From the Mat to Matrimony: Max and Taylor’s St. Louis Wedding

It’s a bright Saturday in St. Louis, where two souls with a passion for Jiu Jitsu tied the knot in the most meaningful places they could think of. That’s exactly how Max and Taylor Choriev chose to celebrate their wedding on August 10th, turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Max, and Taylor brought their love story to life in a way that was as unique as their journey together.

These two met at a Jiu Jitsu gym in Michigan and quickly realized that they were destined for more than just sparring on the mats. Within a few months, they were officially married, but this day was all about celebrating that union with the people they loved and in places that held deep meaning to them. As a wedding photographer who’s always down for a little adventure, I was thrilled to capture every raw and heartfelt moment of their day, alongside their videographer, Nathan. Let’s dive into the adventure we embarked on around St. Louis, for what I could only consider to be one of the coolest photoshoots I’ve done to date.

Our day started at the Central Library in downtown St. Louis, a place where knowledge meets history, much like Max and Taylor’s relationship. We started off outside of the library, enjoying the pleasant weather (not featured: 90’s R&B blasting on my speaker). As we made our way inside, we wandered through the grand halls and up to the top floor, we had the chance to really get to know each other. The Central Library, with its ornate architecture and quiet charm, provided the perfect backdrop for some posed & candid shots.. There was something almost poetic about Max pretending to read a book while Taylor, the true reader of the two, watched with a smile. The library’s atmosphere was one of warmth and welcome, and the strangers we encountered couldn’t help but share in the joy of the newlyweds.

We made our way across town to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Here, nature took center stage. We strolled through the Linnean House, a lush greenhouse filled with gorgeous palms and other exotic plants. Taylor, looking radiant in one of her carefully chosen dresses, was particularly proud of her thrifting abilities—not just for her outfits but for the decorations, Max’s shoes, and other details she’d curated for the day. The calm weather and serene surroundings gave us the perfect opportunity to capture some truly beautiful moments. As we made our way towards the Tower Grove House, the couple’s love for each other and for the natural world around them was evident in every step.

The final stop on our expedition was Tower Grove Park. As we walked through the park, Taylor shared with me the significance of certain Uzbeki and Muslim traditions and her experience as a Revert, one who coverts to Islam oftentimes from another faith. This wasn’t just a wedding shoot; it was a celebration of who they are and where they come from as well. It was also here that I met the newest members of their family—two adorable French bulldogs named Buddha and Lilo. With the dogs by their side and the support of their family and friends, Max and Taylor’s bond felt even more profound.

The day wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at the old Carondelet School. One of the most beautiful parts of the day was the Kelin Salom ceremony, a traditional Uzbeki practice where the bride greets the groom’s family, relatives, and guests by bowing low at the waist. This gesture of respect and humility is met with gifts and congratulations, symbolizing the bride’s integration into her new family. Taylor embraced this tradition wholeheartedly, performing the ceremony with grace and sincerity.

As Taylor bowed to each family member, the room was filled with a sense of unity and warmth. The smiles, laughter, and affectionate words exchanged during the Kelin Salom were a testament to the strong bonds that Max and Taylor had formed, not just with each other, but with their families. It was a moment where tradition met modern love, blending the old with the new in a way that felt both timeless and fresh.

Following the Kelin Salom, the celebrations began in earnest. The food was delicious—a spread that reflected both their Uzbeki heritage and their American life. The company was lively, with conversations flowing freely and toasts being raised to the newlyweds. It was clear that this was a night to remember, not just for Max and Taylor, but for everyone who had the privilege of sharing in their joy.

As we were heading to my car, Max’s brother walked with me and began sharing a story that I hadn’t heard before. He told me about the significance of the Carondelet School—how, when their family first immigrated from Uzbekistan, this building was one of the first places they visited in St. Louis. It’s where they received their papers and shots, marking the start of their new life in America.

Hearing this story, it all clicked. This wasn’t just another wedding location—it was a full-circle moment. Max was returning to this place, not as a newcomer, but as a husband, celebrating his marriage. The Carondelet School stands as a powerful symbol of their family’s journey—one of hope, resilience, and love. Capturing these moments here turned our photo session into something far deeper, a reflection on the paths that brought them to this day.

Max and Taylor’s wedding is more than a celebration—it’s a journey through their past, present, and future. From the historic Central Library to the serene Missouri Botanical Gardens, and the deeply significant Carondelet School, every moment adds to their unique story. Capturing their wedding day was a true honor.

If you’re looking for a St. Louis wedding photographer who’s all about capturing the real, raw moments that make your day unique, I’m here for it. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

Livin’ Room Wedding

Howdy partners…

Picture this: a cozy living room filled with the laughter and love of your nearest and dearest (accompanied by a few stellar tunes by the Arctic Monkeys). That's exactly how Chelsea and Cory decided to throw down on their special day, which they sure as shit decided to do their way. I had the absolutely wild pleasure of capturing every raw and heartfelt moment.

Let me set the scene for you. Chelsea and Cory, two rad souls madly in love, decided to forego the traditional wedding day for something much more intimate. With just their best bud Garrett officiating and our good friend Dylan manning Chelsea and Cory’s beloved Super 8 camera (as well as a last minute cameo by Chelsea’s brother, but we’ll save that story for another time), we hit play on their oddly shaped portable speaker and got the show on the road. 

As a former crusty bassist for a local punk band turned wedding photographer (yeah, you read that right), I've seen my fair share of wild shit. Chelsea and I go way back – she used to be the photographer for my band back in the day. She got me my first big kid job out of college. She’s stuck her neck out for me more often than most of those related to me by blood. Cory was one of the first friends that I made in the corporate world (and he is the furthest thing from the corporate joe you’re thinking of in your head).  Man, who would've thought we'd end up here, huh? Armed with my trusty little Fuji camera  and my Yashica EM medium format camera, I was on a mission to capture the goods for my friends. No stiff poses or forced smiles, just two dorks in their living room trying their absolute best not to cry while reading their vows from their field notes notebooks.

After the heartfelt ceremony, Chelsea, Cory, and I headed to the seafood joint Bristols in Creve Coeur to rendezvous with friends and family. Surrounded by those they cherished the most, they laughed, cried, and toasted to their future like the rockstars they are.

Chelsea and Cory's living room wedding was a big ol' middle finger to tradition and a celebration of love in its purest form. As their wedding photographer, I feel so delighted to have been a part of their special day and to have captured it in all its raw and unfiltered glory. If you're looking for a photographer who gives zero fucks about convention and knows how to capture the real shit, let me know! Let's make some magic together.