I remember photographing Chrissa when she was a teenager sitting on a fence holding onto the reins of her first love, Toby.  She was as beautiful then as she is today, but now she has a certain sparkle in her eyes when she looks at Robert that reveals he is her true love.  Her Uncle Rick introduced them three years ago, and Chrissa and Robert have been inseparable ever since.

The wedding day dawned rainy and gray, but by noon the sky was blue and the sun was shining ... a perfect day.  Chrissa was completely relaxed and already radiant when we arrived to begin the photographs.  Her mother, Christy, a consummate hostess, had seen to every detail and special touch in planning the wedding, allowing Chrissa to enjoy every moment, worry free.  After doing a few family photographs, it was on to The Shrine of St. Joseph which is a photographer's dream - filled with beautiful light and staffed by the nicest group of volunteers who are always ready to help their brides in any way that they can.  The gorgeous flowers that so beautifully accented the church were designed by the talented Jane Winters of Wildflowers.

Robert, ever thoughtful, in an unforgettable nod to their ancestors, wore Chrissa’s great-grandfather’s morning suit made for him in 1912 by Hickey Freeman.  Her great-grandfather had been a very talented figure skater in his day and sported the suit in skating competitions in addition to wearing it at all of his children’s weddings.  Chrissa’s father, himself an accomplished pianist, chose all of the music for the wedding including the Clarion Brass Ensemble’s incredible rendition of “The Widor Toccata.”  Chrissa’s dad told me later that the best part of the wedding for him was when he and his daughter arrived at the altar.  After lifting the blusher veil covering her face, she gave him a huge hug and a kiss, and then, just as he was about give her hand to Robert, she gave him a second hug and kiss - her happiness could not becontained!  All through the ceremony the bride and groom could not take their eyes off each other.  Their dreams had come true.

The party that followed was held at Old Warson Country Club and was, quite simply, gorgeous.  Wildflower’s elegant arrangements filled the tents which were highlighted by the creative lighting of Aries Lighting Company.  The guests were treated to a magnificent wedding cake thanks to the mother of the bride who managed to convince the incomparable Henri LaFitte to come out of retirement.  Few bakers have the skill or daring to cover a tiered cake in spun sugar, but Henri is a pastry genius.  He shared his artistry in this intricate tour de force.  After many warm and heartfelt  toasts, the dancing began to the sounds of the Tommy Money Orchestra, and Chrissa and Robert danced the night away.

All the best to you, Chrissa and Robert!!