One of the biggest advantages of a summer wedding? The light lasts longer. That extra golden hour gives us so many creative options—but it also shifts how I recommend structuring your day.

Whether you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, want sunset portraits, or are debating a first look, here’s how to plan your timeline to make the most of that dreamy summer light.

Let’s be honest: summer weddings in the Midwest are beautiful—but they can also be hot. And when it’s 90+ degrees with a side of humidity, the last thing anyone wants is to feel uncomfortable during portraits.

As a photographer who shoots weddings all summer long, my job isn’t just to capture the moments—it’s also to make sure you feel good in them. Here’s how I keep things comfortable, efficient, and relaxed (no matter how high the temps climb).

If clean lines, statement chandeliers, and architectural elegance are on your wedding vision board, Old Monroe Event Venue in Columbia, Illinois might just be your perfect match. This venue delivers a refined, modern feel with just enough grandeur to create a wow-worthy experience from start to finish. Let me walk you through why I love it so much.

Let’s talk about summer engagement session style—because if I had a dollar for every white dress I’ve photographed, I’d have… well, a lot of dollars. Don’t get me wrong, a classic white dress can absolutely work (and photograph beautifully), but it’s not your only option!

If you’re dreaming of a summer engagement session that feels personal, elevated, and effortless, here are my go-to style tips to help you show up camera-ready while letting your personal style shine.

Want to include your dog in your wedding photos? Here’s how to do it without the stress—from hiring a pet handler like WedPets to prepping for paws-on portraits.

Ever wondered what a wedding photographer’s day looks like? Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at how I prep, shoot, and celebrate—from sunrise to sneak peeks.

Wondering how to prepare for your engagement session? From what to wear to what to pack, here are my top tips to help you feel confident and get natural, joyful photos you’ll love.

Planning a wedding at Sunflower Hill Farms? Here's what makes this Augusta, MO venue so special—from dreamy light to stunning sunset photo spots—plus a photographer’s expert take on how to make the most of your day.

Looking for bold wedding inspiration? See how Lara & Blake’s September wedding combined rich jewel tones, statement florals, and thoughtful details to create a stunning celebration.

See how this June wedding at St. Louis Union Station combined timeless elegance with personal details. Featuring ivory & black tones, meaningful touches, and a show-stopping venue backdrop.

Meet Sugarberry Blooms, a Missouri-based wedding florist specializing in locally sourced, sustainable floral design. Discover how I bring wedding visions to life with fresh, unique blooms.

As a wedding photographer in St. Louis, MO, one of the most common concerns I hear from couples is about timing—how do we fit everything in without feeling rushed? While your planner will guide the overall schedule, I work closely with my couples to ensure we have the right amount of time to capture every important moment. Here’s how we’ll structure your wedding day timeline to keep things running smoothly.

One of the biggest decisions couples face when planning their wedding day timeline is whether to do a first look or wait for the traditional aisle reveal moment. There’s no right or wrong answer—it’s all about what feels best for you. With over 10 years of experience as a wedding photographer, I’ve captured both, and I’m here to help you decide by breaking down the pros and cons of each.

Rain on your wedding day? No problem! With the right preparation, you can still get stunning wedding photos in the rain. Discover expert tips for making the most of a rainy wedding day and capturing beautiful, romantic images.

Capture the magic of your love story with a stunning engagement session at the best engagement photo locations in St. Louis. From iconic cityscapes to lush gardens and elegant architecture, find the perfect backdrop for your dream engagement photos.

Discover the best wedding photo locations in St. Louis for timeless, luxury wedding photography. From grand architecture to scenic park landscapes, these stunning backdrops create the perfect setting for your wedding portraits. Find the perfect spot for your dream wedding photos.

There’s something about pulling into the drive at Emerson Fields that makes you feel like you’re coming home. It might have something to do with Amelia’s warm smile welcoming you, or it might be that the estate itself feels cozy, private, and open to endless wedding possibilities. Either way, that feeling is just the beginning.

Getting ready on your wedding day is an experience like no other—a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, and the surreal feeling of disbelief that the day is actually here. And, if capturing those feelings are high on your list of priorities, there are a few things that you can look for to truly elevate your getting ready photos.

Kelsey and Nick's romantic, summer wedding at Sunflower Hill Farm—a venue that combines an elevated, classic aesthetic with a natural, rural feel—was a memorable celebration from start to finish.

It’s been helpful for me to develop a process that allows me to stay on track in a time crunch, while shifting my angle and focus to showcase each element in a way that not only resonates with the couple's vision, but also highlights the work of each vendor partner involved.