{Married}: Alicia & Jeff

I couldn't have picked a better wedding to end my 2011 season with. I shot Alicia's sister Erin's wedding last year and have kept in touch with the family since then. When I arrived Friday morning to see Alicia, Erin and their mom, Eva, I felt like I was part of the family :) 

I think the pastor put it best when he pointed out that a couple must be very loved by their friends and family for guests to not even budge when the rain starts pouring on an outdoor ceremony. Jeff and Alicia, you have started a beautiful family and I can't wait to watch you all grow. Thank you for asking me to shoot your fabulous wedding day. I loved every minute - even the soaking wet ones :) Yours, ej.

So many sweet babies!

I love that just one year ago Alicia was helping Erin get into her dress (trip down memory lane here!).

That's love.

These may be the closest sisters I've ever met.

Two minutes without rain!

Alicia & Jeff with their sweet boys.

{Married}: Holly & Chris

We've been waiting for 11-5-11 to get here for a long time...but not just since Chris & Holly got engaged last July...and not just since they moved in together after college...and not just since they dated through college. We've been waiting for this day since Holly & Chris started dating in high school and we realized how happy they made one another. Holly is my little sister (in-law) and the whole family fell in love with Chris many, many years ago. These two have been through so much together and it has all worked to make them one of the strongest couples I know. Last weekend was a celebration of their journey together and the life they have ahead of them and it was beautiful. 

There aren't two people that deserve more happiness than these two. Holly & Chris, I love you and am excited to watch you two grow old together - and to eat Imo's pizza with you, to celebrate Christmases with you and to someday raise our kiddos with you. Yours, ej.

I loved getting photo updates as Holly shopped for dresses thousands of miles away. When I saw this one I new it would be the one.

I love that Holly's mom, Marla, along with her Aunt Janie, who babysat the kids when they were little, were there to put the finishing touches on the dress.

She's gorgeous. This will be a recurring theme.

The wedding took place at Quail Ridge Lodge in St. Charles, Missouri. 

It was a stunning location and we got super lucky with beautiful weather for this late fall wedding!

Groomsmen being pensive :)

The problem with fall is the sun sets so dang early. Luckily, Holly & Chris opted to see each other in advance which gave us plenty of time to wander around and shoot. So glad they did.

I love the way he looks at her.

Remember what I said about her being gorgeous? A few more good examples :)

They could not be cuter.

Holly's a crier and I love it about her. Here she and Marla are getting a good laugh about her inability to keep it together.

Married!!!

Isn't my husband cute? Not as cute as Holly, but still pretty darn cute :)

He was a proud big brother on Saturday.

Their favorite kiddo, their nephew Ethan, was delighted to see them.

Holly seriously rocked the details.

Andy, Holly & Jake's brother, probably gave the best toast I've ever heard.

And then it was time to party. These two take that job pretty seriously.