I knew from the moment I met Carlo + Whitley that we wanted to be a part of their day. Not because it was going to be at incredible location and full of gorgeous details (although it most certainly was!), but because they’re the type of couples that we want to surround ourselves with. They’re genuine in both their interactions with everyone around them and their affection for one another. Their love story is one that has spanned nearly a decade and is stronger than when it first began. They’re a couple that you can tell has walked through the fire together and still chooses to love, unreservedly. Beyond that, they are rooted deeply in family and covered by an incredible group of people that want the world for these two. Their day was filled with nods to their rich familial heritage and the ones they love most. And we loved that, because at the end of the day, that’s what a wedding is really about. It’s a continuation of a lifelong legacy of love that has led them to this point and will keep them close in the years that lie ahead.

Okay, enough with the sappy stuff – let’s look at some pretty things! We started the day with prep at The Magnolia Hotel and The Hilton at the Arch, both fab hotels for getting ready photos (hint hint, future brides!). Whitley had a gorgeous lace dress and Carlo a super chic black tux with bowtie. Smitty was heading up video for their day, so shout-out to Kelly, my best friend and the best second shooter a girl could ask for, for snagging these superb photos of Carlo in the hotel! Carlo + Whitley exchanged gifts that made both of them cry. It was in that moment that I knew this day was going to be every bit as sweet and emotional as I imagined.

Their ceremony was held at the beautiful St. Cecelia Parish. Although it was our first time shooting there, I’m pretty positive it now ranks up there with our favorite Catholic churches in St. Louis.

After the mass, we spent some time in Lafayette Park (along with a million other wedding parties!) before heading to The Caramel Room!

 

We love weddings at The Caramel Room. Their space is gorgeous, their staff is amazing, and gosh, we love those nighttime rooftop shots. Carlo + Whitley chose a super classy and elegant black and gold color scheme that complemented their space perfectly. It was just the right amount of timeless with a modern flair. I mean, they had a suspended wedding cake, for heaven’s sake! Also, Carlo is Italian so there was a mountain of Italian wedding cookies for dessert too! You’ll see hints of the Eiffel Tower throughout as well, each a nod to their proposal in Paris! Y’all, I’m telling you this couple knows how to do it right!

The night continued with the sweetest first dances, including a mother-son dance where all the women in Carlo’s family came and surrounded him and his mom to finish the dance. Such a symbolic moment of the tribe of people they have cheering them on! There was a pretty massive dance party and the most excited bouquet-catcher I’ve ever seen! 😉  And of course, we ended the night with those gorgeous rooftop photos!

Carlo + Whitley, your day was amazing and beautiful in so many ways! Thank you for inviting us into it! We can’t wait to finish the rest of your images and your feature film! I already know it’s going to be a stunner!

Vendor Love:

Ceremony | St. Cecilia Catholic Church

Reception | The Caramel Room at Bissingers

Cake | Celebrating Life Cakes

Dress | Mia Grace Bridal

Florist | Riley’s Florist

DJ | Millennium Productions