About 13 years ago, I stepped into my first class as a graphic design major at Hickey College (St. Louis, MO) and met a girl named Lori. She was this bubbly girl with a huge personality. Definitely someone whom I could relate with because I consider myself quite bubbly. It wasn’t long before we were best friends. Lori was always the friend that I could go to for anything. She and I had so much in common. We both usually hung out with more guy friends because that meant less girl drama LOL, we liked to play pool (as we did on every lunch break), we started our own “Hickey Hacky” group (aka hacky sack) because there were no sports at our college. There was never a dull moment when Lori was around. After college, there were a lot of friends that I lost touch with but not this girl. We may not get to talk every day or even once a week, but every time we do get to talk it’s like we’ve never lost a beat. Lori is seriously one the best people I’ve ever met in my life and she’s such a loving and genuine friend.

When Lori told me she was engaged to be married, I couldn’t have been happier! I was so excited for her and knew that she had been wanting this for a while. When she asked if I would photograph her wedding I knew that it was not even a question. OF COURSE I would shoot my best friend’s wedding. I was going to be there anyways so I might as well make myself useful LOL. Plus, I know her family and Aaron so everyone would be comfortable with me shooting the wedding and not some stranger.

The whole day was absolutely gorgeous and I got to shoot at a new location, the Piper Palm House near the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. We did all the portraits before the ceremony and it was a laid back day with family and friends. The venue was absolutely wonderful in terms of lighting for me. Natural light is the bomb!!

The reception took place at Lori’s uncle’s bar, Tesson Station, also in St. Louis. There was a white tent out back and Lori and Aaron’s favorite band, The Irish Xiles, were playing all night. It was a true Irish party!

Lori and Aaron, I hope your wedding day was everything you dreamed it would be. I know you both are perfect for each other and I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy your new life together as HUSBAND and WIFE!

Lori, finishing writing her vows.

The awesome venue!!! Piper Palm House, I love you!

Aaron getting ready to see Lori for the first time on their wedding day. I love doing first looks!

Lori, you’re absolutely stunning!

Can’t have an Irish wedding without a bagpiper!