Fall Engagement Session at Strawberry Hill Farms: Sophia and Ryan

From the moment I met Sophia at the Fall Bridal Showcase, I knew I wanted to work with her on photographing her engagement and wedding photos. She’s just so sweet and has this overflowing effervescence that I really connect with. When I met Ryan I realized what a beautiful connection they share.

I photographed their engagement portraits on an overcast Missouri afternoon in October. The light was soft and magical. They were up for a crazy idea that I had to meet at Strawberry Hill Farms just on the outskirts of Columbia. The location couldn’t have been a more perfect fit for this fun duo.

Sophia and Ryan were having all of these lovely moments together and they have such a beautiful chemistry. Can’t you see it here?! And that mustard dress!! Seriously.

From there we hopped over to the Grindstone Nature Area for some quieter more understated engagement portraits. One of the things that couples really enjoy about these engagement portrait sessions is having the time and option to visit two locations and do a quick outfit change. This creates a lot of variety and I really love the depth that it provides.

Sophia and Ryan enjoy spending time outside and the cliffs overlooking the stream that winds through this area was the perfect backdrop. As this winter stretches on, I long for days more like this one back in October.

I’m excited that their big day is almost here! This coming Saturday, Sadie and I have the honor of photographing their wedding day in Innsbrook, Missouri (outside of St. Louis). Fingers crossed, the weather will be as lovely as it’s forecasted to be and I’m sure the sparks will be flying again.

A special shout out to these Amazing Locations:

Strawberry Hill Farms

Grindstone Nature Area

© Art & Soul Photography Inc. 2020 | Strawberry Hill Farms Engagement Session | Missouri Wedding Photographer

Romantic Coopers Ridge Wedding: Julie and Darik

So much thought and careful attention to detail went into planning Julie and Darik's lovely day this past August. Their Cooper's Ridge Wedding was an absolutely gorgeous Mid Missouri Wedding Day from start to finish!

The girls got dressed along with hair and makeup in the beautifully decorated on-site house that is a perfect spot to get ready! The florals were made up of classic whites and shades of pink and before long Julie was putting on her stunning gown from Belle Mariee Bridal Boutique and her sparkling jewels from Buchroeders Jewelers.

After a few rounds of bocce ball right outside the event space, Darik and his guys got dressed and enjoyed a few brewskis. They were both ready for their first glance next to the weathered barn wood exterior of Cooper's Ridge amidst the lovely landscaping that overlooks the pond.

Each wedding certainly has it's own flavor or unique twist and Julie and Darik's day was no different. Julie's family has a tradition of anvil shooting for special occasions and holidays. Certainly, their unity anvil toss was quite the show stopper and the guests really enjoyed the energy and excitement it brought as they watched across the pond.

After Julie and Darik were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, the cocktail hour was in full effect at the impressively stocked Cooper's Ridge bar. It was such a lovely Missouri wedding and one that we'll always remember. We couldn't be happier for you two!

A special THANKS to these Amazing Vendors:

Second Photographer: Sadie Thibodeaux

Wedding and Reception Venue : Cooper's Ridge Event Venue

Bridal Gown : Belle Mariée Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids' Gowns : JJ's House

Florals : Hy-Vee

Groom's/Groomsmen's Suits : Belle Mariée Bridal Boutique

DJ : DJ Shark Attack

Jeweler : Buchroeder's Jewelers

Catering : Hy-Vee

Cake : Hy-Vee

Pyrotechnics : Kelly Boys Fireworks

Pianist : Joe Devoy

© Art & Soul Photography Inc. 2020 | Cooper's Ridge Wedding | Missouri Wedding Photographer