Christine Guest Photography

Long time...No see! :)

Well H-E-L-L-O!!!!  Long time, no see!  I felt compelled to write about my MIA status.  The mere fact that I had to look up my blog log-in information is a fantastic indicator that it has been QUITE SOME TIME!!  :)

Can't believe it has been almost a year since I have posted.  Embarassing?  Maybe.  But not really.  You see...I've been moonlighting.  Not to be confused with moonshining.  :)  Although a little bit of moonshine might have been helpful during the last year or so.  HA!  As some of you may know...I own and operate a manufacturing corporation in St. Louis.  In the steel rule die industry.  We sell a product to the people that make tools...that make packages.  Boxes...greeting cards...file folders etc.  I went to work for the company in 2004.  My husband came on in 2005.  We purchased the company in 2006.  I am Owner and CEO.  That has always been my real job.  :)

But I have always loved photography.  And people kept hiring me.  And well?  I just sorta ended up with a photography business on the side because people kept wanting to pay me to do something that I loved.  And for that I am grateful.  I.  Have.  Been.  Blessed.  For over 14 years I have been photographing weddings and babies and families and people that I have come to love.  And I have adored every minute of it.  But during that time...I have also given birth to two little munchkins that have redefined love for me.  In every sense of the word.  

I am SMITTEN.  And dedicated.  And not willing to miss those million-and-one little moments in my children's life.  They are my world.  And they are only little once.  

I.  Am.  Not.  Going.  To.  Miss.  It.

So since I already work full-time and my photography was just a side job that I adored...I wasn't quite adoring potentially missing my daughter's dance recital next May because I was booked for a wedding a year in advance.  So while I LOVED shooting weddings...the truth is...I love my kids more.  And my kids are my priority right now.  So I've been cheering from the side lines at games and going to dance recitals.  And remembering that they are only little once.  

I am SO not going to miss it.  ;)

And someday.  When they don't like me anymore.  

I''ll.  Be.  Back.  

:)

Cuz I love it.  Photography that is.  

And if that wasn't enough.  I also moonlighted for a year or so for my favorite Custom Home Builder in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!  

www.whalencustomhomes.com

He built my dream home.  Within my husband's budget.  :)  Mike Whalen.  Dream builder extraordinaire! Seriously.  This guy is the cream of the crop.  The most honest guy ever.  Low pressure.  And the most outstanding product for the money in the St. Louis area.  Hands down...THE BEST.  So when he needed a little extra help with his clients...I was honored and eager to help him out.  It was such a fun job!!  But all good things must come to an end.  :)   

And so the story goes that this little manufacturing corporation I own just keeps demanding more and more time.  So I spend all of my time there.  And with my munchkins.  And I'm cool with that.

So here I am.  Momma and CEO.  Happy to share the happenings and documentaries of what's going on in my world.  Pirate Parties.  Princess Parties.  Irish Dream Vacations.  You name it...you never know what you might find here.  

Chances are you'll find more than one iron in the fire.  Kinda my style.  :)  

Until then...my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.  It has been an honor.  Truly.  Wishing you many happily ever afters!  And the courage to not miss the little things.  ;)       

TOUCH OF CLASS ~ St. Alban's Wedding Photographer ~

I can't think of a more beautiful setting than St. Alban's, Missouri for a wedding.  It has always been my favorite location.  

This particular wedding took St. Alban's up a notch.  A super high notch, if you will.  If that's even possible!  

And when I say up a notch...it's as though it was raised up on Wings.

The wedding venue was at Wings, a hunting club in St. Alban's.  Now a private residence to dear friends of the groom, this wedding venue offered the most intimate and breathtaking setting for Abby and Eric to exchange vows.  Not to be outdone by the setting, Abby chose a gown that could rival the view with just a glance...

Abby and Eric opted for a first look.  The emotions were everything I could have hoped.

Abby.  You. are. stunning.  

An intimate garden nestled in the bluffs of the Missouri River.  Gorgeous.

Eric had to swing a celebratory club after it was official.

The flowers were exquisite...compliments of Mary Tuttles.

St. Alban's Country Club never fails to deliver.  Beauty and ambiance at it's finest.

Abby displayed unbridled exuberance throughout the evening.  Her joy could not be contained.  Her zest and love of life contagious.  She couldn't be more adorable.

And Eric?  Well he lives to see her happy.  He couldn't take his eyes off of her...

Abby and Eric....may you have as much joy in your marriage as you did on your wedding day.  May you continue to be blessed and surrounded by friends and family that love you immeasurably.  May all of your days be as beautiful...and breathtaking.

With much love,

Christine

KICKIN IT JORDYN STYLE ~ Saint Louis Senior Portrait Photographer ~

6:30 am.  6:30 am???  Yes.  6:30 am.

That is what time this sweet senior agreed to do her Senior Pictures.  Can you believe it??  We booked her session when it had been 100 degrees almost every day.  Even a sunset session during those weeks was miserable.  Miserable I say.  Plus, we were having a hard time coordinating our schedules.  So I talked them in to a SUNRISE session.  In downtown St. Louis.  At 6:30 am.  :)

I have to admit I've never done a sunrise session.  I had good reasons.  And they all seemed legit.  It seemed like SUCH a good idea.  But I must confess that at 6:15 am, as I was driving to the landing thinking about what time this girl had to get up to get ready for her session....I started to worry.

So we all meet up.  And usually I take some practice shots just to get the client used to me and to get my creative juices going.  Here is my first shot at the crack-of-dawn-drag-your-ass-out-of-bed-was-this-a-bad-idea Senior portrait session:

ummmm....yeah.  THIS was the BEST idea EVER!!!  This girl can rock it at 6:30 am.  ROCK IT, I say.  This might be my favorite shot of the day.  And the first shot is NEVER my favorite.  My last shots usually end up being my favorite.  This session worked backwards.  Which is why I am a firm believer in LIGHT.  Late in the day, the light is best = which is why my last shots of session are always my favorite.  The earlier in the morning it is = the better the shots.  So yes.  Yes.  Yes. YES!  Sunrise sessions are fabulous too!  

And we'll just let Jordyn show you for herself.  

Jordyn's dad and step-momma are dear friends of mine.  I have so much respect for the way this family has brought up Jordyn.  Jordyn's mom, Jordyn's dad and Jordyn's step mom all came to the session together.  Talk about support!  And the way they all get along is beautiful.  It's easy to see they all have one common goal.  To love this sweet girl.  

So usually I like to take the Senior away from their parents for a few shots.  Sometimes they seem to be a bit more composed around their parents.  Not always...but sometimes.  It just worked out that Jordyn's entourage found some benches around the corner and Jordyn and I found a cool little alley.  This next sequence of shots might very well be my favorite set from a Senior portrait session.  Like watch out world...here I come!

You are gorgeous.  

Are you kidding me??  This girl rocked it out of the park.  At 6:30 am!!  Geez....

Oh my goodness.  Are those to die for??  I love em!  I'm sure her dad isn't too thrilled with them...considering she looks so grown up.  Sorry Joe.  You know I'm a bit of an envelope pusher.  :)

Sweet Jordyn.  Thanks for trusting me and getting your butt out of bed so early in the morning.  I hope that you love your images.  You are a sweet sweet girl and I wish you much success and fabulous moments.  Make the best of your Senior year and go out in to the world with as much confidence and love that you conveyed to me this day.  You are beautiful and wonderful.  I can't wait to see where you go....

And how ironic is it that I just happened to post 21 images.  :)  Kick it 2-1!!

COURAGE

I just did this football ad for Lafayette's program.  I kinda like it.  Plus...the cool cat in the pic is my nephew.  ;)

LITTLE D TURNS 1!!! ~ St. Louis Children's Photographer ~

Do you remember this little Miss?!!

How mean....how could you forget her??  So stinkin cute!!!

Well Little D is ONE today.  And we decided to celebrate with a little session on Main Street in Saint Charles, where her parents were married a couple of years ago.  I love revisiting the same place at different stages of our lives.

So here is a image from Little D's mom & dad's wedding.  On the train tracks in St. Charles.

A couple of years later and this is what happens!!

Little D was a dream last night.  Happy, Happy, HAPPY!  She's a smiley little girl and just makes you want to squeeze her!

Sweet little Miss.  I hope that your First Birthday is perfect in every way.  You are so adorable and make people smile from the inside out!

Happy Birthday!!!

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE ~ St. Louis Wedding Photographer ~

They say that if it rains on your wedding day it brings good luck.  This couple has been BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!!  

Jenn and Craig were wed on Sunday.  And for the months leading up to this wedding I've been singing "Goin to the Chapel and We're Gonna get Mar-ar-ar-ied" because that is exactly what they did.  

The quintessential chapel.  Peace Chapel to be exact...on the Daniel Boone property in Defiance, MO.  Quaint and perfect.  

I've been told that Jenn can be a bit shy.  ?!??  Is this true??  Because on her wedding day she was nothing but smiles and confidence.  She was breathtakingly beautiful.  

Guess who's goin to the chapel??  :)

Might just be my new favorite getaway pic ever.  And to think that the thunder was a rolling and Craig was about ready to have a heart attack because the top was down.  We were able to grab this pic but then had to roll em up.  :(  Much to my dismay.  I could have photographed this old beauty all day long.  Love it.  

We took cover in the chapel and were able to sneak in a few more kisses.

We headed to Chandler Hill Winery as the rain continued to pour.  The rain stopped for a minute and I grabbed them and made them stand on the balcony.  This was the only opportunity we had for the rest of the day.  So glad we nailed it.

The rest of the pics had to be taken indoors.  But hey...if ya gotta be indoors you might as well do it in style.  Ritz style, of course.  :)

Grab Some Bud's!  Pretend like your tending bar!  :)

The reception was held at the Rams Club at the Dome.  Hot ticket in town! 

I witnessed two people get married on Sunday.  I watched a girl with with so many hopes and dreams walk down the aisle to the one man that can make it all happen.  I watched a guy look like he was walking on air the entire day.  Smitten.  With his whole heart.  I watched a room full of friends who each love this couple unconditionally.  

I watched.  I watched from the sidelines as this love story unfolded.  It made me just want to cheer them on.  Rally behind them and shout from the catwalk that true love is worth the wait.  That the wishes and dreams that each of them have held in their hearts are now cradled softly and lovingly in the palm of the others hand.

Jenn & Craig...may you always make the best seat in the house be the one beside each other.  Wishing you much love and happiness.  And lots of dreams coming true!

WHAT A CATCH!! ~ St. Louis Newborn Photographer ~

Baby Green is here!!!  

This little guy can speak all for himself.  He's beautiful.  And perfect.

And oh so very loved...

I asked the proud poppa to bring his baseball glove.  I think it's the best catch he's ever made.

Except maybe for Lauren.  :)

Look at this face!!  

I couldn't love this family more.  Watching them grow and change over the years has been an honor and a privilege.  I am blessed to have witnessed all of these milestones.  My heart bursts with love as you embark upon this most sacred and special journey of parenthood.  May the days be memorable and the night's full of sleep.  Savor every second...even the not so savory ones.  Wishing you nothing but love, happiness and laughter.    

LOOK...McCOOK! ~ St. Louis Family Photographer ~

This family session started off hilarious and just kept getting better.  When they pulled up for the session, dad went around to the back of the SUV and opened it to get the dog out.  Out comes tumbling one of their sweet boys.  Literally.  Like a sack of potatoes rolling out.  He hit pavement and looked up and smiled.  The other boy had a pair of broken glasses.  He was instructed not to breathe. The little Miss...well...she's just about the cutest thing ever.

So look.  It's the McCook's!

I am in love with these boys.  They are so stinkin cute!!!

And this little Miss.  Well.  She had me at hello.  

And when we went to say goodbye, she asked if I could come home with her.  :)  

This next shot might be one of my favorite momma shots ever.  

McCook's...I loved spending time with you.  Your family is beautiful...and funny...and fabulous.

Oh.  And I have something funny to tell you.  See this picture?

Would anyone else notice the little tag Mrs. McCook has sticking up underneath her sheer shirt?  I did.  So I asked them to stop.  I balanced two cameras in one hand and took my other hand up under the back of her shirt to tuck the tag in.  Just as I was doing so...I felt this warm goopiness run ever so slowly down my head, neck and back.  I slowly remove my hand from up my client's shirt.  Calmly tell them to continue walking.  And then click this frame:

We got the shot.  AND the client was none the wiser that their photographer was just shit on while having my hand up her back.  That's professionalism baby.  Calm.  Cool.  Collected.  

And yet totally grossed out.  :)

Love ya McCook's!  Can't wait until you are saddled up over here in my subdivision.  Giddy up!

PINK CHAMPAGNE PICNICS ~ St. Louis Engagement Photographer ~

Meet Kelly.  The quintessential Montessori teacher.  I have never met a person more *perfect* for their job.  Calm.  Cool.  Collected.  Her voice just exudes peacefulness.  Perhaps that's why I love being around her so much.  I need a little peacefulness!  :)

Bryan was my favorite before I even met him.  I love the way he spells his name!  

My best friend in grade school was named Bryan.  He died of a brain tumor in 1st grade (along with another little boy in my class who died a year later of Leukemia).  Bryan got to wear a hat to school because he was going through chemo. The other children used to steal his hat and run around the playground with it.  Keep in mind that as an adult, I am 5'2" and weigh a tad over 100 lbs.  I'm a peanut.  Especially back then.  So it was surprising when I started kicking butt on the playground and beating up the bullies stealing his hat.  I lost all recess privileges for the entire year.  I spent my recesses in a supply vault with colored paper and a ditto machine.  But I learned at an early age about love, death, right from wrong and being a voice for people who need it.  I eventually got sent to the catholic school so the nuns could "guide" me.  But I'd do it all over again.  Bryan's family moved away but I still keep in touch.  My something "borrowed" for my wedding was the Christening hanky from his Baptism.  I wrapped it around my wedding bouquet when I got married.  I've always held on to his memory and the lessons that I learned early on.  It was only fitting that I held on to a memory of him on my wedding day too.  

So any "Bryan" makes me smile.  THIS Bryan was no exception!             

Their session started out in the evening, but it was still a little hot out.  We took cover nearby and tried to stay cool.

 

We then headed over to the park for a little pink champagne picnic!  So much fun!  I love the feel that the rest of the session held.  Laid back.  Casual.  And fun.  Just two people having a little intimate picnic (with a 5'2" banned from the playground photographer).  This epitomizes what I am always striving for my sessions to be like.  I want the clients to have fun.  Enjoy the day.  BE IN THE MOMENT.  If I can put people in a good setting and give them a little bit of leadership the rest can play out beautifully without them feeling like they are "posing".

I started my photography business inadvertently.  It was just a hobby and I took black and white film images of my friends weddings.  I was a bridesmaid and just brought my camera with me.  My images spoke from the heart and captured this:

"friends having fun...the love of friends...the relationships of family...the beauty in the moments that happen naturally"

So this is what I try to do.  I try to be a friend.  I try to melt in to the wedding party, or couple or family and make them feel as if I were a friend just along for the ride.  And usually I do a pretty good job fitting in.

And then?  

That's when the magic happens.

The next one is my *favorite*!!  Kelly and Bryan....you are Beautiful!!!

So in the end...Kelly and Bryan had a sweet little picnic at the park.  Oh.  And knocked out their engagement session too!  :)

Kelly & Bryan ~ I wish you a wonderful wedding in California wine country.  May your marriage age as well as fine wine and may you enjoy it as immensely!  :)

HOT.MOMMA. ~ St. Louis Maternity Photographer ~

I got a little edgy.  But OH MAN do I love the results!  

This hot momma is one of my favorite clients.  And her hubby is a old colleague/friend.  I shot their engagement in 2007.  Wedding in 2008.  And now maternity.  What I love about Josh and Lauren is that they trust me.  And when I'm trusted I get to stretch my creativity.  Sometimes things work.  Sometimes they don't.  But when they do...OH BABY!!!

I loved being pregnant.  Really.  And I'm not having selective memory.  I LOVED being pregnant.  All of it.  I felt magical and sexy and alive.  I felt a little miracle inside of me and was so honored and humbled and mesmerized by the whole thing.  It was such an awesome experience.  And let me just be honest here...it was the only time in my life I had boobs.  I had a belly...but I finally had boobs!!  Hey man.  I'm like 100 pounds.  I'll take em how ever I can get them.  

So I always wanted to do a sexy momma shoot.  Typical maternity session turned edgy.  The results??  

One.  Hot.  Momma.

Josh and Lauren.  Enjoy the dance.

It's the best.  journey.  ever.

With much love always....