There’s just something timeless about a winter wedding at The Coronado. This St. Louis venue never misses! The chandeliers, the creamy walls, the old-world elegance with a modern twist. For Isabelle & Mason, it was the perfect backdrop for their chic black tie wedding celebration. No wedding party, no stress. Just pure love, lots of laughter, and the dreamiest details captured in the coziest corners of the venue. They kept the day intentional, relaxed, and completely them, with a focus on family, connection, and capturing the in-between moments. Come read more about this amazing winter wedding at The Coronado!
From the moment I arrived, the details felt like a love letter to classic elegance with a fashion-forward twist. Isabelle’s sapphire velvet heels (with the prettiest oversized crystal buckles), her sparkling ring, gold clutch, and favorite perfume were all styled against the bold floral staircase such a cool, moody backdrop. Inside The Coronado, the ceremony space was glowing with crystal chandeliers and soft candlelight. Aisle markers of white florals and programs tied with black bows gave everything that clean, black tie feel, luxe but understated.
And the reception? Total winter magic. Long tables lit with floating candles, single white roses in glass vases, black napkins on gold chargers, and delicate little touches like custom matchbooks and petite cakes. It all felt so polished and intentional, without being overdone! This is exactly why I love shooting at The Coronado. No matter the light or weather, it gives everything you need to create a romantic, editorial dream!
Isabelle got ready in one of 21C iconic suites, modern and warm with that amazing wood paneling and moody lighting. Her look was so classic: a sleek long-sleeved gown with an open back, a soft veil, and those unforgettable velvet heels. She kept everything elegant and simple, letting the details speak for themselves! Mason got ready just a floor away, surrounded by close friends, but no official groomsmen. I loved how relaxed and natural it felt, with a little bourbon, big laughs, and a perfect black tux with velvet loafers. Everything about this part of the day just felt so effortless and calm, no chaos, just good vibes and meaningful moments.
They skipped the wedding party, and honestly? It made the ceremony feel even more focused and emotional. Isabelle walked down the aisle with her dad, the room glowing with chandeliers and candlelight, framed by the softest neutral tones and romantic florals. The space was intimate but grand, the perfect setting for a winter evening filled with vows and teary smiles. You could feel the love in the room, not just from them, but from every single guest seated in those golden chairs, witnessing such a sweet, intentional exchange.
We had maybe five minutes outside (yes, really), but that didn’t stop us. We stayed almost entirely indoors and it was perfection. From the grand staircase wrapped in bold floral wallpaper to the moody bar and empty reception room lit up with candles, every space had its own vibe. We took only 15 minutes for portraits of just the two of them (they didn’t do a first look!) and it was magic. Soft, romantic, intimate. You don’t need an hour of posed photos or perfect weather, trust me!
Before the guests arrived, Isabelle & Mason took a few quiet moments in their reception space and I’m so glad they did. This is always one of my favorite moments to photograph. The room was glowing with golden candlelight and full of all the little touches they had planned for months. Later, the party lit up, literally. LED foam sticks, a packed dance floor, champagne flowing, and the kind of joy that’s impossible to fake. Everyone was up and dancing, including the tiniest guests in their formal wear (which was honestly adorable). The whole night had this incredible mix of elegance and pure, unfiltered fun. It was the best kind of energy to end a day this special.
“When I was looking for a wedding photographer my number must have was to capture the day how it was happening, not make the moments happen to capture. And WOW, let me tell you Sarah was exactly that! I am not big on staged photos, which is why I went with a documentary style photographer. I met with Sarah a few times leading up to our wedding and she was organized, personable, professional… everything you want/need for your wedding.
Not only was she a joy to work with on our big day – but I got 50 edited photos THE NEXT DAY (what?!?!) and then got my whole album within 3 weeks, way before she said they would be ready. To say I am obssessed is an understatement. If I was planning my wedding again I would pick Sarah 100x over and over. My only regret was not booking her for video. If you are debating it, book with her instead of another company. I am so happy with my pictures and picking Sarah to capture the day so seamlessly and beautifully.”
If you’re planning a wedding at The Coronado (or anywhere in St. Louis!) and dreaming of something timeless, candid, and full of meaning, I’m your girl! Whether we’re working with five minutes of sunlight or staying entirely indoors, I promise we can make magic together. Isabelle & Mason’s day is proof that your wedding doesn’t need to follow every tradition to be unforgettable, it just needs to feel like you. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
Venue: The Coronado
DJ: Spin Society
Videography: Milleniums Productions
HMU: Emily Miller
Whether it's through photos that resemble oil paintings or films that make you feel like the star of your own movie, my aim is to offer an effortless and worry-free experience. So, go ahead and explore the blog, and if you feel a connection to our work and philosophy, we’d love to be part of your adventure.
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