Busy Busy Week!

This was a wonderfully (is that a word??) busy week with an engagement shoot of Toni and Richard as the evening set in Forest Park, to their wedding a few days later (we were a bit delayed with the engagement pictures because of the rain, but they were engaged longer than 2 days - lol), to Kelsey's senior photo shoot in Carondelet Park (she is gorgeous!),

and topping it off with the Meuret maternity/family shoot at Studio Altius (and this family was too adorable!!).

I was busy but had a blast with each person!! Enjoy the pictures and more to come!!

Leslie

Cassie & Tom Tied the Knot!

March 28, 2009. Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Tom Lewandowski!! Yeah!!! Well, St. Louis weather is always tricky - and this wedding day was no different. We had sunshine (though a bit chilly) for the rehearsal, so of course we all said our prayers for sun for the next day. But, who are we to control the weather - smile. We began and ended the day in rain and overcast, but we had nothing but sunshine on the inside! The ceremony was held at Washington University Catholic Student Center, and the reception was at Giovanni's on the Hill. Both were great locations. My favorite photo spot was this amazing staircase lined with white christmas lights, and donning a baby grand piano in the center of the ensemble. I fell in love with that spot when I saw it at the rehearsal and could barely be pulled away from it before and after the ceremony. I'm a big fan of using what's around me and making it work - and despite the rain outside, that's just what we did. Here is a fun slideshow of the wedding! Enjoy!


God Bless!

Leslie Wallace Photography

Cassie & Tom: Summer Love braves Winter Cold

Well, I must say that the heavens smiled on us for Cassie and Tom's engagement shoot on Saturday. Having just endured inches of snow earlier in the week, we were blessed with a fabulous 48 degrees (and that is fabulous in January) weather and a bright sun as we sloshed our way around the Landing to take pictures. I've said it once, and I'll say it again - my favorite couples are those that just let my imagination flow, and Cassie and Tom are definitely one of my favorite couples. After trying to find a parking spot, the three of us walked all over the Landing, without coats I might add, and had a really good time.

I look forward to their upcoming wedding on March 28 in St. Louis, MO. Family and friends to whom they've given their password, may view their entire client gallery below. You can also enjoy a fun Slideshow of our day together.

Seasons "in-between"

As we come to the close of another year I reflect on the numerous "moments" I've been privileged to capture. Senior year pictures, engagements, weddings, mommies-to-be and newborn babies, anniversaries and special occasions. And I'm blessed to have been an intimate part of all of this. Yet, i doubt any of us would deny there's more to life than these milestone moments, there's all the "in-between" moments that we don't capture.

"in-between we’ve learned more about ourselves

about God, and His love for us

in-between we’ve learned more about love

that it is not a feeling, but an action

a journey

in-between we’ve grown up

we’ve made friends

lost friends

brought together friends

in-between we’ve tested ourselves

been tested by others

that we may be found worthy of

all and who God’s given

in-between we’ve laughed

we’ve cried, we’ve smiled

we’ve fallen and stood up again

while others may not celebrate

every calendar-day we live, we know

there is life, there is love

there is growth, there is change

that is still worthy to be captured

. . . in-between . . ." (lpw 12/26/08)

I'd be honored to capture your "In-Between" moments. lesliewallacephoto@gmail.com

Tis the Season for Children

Though Christmas day has come and gone, it did not leave without a few smiles of children awaiting Santa Clause and all the joy and laughter that Christmas brings. I love photographing children no matter what time of year, and catching the pure and total innocence in their eyes.

Merry Christmas!!

COCA's - Celebrate Me Home

I had the amazing privilege to recently shoot Celebrate Me Home - COCA's Fall Fundraiser. As detailed from COCA's website (www.cocastl.org), this was an evening of song and dance featuring celebrated St. Louisans Antonio Douthit and Denise Thimes. Douthit, a COCA alum, returned to St. Louis and performed with other members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where he was the principal dancer. You can read more about him here. The proceeds benefited COCA’s Urban Arts and Scholarship Programs.

I was beyond amazed at the incredible talent and strength of these dancers - their bodies were like works of art and their poise and elegance was phenomenal. They kept the crowd in a state of awe for the entire performance. I was also able to see some of the up and coming talent of the students that currently train at COCA. All I can say is I left out of there singing "Celebrate Me Home" and trying to do split leaps all the way down the hall. I was moved! Check out the song here - I warn you it will be in your head a while.


I must say that this was my most challenging photo shoot to date - dark theater, not permitted to use flash and constant movement. I truly enjoyed the experience. I made a fun little preview of some of the images. Enjoy!

Leslie

Mission to Haiti 2008

I recently returned from Port-a-Prince, Haiti, on a missions trip with a great group from Florida. (How this photography opportunity transpired for me was nothing short of heaven-sent). The primary focus of the trip was to bring and distribute food, clothing and medical attention/supplies to some of the outlying villages, orphanages and local churches.














As I sat on the floor of the airport early Sunday morning, awaiting my flight back home, I wrote this:

“Yes, I saw pain, I saw hunger, I saw despair, but I also saw joy and contentment. Abandoned were my thoughts of westernizing these people, felling sorry for them because the did not have my “rich” life. I remember feeling that way when I went to Africa. But you don’t long for something you’ve never known, so why feel sorry for someone for the same. No, rather I saw how we were alike. Laughing at a little baby gulping down coke, or laughing as the children posed for a picture with a thumbs up sign. There will always be poor, and those who are rich should always help – but sorry is not something I felt this time around. I’m blessed for what I have and utterly grateful for the chance to sow a seed of love and be a part of God’s great commission. I’m sure other countries feel sorry for us – the state of our country. Our economic frustration and moral decline. To feel sorry means you think someone should have what you have. I don’t think that about the Haitian people. I don’t think they should kill each other for shoes, I don’t think they should steal from each other, I don’t think they should compare themselves nor define themselves by what clothes they have . . . no. I don’t feel sorry for them. I saw old men picking up and holding the children of the community. I saw a little boy pull his friend underneath a gate to lead him to some new toys. I saw a little girl share one of her lollipops with another child. I heard “merci madam” when I gave a mother’s baby something to drink – I saw a community. No doubt they are impoverished and I have no right or room to say they don’t’ need help – but pity, no. They have a contentment that is unmatched. I thank God for the chance to be the extension of His love to the poor – and I was blessed . . . .”

To view more images, please click on the "Journeys" link to the left under My Portfolios, or click here: Haiti 2008. Also, enjoy a Haiti Slideshow as well!!!