so comfortable with each other, it just makes my job fun!

Thank you both for allowing us to share in your very special day. We enjoyed all of it and wish you both the very best of everything life has to offer!

The look on Robert’s face said everything as he came down to sign the Ketubah with his soon to be wife. Becky’s smile shined as she saw her future husband for the first time during the signing ceremony. Both Robert and Becky were excited and so ready for this day to begin.

Rebecca and Robert did not know it, but when the Rabbi asked them to write why they loved each other individually and in private and give to him, that he would read these openly to everyone in attendance. Tears were flowing as what two people wrote of love, faith, trust, support and hope were shared. It was the best wedding vows I have heard.

There were blessings and prayers and sharing of wine and of course breaking of the glass, giving of the rings and “the Kiss”. It was a ceremony that even though performed on Saturday had already been confirmed in their hearts long ago.

During the reception all I heard was how these two have helped each other, and supported each other and at one point Robert spoke to me and his respect and love for his new wife were in his words, what he said was truly of a man of understanding and a man in love.

During a very moving part of the toasts, talking about how Becky and Rob both helped each other during certain parts of their lives, that they would have liked to welcome Rob into their family but, he’s already been such a part of it. Rob put his head down and Becky looked over and spoke softly “are you ok?” It’s these moments, and times that I get to observe the depth of a couples closeness and love towards each other.

It was such an honor to capture your day and get to know you and all your family. I know you’re sitting in some nice quiet spot and enjoying this time alone together. I wish you both the best and can’t wait to hear from you when you get back! Thank you again.

I tell all my brides two things!

1. Stop and Breathe, take whatever moment you want and just stop and take it all in! It goes by so fast I want to make sure they have that moment to just exhale!

2. No matter what, something might go wrong! Just keep going no one will notice and if they do, they’ll just think it’s part of the plan!

So here are some tips on some disasters to avoid!

THE PROPOSAL
Disaster Scenario: You lose or damage your ring.
Are you sometimes scatterbrained? Afraid you might lose or destroy your ring before the big day? Consider buying a strong chain or necklace so you can wear it around your neck when you’re most active. (Trust us, one bride-to-be we know recently damaged her engagement ring during an evening of mechanical bull-riding!) Or, opt for insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies allow for a jewelry rider that covers valuables like your engagement ring. The yearly cost is usually $1 or $2 for every $100 it’s worth. If none of those options is your cup of tea, consider having a copy of your ring made by your jeweler for daily wear. Then, you can just wear the real one for special occasion.

THE CEREMONY
Disaster Scenario: It’s raining on your wedding day.
Even in your most demanding bridezilla moment, you can’t fight the weather — but you can plan ahead. If you have your heart set on an outdoor venue, rent a tent or ask about additional space indoors. It may cost you extra, you won’t be stressed when you’re finally ready to say “I do.”

Disaster Scenario: You wake up with a pimple.
Do not pick your face! If you have acne-prone skin, speak to your dermatologist about his or her availability on your wedding day (some dermatologists have weekend hours). Most likely, a shot of saline or cortisone will clear up your breakout. If your doctor is unavailable, try a cold compress to bring down the swelling and keep a bottle of Visine handy. This super-secret modeling trick will reduce the redness and minimize minor acne breakouts.

Disaster Scenario: You cry during the ceremony and ruin your makeup.
Nobody said the price of beauty is cheap, so if you have the funds, consider having your makeup artist on standby until the reception for a quick touch-up. If that’s not in your budget, you can always request waterproof and smudge-resistant cosmetics or shoot most of your pictures before the ceremony to ensure that you look your best.

THE RECEPTION
Disaster Scenario: The entertainment cancels or doesn’t show up.
Don’t assume because you’ve signed on the dotted line that you’re in the clear. Accidents do happen — one groom recently told us that the band got in a car accident on their way to the reception so his groomsmen raided a nearby Best Buy in search of CD players and music to entertain guests. Even if your contract is ironclad, make sure you have a backup plan in place. Ask your bridal party to bring their iPods, a laptop, and speakers just in case a disaster does occur. Better to be prepared than stuck in a jam.

Disaster Scenario: Your cake starts to melt.
It doesn’t matter what kind of cake you have — heat and sweet are never a good combo! Too many times, couples feel that since they paid a lot for their wedding cake, they’re entitled to show it off. Unfortunately, hot weather or a warm room can turn a big unveiling into a sticky-sweet mess. Speak to your caterer and request that your cake be left in the fridge or a cool spot until after dinner.

Disaster Scenario: You get a stain on your dress.
Uncle Bob spills some of his red wine on your dress and suddenly your entire wedding day is ruined. Okay, maybe not ruined, but it definitely can put a damper on things. Plan ahead — ask your dry cleaner for advice and tips on spot-treating your gown. Most likely your dress material will dictate how to remedy it.

Creations Photography wants you to have one less worry on your wedding day, that’s why we’re giving you a Photography “test drive”!

This way, you can meet us, check us out, and we are so positive you are going to love us, that’s why we are giving away this amazing offer!