Alyssa + Joshua | Sunset Bluffs Wedding

Who hasn’t been planning a wedding and thought, “You know what? Forget this, I just want my favorite people, under the same roof, celebrating together.” Well, that’s exactly what Alyssa and Josh did. Their wedding at the Guest House at Sunset Bluffs just outside of St. Louis, MO was intimate, meaningful and beautiful for all the right reasons.

The Guest House had ample room and light for the crew to get ready, and for me to capture all the thoughtful details Alyssa had included. The flowers were hand-dyed by the bride and groom! And Alyssa’s mom made the gorgeous ring box herself. Also featuring the gold bracelet, which has been worn by 3 generations in Alyssa’s family, and was her “something old” and “something borrowed.”

Am I going to talk about how awesome first looks are YET again? YES. Sorry not sorry. It’s an amazing opportunity to have a simple, intentional, and more personal moment together before going out there and people-ing. (Introverts out there, I know you get it.) More than that, I’m more likely to capture your genuine emotions at a first look than at the ceremony, because you’re not distracted by the crowd or nervous about forgetting your vows. It’s much easier to be in your emotions, in the moment, without an audience, yeah? (That said, some folks want their guests to be a part of that experience and if that’s you, do you! And I’ll catch all those moments no matter where they happen.)

All the gorgeous details, of course. There was a resounding sense of community, cooperation and belonging as all 30 guests were also coordinators and decorators. Everyone was working together to make this the Best. Wedding. Ever.

The ceremony involved lots of tears of joy, as Alyssa, then Josh read their heartfelt vows. And laughter as one passerby honked their congratulations at the perfect moment.

Josh and Alyssa are avid disc golfers and played their first hole as husband and wife shortly after the ceremony.

If you have the opportunity to take sunset photos, take that opportunity. That is all. 😍

As I drove away, I couldn’t resist taking this final parting photo. Alyssa and Joshua, you both deserve all the happiness in the world, and I hope your marriage carries the joy of this day into every day beyond. It was truly my privilege to witness and chronicle your wedding day.