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I’m so glad that Matt and Emily were up for it when I suggested a “Your Story” session. They aren’t shy, but this family is not the type that likes to be center-stage.

…But today wasn’t about “showing off”‘ it was about showing up:  being family, having fun, making memories.
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What a cute family!

And really, do I have to narrate through this whole post? I really think the photos and video will speak for themselves.

I will say this, though: Matt and Emily have the most adorable little ones. I got to hold little Isaac for a good 5 minutes and I was in heaven. I love holding calm, non-squirming babies. The minute that my babes turned 6 months they were no longer cuddle bugs – but Isaac gave me my cuddle fix. 🙂

And Olivia… those eyes. That sweet face. She’s like a little doll. If I had a daughter, I’d put in an order for one Oliva, extra sweet.

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Matt and Emily it’s my hope that these treasured moments are kept alive through these photos. I’m so glad we got to do it in a beautiful, fun, memorable way. Thanks for choosing me as your family photographer!

And now onto the video…

Here’s Matt and Emily’s Family Story of 2011. I hope they enjoy it and their kids enjoy watching it for years to come.

 I’m happy to offer “Your Story” as another way to archive a moment in your life. If you want to do a “Your Story” session… let me know! I’d love to get the chance to showcase your family!

Photography : Donna Harris Photography

Video and Production : TJ Ingrassia, Studio 309

Song: A Fine Frenzy – What I Wouldn’t Do

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I’m so very excited to share these photos with you as I’m in love…

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…In love with pregnancy, in love with baby bumps, in love with this couple in love.

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 Baby Ethan Thomas will be coming this winter and I’m so excited to meet the little guy!

I was asking how they came up with such a great name combo and they said that when they were looking for a first/middle name that sounded good they plugged both names into a website that puts together sentences like, “Ethan Thomas, go to your room!” Or “And the award for best motion picture goes to Ethan Thomas!” Just so they could get a good idea of how then name felt to them.   Too funny!

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Adam and Michelle are friends of mine. But I consider them family. Our lives are intertwined in so many different ways it makes it hard to describe our relationship. We’re loosely related (her sister is married to my brother-in-law) so we get the joy of seeing each other for fun occasions. Michelle is also a photographer so you may have noticed her name on the blog before as we have shot weddings together.   And Adam. Well, Adam is just one great guy. Really. Easy going, intelligent, funny, and great to talk with. I’m lucky to know them and while ‘loosely related’ is a fact, it sure isn’t the reason I consider them family.

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So, on my drive home I see a field that’s just dreamy and I HAVE to get Adam and Michelle there. So I call them up and they’re ready and willing for some more photo fun. Only a friend and fellow photographer would understand this scenario to jump back onto the highway and drive to my new photo inspiriation for round two of baby belly photos.

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Do I have to even mention just how adorable Michelle is? Nope, I don’t… but I will anyway.

Michelle, you’re ADORABLE!

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Adam and Michelle, I’m super excited to meet that baby boy! He’s gonna be so loved!

Love you guys!

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  • Shefali LindseyOctober 10, 2011 - 3:14 am

    THESE ARE STUNNING!!! Stunning!ReplyCancel

  • Michelle LunnOctober 10, 2011 - 3:25 am

    Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! We LOVE them so much!!! Would it be appropriate to decorate the nursery in a “maternity session theme?” That’s not weird right?
    On a serious note, you are amazing and I am so thankful for these photos and I can’t wait to get these out 20 years from now to show Ethan what his parent’s looked like “back in the day.” Thank you Donna!ReplyCancel

  • LisaOctober 10, 2011 - 3:30 am

    Donna, these had me tearing up. They took my breath away….so stunning. Michelle and Adam have to be head over heels in love with these and to have these to look back on over the years…priceless. And the field ROCKED…and your so so right, only another photographer would understand that need for round two 🙂 Great job!ReplyCancel

  • Beth BerryOctober 10, 2011 - 12:08 pm

    Michelle looks just glowing in these photos! Beautiful session!ReplyCancel

  • Von DeVoreOctober 10, 2011 - 12:41 pm

    Donna, these are adorable!!!! Looks like you all had fun making these lovely images.

    I just had to comment when I saw the baby name. My son is Ethan Thomas too!!! And it really does flow super smooth….especially when the little man is in trouble.ReplyCancel

  • Cathy SherwoodOctober 10, 2011 - 2:25 pm

    Love these. So creative! My favorite is the inside-the-barn shot. It’s perfection! Congrats again Michelle! You are one beautiful momma-to-be. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Lynsey TOctober 10, 2011 - 4:20 pm

    Amazing job Donna! Doesn’t hurt that Michelle looks glowing and beautiful. Love the photos!!ReplyCancel

  • PamelaOctober 10, 2011 - 10:42 pm

    GORGEOUS!!! how cute is michelle!?!? SO CUTE!ReplyCancel

  • Adam LunnOctober 11, 2011 - 2:37 am

    Donna, these pictures look really good. I’m really glad you called us to come to that field because I think those pictures are my favorite. All are great though!ReplyCancel

  • […] you didn’t see Adam and Michelle’s beautiful session you can check it out here. But right now, I want to show off their “Your Story” […]ReplyCancel

I didn’t have to ask where the wedding party was as I drove through the church parking lot

… and I definitely saw the groom from a mile away!

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Ty and his attendants were basically tailgating mere hours before the ceremony.

Notice I didn’t say groomsmen. He had some ladies by his side too. That’s part of the fun of being Ty. He doesn’t do things the traditional way – and I love that about him!

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Halfway through the day I said, “Ty, I’d better get some photos of you without a hat, beer, or cigar. You know, one to make mom happy.”

He said, “You don’t know my mom. She’d probably love this.”

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After getting to know Ty and his family. I’m sure he’s right. This family was full of fun and never took anything too seriously.

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But Ty cleans up well. And lucky thing too, because he’s got a gorgeous bride to impress.

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How can I begin to describe someone is so beautiful inside and out? I fall in love with each and every one of my brides. Beth is no exception. She’s got the best smile, the best personality, the best “Michelle Obama” arms. Girl, you’re gorgeous!

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The difference between a bride and a groom’s time before the ceremony….

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This little guy was just one of many cute kiddos in attendance. I couldn’t resist sharing this particular shot of him in the ‘girl’s getting ready room’.

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I wouldn’t have had the honor of being part of this day had it not been for Nancy, Beth’s mom. You see, Nancy comes to see me at the hair salon. I certainly can see where Beth gets her sweet spirit.

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LOVE  Beth’s face when she locks eyes with Ty!

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Beth and Ty are so blessed with great friends. The whole day was filled with jokes and laughter.

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Club Fitness – a special place for Beth, Ty, and most of their friends.  We coudn’t NOT go there!

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Beth’s dad’s speech was tear-jerkingly sweet. He pulled out a slip of paper that’s several years old and read it aloud to everyone. It’s a note that Beth wrote telling him to have a great day… he says he reads it anytime he needs to brighten his day.  Too Adorable!

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As a mom of boys, I always see my future when I watch a groom dance with his mom.

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And there’s nothing like a father’s love.

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Can you two promise me you’ll be like this forever? Chucks, smiles, love, and all? 🙂

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Beth and Ty – you two are wonderfully fun! I loved loved loved your friends. Can I just join the group? (You’ve got so many friends what’s one more, right?)

Thank you for the honor of having me document your day.

Congratulations!

 

Photography – Donna Harris
Florist – Petals and Bells
Reception Hall – Whitmoor Country Club
Cake – Sweets to Remember
Bus – St. Louis Transportation
Bride’s Dress – Blossoms Bridal
Invitations – Your Day Your Way

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  • Lisa SchererOctober 3, 2011 - 3:33 pm

    The Club Fitness pictures are hilarious! And that ring shot…soooo cool 🙂ReplyCancel

 I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this wedding. I’ve known Katie for years as a friend and client at the hair salon. While I couldn’t be superwoman and do her hair that day, I was glad to take a backseat as her hairstylist to instead document one of the happiest days of her life. 

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LOVE this moment with Katie and her dad.

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In the dressing area just minutes from walking down the aisle….

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The flower girl was such a cutie – she greeted every pew by saying, “Hi! Hi! Hi!” While her sweet sweet brother just lightly pulled her along. 

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Married!!!!

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Gorgeous Katie! What a beautiful bride.

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And Chris… you may not love to have your photo taken but you toughed it out and looky here… a great shot of ya!

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Katie had the Irish Dancers from Clark Academy of Irish Dance entertain her guests… and boy are they talented! I could have watched them all night. THEN Katie gets up and does some dancing of her own! She is an excellent Irish Dancer!!!

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AGAIN with the “sentimental dad” moments! You guys are killing me with all this emotion! 🙂
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Katie and Chris  – “Honored” is an understatement. I felt blessed to be included in your day and enjoyed getting to know your family and friends. I loved watching and capturing every moment of it. Thank you for including me in your lives. Congratulations!

I wish you lots of happiness in your new venture as newlyweds!

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Church – Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church   Officiant – Fr. Bob Samson
Hair – (My homegirl Sammy!) from Metro the Salon
Reception –The Edge of Webster
Catering- A Matter of Taste 
Cake – Donna Eversmann
Flowers – Walter Knoll Florist
Linens – Cover Creations
Photo Booth – Trotter Photo
Irish Dancers – Clark Academy of Irish Dance
DJ – Dave’s DJ

 

 

 

 Katie was such a sweetheart. I have to share a few ‘behind the scenes’ of her wedding story.

I Love Love LOOOOVE when a bride is sweet enough to include me on the seating chart. Not only do I get to enjoy a fabulous meal but I don’t miss photographing any of the action of the reception since I’m seated with the rest of the guests.

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And how much more perfect can Katie be?!? A gift for the photographer?! Yes please! (And Thank you!) I heart my new stylish camera strap!

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My associate and I had a little fun in the photo booth!

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Then Katie and I dragged Chris in there. In the first frame we were all doing “the Chris”. You may remember that I mentioned earlier Chris hates, hates, hates, hates, HATES getting his picture taken (but was a good sport about it) but by the end of the night I had enough of that!  ….and tickled a smile out of him for our photo together.

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 see. told ya I could make you smile.

🙂

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  • LisaSeptember 29, 2011 - 4:40 pm

    So many beautifully captured moments. What a dream Bride!! Love that new camera strap 🙂ReplyCancel