René & Meghan were married on one of the hottest days this summer! But let me tell you, the weather was no match for this HOT couple. :) The flow of the day was absolutely perfect, as Meghan had everything planned out ahead of time. She was one of the most organized brides that I've had the pleasure of working with! Enjoy their images, and our conversation with the bride herself...
ATP: How did you and René meet?
MS: How I met René was kind of cliché….I met him at a bar in Huntsville, Alabama. It was immediate attraction at first sight.
ATP: Why did you choose Saint Louis as the place to get married?
MS: I was born and raised an hour southwest of Saint Louis. The majority of my family and friends are in the area, so a wedding in Saint Louis seemed appropriate.
I love the following picture of René!! The look on his face was truly priceless!
Meghan & René chose to do a "First Look" on their wedding day. Because they had their ceremony and reception at the same location, it was an obvious choice for them. So that we could take all of their photos before hand, ATP orchestrated a private moment for the two of them to see each other hours before the ceremony took place. It's honestly one of the most emotional things we get to photograph on a wedding day.
ATP: How did you know that René was The One?
MS: I think the event that solidified our relationship were the tornadoes in 2011. The experience brought us even closer together.
ATP: What's your favorite memory from your wedding day?
MS: I don’t have one favorite memory, but I most enjoyed our “First Look”, saying my vows with René, and giving my speech at the reception.
ATP: What's your best advice for couples planning their Big Day?
MS: I have several things to say about this!
- Be organized and plan well. The key to a successful BIG Day is to make sure every detail is coordinated. A way to help you achieve this is by hiring a great team of vendors. Don’t skimp on a good photographer, DJ, and florist. You won’t regret it. And if you can afford it, have a videographer.
- Don’t get overwhelmed and take time out for the two of you. Planning a wedding can be stressful and overwhelming at times.
- Make sure you make the day about you. Have the wedding you want and not what other people want you to have. Don’t feel compelled to have something in your wedding just because it’s traditional or a family member wants it. René and I had the exact wedding we wanted and would not change a thing about it.
In closing our conversation, I asked Meghan to share one final thought. What she said is what I want all of my brides and grooms to think about before their Big Days roll around. Well said, Meghan. Well said, indeed...
"On your Big Day focus on your spouse to be, not the numerous amount of things happening around you. The day is about you, your relationship, and taking the next step in your life together. Finally, have FUN! I wish I could re-live my wedding day all over again. It was that wonderful."
Meghan & Rene's Team of Vendors
• Hair: Teri Hurley at Esthetic Concepts Sullivan, MO
• Makeup: The Bride Herself!
• Wedding Dress: Martina Liana gown from the White Room in Lebanon, TN
• Veil and Headpiece: Town & Country Bridal, Madison, AL
• Shoes: Nordstrom
• Earrings: Saks
• Purse: Nordstrom
• Garter: Elegant Garter Shop on etsy.com
• Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal
• Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse
• Grooms Cuff Links: White Truffle on etsy.com
• Card Box: B With U Studio on esty.com
• Favor Tags: Smiling Tag on esty.com
• Guest Book: Modern Shabby on esty.com
• Cake Topper: Affordable Cake Topper on esty.com
• Invitations, Escort Cards, Table Numbers: Lemon Square Designs by Lora Risley on esty.com
• Venue: Statler Room of the Renaissance Grand Hotel, Saint Louis MO
• Photographer: Abbie Takes Pictures
• Florist: The Crimson Petal
• DJ: Rockstar DJs
• Musician: Dave Byron (Transacoustic Productions, Inc.)
• Planning: WEDD (Networking Group including Abbie Takes Pictures, Rockstar Djs, & The Crimson Petal)
• Cake: Sarah’s Cake Shop Chesterfield, MO
• Transportation: JED Limousine Saint Louis, MO
• Rentals: Weinhardt Party Rentals Saint Louis, MO
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