Some weddings feel like they’re pulled straight from a classic love story rich with meaning, family history, faith, and the unmistakable charm of St. Louis.
Carissa and Mike’s October wedding was every bit of that and more.

After photographing their engagement session last year, I already knew these two were an absolute joy to work with. Their chemistry is effortless, their laughter contagious, and their ability to be fully present with one another made documenting their wedding a true honor.

A Ceremony Rooted in Faith + Family History

Carissa & Mike chose the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France; affectionately known as the Old Cathedral. Nestled right by the Gateway Arch. A church steeped in history, beauty, and tradition.

Carissa’s family has deep Catholic roots, and the couple wanted a sacred, traditional ceremony that honored both their personal faith and the faith traditions of their families. Mike’s family, devoted Christians, shared the same appreciation for such a meaningful setting.

Carissa grew up visiting St. Louis often, dreaming one day of getting married in this very city. And with Mike proposing under the Arch, just steps from their ceremony site, the connection felt like fate threading it all together.

Their ceremony included two very special elements:
• A memorial chair honoring Carissa’s late brother, Jason
• Boutonniere + bouquet memorial pieces for Carissa’s late grandmother

Those quiet moments of remembrance made the day even more heartfelt.

Capturing the Reactions that Matter Most

Carissa and Mike asked for something specific: reactions.
The smiles, the tears, the laughter, the looks shared between family and friends during the biggest moments of the day.

We focused on:
 Their parents’ reactions during the ceremony
 Wedding party emotions during speeches
 Their joy-filled, candid moments as a couple
Special dances: Mother–Son + Father–Daughter
 Guests laughing, crying, supporting, celebrating

These “in-between” moments are what bring a wedding album to life and their families were the BEST at showing emotion.

A Reception Filled With Charm at Barnett on Washington

If you’ve ever walked into Barnett on Washington, you know the building is a dream; old-world architecture, winding staircases, warm lighting, history tucked into every corner.

Carissa and Mike incorporated unique personal touches into their reception, including:
• A Generations of Love table honoring the marriages before theirs
• A cigar lounge for guests
• An old piano that made for perfect photo moments
• Signature cocktails
• A stunning landing & staircase (yes, we used it!)

Every space in this venue tells a story, and these two made it their own.

A Love Story That Came Full Circle

Carissa and Mike’s relationship began in a modern-but-charming way they matched on Hinge, the “app designed to be deleted,” and they really did delete it.

She was captivated by the tall guy with the bright red beard.
He was drawn to her beauty, wit, and spark.

Their first real date?
A cozy, nearly empty Mizzou basketball game where they bonded over popcorn and easy conversation.

They shared early memories of flipped docks, spare clothes, mini trips to St. Louis, and showing up for each other when it mattered most like when Mike drove from Columbia to Jefferson City just to comfort her after a hard workday.
That was the moment Carissa knew.
Mike says he knew after the “Great Accounting Fight,” when she pushed him to be better.

Their proposal was classic Mike:
A beautiful spring evening, under the Arch, then a surprise dinner with both families… and another surprise celebration with her friends.
A night full of love and a date she jokes he picked intentionally: 4/20/24.

Details + Meaning Everywhere

A few meaningful details they wanted captured:
• Carissa wearing a family pearl necklace
• Items honoring her late grandmother
• The Generations of Love table
• The architecture of Barnett
• Reactions during key moments
• A ceremony full of deep tradition

These details will matter even more decades from now a visual legacy they’ll pass down.

Carissa & Mike: Congratulations to the New Mr. & Mrs. Richardson

Your day was heartfelt, emotional, full of faith, joy, tradition, and St. Louis magic.
Thank you for trusting me to capture every moment big and small.
I’m so honored to have documented the beginning of your forever.

Vendors Who Made the Day Beautiful

Ceremony:
• Basilica of St. Louis, King of France

Reception:
• Barnett on Washington

Florist:
N/A

Cake & Desserts:
• Hendri’s Catering — https://hendris.com/

Catering:
• Hendri’s Catering — https://hendris.com/

DJ/Band:
• Show Me Sound — https://www.showmesound.com/

Hair:
• Amber JF Hair – Union, MO
(636) 583-3929

Makeup:
• Andrea Ryan —

Gown:
• Mimi’s Bridal — Town & Country

Bridesmaids Dresses:
• Azazie

Shoes:
• Amazon

Jewelry/Rings:
• Jared’s
• Groom’s Ring – TBD

Men’s Attire:
• Savvi Formalwear

Transportation:
• The Wine Shuttle — Union, MO

Save the Dates / Invitations / Programs:
• Zazzle + Canva

Officiant:
• Father Zachary Povis

Favors/Gifts:
• Etsy & Amazon

View the Full Wedding Gallery:

Click here to view their full wedding gallery →

Carissa and Mike, thank you for letting me be part of your incredible day. From the meaningful ceremony at the Basilica to the joyful celebration at Barnett on Washington, every moment was a privilege to capture. Your love, laughter, and connection shine so brightly, and I’m honored to have preserved these memories for you to treasure for a lifetime. Wishing you endless joy, adventures, and happiness as you begin this next chapter together!