There are some weddings that just feel completely and totally like the couple who is getting married. Julie and Nick’s wedding at Wild Carrot in St. Louis was exactly that.
It was colorful, incredibly thoughtful, full of amazing food, deeply rooted in family and tradition, and above all else, just really, really fun.
Julie and Nick have one of those relationships that makes you smile when you’re around them. They genuinely adore each other, but they also clearly love to laugh together. Their entire wedding day felt like an extension of that relationship: beautiful, intentional without feeling overly planned, and filled with so many little moments that were completely them.
And yes, for those who may recognize Nick’s name, this is Nick Bognar, the St. Louis chef and owner behind restaurants including Indo and Sado. In 2026, Nick was named a James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Midwest. So if you are wondering if the food was incredible, the answer is YES! They had some of their most trusted friends in the kitchen creating an amazing meal.
A St. Louis Wedding Weekend Rooted in Family
For Julie, her Italian heritage and her St. Louis roots were an important part of the weekend. Her family brought so many beautiful Italian traditions into the celebration, and it made the entire wedding feel incredibly personal. My personal favorite was her grandma shattering the plate during the ceremony.
Julie and Nick took photos in The Hill, where they call home, at all their favorite spots. Also home to Nick’s restaurant, Sado.
Also, the celebration actually started before the wedding day with a welcome party at Oliva on the Hill.
There was something really special about seeing those traditions woven into a modern St. Louis wedding. It wasn’t about creating a perfectly curated wedding moment just for the photos. It was about bringing both of their families who matter most them into the celebration.
And there was no shortage of incredible food. Cream puffs, need I say less.
A Wild Carrot Wedding Full of Color
Wild Carrot was the perfect setting for their wedding day.
The Shaw neighborhood venue has such a unique St. Louis feel, and Julie and Nick’s wedding design leaned into that character rather than trying to transform it into something completely different.
The colors were rich, warm and vibrant. Every part of the design felt intentional without feeling overly matchy-matchy, and the result was a space that felt incredibly welcoming.
The entire wedding was designed by AJ Coordinates, owned by my friend Ashley, who I absolutely adore. Ashley and her team brought the entire vision together so beautifully. From the florals from Floral Play and tablescapes to all of the little details throughout the day, everything felt cohesive while honoring Julie and Nick’s personality.
Everyone involved was incredibly talented, but more importantly, everyone seemed genuinely invested in making the day great for Julie and Nick. St. Louis is so lucky to have amazing vendors!
Venue: Wild Carrot
Design + Wedding Planner: Ashley Jordan, AJ Coordinates
HMUA: Mariah DeShaye
Transportation: STL Trolley and Clayton Valet
Band: Lost Wax Band
Catering: @jose_m_venta
Desserts: Missouri Baking Co + La Patisserie Chouquette
Rentals: Exclusive Events, Aries Company, Celebrations Party Service
The Moments I’ll Remember
One of my favorite things about photographing weddings is that the big moments are rarely the only moments that stick with me.
Yes, there were beautiful portraits. There was a gorgeous ceremony. There was an incredible reception. There was food that I’m still thinking about.
But there were also all of the little things.
The way Julie and Nick made each other laugh. The way they looked at each other when no one was really watching. The energy of their families together.
As a candid photographer, it’s my absolute favorite.
I don’t want a wedding gallery to just show what the flowers looked like or what everyone wore. I want it to remind you exactly how the day felt.
Looking for a Wild Carrot Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding at Wild Carrot in St. Louis, I’m always excited to photograph couples who want their wedding photos to feel like them. I shoot at Wild Carrot often and never tire of it – it’s an exceptional venue.
You can learn more about my wedding experience on my website.
I love the big moments, obviously, but I’m especially interested in the in-between moments: the ridiculous laughs, the hugs you didn’t plan, the way your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention, the people who traveled across the country to celebrate with you, and all of the little pieces of your day that you’ll want to remember decades from now.
That’s what I’m here for.
Not just photographs that look good on Instagram.
Photographs that bring you right back to the way it felt.
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