Welcome to the CLP Blog
What to Wear for Your Spring Engagement Session
Let’s talk about what to wear for your spring engagement session—because yes, it does matter. The right outfit helps you feel confident, complements your location, and allows your personality as a couple to shine through. And as your photographer, I want you to love your images for years to come.
Here’s what I always recommend when helping my couples get photo-ready in the spring!
Spring Floral Spotlight – Featuring 6 Favorite St. Louis Florists
One of the best parts of a spring wedding? The florals.
Spring brings a burst of color, texture, and life into wedding design—and the floral possibilities are endless. From soft pastels to bold garden blooms, there’s something romantic and fresh about this season that’s hard to beat.
Today, I’m spotlighting six St. Louis floral designers I absolutely adore—each with their own unique style and flair for the art of flowers. Whether you’re drawn to classic arrangements or lush, organic installations, these vendors are the ones to know for your spring wedding.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Engagement Session
So you said “yes”. Now what?
Once you’ve soaked up the magic of your engagement and picked a wedding date, you’ll quickly realize that your calendar is about to fill up fast. If you’re planning to take engagement photos (and trust me, you absolutely should), one of the first questions to ask is:
When should we book our engagement session?
Let’s talk timing, logistics, and how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime shoot.
Venue Spotlight: The Dogwood
There are some venues that just get it right when it comes to weddings—and The Dogwood is absolutely one of them.
As a wedding photographer who values natural light, elegant detail, and a seamless flow for the couple and their guests, I’m always thrilled when I see The Dogwood on a couple’s vendor list. Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, this venue offers the perfect mix of charm and modern luxury.
5 Things Couples Tend to Forget When They're Planning a Wedding
When you’ve been on the wedding photography scene as much as I have, here are some things I can tell you: it’s always the little things that sneak up on you. The truth is, planning a wedding is no small feat, and while your checklist probably includes the dress, the DJ, and the flowers, there are a few key details that couples often overlook. Let’s talk about the top five I see most often!
How To Plan For Unpredictable Late Spring Weather On Your Wedding Day
Here’s the thing about late spring weddings in the Midwest: they’re gorgeous… and can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. One minute you’re basking in golden sunshine, and the next, you’re watching storm clouds roll in over your venue. I’ve had many an April Shower wedding.
And while I wish I could promise perfect weather to every couple, the next best thing is being prepared for whatever the sky decides to throw your way so that if you do have a case of good luck rain–you are ready for it.
Why Investing in a Photographer You Trust Changes Your Wedding Experience
If there’s one thing I’ve learned photographing weddings across St. Louis and beyond, it’s this: the right photographer changes everything. Not just your gallery, but your entire experience.
When you choose to invest in someone you genuinely trust, you’re not just hiring a vendor. You’re choosing someone who will spend more time with you on your wedding day than almost anyone else. That trust matters more than most couples realize, until the day arrives, and they find out whether they put their trust and money into someone who is going to take care of them, or not.
VENUE SPOTLIGHT: UNION STATION
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both grand and timeless, Union Station in St. Louis is one of the most iconic venues you can choose—and one of my absolute favorites to photograph. It’s bold, it’s historic, and it’s full of charm at every turn.
Let’s talk about why I love shooting weddings here and why it might be the perfect backdrop for your big day.
5 St. Louis Venues That Shine In The Early Spring
Early spring in St. Louis is one of my favorite times of year to photograph weddings. The air turns crisp, the trees begin to bud, and the light feels soft and romantic. If you’re planning a March or April wedding, here are my top St. Louis wedding venues that absolutely shine in early spring.
How To Do An Indoor First Look (For Winter or Early Spring Weddings)
When couples tell me they’re planning a winter or early spring wedding, one of the first things we talk about is how we’re going to do the first look. These seasons can be absolutely magical — crisp air, softer light, and the chance for cozy, elegant details — but they also come with unpredictability. Rain, wind, daylight changes… it’s all part of the charm, but it does require intentional planning.
How Wedding Photography Changes With The Seasons
One of the first conversations I have with every couple is about their wedding photography timeline — and the truth is, it changes dramatically depending on the time of year. As a wedding photographer who relies on natural light, the sun is my number-one planning tool.
If you’re newly engaged and starting to plan your day, here’s how each season shapes your photography experience.
What Every Couple Should Know Before They Book With Me
One of the first conversations I have with every couple is about their wedding photography timeline — and the truth is, it changes dramatically depending on the time of year. As a wedding photographer who relies on natural light, the sun is my number-one planning tool.
If you’re newly engaged and starting to plan your day, here’s how each season shapes your photography experience.
What Makes a Vendor Team Work Seamlessly on Your Wedding Day
When couples ask me what makes a wedding day feel calm, smooth, and joyful—not just for them, but for everyone involved—my answer always includes the same thing: a solid, well-aligned vendor team. It’s not just about talent. It’s about trust, professionalism, and collaboration behind the scenes. When your vendors are in sync, your day runs better. Period.
What to Ask Your Photographer If You’re Planning a Winter Wedding
Winter weddings have a kind of magic all their own—cozy candlelight, cool tones, snow-dusted details, and the possibility of a romantic, moody vibe that no other season offers. But they also come with a few logistical considerations that are unique to the season. If you’re planning a winter wedding and want your photos to be timeless, flattering, and seamless, here are a few key questions to ask your photographer before the big day.
Venue Spotlight: Bellerive Country Club
When I think of venues that make wedding days feel effortless and truly picturesque, Bellerive Country Club is always top of mind. It offers that perfect blend of classic country club refinement with a fresh, bright aesthetic that translates beautifully in photographs year-round. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing weddings here, and each time, I fall in love with the light, the layout, and the lush surroundings all over again.
A Wedding To Remember: Michelle & Chris’ Multicultural Celebration at the Four Seasons St. Louis
Michelle and Chris’ wedding day was so many things. It was joyful, emotional, meaningful, and such a beautiful blend of their cultures, families, and love story. As a wedding photographer, I’m always honored to be invited into such personal spaces — but this one was extra special and truly a dream to shoot from start to finish. From heartfelt tributes to high-energy traditions, every detail was intentional. I’m so excited to share a closer look at their Lebanese-Vietnamese-American wedding celebration at the Four Seasons St. Louis.
Venue Spotlight: Ritz Carlton
When it comes to planning a wedding day that’s both luxurious and logistically seamless, the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis is hard to beat. Tucked into the heart of Clayton, this venue offers more than just timeless elegance: it’s designed for comfort, convenience, and unforgettable experiences. From getting ready to the last dance, couples can enjoy every moment of their day without ever needing to leave the property.
What to Wear for a Winter Engagement Session
Winter engagement sessions are some of the most romantic: from snow-dusted backdrops to cozy outfits and golden hour that comes a little earlier. But knowing what to wear can be tricky when you’re trying to strike the balance between warm and stylish.
As a St. Louis wedding photographer who’s shot her fair share of cold-weather sessions, I’m here to walk you through what works best for winter engagement photos, and let you know what to skip.
Top St. Louis Venues for Winter Weddings
Winter weddings in St. Louis are full of cozy, nostalgic charm. And if you’re planning to say “I do” during the cooler months, choosing the right venue is key. You’ll want a space that not only looks beautiful year-round, but also offers a comfortable, flexible experience regardless of the weather.
2026-2027 Brides: When to Book Your Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding for 2026 or 2027—first off, congratulations! It might seem like you have all the time in the world, but some wedding decisions benefit from getting ahead of the game. One of the most important? Booking your photographer.
So… when should you secure your wedding photographer for a 2026 or 2027 wedding? Let’s break it down.