Paducah KY Creative Couple Session

St. Louis wedding Photographer
Paducah Wedding Photographer

We met Cynthia Jewel at the coolest coffee shop in Kentucky (maybe the whole US honestly. Shout out to Pipers!) where she baristas! As soon as we spoke, I hoped that one day we’d be able to be friends and photograph her. (She’s so funny and sweet I swear.) Zack is in a band and is a seriously talented musician. Not to mention just a cool person all around. When we collaborated with CJ and Zack on this shoot, I knew it was going to be a good one.

The session started outside of Zack’s work at a printing press in Paducah, KY. We were looking for a blank slate and some heavy direct sunlight. We’ve been moving away from typical golden hour dream work and treading into difficult lighting situations. It’s nice to give yourself a challenge after years of playing it safe and wishing you were creating work you could be proud of.

After the wall, we focused on the “well she’s seen better days” baby blue car parked permanently on the mix of gravel and grass. It gave me major high school soul mates skip class and go dream about their future hidden behind the old broken down car before ducking into a gas station to get snacks for 7th period.

On the other side of this magnificent white wall is a printing press. (And no, the air wasn’t on in case you’re wondering. And yes, it was as hot as Satan’s homeland.) The light! The LIGHT that is in that building. The way everything is perfectly preserved in a time that was once only recorded on VHS tapes. Doesn’t this session feel like a cassette tape you listen to with the windows down? (You know, the hand crank windows you have to roll down yourself?) It’s familiar though you haven’t seen it before.

After nudie suit inspired downtown walks, we ended our session on the rooftop high above The Foxbriar Cocktail Bar with a view of the buildings and river.

Greenhouse Two Rivers Elopement

One year ago I got a call from my dear friend Beth. She was contracted to shoot C + T’s wedding and was sadly unable to travel due to restrictions. When she called and asked if I could associate shoot it for her, I was glad to help. When a stay at home order was announced, I drove down to Springfield to photograph their day before the lockdown began. C+T’s Greenhouse Two Rivers elopement was beautiful and I was honored to represent Beth.

Mollie + Jesse's Anniversary Session

After shooting Jesse and Mollie’s wedding in 2018, we were thrilled to photograph them for their anniversary. They live on beautiful land outside of Belle, Missouri and I was so happy to be back in that area of the state.

I had so many favorite moments from this shoot. Seeing the valley from up on the hills was an unreal amount of beautiful. (Okay, Missouri! Show off!) When Jesse called the cows to come get food so we could get some photos with them. (I fell in love with the little baby cows and had a healthy fear of the big mamas. lol) Also, just being around them is my favorite. Mollie is so sweet and funny and talented, it’s easy to be in awe of her. The colors of her dress combined with the soft greens in the last photos shown on this post are just. Ooof. * chefs kiss *

Myesha + DeAndre's Missouri Creative Session

Mini Session with DeAndre’ and Myesha

St. Louis Missouri Wedding Photographer

I’ve photographed M + A twice now and I want to photograph them every year forever. These humans are so cool. I met Myesha when I was still working in. Around eight or nine years ago we both worked side by side in different clothing stores in the same strip mall. Once I went into her store to find a perfume for a Christmas gift and Myesha was the person working the counter. She was tiny like me and we hit it off instantly. A short while later I ran into her on the sidewalk and she said “Rosie, I met the one!”. It was DeAndre’. I met him very shortly after and knew immediately that he was going to be good to her. (You two are so precious.) Almost a decade later and they have the most amazing little girl. I love them so much and I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.

xo
Rosalie

Mckinley + Alyssa's Paducah, KY Couple Session

Zach and Rosalie

St. Louis Wedding Photographers

When the trees are bare and the weather is cold, we typically shoot less weddings. (Oh, I definitely miss it.) The best part about this time of year is to photograph creative couple sessions like this one with Alyssa and Mckinley. Not only are these two stylish, they are also v talented. Alyssa is a skilled florist. Mckinley plays the guitar. And they are both excellent cat parents. When we met, we were all wearing Doc Martens and I don’t know if this sounds crazy, but the universe was like “Hey, these are your people.” We ran around Paducah’s downtown on foot and had a dang good time. I also got to see my sweet forever friend, Amber. (If you’re reading this, I love you with the intensity of 1000 suns.)

Like we’ve mentioned before, we play music during these sessions and these photos feel like music to me. Please listen to your favorite song right now while looking at them. Zach took the lead on this shoot and directed the whole thing. I did something I haven’t done before. I photographed the whole time with just a 45mm tilt shift lens. I wanted more practice with it, and I knew these two would appreciate it.

So please enjoy!