Welcome to Chelsea Liefer Photography

​​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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.