Karah + Michael tied the knot on a beautiful spring day in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 2015. I was especially excited to photograph this couple because I have known Karah since I was 14- she was even a bridesmaid in my own wedding in 2012!

Karah and Michael planned a wedding day that was unique to their story. Since they met and fell in love at Northwest Coffee they thought, “Why not have our ceremony here?” I love what Karah said in her Q&A about the special meaning coffee shops hold for them: “Coffee shops are full of people from different walks of life building relationships, and we wanted our marriage to reflect the same open and welcoming space.”

Karah and Michael take it from here! Read on to learn about about their wedding experience in their own words! To view all the photos from Karah + Michael’s wedding and order prints, please visit their full gallery on my online print shop!

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1. How did you meet and fall in love? I’d love to hear a little bit more of your story.

We met in St. Louis in a dreamy coffee shop where we wound up getting married

2. I love when couples plan meaningful wedding ceremonies that are specific to them. You and Michael intentionally did this in choosing Northwest Coffee as your ceremony venue. Can you tell me more about this decision? What was it like to get married in this spot?

It was convenient to get married in the spot where we met. We knew so many people from the coffee shop (I’d worked there) and had so many people who love and care about us there. Having this little community not only made it convenient though, it was also symbolic for us. Coffee shops are full of people from different walks of life building relationships, and we wanted our marriage to reflect the same open and welcoming space relationally speaking.

3. What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

There were many sweet moments throughout the day from Michael and I sneaking a cup of coffee together in the morning to sitting out on the sun-drenched front porch before it was time to get ready, to the reception. So much square dancing! But I guess what stands out the most was our ceremony which was filled with poetry readings, singing, and our dearest friends and family.

4. What factors other than photos went into your decision on a wedding photographer? Why did you pick me?

We really wanted to not only like our wedding photographer’s style but to feel comfortable joking, talking and hanging with her as well! Courtney was an easy choice and made us feel right at home throughout our wedding weekend!

5. Did you foresee any part of your wedding day being difficult logistically or emotionally? Did I make it easier? If so, how? 

It was great to have Courtney’s help as we took photographs with family! This process was so quick and painless. We’re also so happy with how our first look felt intimate and personal. Somehow Courtney managed to make us feel as though we were alone which was great!!

6. What is the first thing you want to do with the images? 

We are going to make a photo book.

7. What is next for you as a couple? Any big plans?

We just got back from our honeymoon hiking Machu Picchu. Now we just have to conquer putting away a mountain of presents

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Karah and Michael, thank you so much for inviting me to document your wedding day. Karah- you are like a sister to me, and I am so grateful for being invited to celebrate with you in this way. I couldn’t be happier for you and Michael!

A shout-out to all our fab vendors for making this day possible:

Ceremony Venue:  Northwest Coffee

Reception Venue: Forest Park Visitor Center

Second Shooter: Cristina Fletes

Bridesmaid dresses: Glory of Africa

Groom’s clothing: Vera Wang

Ties: Julianne Hyatt’s amazing and talented handy-work!

Florist: Flowers to the People

Cake: Sweet Art Bakery

Catering: Catering St.Louis

Invites: made by Karah

Square dancing band:  Tish and Wayne

The post Karah + Michael | Intimate Northwest Coffee Wedding | St. Louis Wedding Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Angie + Bobby tied the knot at St. John Nepomuk Chapel in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 4, 2014. After hitting up Forest Park for portraits (which included free custard for the entire bridal party at the legendary Ted Drewes), Angie + Bobby partied into the night at their reception at The Sheldon Concert Hall. Read the Q&A with the couple below to learn more about their downtown St. Louis wedding and photography experience!

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1. What was your favorite moment from the day? 

Seeing each other as I was walking down the aisle. Bobby got emotional and it was a really touching moment that we shared.

2. What was most important to you in planning your wedding?

The most important thing to us was to make it personal to who we are as a couple but also to make sure everyone was going to have a great time at the reception. We wanted to make sure we threw a fun party

3. What was the biggest challenge?

Biggest challenge by far was the ever-changing guest list. Everything else was so simple by comparison. Bobby and I 100% agreed on all the big important things so that was a success.

4. What factors other than photos went into your decision on a wedding photographer? Why did you decide to pick me?

Well a big part of it was to have someone who had a connection to us and so it was just perfect since I’ve known Courtney since we were kids. Our moms are best friends and have been since college, so Courtney came highly recommended and her work really is amazing from what I’d seen online. It was an easy decision, and we were not disappointed.

5.  What’s next for you as a couple?

Next step is to move and buy a house and become homeowners. So excited for that next step so our dogs can finally have a fenced backyard to run around in and so we can finally have a permanent address.

6. Anything else you’d like to add about your wedding or photography experience?

Both the planning and the day goes by in the blink of an eye, so we are so blessed and grateful to have had such a wonderful photographer to capture those moments for us so we can remember and treasure the day forever. Cannot thank you enough.

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Angie + Bobby, thank you for inviting me to document your day. It’s always special to photograph family friends, and returning to my hometown made this wedding even more memorable for me.  I hope you enjoy these photos for the years to come!

To view all of Angie + Bobby’s wedding photos and order prints, please visit their gallery on my online print shop.

A shout-out to all our fab vendors for making this day possible:

Bride and Bridesmaids Dresses: Clarice’s Bridal

Flower Girl Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Clothing: Savvi Formalwear

Florist: Schnucks Florist

Cake: Lubeley’s Bakery

Catering: Catering Your Way by Lisa

DJ: TKO DJs

Transportation: Corporate Transportation

Hotel: Hilton at the Ballpark

The post Angie + Bobby | Urban St. Louis Wedding | St. Louis Wedding Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.