hawaii wedding photographer // erin and doug

Oh my word – Spring weddings full of fresh blooms and some raindrops make us get super creative + that is exactly what we had at Erin + Doug’s stunning wedding. This day was a true love letter to St. Louis and was packed with some of the most thoughtful gifts + speeches I’ve come across. Honestly – the words that filled this day were the loveliest. Oh – and Doug and Erin, they legitimately could not have had those smiles wipes from their faces. BEAMING all day long… damn the rain! These two are truly something special – like two of the hands down nicest, most thoughtful people you will ever know. They were certainly destined for one another despite all of the opposites! I am so glad that they took me up and called me when they got engaged like I told them too a few years back at Doug’s brothers wedding : ) Because this day was one that I had to be apart of, I felt it! I was supposed to be there capturing this love story, and my goodness, what a privilege it was!

 Hands down – the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever been around.   Time for the first loooook!   Doug, I adore you — this first look of yours was so beautifully you two. Thank you for letting us capture it!! Stole my heart!   Erin straight up burst out into the biggest laugh after trying to hold this ‘American Gothic’ face : )  I mean allllll the heart eye emojis you guys. All of them.   Gotta get that iconic shot with all your favorites!   My view is up there, Nicki’s view is below : ) We cover all them angles!  MARRRRRRIED!!  Like it is sideways raining in the coooooold brisk wind, LOOK AT THEM SMILES.   So much laughing. And so many gift props!   First dance song :: Anywhere by Passenger  A few words from the newlyweds!

Most hilarious moment of the day?: So many! One that sticks out is when Laurie was trying to get a picture of Doug and I in front of a stained glass window in the church sanctuary after everyone was gone after the ceremony. Laurie was on one side and Doug and I were on the other, clearly getting a photo taken. Then my parents burst into the sanctuary looking for my mom’s cell phone, just walking up and down the aisle and having no idea that they were walking directly through Laurie’s shot. We were all laughing so hard! (She later found her phone so no worries). Other funny moments: having our reception coordinator squat behind me and hold my dress off the wet ground during pictures (shout out to you, Casey!) and also when my Matron of Honor’s husband (LITERALLY) ran to his house for a hairdryer so the girls could dry the bottom of their dresses before the ceremony. I stood on a chair in the church basement and had 5 people holding my dress up in the air, fanning it, and blow drying the train…it worked!

Would you have done anything differently?: No, absolutely nothing. It was the absolute best day in the whole world—better than we could have ever imagined. We wish we could do it over 1,000,000 times!

Favorite moment from your day?: How is it possible to pick? First look with Doug, the moment Pastor Kathleen announced us as husband and wife, first look with Dad, saying I love you to my Grandma on FaceTime as I walked down the aisle (and then being super overwhelmed seeing everyone at the church), spending the morning getting ready with the most important women in my life, dancing with Doug on the Bissinger’s rooftop (despite the cold)…I could go on an on. It was just the happiest day ever.

Any tips or tricks for future couples planning their weddings?: Hire Laurie to be your photographer. No joke. Her pictures are amazing and she has her shit together–like bigtime. Also, she’s a BLAST to shoot with. 🙂 (Laurie interrupting this post to share a big thank you and I am 100% blushing posting this)…. And then, do whatever you want. It’s your day, so make it the most YOU as possible…and enjoy every moment doing it!

 Toasted rav and Gus’ Pretzels – nothing better!  AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! Erin + Doug – you two. Oh my word. You know I love ya’ll right?! You two are the best of the best and I am just so honored that you invited into your day to capture your love story, because it was an epic day! You two deserve all of that goodness that was coming your way, and that happy love that surrounded you two was contagious – Nicki and I were legit on a happiness high for like a week after your wedding : ) Please come renew your vows out in Oahu – cool?! Great! xoxoxoxo – laurie   Feel free to tag + share but please do not crop or alter these pretty images © Elle Rose Photo Vendor Love to this incredible team ///  Second shooting ::  Nicki Defilippis /// Florals :: Sue Vint /// Invites + Signage :: Dara Vint /// Videography Team John + Brian + Rob Formers Productions (we loved you guys!) /// Reception ::  The Caramel Room at Bissinger’s (Casey : )  /// DJ Cody ::  Complete Weddings + Events St. Louis /// Catering 23 City Blocks Catering ///  Ice Cream Bar ::  The Fountain on Locust /// Cake/Cupcakes :: Melanie Coyne /// Dress :: Rebecca Ingram Bridal from The Crystal Bride  /// Shoes :: Alex Marie + kate spade new york /// Tuxes :: Men’s Wearhouse and Tux