Vendor Spotlight: Ivory Grove Photography & Videography – Intentional Wedding Photography in St. Louis

When you’re planning a wedding in St. Louis, the photographer you hire becomes the storyteller of your entire day. In our ongoing Vendor Highlight series, we sit down with the wedding pros we love working with and ask the questions engaged couples should be asking before they book.

This week we’re excited to feature Lindsey of Ivory Grove Photography & Videography, a St. Louis wedding photographer whose calm, intentional approach behind the camera shows up in every frame she delivers. We recently worked a wedding together and loved her energy on the day, so we asked her to share her best advice for couples currently planning their big day.

What common mistakes do you see couples making when planning a wedding?

One of the biggest mistakes we see is trying to squeeze too much into the timeline. Couples often underestimate how long hair and makeup, getting dressed, family photos, travel, or simply enjoying the day will take. When the schedule gets compressed, photography is usually one of the first things to lose time. Building in a little buffer throughout the day creates a much more relaxed experience and almost always results in better photos.

What’s the best tip you have for couples hiring a wedding photographer?

Look beyond the highlight reel. Ask to see several full wedding galleries so you know the photographer can consistently capture an entire wedding day, not just a handful of beautiful portraits. Pay attention to how they photograph family formals, receptions, difficult lighting, and candid moments. Those are the memories you’ll treasure just as much as the sunset portraits. Also, read reviews and make sure they have a history of taking care of their clients and responding to concerns or problems well.

What don’t couples know about your business that they need to know?

Most couples don’t realize that great wedding photography starts long before the wedding day. We spend hours helping build timelines, answering questions, coordinating with other vendors, preparing equipment, and planning for every possible scenario. The photography on the wedding day is only part of what goes into creating a great experience and beautiful final gallery.

What questions should couples be asking that they don’t know to ask?

Some great questions include:

• How do you handle difficult lighting situations?
• What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?
• How do you back up our photos?
• How many weddings have you photographed?
• What does your communication look like leading up to the wedding?
• Can we see a few complete wedding galleries?

These questions often tell you more about a photographer’s professionalism than simply asking about pricing or packages.

What is your best piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?

Remember that your wedding is about celebrating your marriage, not creating the perfect event. The little things that don’t go exactly as planned are rarely what you’ll remember years later. Prioritize the people you love, be present with each other, and trust the team you’ve hired. When couples focus on enjoying the day instead of managing every detail, it almost always becomes a more meaningful experience.

What’s the most unusual wedding you’ve ever photographed?

One of the most unique weddings we’ve photographed took place on Halloween. The couple fully embraced the theme without it feeling like a costume party. Every detail of the decor reflected an elegant Halloween aesthetic with rich, moody colors, candlelight, and dramatic floral arrangements. The bride wore a stunning black wedding gown that was absolutely breathtaking and fit the atmosphere perfectly. It was such a fun reminder that your wedding doesn’t have to follow tradition to be beautiful. When a wedding genuinely reflects a couple’s personality, it becomes an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

What was the most memorable wedding you’ve ever worked, and why?

It’s hard to choose just one because every wedding has its own story. The weddings that stay with us the most aren’t necessarily the biggest or most extravagant. They’re the ones where family, emotion, and genuine connection take center stage. Watching parents see their child for the first time, hearing heartfelt toasts, or capturing quiet moments between the couple remind us why we love what we do. Those authentic moments become the memories couples treasure for decades.

Learn More About Ivory Grove Photography & Videography

If you’re searching for a genuine, intentional St. Louis wedding photographer who will treat your timeline, your family moments, and your final gallery with the same care, you’ll want to connect with Lindsey at Ivory Grove.

Lindsey
Ivory Grove Photography & Videography
✉️ admin@ivorygrove.com
🌐 www.ivorygrove.com

Planning your St. Louis wedding and still building your vendor team? Reach out to Abell DJ Company. We’d love to help make your reception unforgettable, and we’re always happy to recommend trusted pros like Lindsey at Ivory Grove.