Archive for the ‘Weddings’ Category
Melissa & Mike Married | Hermann Wedding PhotographerMarch 12th, 2012Mike & Melissa’s wedding turned out beautifully. I cannot believe how quickly they were able to make plans and pull it all together. Their busy lives kept getting in the way of setting a date for their wedding. So, on a Friday in February they purchased their marriage license and on Saturday morning they booked Hermann Hill Chapel. Melissa called me immediately after to see if I would be able to photograph their wedding the next day. I’m so happy I was available to be a part of this intimate family wedding. On Saturday they had purchased a wedding dress, dresses for the girls and rented tuxes for the guys. Hermann Hill took care of the cake and flowers for them and they had a beautiful and moving ceremony on Sunday afternoon. No guests, just this new family of 5 consisting of a bride, groom and their 3 children. It was one of the sweetest weddings I’ve ever been blessed to shoot. Their 12 year old daughter even gave a beautiful speech when they cut their cake, which I caught on video. Be sure to click the link at the bottom of this blog to see a slideshow of more images from their special day including this sweet speech. I was thrilled to have met this family – It was a happy day! Click here to see a slideshow of more images from Mike & Melissa’s wedding [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/38405130[/vimeo] |
Mike & Melissa’s wedding turned out beautifully. I cannot believe how quickly they were able to make plans and pull it all together. Their busy lives kept getting in the way of setting a date for their wedding. So, on a Friday in February they purchased their marriage license and on Saturday morning they booked Hermann Hill Chapel. Melissa called me immediately after to see if I would be able to photograph their wedding the next day. I’m so happy I was available to be a part of this intimate family wedding. On Saturday they had purchased a wedding dress, dresses for the girls and rented tuxes for the guys. Hermann Hill took care of the cake and flowers for them and they had a beautiful and moving ceremony on Sunday afternoon. No guests, just this new family of 5 consisting of a bride, groom and their 3 children. It was one of the sweetest weddings I’ve ever been blessed to shoot. Their 12 year old daughter even gave a beautiful speech when they cut their cake, which I caught on video. Be sure to click the link at the bottom of this blog to see a slideshow of more images from their special day including this sweet speech. I was thrilled to have met this family – It was a happy day!
Click here to see a slideshow of more images from Mike & Melissa’s wedding
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First Tuesday in March | St. Peters PhotographerMarch 6th, 2012Welcome to the first Tuesday in March! I love that March brings along with it the onset of spring and an inspiring feeling of all things new. Here at my home studio, I am surrounded by signs of spring, new daffodil blooms in my garden, greener grass emerging, budding trees and I even saw a Robin yesterday. I’ve heard it said the sighting of a Robin means the return of warmth is near. Yay! This colorful bird is also known to signify “New Beginnings” and this week’s opportunities certainly tell of new beginnings.
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of photographing an amazing group of teenagers that have committed to making a difference in the lives of teens in our area. They are called Breakdown STL, and are quickly becoming known as St. Louis’s best local charity. They perform a high energy multimedia presentation with a purpose empowering teens to make positive choices regarding: sex, relationships, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, bullying, and suicide by providing preventative health education. This is a must see event for all, and one of the best investments in time for your teenager. For more information on this charity, please visit www.breakdownstl.org.
Another agenda item for me this week was finalizing the application process for my Senior Role Model program. I am so excited about this new program and am happy to introduce you to my Senior Role Models for the 2012-3013 season: Henry Wynd – Marquette High School Courtney Moeslein – Barat Academy Lexi Lewis – Marquette High School Kristen Warncke – Francis Howell Central Alden Henderson – St. Louis University High School Kate Thompson – Fort Zumwalt East Danielle Colombatto – Fort Zumwalt West Sydney Ockerhausen – Lafayette Senior High School Watch for Senior Role Model spotlights on this great group of kids over the next several weeks. Special shout out of thanks to photographer, Jeanette Steiner for her help and graciousness this weekend. Tip of the week: Since my daffodils are in bloom why not consider a Spring or Easter mini photo session? Perfect for those Easter Bonnets and Baskets! Contact me at cathyhartmanphotography.com for more information regarding special discounts on this mini session. Until Next Tuesday! ~Cathy |
Welcome to the first Tuesday in March!
I love that March brings along with it the onset of spring and an inspiring feeling of all things new. Here at my home studio, I am surrounded by signs of spring, new daffodil blooms in my garden, greener grass emerging, budding trees and I even saw a Robin yesterday. I’ve heard it said the sighting of a Robin means the return of warmth is near. Yay! This colorful bird is also known to signify “New Beginnings” and this week’s opportunities certainly tell of new beginnings.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of photographing an amazing group of teenagers that have committed to making a difference in the lives of teens in our area. They are called Breakdown STL, and are quickly becoming known as St. Louis’s best local charity. They perform a high energy multimedia presentation with a purpose empowering teens to make positive choices regarding: sex, relationships, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, bullying, and suicide by providing preventative health education. This is a must see event for all, and one of the best investments in time for your teenager. For more information on this charity, please visit www.breakdownstl.org.
Saturday I captured some amazing shots and video coverage at a fun wedding in Rhineland, Missouri. Beth and Brian exchanged vows at Church of the Risen Savior and celebrated their new beginning at Valentine Hall. I just love the name of that place for celebrating a wedding, very fitting indeed. The entire day was full of details, a photographer’s playground really. Their adorable children Hannah (2) and Carter (5) were included throughout the day until, like little angels; fell fast asleep in their sleeping bags during the reception. Just darling! I am certain these two little ones will add some precious moments to the photos I captured. The day was absolutely perfect and I’m so happy for this sweet couple.
Sunday brought me a newborn boy named Henry. Henry’s mother contacted me on Thursday and was eager to find time for a newborn session, including mom and dad. Our time frame was very limited, dad was only available on weekends and Henry was already 9 days old. I prefer to take newborn pictures within the first 2 weeks of birth while they still look brand new so we scheduled the session right away. Henry was adorable and slept like a charm. One break for a little snack and a brief pause for one little accident during his little nakey shots (which mom caught very quickly with a nearby diaper) made for a rather quick session for a newborn. Kelsey & Nick, Henry’s parents, were so calm for first time parents, and brought some fun props for Henry. One of my favorites was dad’s duck decoys. This was an awesome session with this sweet- as- could- be family.
As always, some of my week involved time on the computer for editing. I had a request from a client for some special editing on a photo of her son that I took some time ago as she was interested in having it displayed in her home on canvas. The color in the photo needed to match the décor in her home. I absolutely love the way the editing in this shot turned out. Can’t wait to see this on canvas!
Another agenda item for me this week was finalizing the application process for my Senior Role Model program. I am so excited about this new program and am happy to introduce you to my Senior Role Models for the 2012-3013 season:
Henry Wynd – Marquette High School
Courtney Moeslein – Barat Academy
Lexi Lewis – Marquette High School
Kristen Warncke – Francis Howell Central
Alden Henderson – St. Louis University High School
Kate Thompson – Fort Zumwalt East
Danielle Colombatto – Fort Zumwalt West
Sydney Ockerhausen – Lafayette Senior High School
Watch for Senior Role Model spotlights on this great group of kids over the next several weeks.
Special shout out of thanks to photographer, Jeanette Steiner for her help and graciousness this weekend.
Tip of the week: Since my daffodils are in bloom why not consider a Spring or Easter mini photo session? Perfect for those Easter Bonnets and Baskets! Contact me at cathyhartmanphotography.com for more information regarding special discounts on this mini session.
Until Next Tuesday!
~Cathy
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Another Beautiful Tuesday | St. Peters PhotographerFebruary 28th, 2012Tuesday has certainly turned into one of my favorite days of the week. Wondering why? Tuesday is the day I’ve set aside to tell you about the different opportunities that have come my way the week before, or things I’m just plain excited about. Every once and a while, it feels good to slow down, clear my busy mind and take a moment to reflect and be thankful for everything that makes up the job I love. Tuesday is becoming that opportunity for reflection for sure. This past week led me to a familiar photography session that I’m always grateful to donate my time for. Every year in February and March, several photographers come together to photograph for a very special organization, The Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery. Wednesday, I spent some quality time with one of these amazing kids and today I had a session with another sweet boy. These kiddos look so forward to the photography sessions and the individual one on one attention that goes along with it. I value the time spent with them as well and it makes my heart happy to see them smile. The longer I shoot for the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery; the more I come to the realization that I cannot adopt each child I photograph. Well, I’m almost coming to that realization anyway. Take a moment to view the photographs of these beautiful children in need of forever families/homes @ moheartgallery.org/adoption. Aside from my shoots with Missouri Heart Adoption Gallery and a few appointments here and there, I designated a great deal of my time last week to some much needed catch up work on the computer. Wedding album designs, editing and business planning were a must for the agenda. However, the weekend brought around plans for some casual down time with friends, but an unexpected surprise phone call made for a quick change in plans and a very eventful weekend.
This week, I am looking forward to shooting Breakdown STL, a high energy multimedia presentation with a purpose. BreakDown STL empowers teens to make positive choices regarding: sex, relationships, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, bullying, and suicide by providing preventative health education. This is a must see event. For more information on this free presentation at the Edward Jones Theatre on March 1st visit www.breakdownstl.org. Reminder: The deadline for becoming a part of my new Senior ROLE MODEL program March 1st! Check out the link on my website and Facebook pages and fill out an application if you are interested. Tip for Tuesday: Great informational tidbit on How to pay for college? The link provided offers great tips for high school students, parents and college students. http://www.studentbank.com/featured/101-ways-to-pay-for-college/ Until Next Tuesday! ~Cathy |
Tuesday has certainly turned into one of my favorite days of the week. Wondering why?
Tuesday is the day I’ve set aside to tell you about the different opportunities that have come my way the week before, or things I’m just plain excited about. Every once and a while, it feels good to slow down, clear my busy mind and take a moment to reflect and be thankful for everything that makes up the job I love. Tuesday is becoming that opportunity for reflection for sure.
This past week led me to a familiar photography session that I’m always grateful to donate my time for. Every year in February and March, several photographers come together to photograph for a very special organization, The Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery. Wednesday, I spent some quality time with one of these amazing kids and today I had a session with another sweet boy. These kiddos look so forward to the photography sessions and the individual one on one attention that goes along with it. I value the time spent with them as well and it makes my heart happy to see them smile. The longer I shoot for the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery; the more I come to the realization that I cannot adopt each child I photograph. Well, I’m almost coming to that realization anyway. Take a moment to view the photographs of these beautiful children in need of forever families/homes @ moheartgallery.org/adoption.
Aside from my shoots with Missouri Heart Adoption Gallery and a few appointments here and there, I designated a great deal of my time last week to some much needed catch up work on the computer. Wedding album designs, editing and business planning were a must for the agenda. However, the weekend brought around plans for some casual down time with friends, but an unexpected surprise phone call made for a quick change in plans and a very eventful weekend.
On Saturday morning, I received a call from an eager bride planning a very quick wedding and in desperate need of photography. The wedding was taking place Sunday (as in the next day) in Hermann. So, Sunday afternoon I packed up and headed to Hermann to photograph an impromptu, private wedding. The bride and groom purchased their marriage license on Friday, booked Hermann Hill Chapel, purchased a wedding dress, dresses for their girls and ordered tuxes for the guys on Saturday and had the most precious wedding ceremony on Sunday. No guests, just this new family of 5 consisting of a bride, groom and their 3 children. It was one of the sweetest weddings I’ve ever been blessed to shoot. Their 12 year old daughter even gave a beautiful speech when they cut their cake, which I caught on video. I was thrilled to have met this family – It was a happy day!
This week, I am looking forward to shooting Breakdown STL, a high energy multimedia presentation with a purpose. BreakDown STL empowers teens to make positive choices regarding: sex, relationships, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, bullying, and suicide by providing preventative health education. This is a must see event. For more information on this free presentation at the Edward Jones Theatre on March 1st visit www.breakdownstl.org.
Reminder: The deadline for becoming a part of my new Senior ROLE MODEL program March 1st! Check out the link on my website and Facebook pages and fill out an application if you are interested.
Tip for Tuesday: Great informational tidbit on How to pay for college? The link provided offers great tips for high school students, parents and college students.
http://www.studentbank.com/featured/101-ways-to-pay-for-college/
Until Next Tuesday!
~Cathy
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Happy Valentine’s DayFebruary 14th, 2012Even though it is cold and grey outside, Valentine’s Day has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!! Not only am I so grateful for the love of my family and dear friends, I can honestly say I LOVE what I do! Creating masterpieces for the amazing people I get to work with just warms my heart over and over again. My clients often ask me, “What do you like to photograph most?” ![]() My response, “Whatever I am photographing at the moment.” I am inspired by Life and absolutely love any moment my clients feel worthy of capturing. Let’s face it; I never get bored with all the variety Life has to offer. So far this month, I’m having the time of my life shooting precious little ones. The sweet, stillness of newborns and curious personalities of babies and toddlers are so fun to work with. I just love the creative opportunities in these shoots. I believe children in general offer such a joyful innocence to the lens.
The close of January brought a few new additions to Cathy Hartman photography. I’ve brought in some “behind the scenes” part-time help in Amy Greco! Amy is coming alongside to take care of some of the details that I don’t always have the time in my day to get to. She is currently updating some of the wording on my website, packages, programs, etc. to offer a more “creative voice.” If some of you were wondering if I’ve suddenly gained a new talent in my creative writing ability, well, that is probably Amy translating for me. I welcome Amy and look forward to the support she will offer me in the upcoming months.
Until next Tuesday, ~ Cathy |
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Tags: Cathy Hartman PHotography, St. Charles Missouri wedding photographer, St. Louis Baby Photography, St. Louis Missouri Children photographer, St. Louis Portrait Photographer, St. Louis Senior Photographer, St. Louis wedding photographer, St. Peters baby photographer, St. Peters Missouri wedding photographer
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Posted in: Children, Seniors, Tuesday Tips, Weddings |
Even though it is cold and grey outside, Valentine’s Day has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!! Not only am I so grateful for the love of my family and dear friends, I can honestly say I LOVE what I do! Creating masterpieces for the amazing people I get to work with just warms my heart over and over again. My clients often ask me, “What do you like to photograph most?”

My response, “Whatever I am photographing at the moment.” I am inspired by Life and absolutely love any moment my clients feel worthy of capturing. Let’s face it; I never get bored with all the variety Life has to offer. So far this month, I’m having the time of my life shooting precious little ones. The sweet, stillness of newborns and curious personalities of babies and toddlers are so fun to work with. I just love the creative opportunities in these shoots. I believe children in general offer such a joyful innocence to the lens.
Aside from my photo sessions, I’ve also spent time this month meeting with Brides as wedding season is just around the corner. I’m anxious to hear stories of all the Valentine’s Day proposals and hoping for warmer weather for upcoming engagement sessions ~ although I was really wishing I had one scheduled yesterday in that beautiful snowfall!
The close of January brought a few new additions to Cathy Hartman photography. I’ve brought in some “behind the scenes” part-time help in Amy Greco! Amy is coming alongside to take care of some of the details that I don’t always have the time in my day to get to. She is currently updating some of the wording on my website, packages, programs, etc. to offer a more “creative voice.” If some of you were wondering if I’ve suddenly gained a new talent in my creative writing ability, well, that is probably Amy translating for me. I welcome Amy and look forward to the support she will offer me in the upcoming months.
In addition, I’ve introduced a new SENIOR ROLE MODEL program that I am really excited about. I am currently accepting applications for ROLE MODELS and will continue through March 1st. Watch my blog in March as I unveil my ROLE MODELS for the 2012-2013 season.
Until next Tuesday,
~ Cathy
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Best of Weddings 2011January 11th, 2012We are so excited to have been voted as a 2012 Best of Weddings Winner for The Knot! Thank you to all of our awesome brides who left rave reviews and helped us achieve this honor as a leading wedding professional in St. Louis. The official announcement will be made later this month, but we couldn’t wait to share the news! Now for 2012 – we are already off to a busy start! Amanda and I had an awesome time meeting brides (and some grooms) at the STL Wedding Show at America’s Center last weekend. It’s amazing how many engagements happen over the holidays! This weekend I’m heading to New Orleans for the Digital Wedding Forum Photography Convention. I love going to seminars and continuing to learn and grow as a photographer. Plus, it’s getting cold here! While I’m gone Amanda will be meeting with couples at Hermann Hill during The Wedding Trail on Sunday, January 15. The following Sunday, January 22, we both will be able meet brides attending Unveiled 2012 at The Renaissance St. Louis Grand. If you are planning a wedding, I hope we get to see you at one of these events! It is so much fun to hear your wedding plans and stories of how you got engaged! In the next few days I’ll be posting blogs on some of the last few weddings from 2011. The end of the year was a little crazy and my blogging got pushed aside. I’ll be posting the last few weddings of the year soon. In the meantime I have put together a slideshow of some of our favorite weddings and love stories for 2011 – check it out here. Thanks again to all our awesome clients – looking forward to another wonderful year! Cathy
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Tags: 2012 Best of weddings winner for the knot, Cathy Hartman PHotography, Engagement photographer, Hermann Hill, Hermann Missouri wedding photography, photography, St. Charles Missouri wedding photographer, St. Charles wedding photographer, St. Louis photographer, St. Louis photography, St. Louis wedding photographer, St. Peters Missouri wedding photographer, stl wedding show, The Knot, The Wedding Trail, Trash the dress, unveiled 2012, wedding photography, weddings
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Posted in: Weddings |
We are so excited to have been voted as a 2012 Best of Weddings Winner for The Knot! Thank you to all of our awesome brides who left rave reviews and helped us achieve this honor as a leading wedding professional in St. Louis. The official announcement will be made later this month, but we couldn’t wait to share the news!
Now for 2012 – we are already off to a busy start! Amanda and I had an awesome time meeting brides (and some grooms) at the STL Wedding Show at America’s Center last weekend. It’s amazing how many engagements happen over the holidays!
This weekend I’m heading to New Orleans for the Digital Wedding Forum Photography Convention. I love going to seminars and continuing to learn and grow as a photographer. Plus, it’s getting cold here!
While I’m gone Amanda will be meeting with couples at Hermann Hill during The Wedding Trail on Sunday, January 15.
The following Sunday, January 22, we both will be able meet brides attending Unveiled 2012 at The Renaissance St. Louis Grand.
If you are planning a wedding, I hope we get to see you at one of these events! It is so much fun to hear your wedding plans and stories of how you got engaged!
In the next few days I’ll be posting blogs on some of the last few weddings from 2011. The end of the year was a little crazy and my blogging got pushed aside. I’ll be posting the last few weddings of the year soon. In the meantime I have put together a slideshow of some of our favorite weddings and love stories for 2011 – check it out here.
Thanks again to all our awesome clients – looking forward to another wonderful year!
Cathy
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Amy & Josh Wedding | Hermann Wedding PhotographerOctober 28th, 2011Amy & Josh are the sweetest couple – it was such a pleasure to photograph their beautiful wedding day at Hermann Hill Chapel. Josh was home from a short leave before returning to North Korea, Kunson. They are looking forward to being together again when they move to Alaska in the spring. Here are just a few of my favorites from the wonderful fall wedding! |
Amy & Josh are the sweetest couple – it was such a pleasure to photograph their beautiful wedding day at Hermann Hill Chapel. Josh was home from a short leave before returning to North Korea, Kunson. They are looking forward to being together again when they move to Alaska in the spring. Here are just a few of my favorites from the wonderful fall wedding!

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Rachel & Brian Married | St. Louis Wedding PhotographerOctober 25th, 2011Rachel & Brian’s wedding day at Riverbend Chapel in Washington was amazing. This is such a beautiful location and the weather that day could not have been more perfect all the way to the beautiful sunset over the river at the end of the day. Rachel was a gorgeous bride and the wedding party was so much fun! I am so happy I was able to be a part of the special day! I had a hard time narrowing down my favorite shots from the day, but here are a few.
I love that Rachel & her sister Sarah did the alterations to the dress themselves! You girls did such an amazing job! You girls have grown into such beautiful women both inside and out – your mom would be so proud! Mason had a great view for mom and dad’s first look before the ceremony.
Congratulations Rachel & Brian! |
Rachel & Brian’s wedding day at Riverbend Chapel in Washington was amazing. This is such a beautiful location and the weather that day could not have been more perfect all the way to the beautiful sunset over the river at the end of the day. Rachel was a gorgeous bride and the wedding party was so much fun! I am so happy I was able to be a part of the special day! I had a hard time narrowing down my favorite shots from the day, but here are a few.
I love that Rachel & her sister Sarah did the alterations to the dress themselves! You girls did such an amazing job!
You girls have grown into such beautiful women both inside and out – your mom would be so proud!
Mason had a great view for mom and dad’s first look before the ceremony.

Congratulations Rachel & Brian!
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Amy & Mike Wedding | St. Louis Wedding PhotographerOctober 11th, 2011I met Mike & Amy last December while they were visiting St. Louis for the holidays. The currently live in Southern California, but planned their wedding in St. Louis to be near friends and family. They were so easy to talk to and I felt an immediate connection. Their ceremony was held at Provincial House Chapel on the UMSL campus.. They traveled in style in a vintage Bentley to their reception at Maggianos in Brentwood. It was a beautiful day from the emotional first look to the acapella choir Amy surprised Mike with! Here are a few favorite shots from their amazing day. Congratulations Mike & Amy! |
I met Mike & Amy last December while they were visiting St. Louis for the holidays. The currently live in Southern California, but planned their wedding in St. Louis to be near friends and family. They were so easy to talk to and I felt an immediate connection. Their ceremony was held at Provincial House Chapel on the UMSL campus.. They traveled in style in a vintage Bentley to their reception at Maggianos in Brentwood. It was a beautiful day from the emotional first look to the acapella choir Amy surprised Mike with! Here are a few favorite shots from their amazing day.
Congratulations Mike & Amy!



















































































