Louise + Jb

The morning glistened with heavy dew and birds chirped their wake-up reveilles as I pulled into the drive of Two Saints Winery in St. Charles. While I perused the rolling hills of grapevines, Jb and his groomsmen arrived and I was quickly on nickname basis with each of them.  The hour of day did not deter their senses of humor and I bounced from them to Louise and her bridesmaids as they arrived and slipped into the lady's rooms to put the finishing touches on make-up. 

Their morning wedding was one of subdued rejoicing with sweet, happy tears at poignant moments-their first look, photos with mom, a kiss from dad, walking down the aisle, toasting their guests-Jb & Louise were lovely hosts to their family and friends as they committed to forever, together.

I photographed the men while the ladies finished helping Louise into her dress. It was smooth sailing to set up Jb in his place for their First Look and retrieve Louise from her dressing room. The only challenge was keeping Louise's eyes dry for photos! :) Their First Look was calm and sweet as Jb laid eyes on his bride:

After a few more portraits of just the two of them, I asked Jb to gather the bridal party as I shot a few of just Louise...simply stunning, girl, really!!

Louise's ring bearer and flower girl are her nephew and niece, so we couldn't hold back on taking a shot of this sweet moment when Nathan first saw his fun-loving Aunt!

We moved into family portraits and the mere mention of Louise's grandma, who wasn't able to make it to the wedding, got most around them teary-eyed! I love this series of interaction between Louise and her mom, Janine and then Grandpa Fred and his grandson, Nathan.

After a week of down pouring rain, they couldn't have had a more beautiful day for their morning vows.

Jb smoked all the meat for the reception, so you know the reception food was amazing. Somehow, we were able to pull ourselves away from the tables and grab a few more bridal party portraits before my time with them was completed.

Louise + Jb: Your day was absolutely stunningly, beautiful. The weather was only party of the beauty as your love for each other speaks of a union that will last a lifetime. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your day. Documenting these special moments is a huge honor that I don't take lightly. I consider my mission accomplished with the photo just above: a HUGE smile on Jb. Holding his bride, I'm sure he couldn't have been happier! 

Many blessings and I'm already jealous of your winter cruise to a warmer climate!

Carrie

PS You can view more of their wedding day HERE.