Emily & Andrew • Rustic Fall Kimmswick Wedding • missouri weddings

So full disclosure, I’ve been sitting on this blog post for far too long. I know, I’m mad at me, too. Emily and Andrew are one of my favorite couples ever, and so I wanted to make sure this post did them and their beautiful day in Kimmswick the right amount of justice it deserves. So, here goes!

From the first conversation I had with Emily, I knew I wanted to be their photographer. When we were chatting about the day their were planning, she told me that all she and Andrew wanted was to have a giant party in the backyard with twinkle lights and good music and good friends and I knew I had to clear my schedule. They live in a little town just south of St. Louis called Kimmswick, and have been there for quite a bit; their home and their community is important to them, and they wanted that reflected in their day. Seeing it all come together was beautiful, as, for the most part, they stayed true to that vision!

This was actually my first adventure to Kimmswick, which is famed for its yearly Strawberry and Apple Butter Festivals, as well for the to-die-for pies found at The Blue Owl. I didn’t have time for pie that day, so obvs I’m going to have to go back and see about this. Andrew got ready at their house, which is the most adorable little bungalow ever. Fun fact, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places (most of the town is!!) It was built in the 1860s, and Emily and Andrew have been working to update it and restore it since they purchased it several years ago. Emily and the gals got ready at the historic Anheuser Estate, which is where their reception was held.

The Anheuser Estate is right on the river only a few blocks from their house, and was once the summer home of the Anheuser family, until Frederick Anheuser moved in full time (he’s the grandson of the founder of AB). Didn’t know you were going to get a history lesson AND a bunch of photos, did you? When Frederick & Mabel-Ruth Anheuser passed away, they gave the estate to the town of Kimmswick, and it has been turned into a museum and opened to the public. They have a ton of heirlooms and items the family has collected the years – china, clothing, glassware, furniture. It’s really, really neat. And, of course, the property is immaculately maintained and overlooks the Mississippi, so that’s pretty cool too.

September was an especially wet month here in MO, and Emily and Andrew’s big day was no exception – however, this did NOT put any kind of damper on the enthusiasm. Last minute adjustments were made, and under a tent full of twinkly lights, we partied the night away. One of the things I loved most about getting to witness Emily & Andrew’s celebration was the authenticity of it. It was entirely and completely “them,” and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to capture it.

The icing on the cake? 1, Andrew’s best man gave the funniest toast I have ever heard. Seriously. Ever. Out of all the weddings I’ve attended, this one was the best, hands down. 2, their first dance was to an REO Speedwagon song. Anyone who knows anything about me knows I love 80s arena rock – Alex and I had a 70s/80s cover band play OUR wedding. So, getting to see Emily and Andrew dance to “Keep On Lovin’ You” and sing along to each other? Tears, friends. I was in tears.

Take a look at their incredible day below, and enjoy!