Will and Lisa McDowell

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet...

2010-10-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I can't say it better than Shakespeare. And so we have changed our name... after all what's in a name you ask? We are!!!! So from here on out we are Lisa and Will McDowell aka McDowell Photography. Any references and watermarks you see from our Studio M Photographic days are now mementos from our previous name, which wasn't actually our name but rather, our business name and now.... well you get the idea. And since it's always going to be either Will or I coming out to photograph your life, we figured our name should be ... well... our names! Besides going on almost 5 years of "hello, I'm Lisa McDowell of Studio M Photographic" was ... too many words, I like to get to the good parts of the conversation!!! Thank you for your support!!!

Thank you!!!!!!

2010-10-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to see and meet us at the wedding show this past Sunday at the Ameristar Casino!!! We had so much fun talking to couples (mostly the girls;) about their plans for their upcoming weddings. It has been a whirlwind since the show, we have had folks calling and coming into the studio to sit down for creative sessions and seek additional information - thanks to those that have contacted us - and if you haven't - don't wait - we fill up fast and would love to hear from you!!!!!

These are a few favorites you might recognize from the show, enjoy!!!!!!!

Lauryn and Shawn Preview

2010-10-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

I have been working on Lauryn and Shawn's collection and decided we need to put up a preview! These are some select images of the ones I shot on film during the day. I hope you enjoy...
~Will

Sweet Maggie - the calm before the beautiful storm!!

2010-10-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

We are working on so many things right now - we cannot wait to share them with everyone! For now, here is a quiet moment from the wedding of Maggie and Brett. Minutes before taking her father's arm and walking down the aisle to meet Brett, Maggie pauses, cool as a cucumber on a very hot day and calmly takes it all in - she's so beautiful inside and out (and I love her flowers too!) More about those to come!

Thanks for visiting us!!!!!!

Lisa and Will McDowell

Just one from Barbara and Dave's fantastic wedding at the Coranado on Saturday.

2010-09-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you Barbara and Dave, for allowing us to be part of your day!

Lauryn and Shawn!

2010-08-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Grateful For All We Have

2010-08-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

"Family and Friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches."
Wanda Hope Carter

And finally the reception...at the Chase Park Plaza!

2010-07-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

Chase Park Plaza

The wedding!

2010-07-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

some more favorites from the preparations part of the day!

2010-06-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

KC and Brian!!!!

2010-06-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful day in so many ways, we will post pictures of this wedding all week and probably still not come close to showing all of our favorites! They are such a fun couple and had one of the most beautiful weddings ever!!! Enjoy!!!!!!

And a few more...

2010-06-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Wow how time flies!

2010-06-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe it's been only been a couple of weeks since we have posted any recent work. It seems like an eternity since the breadth of recent work has been immense!! We have several weddings and engagement session to share in the coming days. The last couple of weeks have been crazy busy and we are feeling so blessed to work with the people we get to work with!

Here is a favorite from an engagement session I recently did in Chicago. Sharon and Ramiro were then married this past Saturday. We had a fun session downtown on a day where it was 95 at 6:00 in the evening. Despite the heat we got some amazing images. I love the quietness of this kiss under a magical forest of blooming trees. It was like a gem in the heart of the city. Everywhere else these trees have bloomed and moved on into summer. When I saw this area, I almost jumped up and down with joy. We will post a few more from their session in the coming days!!

Enjoy!!!

Kristina and Ryan are married!

2010-05-29T05:15:00.001-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Kristina and Ryan. They are such a sweet couple and I have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past year.

The wedding was at Mad Art Gallery which if you're not familiar, is a re-purposed art deco police station that now houses modern art exhibits and private events. If you have never been - it's definitely worth checking out! Huge thank yous to Kristina, Ryan and their families and also to our dear friend and brilliant photographer Bobbi Brinkman for coming out to join me to take some photographs!

Here are a few favorites from the day!!

Janie and Morgan Wedding Collection

2010-05-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

Janice and Morgan's wedding collection is now available for viewing! Click Here for a link to the log in page and please use the password from the card you received at the wedding. If you have misplaced it, please send a quick email to the studio and we will get you all squared away.
Will

Lisa and Will McDowell
St. Louis Wedding Photojournalists

Cedar Lake Farm in Wright City, Missouri

2010-05-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

The big red barn at Cedar Lake Farm

Night settles upon the reception at Cedar Lake Farm

Janice and Morgan held their wedding and reception at Cedar Lake Farm and here are a few images. Cedar Lake Farm is a wonderful venue in Wright City, Missouri. Many more images to come in the next few days!

Janice and Morgan - Engagement!

2010-05-10T07:11:00.001-07:00

We just finished photographing the wedding of Janice and Morgan! As we finish up the wedding collection, here are a few images we created from their engagement session in Lafayette Square Park. They are not just two coming together but rather, a family - so we ended up doing an engagement and family session at the same time! Here are a few of the two of them, and I will post some from the whole gang in the next few days! Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Maggie and Brett - Engagement!

2010-04-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

I recently did a super fun engagement session with Maggie and Brett out at her family tree farm. We had been planning the session for a while and keeping in close contact to set up a time to go out there when they trees were looking their best. As spring was beginning to spring, the trees began to bloom and we created some sweet images on a lovely Saturday morning. This was a really fun session and I LOVE what we came up with. Maggie requested some of the images be finished in an "old school" processing that we had talked about and posted from a previous wedding a few months back, some of those are included here. Enjoy!!!!

2010-04-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

A beaming dad at the Jewel Box in St. Louis' Forest Park. Lisa will be there again this weekend for another joyous ceremony!

Will McDowell / Lisa McDowell St. Louis / Chicago / Kansas City Wedding Photojournalism / Candid Photography

Happy Weekend!

2010-04-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here's to hoping your favorite chair is right where you want it!

A sighting!!!!!!!!

2010-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

We know it's a little late to be wishing everyone a happy Easter, but when you capture something this illusive on film, it just must be shared!

Hoppy belated Easter ;)

Spring has sprung ........

2010-04-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

A couple more - such a great couple!

2010-04-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

KC and Brian!

2010-03-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

A few more from Kristina and Rob's engament session!

2010-03-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

We have been ridiculously behind on posting recent images - but we do appreciate the support and comments from the photos we are able to get on here! Will and I have been so blessed this past year having photographed some amazing weddings with some of the best couples in Saint Louis and around the world! As we are in full swing now for 2010, working on engagement images, custom guest sign in books, save the dates, creative planning sessions with the couples we will be working with in 2010 and 2011, we again count our blessings for the most wonderful people that we get to work with this coming year and beyond!

2010-03-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Kristina and Ryan

2010-03-09T21:22:00.000-08:00

Kristina and Ryan, welcome to our studio family!

Shoot The Moon

2010-02-26T22:57:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite the astro-photographer, but the moon was so cool tonight I thought I should take a shot. I like the moon, it's peaceful. ~Will

Techies note: It takes a long lens to get a nice tight shot of the moon. I used a 200mm with a 1.4X extender (which gives me effectively a 280mm) and still had to crop out quite a bit of the photo. I shot this at 200 ISO, on manual at f/11 and 1/160 of a second. I worked sharpening on the RAW file and I did a curves adjustment to bring out the contrast of the grey areas. I had a "Doh!" moment while doing this when I went inside to grab a piece of equipment and came back out and realized the moon was moving out of my frame. It is not often that I stop and watch the moon so I had forgotten that it is moving. Then again, so are we.

Kat and James - super cool engagement session!

2010-02-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

We met Kat about a year ago and knew it was going to be a great partnership. It started with her name - "I love it!" I told her and then she told me she was marrying James. Kat and James, "you sound like rock stars!" - and I have been teasing her ever since! I recently had the pleasure of meeting her other half and we did a really fun engagement session starting off at their high school and ending up in the loop for some fun city images. As individuals and as a couple they are really beautiful people inside and out and it was a pleasure working with them creating these images. Here are a few favorites from the day, but there were so many I loved. By the way Kat and James met in Spanish class in high school, hence the kitsch image on the stairs, and I also want to point out that if I were designing their CD cover (for their imaginary rock duo) the image I had in mind was the 3rd from the last, hence the rock n roll processing! Thanks for a great session guys -- Enjoy!!!

I love a guest who knows how to party!

2010-02-16T13:55:00.000-08:00

Images from the dance floor are always some of the highlights of the wedding day! And check out the view from the G rand Renaissance Hotel window - just lovely! *Next up - an amazing engagement session with Kat and James!

Adrienne and Eric - a few more!

2010-02-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

We have been featuring Adrienne and Eric's wedding for several days now and we are coming to the end of the reception, and what a reception it was! Here is another favorite and a few more from the Grand Renaissance Hotel downtown to come - so lovely! Enjoy!!!!!!

Adrienne and Eric the Reception!

2010-02-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

So we have been featuring Adrienne and Eric's wedding and now we are rounding things out with their gorgeous reception!

Here are a few images on the way over and some yummy details from the Grand Renaissance Hotel - bellisimo!!!!

"Best Of" at the Famous Coronado Ballroom

2010-01-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

From all the vendors, I want to say thank you so much for coming out to see us at the fabulous Coronado Ballroom bridal show here in St. Louis. What an incredible venue. Stephen and Kathy Becker and all the staff do an amazing job.

And they make quite the cucumber sandwich!

There was such a positive vibe in the air today at the wedding show and high tea and we really appreciated how excited people were, to be out and about. Weddings are a joyous event and it is great to be a part of such a buoyant show.

For newcomers to our blog, welcome! For our main webpage click here. Thank you again and have fun browsing through our latest work.

Adrienne and Eric the wedding!

2010-01-29T20:32:00.000-08:00

Adrienne and Eric's wedding!

2010-01-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

We posted some images from the getting ready portion of Adrienne and Eric's wedding earlier this week. Here are a few more I couldn't resist - it's one of my favorite parts of the day.

Next up - the wedding!

Enjoy!!!!!
Could she be any cuter? She reminds me so much of Shirley Temple in this photograph. Great job Will - love these images!

This is why it's lovely to get ready at a hotel. Beautiful natural light coming through the window and enough space to have not only your girls there to help put on the dress but all of the rest to watch and supervise!

Adrienne and Eric

2010-01-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

Adrienne and Eric

2010-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

We recently had the privilege of photographing Adrienne and Eric's wedding. It was such a beautiful day - with every detail in place! The flowers were done by the amazing Botanicals Design Studio. Here are some favorites from the getting ready portion of the day.

Kathy and Rob - Pre-ceremony

2010-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Some Favorites From Kathy and Rob

2010-01-16T05:27:00.000-08:00

Kathy and Rob's Stunning Church

2010-01-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Kathy and Rob were incredible to work with. We will be featuring more of their images in the week to come but I had to start off with this one after the ceremony.

NIKON D3, f/3.5 @ 36 mm, 1/800, ISO 3200, No Flash

Lisa and Eric!

2010-01-03T10:45:00.001-08:00

Things have been hopping here at our studios and we are just now getting to posting some recent work. Here is a great engagement session with an awesome couple - it was so much fun and they were so much fun to work with! Thank you Lisa and Eric for a great session!
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

May your holiday season be merry and bright!

Casmer Skubish 1913-2009

2009-12-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

We lost Will's grandfather this last week. It has been a tough week all around and we really appreciate the support we have received from friends and family - thank you. Casmer was 96 years old, independent and still serving as an elected alderman for the city where he lived for more than 60 years. He was an inspiration to our family and he will be greatly missed. More than anything, he believed in being a good citizen and helping others. In the past several years he has received many honors including a new street named after him. As a family we will be gathering together for his funeral, which will be a celebration of his long life. As a photographer, I don't always bring a camera to family events believe it or not but this photograph was taken last Easter. It is one in a series of several that really capture him the way we all remember him. I'm so glad Will brought his camera that day and I decided to borrow it to take a few pictures. Images like these are priceless... what a gift he gave to all of us in his example. God bless you Casmer.

A different perspective...

2009-12-04T20:46:00.001-08:00

Just the Two of us...

2009-12-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

Walking on Sunshine...

2009-12-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Gateway To The West

2009-11-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

Crazy Composition Of A Catenary Curve

2009-11-26T22:48:00.000-08:00

Say that title three times fast! This is a combination of a fisheye lens, a low vantage point, and the world's most famous cantenary curve, the Gateway Arch

Wait, There Is Something Behind You In This Shot...

2009-11-23T22:59:00.000-08:00

Great shot, but that pesky Arch is in the way again. That keeps happening to me...

Maybe because it is ST. LOUIS GATEWAY ARCH WEEK on the blog... (Oh boy, Lisa is not going to like this. She is not in love with the theme weeks, but how can you not love ST. LOUIS GATEWAY ARCH WEEK...)

May I present my first fun Arch factoid: The windows at the top of the Arch, through which gaze a million visitors a year, are 3/4" plate glass and are hinged and locked.

Hinged and locked? Did I read that factoid right? So... that means that theoretically one could, say, drop things from the top of the arch. The possibilities are mind boggling!

Preparations!

2009-11-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

A pre-ceremony moment between the girls with the boys on the right discussing strategy!

These little piggies went wee wee wee all the way to the alter!

2009-11-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

Nicole and Joe!

2009-11-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

Another favorite from the wedding of Nicole and Joe ... and more to come soon!

Nicole and Joe!

2009-11-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

Nicole and Joe's wedding collection is now available for viewing, so fly on over and check it out! From a fun mini golf engagement session, to an amazing wedding day! This is one of our favorites from the day - so fun and I love the way they both look as vibrant as the sky! Bellisimo!

Jon Bon Would be Proud!

2009-11-04T23:54:00.000-08:00

Brie and Jay... wedding... two flutes rocking (?) out Livin' On A Prayer!

Nicole and Eric Images Live!

2009-10-23T16:24:00.000-07:00

Nicole and Eric's pictures are up and live. Please visit this link: Nicole and Eric to log in and... enjoy!

2009-10-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

How about a little old school "film look" for Brie and Jay!

And what are those crazy kids doing in the middle of the road? Should this have been a journalistic quandary for Will, to break the veil and warn his subjects of potential impending doom? How could he when he sent them into the road in the first place. Fear not, no brides or grooms were hurt in the making of this old school picture.

Speaking of the old school look, never ones to buy another's creativity (sigh... that would be easier and no doubt more profitable) we cook up all our own recipes for processing our digital images here at the M Studio. As such we spurn other folks shortcuts but that leaves us forever tweaking all our color and black and white conversions. In the end, it pays off... we think.

Let's try a test of readership. We have never had a single posted comment on our blog. EVER. So... who among you will be brave and comment on this question: Does our 1970's film look conversion make you want to Keep On Truckin'?

Kathy and Rob - Engagement!

2009-10-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

Will recently went out for an engagement session with Kathy and Rob. They are getting married this November and met through the Saint Louis Rowing Club! We thought this session was just the thing for the two of them. Since I am usually the engagement session specialist around here at SMP, I am so proud of Will for his work on this - the images are so fun and beautiful. I didn't expect anything less, but I just had to gush a little. Here are a few favorites from the day... Enjoy!!!!!!!

Among The Stars At The St. Louis Planetarium

2009-10-14T12:58:00.001-07:00

We are currently finishing up the wedding collection of Nicole and Eric who held their amazing reception at the St. Louis Science Center's James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Yes, it was cool. As an aside, late in the reception we worked with the staff to project images from the wedding earlier in the day, onto the roof of the planetarium. (Of note to other photogs now considering this, it wasn't as easy as it seems and frankly the planetarium's projectors are optimized for stars, not photos, to say the least.) So, the slideshow... well it was a fun idea and it ended up looking great in the photo below.

More from Melissa and David!

2009-10-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis and Chicago, Fine Art, Childrens' and Wedding Photography

Teaming Up - Melissa and David!

2009-10-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

Things have been hopping - what an amazing weekend!

Will had the pleasure of photographing the Wedding of Sarah and Daniel who married at the Missouri Botanical Gardens and then partied with an amazingly talented Irish Band at McGurks Irish Pub! While, I had the pleasure of teaming up with Bobbi Brinkman to photograph the wedding of Brie and Pat, who married at Saint Francis Xavier and held their reception at the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel. We will be posting images from both weddings soon!

Ms Brinkman and I recently worked together on another wedding, that of Melissa and David, held at the Meadowbrook Country Club. It was such a beautiful event, here is a favorite from their day (with more to come tomorrow!)

Enjoy!!!!!!

Posted by: Lisa and Will McDowell, Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Wedding Photography, Chicago Wedding Photography... and beyond!

The Father Throws A Curve Ball

2009-10-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

A favorite from Rachel and Matt's great wedding a few weeks ago. This part of the ceremony was unscripted... in fact the only person that knew was the priest! Needless to say, both Rachel and Matt and their mothers were surprised.

Stormy and Chad's images are live!

2009-10-04T19:36:00.001-07:00

If you are a friend or family member of Stormy and Chad please visit this LINK and sign in to view their wedding images!

Friends and Family of Brie and Jay...

2009-10-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Brie and Jay's wedding images are live at this LINK. Did you save your gallery card?

Kristi and Bryce - Part II !

2009-10-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more from Kristi and Bryce's wedding at Saint Xavier, one of the most beautiful places in all of Saint Louis! So amazing.... enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell, Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis, Chicago, World-Wide Wedding and Fine Art Photography

Nicole and Eric - Engagement!

2009-09-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had the pleasure of photographing Nicole and Eric's wedding! The images will be ready in a few weeks, in the meantime, here are a few from their engagement session - so lovely! Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell, studio M photographic
Chicago Wedding Photography, Saint Louis Wedding Photography

Kristi - Getting Ready...

2009-09-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Posted by Will and Lisa McDowell, Studio M Photographic
Chicago Wedding Photography, Saint Louis Wedding Photography

Kristi and Bryce!

2009-09-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Kristi and Bryce married a few weeks ago at Saint Francis Xavier. It was such a beautiful ceremony, here is a favorite from the day - with more to come in the next several days!
Enjoy!!!!!

Kristi and Bryce married a few weeks ago at Saint Francis Xavier. It was such a beautiful ceremony, here is a favorite from the day - with more to come in the next several days!
Enjoy!!!!!

Posted by Will and Lisa McDowell, Studio M Photographic,
Saint Louis and Chicago Wedding Photography

2009-09-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Brie and Jay!

2009-09-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Brie and Jay were married this past Saturday at Jefferson Barracks Park and held their reception at Windows on Washington. We did their engagement session a few months back at Tower Grove Park. The two of them enjoyed a bottle of wine to kick things off and we used some wine corks in the grass, that they then used as place holders for the wedding, to have some fun spelling out their date. Here are a few favorites... Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Will and Lisa McDowell, Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Wedding Photography, Chicago Wedding Photography

Melissa and David!

2009-09-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Married this past weekend at Meadowbrook Country Club, Melissa, David and I did an awesome engagement session a few months back in Forrest park. We had so much fun and created some really beautiful images together... Enjoy!

Posted by: Lisa and Will McDowell, Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Wedding Photography, Chicago Wedding Photography

Whew! A Great Weekend to Get Married in Saint Louis!

2009-09-14T20:48:00.001-07:00

Will and I had 3 weddings this past weekend! Brie and Jay, Melisa and David and Stormy and Chad all said I do!

The weather couldn't have been any better and although we were very busy, we loved every minute of it!! We are so honored to work with some of the most amazing couples and photographers too! The lovely Bobbi Brinkman came out to second shoot with me at Meadowbrook Country Club on Sunday - thanks Bobbi!

The wedding collections will be ready in a few weeks, so we thought we would post the engagement sessions this week for fun!

First up ... Stormy and Chad! Married this Sunday at Oliva on the Hill, we went out just a few weeks ago and did this killer session down town. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Will and Lisa McDowell, Saint Louis Wedding Photography
Chicago Wedding Photography, and beyond...

Airyness for a Friday....

2009-09-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Newest Studebaker!

2009-09-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Mallory and Andy Part 2!

2009-09-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Andy is a Studebaker from the family line of the Studebaker automobile company. Several kind folks from the Studebaker owners club brought their cars by after the ceremony, for pictures. Stay tuned for some more images this week from the drive-in!

Mallory and Andy!

2009-09-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

Will and I recently had the pleasure of photographing one of the best weddings ever! Mallory and Andy met at Wheaton College and married in Mallory's hometown of Belleville at St. Matthews Church. One guest said that she had never seen two people so happy to marry one another - and it was so true. Here are a few images, with more to come tomorrow. Enjoy!

Getting Ready For Mallory and Andy...

2009-09-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

A Thousand Words!

2009-08-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

"Curious squirrel is surprise star of couple's vacation photo"

PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS Read more

"This cheeky ground squirrel popped up in the foreground after a couple set the timer on their camera for a picture in Banff National Park."

2009-08-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Arin and Dan at the band shell in Tower Grove Park!

2009-08-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

Best friends getting ready. I just love this picture. Lisa took it at the Whittemore House on the campus of Washington University!

Ashley and Luis Part 3!

2009-08-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

We have several weddings to share in the coming days and weeks. Here are a few final favorites from Ashley and Luis, Enjoy!!!!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis, Chicago and beyond!

Ashley and Luis Part 2

2009-08-18T06:00:00.001-07:00

In continuation of favorites from the wedding of Ashley and Luis, Enjoy!!!!!

Posted by Will and Lisa McDowell Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis and Chicago Wedding Photographers and Photojournalists

Grace Kelly

2009-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

The wedding dress is such an important part of the wedding day. There are so many types of gowns each with their own special charm. I love it when I can tell a bride feels beautiful in her gown - it really sets the tone for the day and allows her to relax and dive into the day with abandon!
We recently photographed the wedding of Ashley and Luis at Saint Borromeo in Historic Saint Charles Missouri. Ashley chose a beautiful strapless gown with a lace caplet for the ceremony. I love this image as she has just put it on and concentrates on fastening the button. A noticeable calm came over her and with it, an elegance that took one's breath away. It reminded me of Grace Kelly, one of my favorites. We will post a few more images from the wedding this week!

Posted by: Lisa and Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Wedding Photography

The Train!

2009-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Something a little different and truly beautiful. As dress week comes to an end, this photograph seemed appropriate. I love images that are abstract in composition and universal in theme.

Posted by Lisa McDowell Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Wedding Photographer and Photojournalist

Studio M's Advice on Having your Dress Shipped:

2009-08-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Having your dress shipped directly can be a great option if you need to get it fast but...

maybe FedEx?

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell, Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Wedding Photographers and Photojournalists

Something Blue!

2009-08-12T23:21:00.001-07:00

Meghan's beautiful dress and cathedral veil from Town and Country Bridal Boutique accented with a "something blue" touch, her wonderful blue shoes!

More Images of Ashley and Luis!

2009-08-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell
Saint Louis Wedding Photographers
Fine Art and Photojournalism

Next Week Is Dress Week!

2009-08-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Next week will kick off dress week on the blog! Here is one of our favorites from Erin and Bob's wedding in Chicago.

Very Cool Extended Exposure!

2009-08-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

So I recently photographed a wedding in Forest Park with a great "get away" Corvette awaiting the departure of the lovely couple. At one point in the early evening I got a few images of the groom and some friends hanging out playing some tunes and by the time I went back out to get a few of the car by itself, the sun had gone down. So I placed my camera on a mini tripod I had with me, set my aperture and let the light in as the shutter stayed open for about 30 - 35 seconds. I was very happy with the results. Nothing can compare to the burn in you get with an image like this.

Posted by Lisa McDowell of Studio M Photographic Saint Louis Fine Art and Wedding Photography

Good Times on the Dance Floor!

2009-08-06T06:14:00.001-07:00

I love images like this, so fun, just a moment in time, forever remembered, forever laughable!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic
St. Louis Fine Art and Wedding Photojournalism

Sweet! Part Two...

2009-08-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Didn't want to let this one slip by unnoticed. I guess we should call this one... Stephanie and Adam - Sweet! This was taken at The Jewel Box in St. Louis' Forest Park but let's keep it real here. As far as you can tell, this could be any candy bowl in any location. You are just going to have to trust us, this candy bowl was in Forest Park on May 16th, 2009. See the date stamp.

Will McDowell
Studio M Photographic ®
Fine Art Wedding Photography and Photojournalism

Flower Power!

2009-07-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

These were some of the most beautiful flowers ever! And my all time favorite bouquet photo! From the wedding of Ashley and Luis! Flowers were done by Lucky You productions - simply gorgeous work ladies!

Lisa and Will McDowell
Studio M Photographic ®
Fine Art Wedding Photography and Photojournalism

A Tasty Shot

2009-07-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

A tasty shot from the Kemp Auto Museum

Will McDowell
Fine Art Wedding Photographer, St. Louis, Missouri

Dana and Roberto - SWEET!

2009-07-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

What more could a girl ask for on her wedding day? Ted Drewes and Thom Sharp (who in St. Louis is known as "The Boatman's Guy") ... now that's about as good as it gets!!!

Photograph taken by Will on location with Bobbi Brinkman for the day - fue un buen dia!

Theresa and Frank - Wedding!

2009-07-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

Theresa and Frank recently married in Theresa's hometown of Hannibal Missouri and held their reception on the Mark Twain riverboat!

They met in the Navy and are now based in California. They are both naval officers, as well as, several of their attendants. The opportunity to photograph a wedding with folks serving our country, and in their Naval dress uniforms, was a privilege. The fact that Theresa and Frank are so in love and such an amazing couple made things all that much better!

“The best wedding ever!” was how Will described photographing the day. They were such an amazing group of people and Theresa and Frank simply beamed in each other’s presence! The day and evening were truly magical. We should all strive to spend our days so in love!!!!

Here are a few favorites from the day, Enjoy!!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic, Saint Louis Fine Art and Wedding Photography, Romantic and True Imagery for Hopeless Romantics!

Meghan and Brett - Marry!

2009-07-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

Meghan and Brett were married two Saturdays ago in the grand Saint Peter's Cathedral in Belleville, Illinois. We have gotten to know them over the past year as they planned their wedding and have found them to have beautiful and expansive hearts. They both exude a quiet confidence in themselves and their commitment to each other. As you will see from the slideshow below, their wedding was magnificent and we feel honored to have been their photographers. What are we waiting for, let’s watch the show!

Nicole and Joe - Engagement!

2009-07-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Nicole and Joe are getting married this October! We recently went out and did their engagement session at a mini golf course! We wanted to incorporate their love of sports into their session and I think Nicole may have thought I was a little crazy when I suggested the idea, but I'm pretty sure they both had a ball... ;)

We had so much fun and I am so excited about their image collection! I have to say a huge thank you to the two of them for having the courage to trust me on this unique idea, I could not be happier with the results. I am always excited when collections are completed, but this one is holding a special place in my heart right now. As a side note I want to mention that an actual game of golf was played, all canoodling and kissing took place in the middle of a serious competition!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day, enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic, Saint Louis Wedding Photography, Lifestyle Photography and Fine Art Photography. Romantic and True Images from a couple of Hopeless Romantics.

Stefanie and Adam - Marry at the Jewel Box!

2009-06-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Stefanie and Adam met in high school and have been together ever since! They held both their wedding and reception at the Jewel Box in Saint Louis this past May. It was absolutely gorgeous out in Forest Park and mother nature rewarded them with mild temperatures and beautiful blue skies to boot!

This was a wedding full of some of kindest and most gracious people ever! We had so much fun, Stefanie and Adam truly have some of the nicest and most supportive family and friends I have ever met! What a wonderful day is was, as they were surrounded by people who’s support and love ran so deep, it could be felt in the air! It was a pleasure to be a part of helping them capture the day!

Here are a few favorites from the day, with more to come - Enjoy!!!!!

Posted by: Lisa and Will of Studio M Photographic
Saint Louis Fine Art and Wedding Photography and Photojournalism

Ally and Joe Say "I do!"

2009-06-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ally and Joe tied the knot and Joe is a happy man! They got married in Ally's hometown church in Montgomery, Missouri. (Fast fact... Montgomery, Missouri: population 2,530 and county seat of Montgomery county, don't cha' know. Isn't it nice to be entertained by pretty wedding pictures and educated at the same time? Do other blogs have almanac type information? Hmm, there may be a reason they don't. I am not going to dwell on that. On with the posting...)

Ally and Joe come from wonderful families and a truly great time was had by all. After the wedding, Ally and Joe honeymooned in Alaska! (How great is that? Alaska. Honeymooning in mukluks. (Here is a link for the uninitiated.) Maybe they saw herds of moose. That is, if moose travel in herds. Maybe moose are solitary types. I don't know, I have never seen one. Lisa and I went to New Orleans for our honeymoon. We honeymooned with muffulettas. Another link for the uninitiated.)

We know there will be many more exciting adventures for the two of them as they go forward on their journey together! (Do you think there is a veiled train reference there? Forward, journey, train track pictures. Lisa is clever like that. Too clever sometimes, though. Sorry, I digress.)

Here are a few of our favorites from the day, enjoy!!!!!

Posted by Lisa and Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic
St. Louis Fine Art and Wedding Photography

Sara and Shawn - Marry in St. Louis!

2009-05-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

We recently had the privilege of photographing the wedding of Sara Galganski and Shawn Ries. It was such a pleasure to see the two of them immersed in joy and love as they soaked in the day and exchanged wedding vows! The wedding was held at Centenary United Methodist and the celebration continued with their reception in the Grand Hall at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott (previously the Hyatt) Hotel. Rosemary and the staff at the Marriott were so helpful to us. Thank you to all the great staff!

Jason Clyde from Millenium Music got the reception into full swing and a good time was had by all. It is such a pleasure to work with a consummate professional DJ with musical experience.

As photographers we couldn't have asked for more beautiful wedding to photograph, it was truly the most enchanting of events inside and out! Even more gratifying was to see how much Sara and Shawn care for one another and what a great group of family and friends they have to support them in their journey together!

How great was this reception? Well for St. Louis folks, Sara and Shawn even had Ted Drewes' custard brought in later in the evening - delicious! We had such a great time photographing the day and Mr. and Mrs. Galganski were on the dance floor all night, they were amazing hosts!

I have so many favorites from the day, but here are a few to take a look at, enjoy!!!!!!

And don't miss the ring "bearer"!

Such a lovely wedding!

Posted by: Lisa and Will McDowell, Photographers and owners of Studio M Photographic ®.
Saint Louis Fine Art and Wedding Photography

Ashley and Luis - Engagement!

2009-05-07T12:55:00.001-07:00

Recently Ashley, Luis and I ventured out to the Saint Louis City Museum to create some engagement images! We had a lot of fun and I loved working with them. They are passionate about each other and truly one of the nicest couples I've ever met!

After receiving the collection Ashley wrote: "I LOVE THEM!!!! I was crying the whole time while i was looking at them!!! I quote her here because nothing I could say could be better than that. When someone tells me the images brought them to tears, I know I'm doing my job!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day: Enjoy!!!

Posted by: Lisa McDowell, Studio M Photographic
St. Louis Wedding Photography and Photojournalism