As a Saint Louis wedding photographer, I have witnessed my fair share of incredible wedding days. But Antoinette & John’s wedding at Main Street Abbey in Columbia, Illinois, was truly one for the books! Their wedding day was a whirlwind—literally, as a tornado was in the forecast—but nothing could stop these two from saying, “I do.” From Antoinette’s breathtaking detailed veil to the stunning candlelit reception, every moment of their wedding was magical, fun, and beautifully heartfelt.

A Tornado Couldn’t Stop Their Love

Some wedding days bring unexpected challenges, but as a dedicated Saint Louis wedding photographer, I believe in capturing every moment, rain or shine (or tornado!). On the morning of Antoinette & John’s wedding, the sky was unpredictable, and the radar looked intense. But these two were determined to get married no matter what. Their resilience, laughter, and pure joy made it clear—this was going to be an unforgettable day.

Despite the stormy forecast, we made sure to capture stunning portraits in the breathtaking space of Main Street Abbey. The historic charm of the venue, combined with Antoinette’s stunning bridal look, created an elegant and romantic atmosphere. And that veil? Absolutely iconic.

A Colorful Theme & A Dog Stealing the Show

One of the most memorable elements of Antoinette & John’s wedding was their vibrant and colorful theme. From bright, bold florals to the stunning guest outfits in florals and sundresses formal, every detail was a reflection of their fun and joyful personalities. The energy was infectious, and the colors added such a beautiful contrast to the venue’s historic charm.

And let’s talk about their adorable dog, who made the most epic entrance! Before Antoinette walked down the aisle, their pup ran straight to John, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone watching. It was such a sweet moment, and honestly, one of the best wedding day surprises I’ve captured!

A DIY Dream Wedding

Antoinette poured her heart into this wedding, creating so many stunning details herself. The florals? Handcrafted by the bride. The cake? Made with love. The amount of personal touches throughout the day made everything feel extra special and intimate.

Her bold red lip and classic bridal look made her radiate confidence and beauty all day long. When she walked down the aisle, John’s reaction said it all—pure admiration and joy.

Editorial-Inspired Wedding Portraits

Antoinette & John had a deep love for editorial-style wedding photography, and I was beyond excited to bring their vision to life. We embraced dramatic lighting, candid moments, and striking compositions to create timeless and magazine-worthy images that truly reflected their unique love story. Their confidence in front of the camera made these portraits absolutely breathtaking.

The Ceremony & Stunning Reception Flip

Main Street Abbey is already a gorgeous wedding venue in Illinois, but what they did with the reception flip was next-level! The ceremony took place under the venue’s beautiful vaulted ceilings, and as soon as they said, “I do,” the space was transformed.

Their team worked magic, flipping the ceremony space into an elegant farmhouse-style reception setup. A long wooden table ran down the center of the room, adorned with romantic candlelight and floral arrangements that added the perfect glow.

Vendor Credits:

• Venue: Main Street Abbey
• Dress: Themselves
• Cake: Themselves
• DJ: Jasen Page
• Caterer: The Christy (And let me just say—the food was absolutely delicious. Some of the best wedding catering I’ve had!)

A Night of Dancing & A Stylish Outfit Change

After heartfelt speeches and an incredible dinner, the party really got started! With DJ Jasen Page keeping the dance floor packed, guests celebrated all night long.

And then—Antoinette surprised everyone with an outfit change! She swapped her bridal gown for a sleek and stylish jumpsuit, making it easy to dance the night away. It was the perfect touch to end a night full of fun, love, and unforgettable memories.

Book Your Saint Louis Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you deserve to have every moment captured beautifully and authentically. Whether your wedding is rain or shine, I’ll be there to make sure your memories last forever.

If you’re planning your wedding at Main Street Abbey or anywhere in Saint Louis, I’d love to be your photographer! Let’s create magic together. 💍✨

📩 Inquire Here to book your Saint Louis wedding photography experience today!

Share Your Love & Download Sneak Peeks! 🎉

Friends and family, let’s celebrate Antoinette & John! Drop a comment below with your congratulations, favorite moments, or well wishes for the newlyweds. 💕

📸 Download their sneak peek wedding photos here: https://agaperosephotography.pic-time.com/boxWvEohrZxsw