AMANDA + STEVEN

The two met at Ace Hardware where they were both working through college. Amanda was a cashier and Steven was a salesman.  She thought he seemed quiet.  He thought she seemed loud. lol

They ended up going out on a first date to Element in St. Louis. They sat together on their roof overlooking the city, and ended up talking so long that the waitress had to let them know they were closing.  They both knew right away this was special.
After 3 years of dating the two exchanged gifts after Christmas Eve Mass. Amanda first gave Steven his gift and then he asked her to stand by their Christmas tree. He got down on one knee and proposed with a twist tie in the shape of a heart. (She always told him she would say yes to a twist tie because the ring never mattered)

Amanda and Steven were supposed to be married in May 2020, but we all remember what happened to spring weddings this year.  When they rescheduled to late August, they never would have thought that covid would still be wreaking havoc on their day, but yet just 2 weeks before their August wedding they had to figure out a new venue for their reception due to stricter restriction in region 4 of Illinois.  In addition they had to limit the number of people who attended the ceremony.

Perhaps it’s the same thing that they love most about one another that made it easier to get through the stress of planning a wedding during covid. Steven is loving, loyal, and caring and Amanda has the ability to laugh at the little things and always see the funny side of everything.  Most of all, they are one another’s best friend and there to pick one another up and carry each other through.  And that is what a marriage is all about!
“Relax and remember what the day is all about. Sometimes your idea of your wedding has to change and it ends up being perfect. Never sweat the small stuff and be excited to get to be with your best friend!” – Amanda

The day is ultimately about commitment to love one another forever, and that is a reason to celebrate!  Enjoy Amanda and Steven’s wedding day!
That twist tie that Steven proposed with <3When it’s not safe to blow bubbles some times you just have to get out the big guns.  (Bubble guns that is.)2020 Wedding Party style.When I met Amanda back in early winter of 2019 I told her how Alton IL was one of our most favorite places to photograph.  Seriously just magical!Amanda’s dad made her wedding cakes. And they were incredibly delicious.  How many dads do you know with that much talent!??!Because of Region 4 closing all reception halls and limiting gatherings to 25 people 2 weeks before her wedding, Amanda and Steven hosted their wedding in a driveway.  But Roger and I must have mentioned 10 times how beautiful and intimate it was.  While it wasn’t what the two had planned, I can’t imagine anything more charming.Their first dance as husband and wife was Steven’s favorite memory of the day.
They danced to Pushing Up Daisies by Brothers Osborne
Father/Daughter Dance Song: I’ll be your man – Zac brown bandMother/Son: Simple Man – Shinedown

Flowers: Urban Buds https://www.urbanbudscitygrownflowers.com/
Dress: The Ultimate Bride https://theultimatebride.com/
Tuxes: Savvi Formal wear https://savviwedding.com/
Hair & Make-up: Lindsey Kern https://www.facebook.com/Lindsey-Kern-Hairstylist-Makeup-Artist-341721209178849/

The two call Bethalto IL home.

See more of this fantastic day with the slideshow below!