Jessica Burkett of Arnold took home first place in the Share the Love photo contest. Pictured in front is her maid of honor, Priya Barchi of New York City, as well as Samantha Edinger and Emily Stoner, both of St. Louis.
Mark Harris of High Ridge earned second place with a photo of him and his wife, Tanya, following their wedding in 2017.
Renee Hampton of Festus won third place with a picture of her fiance, Alex Wittke, proposing at Disney World last year.
Emily West, 35, of De Soto sent a picture of herself and her husband, William West, on their wedding day at the Holiday Inn Six Flags Hotel on June 9, 2018. Emily said the reception revolved around some of the couple’s favorite things: movies and spending time with family. “You can see the pure joy on our faces, and honestly we haven't stopped feeling that joy since,” Emily said.
Laury Curtis, 48, of Imperial sent a picture taken in September 2022 at Jose Loco’s in Springfield of herself and her husband, Terry Curtis of Imperial. “We eloped!” Laury said. “Drove to Springfield where my daughter was finishing college, and she officiated our ceremony and vows at the Mexican restaurant we love! It was unconventional and perfect for us.” Laury’s daughter, Phoebe, also took the picture.
Sarah and Jacob Brunsman of Fenton had wedding pictures taken on Oct. 4, 2025, at Silver Oaks Chateau. “Real moments from our best day ever!” Sarah said. Photographer: Nicole & Co. Photo.
Sarah and Jacob Brunsman of Fenton had wedding pictures taken on Oct. 4, 2025, at Silver Oaks Chateau. “Real moments from our best day ever!” Sarah said. Photographer: Nicole & Co. Photo.
Sarah and Jacob Brunsman of Fenton had wedding pictures taken on Oct. 4, 2025, at Silver Oaks Chateau. “Real moments from our best day ever!” Sarah said. Photographer: Nicole & Co. Photo.
Madison (Norris) and Skyler Walters of Barnhart had pictures taken on their wedding day, Oct. 10, 2025. “Our wedding was at my childhood family farm (in Cedar Hill),” Madison said. “In the picture is my horse that I have had for almost the last 10 years. He is getting old in age, and it was one of my top requests to have him a part of our special day. The horses were directly behind us the entire ceremony and even stood at the fence and watched as the ceremony was going on.” Photographer: Mindy Miles Photography.
Madison (Norris) and Skyler Walters of Barnhart had pictures taken by Madison’s sister, Kaylee Norris, in July last year. “After getting engaged, we knew there could never be a more special place to get married than at my family’s farm,” Madison said. “We knew the field we wanted to be married in and decided to take some of our engagement photos there as well. This photo was taken in the same spot that we said ‘I do.’”
Madison (Norris) and Skyler Walters of Barnhart had pictures taken on their wedding day, Oct. 10, 2025. “Our wedding was at my childhood family farm (in Cedar Hill),” Madison said. “In the picture is my horse that I have had for almost the last 10 years. He is getting old in age, and it was one of my top requests to have him a part of our special day. The horses were directly behind us the entire ceremony and even stood at the fence and watched as the ceremony was going on.” Photographer: Mindy Miles Photography.
Jayme Dodd-Stoffel and Quentin Stoffel of Pevely got married on Dec. 20, 2025, at The Noble wedding venue in St. Louis. Jayme shares a wedding date with her mother and father, Stacey and James Dodd of De Soto, and grandparents, Majorie and Garry Head of Richwoods. Photographer: Destiny Borgmann.
Erica Krull sent a picture of her son, Joshua Miles, 29, of Pevely, and his fiancee, Maranda Mecom, 26, of Oahu, Hawaii. “These two lovebirds met and fell in love while Joshua was stationed on Oahu, and their story has been magical from the start,” Erica said. The pair were engaged on Aug. 4 at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in Iceland, and this photo was taken by Maranda’s sister, Leandra. “It captures not only their love, but the moment I realized I would be gaining a beautiful, kind and truly perfect daughter-in-law who complements my son in every way.” The couple’s wedding is set for May.
Jim Voss, 74, of Festus and Rita Burke of O’Fallon, Ill., got married on Dec. 15, 2025, at the St. Claire of Assisi Church in O’Fallon. The pair had been married to their now deceased spouses for a collective 98 years. “We met two years ago on a dating website and realized last year that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together,” Jim said. The relationship deepened while Rita was on a monthlong Alaskan trip with her family. “We enjoyed sending romantic songs to each other as a way of saying ‘good night.’ I took the first step by sending her the song, ‘I'll have to tell you I love you in a song,’ by Jim Croce. I did that just before she was scheduled to come home. We now refer to that time as ‘love songs from Alaska.’” This picture was taken by Jim’s grandson, Kaleb.
Jacob and Madison McNees of De Soto got married on June 28, 2025, at the Jewel Box in St. Louis. “This photo is very special to me because it captures our first kiss as a married couple not with formality, but with joy and love surrounded by the people who support us most,” Madison said. “It reflects the heart of our marriage: playful, tender and rooted in choosing each other completely.” Photographer: Hannah Lillian Photography.
Jennifer (Therrell) and William Wentz of Arnold got married at the Arnold VFW on Oct. 4, 2025. “I was able to share my special day with the people I love most and also represent my veteran service,” Jennifer said. “We were so happy, I felt so beautiful and the weather was amazing! We were so thankful our special day was so close to home.” The couple grew up in Jefferson County, and Jennifer is a 2000 Seckman High School graduate. Photographer: Missy Neff.
Jennifer (Therrell) and William Wentz of Arnold got married at the Arnold VFW on Oct. 4, 2025. “I was able to share my special day with the people I love most and also represent my veteran service,” Jennifer said. “We were so happy, I felt so beautiful and the weather was amazing! We were so thankful our special day was so close to home.” The couple grew up in Jefferson County, and Jennifer is a 2000 Seckman High School graduate. Photographer: Missy Neff.
Jennifer (Therrell) and William Wentz of Arnold got married at the Arnold VFW on Oct. 4, 2025. “I was able to share my special day with the people I love most and also represent my veteran service,” Jennifer said. “We were so happy, I felt so beautiful and the weather was amazing! We were so thankful our special day was so close to home.” The couple grew up in Jefferson County, and Jennifer is a 2000 Seckman High School graduate. Photographer: Missy Neff.
Kyley and Leonard Cook Jr. of Cedar Hill got married at a friend's house on Aug. 24, 2024. “These are special pictures because they show deep emotion of one another, preserve details that we might forget in life and are timeless heirlooms of our love life!” Kyley said. “This was the absolute best day of my life. I wish to do it over and over again.”
Kyley and Leonard Cook Jr. of Cedar Hill got married at a friend's house on Aug. 24, 2024. “These are special pictures because they show deep emotion of one another, preserve details that we might forget in life and are timeless heirlooms of our love life!” Kyley said. “This was the absolute best day of my life. I wish to do it over and over again.”
Kyley and Leonard Cook Jr. of Cedar Hill got married at a friend's house on Aug. 24, 2024. “These are special pictures because they show deep emotion of one another, preserve details that we might forget in life and are timeless heirlooms of our love life!” Kyley said. “This was the absolute best day of my life. I wish to do it over and over again.”
Annie and Donovan Davis of Arnold got married on July 1, 2024. In this photo taken about a week later, the couple hold up a watercolor painting, created by Donovan’s cousin, depicting the special day. “This was our ‘housewarming/reception’ for family and friends as we had a private ceremony,” Annie said. This picture was taken by Donovan’s mother, Jane Davis.
Annie Davis, 38, of Arnold took this picture on June 11, 2024, of herself and her husband, Donovan Davis, getting their marriage license at a courthouse in downtown St. Louis. The couple got married less than a month later on July 1.
Annie and Donovan Davis of Arnold got married on July 1, 2024, at Francis Park in St. Louis County. This picture was taken by Donovan’s mother, Jane Davis.
Bailey and Crystal McCoy of De Soto were in Bee Tree Park in St. Louis County in this June 3, 2023, picture. Crystal said this is Bailey’s favorite photo. “He believes it symbolizes our love and commitment to each other,” she said. The couple met while umpiring little league games in 2018, and Crystal is the vice president of softball and Bailey is the umpire in chief. Crystal said they are on the board to be positive role models for young people, and they have strong connections with many players.
Bailey and Crystal McCoy of De Soto were in Bee Tree Park in St. Louis County in this June 3, 2023, picture. “(This photo is a) reminder that Bailey is always going to be around to help when he is needed,” Crystal said. “We can always count on each other.” The couple met while umpiring little league games in 2018, and Crystal is the vice president of softball and Bailey is the umpire in chief. Crystal said they are on the board to be positive role models for young people, and they have strong connections with many players.
Bailey and Crystal McCoy of De Soto are standing on the Hillsboro R-3 Little League field in this June 3, 2023, photo. The couple met while umpiring little league games in 2018, and Crystal is the vice president of softball and Bailey is the umpire in chief. Crystal said they are on the board to be positive role models for young people, and they have strong connections with many players.
Steven and Heather Smith of Pevely got married in July 2025 at Bridal Cave at the Lake of the Ozarks. “It was such a unique wedding experience and our favorite day!” Heather said. In this photo, the couple sit in a Mustang convertible that was left to Steven by a loved one.
Steven and Heather Smith of Pevely got married in July 2025 at Bridal Cave at the Lake of the Ozarks. “It was such a unique wedding experience and our favorite day!” Heather said.
Steven and Heather Smith of Pevely got married in July 2025 at Bridal Cave at the Lake of the Ozarks. “It was such a unique wedding experience and our favorite day!” Heather said.
“What started out as family photos on my fiance’s family’s farm turned into a forever memory,” Olivia Beck, 21, of Barnhart said. “It was such a special moment surrounded by our family and, of course, the cows!” This picture of Olivia and her fiance, Caleb Wynn, 21, of Cedar Hill, was taken by Ady Nicole Photography LLC in Cedar Hill.
“What started out as family photos on my fiance’s family’s farm turned into a forever memory,” Olivia Beck, 21, of Barnhart said. “It was such a special moment surrounded by our family and, of course, the cows!” This picture of Olivia and her fiance, Caleb Wynn, 21, of Cedar Hill, was taken by Ady Nicole Photography LLC in Cedar Hill.
“What started out as family photos on my fiance’s family’s farm turned into a forever memory,” Olivia Beck, 21, of Barnhart said. “It was such a special moment surrounded by our family and, of course, the cows!” This picture of Olivia and her fiance, Caleb Wynn, 21, of Cedar Hill, was taken by Ady Nicole Photography LLC in Cedar Hill.
Debbie (Nickels) and Mike Ford, both 69 and from High Ridge, can be seen leaving their wedding reception at the House Springs Lion’s Club hall on Sept. 8, 1979. “My little brother, Tony Nickels, and his friends surprised us by decorating our honeymoon car,” Debbie said. “They filled it from top to bottom with newspaper, and each page was separated and crumbled. It was a special and well-planned surprise. This will always be one of my favorite memories and pictures of our wedding day.” Kelly Ford, 41, of High Ridge sent in the photo on her parent’s behalf.
Clara (Krassinger) and Erwin Nickels of High Ridge got married on June 28, 1952, at Assumption Catholic Church in Mattese, said their granddaughter, Kristine Ford of High Ridge. The couple celebrated their 73rd anniversary last summer.
Kody and Kacie Rulo of House Springs got married on Oct. 17, 2025, at Brookdale Farms. “You can see the joy and love in our faces,” Kacie said. The car in the photo was Kody’s dream car. “Getting to have his car on the property and taking photos with it made the day much sweeter. My wedding day was a day I will never forget and forever cherish.” Photographer: M Squared Photography.
Kody and Kacie Rulo of House Springs got married on Oct. 17, 2025, at Brookdale Farms. “You can see the joy and love in our faces,” Kacie said. “At that moment, nothing else mattered besides us and the people who surrounded us with love and support. My wedding day was a day I will never forget and forever cherish.” Photographer: M Squared Photography.
Kody and Kacie Rulo of House Springs got married on Oct. 17, 2025, at Brookdale Farms. “You can see the joy and love in our faces,” Kacie said. The car in the photo was Kody’s dream car. “Getting to have his car on the property and taking photos with it made the day much sweeter. My wedding day was a day I will never forget and forever cherish.” Photographer: M Squared Photography.
Derek Buechner and Stephanie Oliver of House Springs got married on Aug. 5, 2025, in Destin, Fla. Derek’s grandmother, Mary Roqueplot of House Springs, took the picture. “He’s my oldest grandson, and after 18 years together, they chose to get married,” Mary said.
Derek Buechner and Stephanie Oliver of House Springs got married on Aug. 5, 2025, in Destin, Fla. Derek’s grandmother, Mary Roqueplot of House Springs, took the picture. “He’s my oldest grandson, and after 18 years together, they chose to get married,” Mary said.
Jessica Burkett of Arnold captured pictures of her own wedding in Pacific in October 2025. From left is Jessica’s grandmother, Pat Boyer of Ballwin, and her maid of honor, Priya Barchi of New York City. “I waited 34 years to get married and I'm so glad I did!” Jessica said. “In my 20s, I was a wedding photographer but cynical of love. It was such a joy that my wedding photographer was cool with me bringing my own camera and capturing my big day from my perspective. I loved surprising all my guests when my coordinator passed me my camera as I was standing at the altar! I didn't tell anyone ahead of time, and I cherish their candid smiling faces in these shots.”
Jessica Burkett of Arnold captured pictures of her own wedding in Pacific in October 2025. This photo includes her parents, Tracy and David Flori of Ballwin; Trina Barchi of Rome, Italy; Terri and Mark Stoner of Imperial; Charles Chase of St. Louis; Chuck and Jean Martin of Cape Girardeau, and Ashley Burke of Atlanta, Ga. “I waited 34 years to get married and I'm so glad I did!” Jessica said. “In my 20s, I was a wedding photographer but cynical of love. It was such a joy that my wedding photographer was cool with me bringing my own camera and capturing my big day from my perspective. I loved surprising all my guests when my coordinator passed me my camera as I was standing at the altar! I didn't tell anyone ahead of time, and I cherish their candid smiling faces in these shots.”
Renae Hampton, 28, of Festus sent a picture of her fiance, Alex Wittke of Festus, proposing on Nov. 14, 2025. “Not only is Disney World our favorite place, but he also surprised me with my parents showing up right before he proposed,” Renae said. “It was the perfect proposal, and it felt like it belonged in a storybook.”
Renae Hampton, 28, of Festus sent a picture of her fiance, Alex Wittke of Festus, proposing on Nov. 14, 2025. “Not only is Disney World our favorite place, but he also surprised me with my parents showing up right before he proposed,” Renae said. “It was the perfect proposal, and it felt like it belonged in a storybook.”
Tom and Sheryl Schroeder of Arnold will celebrate their 39th anniversary this year. Tom’s sister, Susan Narron, took this photo on May 9, 1987, as the couple was leaving the reception at the Stratford Inn Banquet Center.
Tom and Sheryl Schroeder of Arnold will celebrate their 39th anniversary this year. Tom’s sister, Susan Narron, took this photo on May 9, 1987, as the couple was leaving the reception at the Stratford Inn Banquet Center.
Jerzie and Matthew Nelson of De Soto were on Treasure Cay in the Bahamas during their honeymoon. On Sept. 15, 2025, the couple did a swimming with pigs excursion. “The feeling of being newly married and getting to experience something so fun with my new husband was amazing!” Jerzie said.
Jerzie and Matthew Nelson of De Soto got married on Sept. 13, 2025, at Berkshire Ridge in Blackwell. “Seeing myself in my wedding dress for the first time with my hair and makeup done made me very emotional, and I was overwhelmed with happiness,” Jerzie said. Her mother, Sarah Ware of Cadet, stands to the right. Photographer: Allison Fogelbach.
Jerzie and Matthew Nelson of De Soto got married on Sept. 13, 2025, at Berkshire Ridge in Blackwell. “I had a very long cathedral veil, and it kept getting caught on the ground as we were doing our recessional outro back up the aisle after the ceremony, so Matthew scooped me up and carried me the rest of the way up the aisle!” Jerzie said. Photographer: Allison Fogelbach.
Trenton and Cassie Brown of Festus narrowly avoided disaster at their Oct. 1, 2022, wedding at Villa Antonia Winery. “This photo was a very candid shot!” Cassie said. “When we started cutting the cake, the cake stand started to give out and was headed directly at me. Luckily, we both let up on the cut and pushed the stand back up. That teamwork has carried through our next three years of marriage and is one of our greatest strengths as a couple. It gave us something to laugh about for the rest of our lives. This picture is framed on our living room wall, and I think back to that moment every day I look at it: the immense fear of what was about to happen, the relief of a miraculous save followed by the joy and laughter when (the photographer) immediately came up to us to show he captured this moment forever.” Photographer: Dayton with Complete Weddings and Events.
Codi King, 32, of Hillsboro had this wedding photo taken with her horse, Prince, at home on Sept. 21, 2019. “Prince was my best friend for 12 years until we lost him tragically,” Codi said. “I’m thankful he was able to be a part of our wedding. This will always be my favorite picture of us together.”
Jacob and Brittany Wideman of Hillsboro had wedding pictures taken on Oct. 25, 2025, by Ashley at Baetje Farms in Bloomsdale. “We wanted to capture our love of the outdoors and animals into our wedding,” Brittany said. “The goats at Baetje made us fall in love with this place. The photo is fun and sums up our special day.”
Jacob and Brittany Wideman of Hillsboro had wedding pictures taken on Oct. 25, 2025, by Ashley at Baetje Farms in Bloomsdale. “We wanted to capture our love of the outdoors and animals into our wedding,” Brittany said. “The goats at Baetje made us fall in love with this place. The photo is fun and sums up our special day.”
Jacob and Brittany Wideman of Hillsboro had wedding pictures taken on Oct. 25, 2025, by Ashley at Baetje Farms in Bloomsdale. “We wanted to capture our love of the outdoors and animals into our wedding,” Brittany said. “The goats at Baetje made us fall in love with this place. The photo is fun and sums up our special day.”
Noland and Rhiannon Boyer of De Soto and their son, Nolan O’Harver of De Soto, had this picture taken on May 10, 2025, Walther Park in De Soto.
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