Taisia Gordon photography blog

Felicia & Eric married and rockin'

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:59:28 EDT

Felicia and Eric are one of the kindest, most genuine couples you'll ever meet. Full of love and laughter, their wedding was a total joy to photograph. Some of my favorite moments: Their first "touch" (a few moments to connect before the ceremony without actually laying eyes on each other), their fun wedding party who didn't mind posing in the drizzle, Felicia playing air guitar at the reception, and Eric singing "Barbie Girl" = hilarious".

Featured: Glamour & Grace wedding blog

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:12:46 EDT

Earlier this week I was incredibly excited to have Rebecca and Marin's wedding featured on the wedding blog Glamour & Grace

http://glamourandgraceblog.com/2012/bright-pink-and-green-spring-wedding/

This is a wonderfully executed website featuring beautiful photography, real-life weddings, and inspiration for wedding style and decor. It was a true honor to have my work on their website and what better wedding than Rebecca and Marin's stylish union.

Sarah & Tristan's E-session

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:13:30 EDT

Sarah & Tristan - what a unique, eclectic, fun couple whose wedding I'm so excited and honored to photograph. Sarah is studying equine farm management, Tristan is a PhD student in music education, and they met at a swing dancing group! These two have some serious dance moves. Their reception is going to be so fun to photograph. For their engagement session we spent a bright and beautiful morning together and I was charmed by their love and affection for each other.

Introducing styled shoots

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:19:16 EDT

I've been spending the last few months rethinking, reorganizing, and revisioning where I'm going as an artist and business person. This is one of the first installments of changes around here :-)

A year and half ago when I stopped accepting portrait sessions it was a bitter-sweet decision. I knew I would miss interacting with families and children, watching families grow through the years, and that I would miss the variety portrait sessions brought to my photography life. At the same time it was something I had been considering for a couple of years and didn't take lightly. I felt I could offer my wedding couples a first-rate experience by focusing solely on them. Before when couples would try to book their engagement sessions I was often booked weeks out. During the most busy portrait season (pre-Christmas) it could take me up to 4 weeks to finish editing a wedding. Well-within a normal time-frame for wedding photographers. Yet I wanted to deliver a wedding in under 2 weeks. And I wanted to offer couples a choice of weekends without a long wait. So it's been a smart decision because this past year I felt like I was really able to give wedding clients a personal and attentive service.

I've also grown as a photographer and as a visionary (that sounds dramatic but it feels true). I want to create beautiful imagery. No big suprise there but HOW can I make that happen?

This past year I've set up shoots that combine the best of the photography worlds: editorial, portrait, lifestyle.... the result are styled sessions that go beyond what I could have dreamed!

I'm so excited to offer Styled Portrait Sessions!

A session includes pre-session consultation, vision development, a 2 hour session, over 100 final images, and DVD of high-resolution images with reproduction release. Together we'll create a personal plan for your session! I'll be accepting a limited number of sessions per month (up to 4 sessions). Contact me if you'd like to discuss your styled session. Take a look below at some recent sessions from their conception to the final result.

Engaged - Nick & Katie

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 01:12:34 EST

Dear Katie and Nick,

I fell in love with you during your engagement session. Hope that's ok.

Love, Taisia

Do you see the heart in this next picture?

WPPI 2012

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:41:25 EST

Last week I attended WPPI 2012 - Wedding and Portrait Photographers International conference and trade show. It was an awesome experience! I met so many fabulous photographers, learned from some of the best in the business, gawked my way through the largest trade show I've ever seen, met Australian photographer/idol/crush Jerry Ghionis (he's amazing), attended a VIP concert with Ingrid Michaelson (I was seriously jumping up and down when she walked out on stage suprising us), laid my eyes on Red Rocks again which almost makes me weep it's so beautiful and serene, and well... so much more!

Last Saturday I left my family, preparing to be away from them for 6 days and wondering how they would survive without me (they seemed to do just fine much to my dismay). We (Lindsey Panteleo, a colleague and my photo bff) designed a styled shoot in conjunction with Norman's Bridal in Lebanon MO. Norman's was spectacular to collaborate with and have so many beautiful dresses in shop that they let us have access to. We couldn't have asked for better models in Paige and Eric. In addition to the styled shoots I had a few other opportunities for shooting during the week.

My mind has been blown by everything I learned, all the inspiration, and the pages and pages of ideas I scribbled down during the 4 days of sessions.

A bride and her horse

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:55:51 EST

Recently my friend Jonni and I set out to create some magic...

This shoot was balm to my insecure soul and fuel for my creative engine. I'm so grateful to Jonni for helping me fulfill this vision I've had for quite some time. Her inner beauty surpasses her gorgeous physical elegance. You can visit my facebook page to view more images from our photo shoot http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taisia-Gordon-Photography/192189117543693

Allen and Betsy

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:31:36 EST

Allen and Betsy visited St. James this weekend, along with Allen's super cute little son. The day before I had scouted a few new locations with my assistant Maya. She approved of all the spots, even saying things like "oooh, look how the light is coming down there" which made me just as proud as when she learned to say her ABC's.

The locations and Allen & Betsy worked beautifully! They are such a wonderful couple, full of love and energy. I can't wait for the their wedding this year!

Eric & Felicia

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:10:44 EST

Felicia and Eric will be getting married this coming spring and I couldn't be more excited and honored to be their photographer. We had such a good time together that I already can't wait for their wedding just so I get the hang out with them again.

2011 in Review, continued...

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:51:14 EST

As I go back over images from last year I'm amazed by what stylish, beautiful, and vibrant couples I've had the honor of photographing. It's almost too hard to choose favorites! I couldn't resist pulling a few images reflecting the emotions that are bundled up in one day. These are almost always photodocumentary style, never posed or contrived. They are quite possibly my favorite types of shots to capture because it means I was in the right place, at the right time, and managed to nail the exposure and frame in the split second it happened. Plus, I'm just a sucker for uninhibited displays of emotion.

I also love capturing detail shots. These are the images that can beautifully show how much planning, personality, and creativity has been put into creating an environment that is all about the couple. Hooray for awesome table settings, personal bouquets, chic accessories, chaircovers, and ambient lighting!

2011 wedding highlights

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:17:37 EST

Some of my favorites from 2011. To see many, many more images from 2011 head over to my facebook page, Taisia Gordon Photography (click on the facebook link to the right of this page).

I have more favorites to share this week as well as some year-in-review thoughts and goals for 2012 so stay tuned!

"M" is for Moxie

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:41:03 EST

via Wikipedia: "Moxie" has entered popular American English with the meaning "courage, daring, and energy".

That's my Maya.

Our youngest turned 5 this past weekend. She's full of energy, vivaciousness, and passion. She lives out loud. Chases down her fears. Wakes up with a smile on her face. Is eager to help and lend a hand. Learns quickly and with confidence. Is just as fierce with her love and care as she is with her sassy attitude.

She loves strawberry milk, her big sister, creating art, and making us laugh. I love this little girl and the sparkle she brings to our lives.

A winter fairytale wedding

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:09:16 EST

When I posted a picture of Amber and Jason's wedding day on my facebook page a few people commented that Amber looked like a princess and Jason her prince. I realized that their wedding day WAS just like a magical winter fairytale wedding.

The styling,

the locations,

the horse-drawn carriage,

and the beauty,

all melded to create a day full of romance and wonder.

Amber is an event planner and her attention to detail was obvious (and so exciting for me, who loves personal, sentimental, well-thought out touches). Amber and Jason are also avid travelers so many of the details were mementos from their travels or pieces they had custom-made for their wedding.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis was AH-MAZING. No need to decorate when you're church looks like this.

I love everything about this - the tight crop of the image, the impending kiss, the rings, Amber's custom-made bolero, her tiny waist and detailing on her gown.

Once to the reception the mood was like a winter wonderland inside a lodge. While I like traditional reds and greens for winter decor, I go crazy for blue and snowy designs. The wedding cake was covered in snowflakes and crystals, and was surrounded by a winter village that Amber's grandmother created years ago and that Amber's dad restored.

Amber and Jason - I'm so honored you picked me to photograph your wedding. It was a fabulous day watching your love and zest for life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And that is an end to my 2011 weddings *sniff* (although I still have some super weddings to share from this year yet). I'm always a bit sad when the wedding season comes to an end. But the next few months are also a great time for me to reassess and refocus my goals, tackle big projects, spread my creative wings, and... most importantly... spend a ton of quality time with my family.

Merry Christmas!

Thankful

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:36:48 EST

I have so much to be thankful for. These 2 girls top the list. They, along with my wonderful husband and family, make life more beautiful and fun.

Colleen & Todd married in St. Louis!

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:35:56 EST

A week after Colleen & Todd were married in St. Louis the Cardinals won the World Series. It was like icing on the cake.

Colleen told me at their engagement session this past spring that her family said she'd better not screw it up with Todd. He's that kind of guy. The kind of man you want in your life, that will always be there for you and your teenage daughter. And Colleen herself is completely warmhearted and giving. So it was a complete joy to watch them come together a few weeks ago.

Colleen & Todd chose to see each other before their wedding. This was the perfect choice for them since it allowed for so much extra time for portraits. Their first look was at the Muny at Forest Park, a location I loved due to all the great architecture, colors, and the beautiful light bouncing around.

The fall colors were perfect, the park was amazing, and the light was beautiful. I could literally turn in a circle and find 20 different great spots to use for portraits.

Todd handmade these planter boxes for each table at their reception! They were beautiful, each with a different stain. I think of all the ways they can use these boxes throughout their years together and this might be one of my most favorite centerpieces I've ever seen.

I have loved getting to know Colleen and Todd. From the moment we first met I felt so comfortable with them and honored that they trusted me with their engagement and wedding images. Colleen and Todd, thank you for your friendship!

Katie & Mike

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:12:19 EDT

Let me just get to the good stuff *swoon*

And this one. *aaaaaaahhhhh*

And this one too!!!

I almost have no words for this whole series of images from Katie and Mike's wedding day. I love it when lighting, posing, locations, and people all come together to create an almost effortlessly beautiful result. That is what happened on this gorgeous fall day when Katie and Mike were married. I think it's a sign of what their marriage is meant to be.

I could take pictures of Katie all day. The camera loves her.

I think the camera loves Mike too (even if Mike doesn't love it back LOL!)

Since this summer I've had a new assistant, Crystal. I am shocked and amazed at how much Crystal has grown and improved in her photo skills. Crystal took this shot just before Katie and her dad were getting ready to enter the church and walk down the aisle. It's one of the best father-daughter moments I've seen captured and makes me so glad to have Crystal on board with me.

Katie and Mike, congratulations on your wedding and your beautiful life together. I'm sincerely touched that you let me be a part of your day.

A Jefferson City wedding.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:40:28 EDT

Leslie and Ian were married in Jefferson City a couple of weeks ago. I noticed as I was working on their images that there are so many shots of them looking into each others eyes, smiling, laughing, and holding hands. Even during the ceremony itself, I have all these shots of little, fast moments where they'd look and smile at each other. I love it! So many times during a wedding day a couple doesn't seem to have time to slow down and focus on each other. I love that Leslie and Ian did it all on their own numerous times throughout the day. The smiles and fun and laughter on this day were contagious. Leslie and Ian, you guys are fabulous and I'm honored that you chose me to document your day.

Collen & Todd. Ste. Genevieve engagement session

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:27:22 EDT

Colleen called me last year in a pinch. Her wedding photographer was cancelling all her jobs, including photographing Colleen and Todd's engagement session and wedding. It was under this auspicious umbrella that we came together. What caused stress and disorder in Colleen and Todd's wedding plans has been a highlight for me this year as I've gotten to know them.

They are the funnest, most down-to-earth people you could ever be lucky enough to meet. We spent a few hours roaming around Ste. Genevieve for their engagement session this summer. Todd pointed out all the interesting things about the town which convinced me I need to bring Terry there for a weekend get-away. Colleen described their wedding plans but always with the explanation that while it wasn't her first wedding, it was Todd's and therefore she would do whatever she could to make it special for him. Seriously?! It takes a big, generous heart to put aside your own wedding wishes to design a wedding around the man of your dreams. It's the kind of people Colleen and Todd are and don't I feel like the lucky one now that I get to be their friend too.

In a few weeks they will be getting married. I know that whatever their wedding be: big or small, extravagent or simple - their warmth and spirit is going to shine through. And I can't wait to be a part of it!

Ryan & Kim

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:14:45 EDT

What I loved about Kim & Ryan and their wedding:

1. Beautiful northern window light for Kim's bridal portraits

2. Quiet, steady love amdist the day's hustle and bustle

3. Gregarious bridesmaids and groomsmen

4. Dad's joining hands in joy right after the ceremony kiss

5. Gorgeous vistas

6. A bride who agrees to lay on the ground (after an incredulous glance at me) Yay, Kim!

7. Storms that threatened their outdoor reception but thankfully held off.

8. Flash mob dance

Leslie and Ian. Jefferson City engagement session.

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:38:58 EDT

What I know about this engagement session from a few months ago: Leslie has a set of seriously sparkly eyes and I could do a whole session with just her eyes. Ian feels most comfortable in his suit, tie, and dress shoes. Leslie has a perfect dimple in her cheek. Ian works at the Capital on the legislative staff for a senator which makes me kind of nervous although I'm not sure why. I think it's because I'm afraid some kind of inappropriate joke is going to fly out of my mouth and that Ian will not approve and he might report me to the governor and get me thrown out of the state or something. But he probably wouldn't do that - he's a pretty cool guy.

These guys are getting married in a week and a half! I've been busy lately really focusing on becoming inspired, trying to flex my creative muscles, and stretch my comfort zone. I've also been practicing with some new equipment so I have all kinds of tricks and plans for Leslie and Ian. Little do they know Mwahahahaha! Aren't they cute together?

Dhani + Dan

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:33:27 EDT

I'm in love with Dhani and Dan. Individually they're great. As a couple, they're AMAZING! It's what you know you're supposed to see between a man and a woman on their wedding day: respect, tenderness, laughter, and deep love. It just feels like everything is right between them and always will be.

Jason and Amber's engagement session.

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:16:06 EDT

It was a hot day. So hot that Amber and Jason had their own support system - Jason's mom - to follow us with cold drinks and towels for blotting sweat. But I didn't notice the heat or the sweat trickling down my spine. I only noticed the energy and confidence bursting out of this couple. So playful, fun, and involved in the creative process were they that I had a hard time narrowing down the final set of images to a reasonable set. As I told Amber a few days later, it was refreshing and heartening to see a woman so full of that kind of confidence. She didn't worry if her hair was perfect, or if her smile was just so, or if her clothes were laying in the most flattering of positions. She just had fun, she interacted with Jason, flirted with him, laughed big laughs, and jumped around. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could all let go of our inhibitions and our insecurities and step in front of a camera knowing that we're amazing. And that, above all else, that will show in the images more than clothes, pounds, or hairstyles if we just let it out. I can't wait for Amber and Jason's December wedding when I get to see some more of their confidence and love. And a little less sweat.

Brandy + David

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:52:11 EDT

Brandy and David were married in the Governers Garden. A couple that has been together since Brandy's son was just a baby, they made their family of 3 complete with a day full of happy tears. Brandy, thanks to all of her tears of joy, made me cry as well at least 10 times that day. On a side note, am I the only one who used to never cry and now I cry at the drop of a hat? It's getting ridiculous the number of weddings I cry at while I'm trying to work. At least it's always a happy cry.

Brandy and David chose to do a first look, something I recommend as a way to spend more time with guests and for the couple to have more quiet time to themselves. All of their details were beautifully done including the fan programs, the mix of floral and candle centerpieces (with florals done beautifully by Alan-Anderson's Just Fabulous! http://www.justfabulousflowers.net/), and, most of all, the attention to family and friends. Brandy's whole family, who I saw again this past weekend at her sisters wedding, is becoming a favorite of mine - full of warm-hearted loving people who show that even in divided and re-merged family units, there is so much love and tenderness to be found.