Lisa Hessel Photography Blog

Ok, so here’s something I have to tell you about Amy.  I totally and completely enjoyed working with her throughout the process of her wedding planning.  And she married her wonderful Brett a few weeks ago.  I have lots to say about their wedding and some favorite images to share, but before we get started, I have a story to tell. Somehow during our very first meeting, Amy and I started talked about running.  I casually threw it out there that I was trying really hard to be a runner, but it wasn’t going so well.  Like not well at all. Like on two separate instances, drivers pulled over to see if I was in need of help while I was out for a jog.  I guess my facial expression while running is kind of…. pained. With a little bit of panic.  And maybe a dash of breathlessness.  Maybe just a dash.

Well Amy, you see, is an actual runner.  Like the kind that is running the marathon this weekend.  Like the kind that trains other runners to run marathons.  She’s the real deal. For real.

Well, on Amy’s wedding day, we were casually chatting and I mentioned that I had signed up for a 10K in October.  And, as it turned out, Amy was signed up for that very same race.  ”We should run together!” she told me.  ”That would be so much fun!”  And immediately, I felt like I was going to throw up.

Like I said, Amy is the real deal.  A genuine, bona-fide runner.  And I… well, I am… not.  I never have a time or distance goal in mind when I run.  I just want to be alive and breathing at least a little at the end.  My diet consists mostly of cupcakes and things comprised primarily of butter.  So, clearly, I’m not that serious.  I would like to be a serious runner, but those dang cupcakes get me every time.

Amy, in her supreme sweetness, assured me that our paces were probably close to the same and that it would a great time to run together.  So, we agreed to meet up the morning of the race and run. Together.  And I. Was. Nervous.  I just didn’t want Amy to realize what a lousy runner I really was and have to endure it for 6 miles. You know, you just hate to be “that girl” who’s so totally slow and holding everyone back.

So on the morning of the race, we met up early, I made nervous small talk, and then we made our way to the starting line.  And then, it was kind of amazing, but we started running.  And I was running with Amy.  And I wasn’t nearly as close to death as I had envisioned.  Clearly, Amy is a way better runner than I am, so she chatted with me for most of the race, which was truly a wonderful distraction.  Truly.  I had forgotten what it was like to run with another person and not to endure an hour of running with just my own thoughts.  Amy had run this race before (I’m sure like 12 times) and she had a lot of helpful insights along the way. The time literally flew by.

And then, there was the finish line looming in front of us.  I could hear the roar of the cheering crowd and could even almost smell the chocolate bar that was waiting for me beyond the finish line.  And I crossed that finish line with Amy, who had just a few weeks ago been my client, but was now my friend.

What a cool job I have.  I’ve been thinking that a lot lately.  Not only do I get to be present for quite possibly the most important day in a person’s life, but I also get the opportunity to meet some really amazing people.  And I think that’s just grand.

And now for some photos

Amy had her shoes hand-painted by an artist specializing in bridal pieces.

Meanwhile…

We had planned some stops around South St. Louis for photos after the wedding, but as we were pulling up to our first location, the skies turned gray and unleashed a fury of raindrops that made it impossible to follow the schedule according to plan.  But, ever the optimists, Amy and Brett decided to move their party to their favorite Central West End pub while we waited for the storms to pass.

And then the clouds parted and the sun came out and we were back on schedule.

You may recall from their engagement session that Amy and Brett are wine connoisseurs, and wine bottle abounded as reception decor.  Even the candle holders were made from wine bottles.  Resourceful and beautiful.

Amy danced a special dance with her uncle and it could not have been more sweet. Until Brett joined in.  Then it was even sweeter. Amy and Brett, I’m not sure that I can find the words to say just how fortunate I feel to have met you both.  Thank you so much for inviting Jon and I in to document your most wonderful day.  And Amy, for the running the race with me, I’m forever in your debt

I will always be a sucker for pretty things….

From the beginning, I just knew that Mark and Lisa’s wedding day would be great.  Lisa was the perfect balance between organized and relaxed, and as a result, everything was entirely smooth the whole day.  Smooth like butter.

And for the hour that I spent with the ladies before the day began, I got to photograph the loveliest details in the loveliest of hotels.

Badgley Mischka AND Tina Barrera… always a welcome sight.

Mark and Lisa, you should give lessons on how to have a lovely wedding.  It was a pleasure spending the day with two genuine people, and we wish you all the happiness in the world!

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Vendors

Photography: Lisa Hessel Photography

Flowers: Tina Barrerra

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Make-up artist: Emily Miller, Delicately Bold

Garter: handmade by the bride

Ceremony: UMSL Provincial House Chapel

Reception: Lumen