Marissa and Matt's Wedding

I cannot stress to you just how fantastic Marissa and Matt really are. Two of the warmest, most fun people I've ever met - and even more so as a team.

The day started out at Salon Edge [link here] in Grand Center (just a few doors down from The Bistro across from the Fox Theatre). Ms. Jae Edwards was the gorgeous lady in charge of Marissa's hair and make up, and to say she did a fabulous job does not do her justice. Marissa looked exquisite! While Marissa was getting dolled up, Matt got a massage. Yes that's right, Matt was getting a massage! Smart man, right? Afterward Matt got a hair cut and style by the awesome Rich O'Connor. But in between, Matt ran over to the City Diner and got himself and Marissa a double cheeseburger and fries. They both said it was absolutely delicious, so go to the City Diner this weekend and enjoy a burger with a loved one.

Getting her eyelashes on

Marissa checks herself out!

Matt had time for a massage and his haircut/style took five minutes... LOL

After Marissa's hair and make up was finished, Rich drove us over to get Marissa's nails done. We were so pressed for time at this point that I don't even remember the name of the nail place! Marissa decided after a lot of deliberation to go with the French manicure instead of the polish that matched her roses, and we finished with 15 minutes to spare!

We were a little late to the ceremony at the BEAUTIFUL First Unitarian Church in the Central West End, but no one minded. The ceremony was very intimate and sweet, full of smiles and definitely full of emotion - and JOY. Marissa and Matt are jokers and fun-loving people at heart, and that just shines through in all they do.

Matt's Dad fixes his tie

Matt's mom strings up Marissa's corset

Photographer oopsie! Didn't mean to get myself in that picture!

Matt is ready!

Matt escorted Marissa down the aisle

Marissa's GORGEOUS dress!

We know that Marissa's parents were there in spirit. I thought this touch, blocking off the pew in their memory, was very sweet and respectful and a great way to honor their presence and memory.

Marissa gives Matt (back) his ring. (He was already wearing it.)

I have so many pictures of these two kissing, from their engagement session, but this kiss was unlike all the others - it was fantastic!

Husband and Wife!

Oh these two can never be serious very long! Always smiling and joking and laughing. I love it!

A few extras:

Matt and his niece, Brinley

Matt's sister and her adorable daughter

Matt's brother did the music for the ceremony

After the ceremony we headed to Soulard for the reception at McGurks Irish Pub. We also walked around Soulard and took pictures before their grand entrance.

We ninja'ed these people's porch for this picture!

I LOVE this one.

We loved this sign! Live your life to the fullest, and don't deny yourself the pleasures of it!

Oh. My. ....Beautiful.

Marissa loves cats, and this little guy just sauntered right up to us! She said it was good luck, and I'm sure she must be right.

I had no idea that they had these glasses - Matt had them in his pocket! LOL

Dinner was fabulous (I actually got to eat this time!) and I loved the fact that the details were simple. No over-decorating, because McGurks already has so much personality. Instead of a wedding cake, Marissa and Matt got homemade pies from Eckerts Farm - Apple, Dutch Apple, Peach and Pumpkin - I can personally vouch for how incredibly delicious the Dutch Apple pie is, because they sent me home with half of one! I thought I was getting one piece in a to-go container, but I ended up with FOUR and ice cream, too!

When a woman can look that amazing while she's laughing that hard, you know she's a natural beauty.

Matt's mom surprised them with these adorable letters for their pie!

Does she look horrified or what?!? LOL

Marissa and Matt walked back to the car a few times over the course of the night, to get away from the party for a few minutes and transfer some of their gifts, cards and her bouquet to the car. She got photographed by a stranger, and so many people complimented her on her dress. I am all about following my clients around to catch photos of their little intimate moments, but with these two we mostly just talked. I don't feel like I missed any photo opportunities, but I do feel like I've gained two new friends. And that is a wonderful feeling.

Marissa and Matt - CONGRATULATIONS and a huge, huge Thank You to you both for allowing me to get to know you and to work with you. You are both spectacular and I hope to hang out with you again very soon. xo I wish you both the happiest, longest, healthiest and most loving 'FOREVER'.