Chandler Hill Vineyards Wedding Venue | St Louis Wedding Photographers

Invasion of the Aussies…by St Louis Wedding Photographers Joel & Shannon

We met Jake and Amy for the first time in person two weeks before their beautiful St Louis winery wedding. The reason for this was they were not, before that point, in the immediate area. In fact, they were not actually in the immediate hemisphere. They were actually in Australia. Thus, our first meeting was over a laggy Skype video session. We were so excited to meet them in person…we just had a feeling they were going to be our ideal type of couple. They met there a few years back (Jake is Australian and Amy is from the States), and after a long-distance relationship, they realized they were made for each other and decided to get married. They found us by seeing some of our photos on the tv at Chandler Hill Vineyards (which is where the wedding and reception would be…Chandler Hill ROCKS!), and we were SO happy that they did. Chandler Hill is without a doubt our favorite Missouri winery for weddings! (If that is what you are looking for, you MUST check it out)

Right when we sat down to talk in person, we knew that our suspicions were right. We hit it off straight away, and it was clear that we were going to have an amazing time. Among other things, Jake and I quickly realized our mutual love of football (or, what you Yanks so indelicately refer to as “soccer” haha). Half the people coming in were from Australia, and if you have never spent time around Australians (which I have an multiple occasions), you should know that it is definitely going to be an interesting and fun experience. So, that was going to make the day extra exciting for us!

The day came, and it was time for them to take the plunge…and by “take the plunge” I mean several things. First. obviously, they were married. And second…it was the single hottest day in St. Louis that I have ever known. Everyone was sweating profusely, and it was just…wow. It was hot. I (Joel) actually brought two shirts because I knew that I would sweat through the first one. I should have brought 3 or 4. The best thing was, though, was that no one complained, whined, or made a fuss about it. Everyone was just so excited about this wedding that the heat was just a small little annoyance, but nothing that would hold the day back.

After the beautiful and touching ceremony, we went around the grounds to do some photos before the reception started and the party began. There were some speeches and dinner, and after that everyone danced, partied, and made fools out of themselves in the photobooth (with some hilarious results). A part that really stood out to me was when Jake’s favorite song came up on Zach the dj’s playlist. Everyone was back inside (away from the heat) going into the photobooth, but when Jake heard his song, he grabbed Amy to go back outside and dance with him. I may have been the only person in the entire place see this happen, but it was both hilarious and so adorable. I saw two people who were very much in love, so comfortable with each other, and fully able to enjoy each other’s uniqueness. It was amazing.

We are so very happy for the two of you, and so thankful that we were able to share this day with you. God bless you both!

~Joel

Are you a friend or family member and want to see all of their photos? Click here!

And to see the photobooth photos, click here!

Vendors

Ceremony & Reception: Chandler Hill Vineyards