Happy Halloween

Everyone at BBP sends Happy Halloween wishes.......................... along with hopes that you receive far more treats than tricks! Have fun and be safe!

Peek @ Palladium St,. Louis

We had the opportunity to join a group that previewed the Palladium, St. Louis' newest venue. Located very near the studio it was a short trip to check out this fabulous space. Brought to celebrants by the always excellent Butler's Pantry, this beautiful space did not disappoint!

The space can hold a LOT of people, I think I heard 400+. The venue is a soaring space that combines modern with traditional flair. Lots of glass, brick, urban and chic. The end result is a nothing short of spectacular!

Uber upscale, the table settings were nothing short of gorgeous, and can be customized to any taste.

The lighting is lovely and we could see that some of the fantastic lighting designers in town would have a field day with special touches. The hanging "screens" are customizable, can be used for light control and also function for slide/video shows. They provided a pop of excitement that was unique, interesting, very one of a kind and beautiful

The photo above is the second floor seating area, laid out for the occasion with a couple of additional bars, small tables and several areas filled with food. Speaking of the food it was quite delicious, everything from soup shooters and salad to veal, crab cakes, a vegetarian dumpling (which is not at all what it was called and I apologize!!), and much, much more. Signature cocktails (which I did not enjoy, sadly) received positive raves from everyone holding a piece of lovely stemware.

Dessert anyone? Funny how sweet confections bring out the best in everyone! The desserts at Palladium St. Louis were magnificent------- little tarts, mini cupcakes, truffles in several over the top flavors, a little marshmallowy bite bringing s'mores to mind, macarons in the French tradition, and so much more. Even chocolate dipped apples, some with gold leaf!!

Delicious..................... wonderful.................. yum! A sweet finish to an excellent event! As always you can count on me to give the most thorough review to the desserts!

Thanks Palladium St. Louis, we hope to be photographing beautiful events in this exciting new space! Brides and grooms and their families will be very lucky to host their festivities in such a beautiful and well staffed location!

Jayna & Patrick

We are so happy to welcome Jayna & Patrick to the BBP wedding family! With such a great couple and a wonderful family, we're sure to enjoy them! As always it is a super pleasure to be able to capture their love story with "Images from the Heart..."

Now if the rain would stop! Enough already! The chilly gray rainy-ness of STL this past month is making everyone pretty tired of it! I suppose we should be glad that it hasn't been cold enough to snow or we'd all have little flags on the top of our car antenna's! C'mon nice weather, you can do it!!!!!!

No Rings--- Just Soccer

Many of our long time clients have been asking................. so, how is Kyle? They remember him from years ago when he was a Select soccer player (and a good one). Or followed him during his high school years when he was a record setter. I mean, catch that huge banner on the side of the stadium----------wow!


He's great, thanks for asking. Bobbi's nephew remains an outstanding soccer player during his senior year of college. Autographs for the young fans are part of the deal----- surely other signings will follow.

Bobbi recently traveled to his school to watch him play---- and of course ph0tograph him as she has done for his entire life.

He's amazing to watch, skilled and fast and unbelievably energetic. How can you not love the game.................................. ahhhhhhhhhhh, soccer!

Loooooong Veil

While we're pretty sure that the veil in question is not haute couture (although it could be)---- did you catch the news feature about the world's longest bridal veil?

TWO MILES LONG.......... plus 453 feet. Seriously. That is a lot of tulle and I'm pretty sure it was more to handle than her bridal party and bride wrangler could handle! Apparently the Guiness folks were not on hand to document and to our way of thinking ---- then why in the world would you do such a thing.

Think of it this way, if tulle at retail is say, $6.00 a yard---------- plus the cost to actually construct the veil------ that is a lot of money. Lots and lots. I wonder how big the cake was?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Sorry, you have to slog through a bit of other crazy things (which in and of themself are most amusing!!!)

Great Show--- Designer Buzz

First things first, ---- a great show at Harrah's yesterday! Thanks so much to the wonderful brides, grooms, and parents that we had the opportunity to meet. The booth was at times super jammed (usual for us) and if we didn't get a chance to spend some time with you, we hope we can rectify that soon in the studio, out of the madness as it were.

Of course Vera Wang is one of our favorite bridal designers, her work is classic, fresh, contemporary and yet very "bridal" in the true sense of the word. If you haven't registered your email with her website you're missing out on great things. In today's "Behind the Dress" by 'VW on Weddings' there is an excellent opportunity to view a beautiful design, Amelia (seen above) and hear Vera herself speak about it's inception. In this post P*roject Runway era, even those who are not fans of design and the process are captivated by watching how a gorgeous gown evolves.
Wang's commentary on the design of "Amelia", the vision, the sketching, the process of draping and final ornamentation are interesting reading. Visit the site here for inspiration and sign up for her wonderful emails while you are there.

As a fashion design major in college my ultimate dream was to live the life in NYC! Life intervened of course but I'm still a fan of the designer and the process. Wedding gown design is such a specialized niche and I love to watch it done well. Wang is naturally in the very top percentage of designers around the world who have created a spectacular brand, including bridal. The fact that her sketching is shown for us all to appreciate is wonderfully interesting..... and gives me some satisfaction as my sketching was never (and still is not) perfection. Now, do make sure to ask me about my pair of charcoal palazzo pants----- sketched, draped, drafted and constructed. By the way, Vera? You have nothing to worry about!!!

The SUN is out, finally! I'd almost forgotten the number of things that are inextricably linked to sunshine: warmer temperatures, blue skies, happier people.... the list goes on and on.

We're especially happy that the day promises to be lovely (albeit slightly chilly) for Sarah and Jon, today is their wedding day!

We'll be celebrating with them while smiling in the sunshine!

Tomorrow BBP will be at the wedding show at Harrah's in St. Charles from Noon until 4. St. Louis Best Bridal always puts on a wonderful day of bridal fabulosity, we hope to see you there! We hear rumors that brides have bribed their soon to be grooms with a bit of gambling should they attend the show---- names have been withheld to protect the guilty!


Hope your weekend is fabulous!

Couture Gowns: Amsale

One of our favorite bridal gown designers is Amsale Aberra, singularly known as Amsale (pronounced Ahm-sah'-leh). Her gowns are glorious, beautiful, elegant and highly coveted by brides everywhere. Timeless with a twist.

She's known by her clean design, her fashion forward approach to bridal. Amsale started her business in her NYC loft after her marriage and struggle to search for a gown that suited her needs.


An FIT grad, she opened her studio on Madison Avenue in 2001 and quickly made a name for herself in the industry. Amsale's bridal designs are foundin the U.S. in luxe boutiques and retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

This prolific designer heads theAmsale Design Group, including Amsale, Amsale Bridesmaids, Christos and Kenneth Pool. The Kenneth Pool line is designed by Project Runway alum, Austin Scarlett, while Amsale Aberra is the Creative Director for the Amsale and Christos lines.

Without a doubt Amsale will be delivering the most exquisite of gowns for seasons to come---- and we will be watching!

Miss Lily

Despite the madness (and totally ignoring a holiday Monday) around BBP, we've had some wonderful highlights lately!

One was shooting on Saturday with Lisa McDowell------ the consummate professional and all around great person. It was wonderful!

Second has been to embrace Family Portrait Time in a big way and have the opportunity to photograph former brides with their families---- just the best!

Below is Miss Lily. Her mama was a BBP Bride and how we love this beautiful 9 month old, she is gorgeous and funny and a kick!

Rudolph is her favorite toy---- and you can tell she just loves him!

Look at those eyes!! She's beautiful just like her mom and we can't wait to capture her life moments as she grows up!

Breanne & Patrick

Today is the wedding of Bree & Patrick------ an event that is going to be nothing short of spectacular. Over the top gorgeous!

We'll have photos & a video to share next week so check back!

Enjoy your weekend & GO CARDS! Let's see if we can't pull it out!

Andi & Matt

We met Andi & Matt last year and have enjoyed getting to know them as their wedding day approached. That special day was last Saturday when they said their vows at the Artist's Guild in St. Louis. A happy bride and a smiling groom------- a lovely day!

Enjoy the video!

Shelly & Toney

Shelly & Toney, a more romantic love story you'd be hard pressed to find...........

They were high school sweethearts who drifted apart, each marrying others and each having beautiful daughters. Those marriages ended and Shelly & Toney found each other again and recognized that they were the collective loves of their lives. The next chapter in their love story happened last Friday in Hermann at Hermann Hill. (More about that later.....) Shelly's dress was lovely and her headpiece/veil------ fabulously vintage.

She looked so beautiful----------------------- and Toney agreed!

It was incredible to be able to share the special day of such wonderful people! Everything was just so wonderful! Even the very windy day that brought a bit of a chill did not dampen anyone's spirits, love and joy were absolutely the order of the day!

The countryside around Hermann is breathtaking and being in the vineyards made us all feel very German, or Tuscan! We had a great time on location in and around this German town, even stopping so the bride and groom could share a bottle of wine!

And the girls? They are both beautiful and had such a fun day at the wedding of their Mom and Dad to one another. I can say without reservation that this family will share many happy moments together.

Now, about Hermann Hill--------- what a GORGEOUS place! I don't rave about reception venues all that often but have only the finest things to say about this great spot! Not only was everything just beautiful and staffed by hardworking folks who love their job and have ultimate dedication to making everything just right. That itself was wonderful---- but how often do you hear every single guest RAVE about their dinner? No kidding, the food===== out of this world. Hermann Hill also has the most beautiful and decadently luxe guest cabins, I can't wait to go back and spend some time relaxing.

Thanks Shelly & Toney, you guys are incredible and we were blessed to capture your day with "Images from the Heart..."

Cool/Brides

The weather has turned decidedly cool, sweater weather at last. (If it could only stay this way instead of the gradual slide towards winter!)

Lots of brides to share a few images of as well of a Sneak Peek or two------ I'll be back in two shakes from the wonderful busy busy that is currently BBP!

Wild Weekend

A virtual parade of wedding couples----- a full weekend of capturing those special moments with "Images from the Heart..."

Let the fun begin!