Ever since Kelly contacted us about her wedding day, we knew the day would be spectacular. The way she talked about the details of the day, you could actually see in your mind what Kelly and Dan were dreaming up for their very special day! After officially meeting Kelly and Dan at their engagement session back in September, we couldn’t wait for their St. Louis wedding day. They both sounded so excited as they would talk about what they were most looking forward to on the wedding day! We realized right away at the session that Kelly and Dan are the perfect match for each other. They balance each other out so well, and you could see that Kelly brings out a side to Dan that we were certain most people don’t get to see. When Kelly and Dan are with each other, its as if the entire world has stopped and they are the only two people here. The way they look at each other is quite possibly the sweetest thing to witness. You can tell these two absolutely adore one another! We knew their wedding would be nothing short of amazing. I don’t think we could have ever imagined what the day had in store for us.
The weather for most of Missouri had storms and rain in the forecast all day long. We managed to get very lucky with sunny skies and warm temperatures in St. Louis! Kelly and Dan were set to tie the knot at The Old Cathedral The Basilica of St. Louis, King of France with a reception following at the beautiful Algonquin Golf Club. Kelly and Dan have some of the sweetest family who welcomed us with open arms the moment we arrived. We met Kelly and all of her bridesmaids at the club where they were getting ready for the day! As they continued to get ready, we got to work with all of the pretty bridal details. We had the perfect space for photographing all the details. The golf club has a magnificent room with floor to ceiling windows spanning the entire length of the room. We were in heaven. Not to mention, Algonquin has some of the most stunning views of the golf course from the windows.
Before we knew it, the time had come to get Kelly into her wedding gown. Just before slipping into her gown, she read the sweetest note from her soon to be husband that had multiple people in the room tearing up. Dan wrote the most kind wedding day note to Kelly! The sentimental note was followed with a gift. Kelly was in awe of Dan’s thoughtfulness as she opened a gorgeous bracelet he hand selected just for her! The gifted bracelet was the perfect finishing touch to her wedding day look. She was all smiles as her mom and sister helped her with fastening all the buttons. You couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face if you tried. You could just see just how genuinely happy Kelly was on the morning of her wedding day. She was truly radiating pure joy! Once she was in her gown, and looking absolutely stunning I might add, she did a reveal with her bridesmaids upstairs just before we had to leave to head to Dan and the groomsmen. As they all turned around to see Kelly in her dress, each and every bridesmaid looked so surprised and happy for Kelly!
The day was rolling along perfectly and were were off to capture portraits of Dan getting ready! with the help of his brother, he was ready in no time. He too had a wedding day note to read from his bride. Kelly surprised Dan with custom cuff links with a personal engraved message. It was almost time to head to the church for the ceremony. All the guys had gathered around Dan’s living room to take a shot together. The room filled with laughter as everyone said “Cheers!” and took their shot together.
As we neared two o’clock in the afternoon, guests of Kelly and Dan filled the pews of the church. The ceremony began and as Kelly was escorted down the aisle by her father, Dan was smiling so big! Kelly and Dan shared in a traditional catholic ceremony. Sealed with a kiss, they were officially pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Erlinger. Hand in hand, they made their way back down the aisle as the guests erupted in cheer. “Congratulations!” was heard as they passed by guests in the pews. In that moment, Kelly and Dan looked the happiest we have ever seen them!
The rest of the afternoon was spent traveling around St. Louis to take bridal party portraits. We stopped at a few locations at Forest Park before heading back to Algonquin Golf Club. Once there, we took a few golf carts out onto the course to capture portraits of just Kelly and Dan! As the sun began to set, it was time for the reception. Kelly and Dan were announced in with a warm welcome from a previous music teacher. Friends and family rose to their feet and cheered as the new Mr. and Mrs. entered the room! They immediately cut their wedding cake and went right into their first dance. Guests were surprised with a full two minute choreographed dance number that Kelly and Dan had been practicing for months. Everyone was amazed at just how well and effortlessly the two danced on the dance floor. You could tell Kelly and Dan were having so much fun entertaining their guests. The night was filled with sentimental and thoughtful toasts full of sweet memories of the darling pair! Laughter filled the room as funny stories were told, and tears were shed when Kelly’s dad talked about how proud he is of his daughter.
The remainder of the evening was lively. The dance floor was full all night long as Kelly and Dan’s live (AMAZING) band serenaded guests and took requests. You could tell everyone was living their best life at this reception. SO much fun was had by all! We ended the night with a sweet send off for Kelly and Dan! Kelly and Dan’s day came together beautifully. It’s no secret these two are blessed with the best family and friends who truly care for them so much. The room was filled with everyone they loved and you could feel that all evening long!
We wish the absolute best for Kelly and Dan! We know these two will accomplish great things together as Mr. and Mrs. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day! We felt so honored and grateful for the opportunity to capture the day your love story took on forever! Cheers to many happy years Mr. and Mrs. Erlinger! Enjoy a preview into their day!
View Kelly & Dan’s engagement session HERE
Enjoy a sneak peek into their day with this Film captured by sister with Major Films
Team of Vendors:
Photography: Morgan Lee Photography
Videography: Liz with Major Films
Venue: Algonquin Golf Club
Ceremony: The Old Cathedral St. Louis
