Rachel and Mike :: Married

I feel like I’ve been waiting for years to write this blog post.  And, well, that’s probably because I’ve been waiting for years to write this blog post.

As I mentioned earlier this year, I’ve shot a heaping handful of weddings for friends of Rachel, and photographing her wedding was something I had always hoped I’d have the honor of doing. So early this year, when she texted me that she was in the beginning stages of planning her fall wedding, my heart sank a little because I knew I’d be having a baby right around that time and would have to miss it.  But, with a little shifting around of dates and a bit of an intermission in my maternity leave, the stars all aligned and I was able to shoot a wedding for two people that it was truly an honor to photograph.  And I mean that.  I could fill the page with a whole slew of adjectives describing what it meant to me to able to shoot Rachel and Mike’s wedding, but let’s face it, there are just too many pretty things from their event to share, so I’ll TRY to keep it brief.

But before we start with a few (ok, make that a BUNCH) of photos from Rachel and Mike’s wedding, let me say this one thing… I really enjoy being behind the camera, observing what goes on during the course of a wedding day because I get to see a story unfold in a way that no one else really does.  And what I saw from Rachel and Mike was a tremendous amount of love and an abundance of character.  They handle stress well and they love well.  They are simultaneously both creative AND organized. If you know them, you know.  They’re just wonderful people.  And working with people like Rachel and Mike is exactly why I do what I do.

The event was held at Overlook Farms in Clarksville, Missouri, and it might just be one of the most beautiful places I’ve been for a wedding. It’s a bit outside of St. Louis and you have to travel through several small towns to get there.  And we may or may not know from experience, but the police in small towns definitely take the speed limit seriously.

Rachel is a fantastic graphic designer and designed all the paper goods for her wedding.

Jon shot this right after they say each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Navy dresses, succulents, and a golden weeping willow?  Yes please.

Seriously, kid, you’re killing me. Adorable.

Overlook Farms has several beautiful spots for a ceremony and reception, and Mike and Rachel chose to get married in the barn.  Although, “the barn” looks more like a super-beautiful, tucked-away-in-the-Alps , dreamy lodge to me…

Rachel and Mike, other than, ya know, having that new baby and all, your wedding was the highlight of the fall :). Let’s not make this the last time you two are in front of my camera.  Much love to you both!

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Vendors

Photography: Lisa Hessel Photography

Invitation and Program design: Rachel Eaton

Ceremony : Overlook Farms

Reception: Overlook Farms

Hair and Make-up: Chey Fox