Wesley and Olivia
Told on:
August 9th 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri
Event Summary:
A Timeless Summer Wedding at Westwind Hills | The Coeys’ Love Story
Location: Westwind Hills, Pacific, Missouri
A Homecoming Wedding Filled With Joy
The Coeys’ wedding day is one I’ll hold close forever. As someone born and raised in St. Louis, getting to photograph a wedding in my hometown always feels special — like returning to my own roots while capturing the beginning of someone else’s story. And on this bright summer morning, the joy in the air was unmistakable.
I arrived at Westwind Hills, one of Missouri’s most breathtaking wedding venues, and immediately felt the magic of the day ahead. Sunshine spilled across the rolling hills, guests buzzed with excitement, and every detail spoke to the warm, elegant vision Olivia and Wesley had dreamed up. With my digital cameras, film camera, and Polaroid ready, I dove straight into detail photos — and quickly realized these were some of my favorites I’ve ever shot.
Getting Ready in the Bridal Suite — Champagne, Satin, and Sweet Moments
Once I finished details, I headed into the bridal suite where Olivia and her bridesmaids were already in full celebration mode — matching satin pajamas, champagne in hand, music playing, and that unmistakable pre-ceremony glow.
After a few toasts, it was time for Olivia to slip into her dress. Her mother and sisters helped her into her gown and white gloves, each movement slow and intentional — the kind of moment that becomes a lifelong memory.
Then came the bridesmaid reveal — loud cheers, hands over hearts, and the kind of love only a group of best friends can bring. Afterward, Olivia shared an emotional first look with her dad and brothers. Tears, hugs, and the kind of connection that reminds you just how meaningful these moments really are.
While the girls finished final touch-ups, I slipped away to find Wesley and his groomsmen. His father helped him fasten his boutonniere — a quiet father-son moment that felt intimate and full of pride — and then we stepped outside for portraits, making sure to keep Olivia out of sight until the ceremony.
A Heartfelt Ceremony at Westwind Hills
Before the ceremony began, a live painter stood poised with her canvas, ready to capture the moment Olivia and Wesley shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Guests began to settle into their seats, sunlight warming the ceremony space.
And then the music shifted.
The moment Wesley saw Olivia walking toward him, everything paused. Tears filled his eyes, and you could feel a wave of emotion ripple through the guests. It wasn’t just a beautiful entrance — it was holy, sacred, filled with the presence of God, family, and generations of love.
There were goosebump moments, worship songs that filled the space like a cathedral, and a moving sacrament shared by both sets of parents beside Olivia and Wesley. The ceremony felt like a tapestry of faith, gratitude, and genuine joy.
When they finally walked back up the aisle as husband and wife, they were immediately greeted with tearful hugs, laughter, and cheers — my favorite kind of candid moments to capture.
Golden Hour Portraits & Private Vows in the Hills
After family and bridal party photos wrapped, I took Olivia and Wesley out into the golden Missouri sunlight for their newlywed portraits. The hills were glowing, the air felt soft, and we had the quietest pockets of time to let them just be.
During this time, they exchanged private vows — intimate words spoken only to each other, creating a moment I know they’ll carry into every chapter of their marriage. We celebrated with champagne, laughter, and the sweetest little pauses to soak everything in while their guests enjoyed cocktail hour outside.
A Reception Full of Heart, Laughter & Dancing
The reception was warm, joyful, and full of celebration. Heartfelt toasts, a delicious dinner, emotional dances — all leading into a packed dance floor that stayed full all night.
One of the most memorable moments came from Olivia’s younger brother, who performed a tribute to Michael Jackson complete with the iconic white glove. The crowd went wild, and it was such a fun, sentimental highlight of the night.
As the evening came to an end, Olivia and Wesley made their way through a sparkler send-off, illuminated by cheers, twinkling lights, and the electricity of a perfect summer night.
A Day I’ll Cherish Forever
From the heartfelt ceremony to the way their families embraced me like one of their own, every moment of Olivia and Wesley’s wedding felt meaningful. Their day at Westwind Hills was joyful, faith-filled, emotional, and overflowing with love.
I feel incredibly honored to have been the one to document it.
Planning Your Own Westwind Hills Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a day filled with emotional first looks, golden-hour portraits, and heartfelt celebrations surrounded by the people who mean the most, I would be so honored to document it for you.
Let’s capture your love story with imagery that feels timeless, romantic, and deeply true to you.
