the rest of the adventure

Two blogs in one day? It seems weird but I wanted to make sure my project 52 entry was up on time. I already covered the wedding in detail but I took some other pictures on the trip.

I started my trip with two flights: one to Atlanta and then a connecting flight to St. Louis. I managed to get window seat so I could watch the sun rise from the airplane. (I wrote about my love of mid-air sunrises before I left.)

As I was landing in Atlanta, I got this shot out the window. It struck me as profound and something I HAD to capture but I'm not entirely sure why.


I already blogged the wedding and there's nothing to show from the bachelor/ette party.

The day after the wedding, Mattie took me to the Laumeier sculpture park. One of Jim's friends came with us and at one point, he let me try out his 5DMkII.


Those are my favorite photos from the excursion, and not just because of the camera. I honestly do not understand art sometimes. For example, why use bleachers as part of your piece if you do not want anyone to touch them?

That isn't to say that I didn't love some of the pieces. This one made me so happy.

These did too.



Mattie had posed me on the last sculpture because the side we were on didn't have a sign. So I figured once we had already broken the rules (unknowingly), I might as well enjoy myself and get a picture of Mattie with the sign.

On the flight home, I got window seat from St. Louis to Atlanta. I got to see the river (I'm not sure whether it was the Mississippi or the Missouri) and some really fluffy clouds.


I got to watch the sun set over Atlanta.

Mattie and Jim are married

After being super nervous about shooting their wedding, I can honestly say that this was the best way to ease in and try out being a 'pro' photographer. I've known Mattie since I was a freshman in college and she's always made me feel more confident about myself; meeting Jim just added to the list of people who make me braver and better. I could go on and on about how much I adore Mattie and Jim but it should be obvious by now. I still have a hard time believing that they like my work enough to fly me out to St. Louis to shoot their wedding but apparently they do. Jim is a photographer himself so I know what a big deal it is for him to choose me.

Their wedding was held at the Old Playground Pavilion in Tower Grove Park.
Her dress (for the ceremony) was her grandmother's and every woman in her family is given the opportunity to wear it.
The ceremony was officiated by their friend, Claudia. Mattie and Jim met when Claudia hired him to photograph her wedding.



We started off doing portraits so everyone could relax and eat after the ceremony.










Nervously waiting for the ceremony to start.


With the rings secure on their fingers and not lost in the grass, they were pronounced husband and wife.



Our friend Randi and her mister, Brad, drove up from the Panhandle with their swords. They gave Mattie and Jim a sword arch to walk through and something fun to cut the cake with.


Brad sabered the champagne for the toast.


The wedding was beautiful and I am so glad I got the honor of photographing it.

party time [teaser]

I got back from St. Louis a few hours ago and immediately launched into working on the pictures. I was just so excited about seeing them on a big screen. I figured you might be too so I thought I'd share a sneak peek of what happens when I promise Mattie I'll wear a skirt.


I promise I'll write a few full posts in the coming days, once I've slept.