Forest Park Golf Course Wedding – Erin & Jill

Mar 17, 2020

Two happy brides running together in Forest Park before their St. Louis wedding

Forest Park Golf Course Wedding–September 27, 2019

It seems fitting that I am sharing this wedding today, on St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ll see why once you get to the photos! I knew that Erin and Jill’s wedding day was going to be amazing after shooting their engagement session in the spring, and it certainly did not disappoint! Their wedding day was so bright, cheerful, and full of love! Their Forest Park Golf Course wedding hosted both the ceremony and reception, and Forest Park is much easier to navigate on a Friday than a Saturday! They definitely had a party going for the reception, but the whole day was such a beautiful celebration of the two of them, the love they share for each other, and the love their family and friends share for them.

Getting Ready

Erin and Jill got ready separately, Jill in a hotel, and Erin at her parents’ house. When I arrived at Jill’s hotel room, she was as cool as a cucumber, just hanging out with her family. She excitedly showed me everything she was wearing and some of the reception details, and then my girls and I got to work! Once she was dressed and ready to roll we headed over to Erin’s parents’ place to repeat the process. Her mom let me rearrange some furniture a little bit (thanks!), and we found the perfect spot for Erin to get dressed. Speaking of dresses…both of these girls had ABSOLUTELY FREAKING STUNNING DRESSES! Seriously. Look at these!

First Look & Portraits

Erin and Jill’s first look took place in Forest Park across the street from their venue. The sun was shining through the trees and the girls were so excited and giddy to see each other; it was magical! They both have so much personality, and we had a ton of fun shooting their portraits! This couple loves to laugh together, but we captured some really sweet, quiet moments of the two of them just taking each other in and reveling in the fact that they were about to get married. We took photos in a few different off-the-beaten-path spots in Forest Park, and then met up with their wedding party to take some photos of the group before heading back to the golf course to get these girls married!

The Ceremony

The excitement and giddiness Erin and Jill both had at their first look? It didn’t go away. They were still just as excited walking down the aisle and waiting to say their vows. They had a very sweet, personal ceremony outside overlooking the 9th green of the golf course. All of the joy and excitement culminated into one epic first kiss and walk back down the aisle, ready to celebrate with their guests!

The Reception

Erin and Jill added some really great personal touches to their wedding and decor. Their love of golf was shown with their venue selection, the love of music celebrated with special song lyrics displayed on easels, and musicians served as table numbers for their seating chart. Instead of a cake, they shared their favorite cookie cake from Schnucks with their guests, with each table having their own (and one for vendors…these gals rock!). Their family members gave the sweetest toasts to the happy couple, and I was totally not crying behind my camera. Witnessing that amount of love and support for these two amazing people served as yet another reminder of why I love my job and my clients, and I was honored to be a part of it.

After dinner, cookie cake, and first dances, they had to kick things up another notch. Erin’s mom came out on the floor and led the Erin and Jill and the entire reception in their own, little second line parade around the venue. Everyone grabbed a green bandana and followed in line as Erin’s trumpet-wielding mother weaved them through tables and chairs around the venue to “When the Saints Go Marching In” playing. Which led right into “Gloria,” because LET’S GO BLUES!