Engaged: Amanda and Cole

Every one of Cole and Amanda's engagement photos got the "aww so cute!" reaction from us. Great job Christine Bonnivier Photography! We are so looking forward to this couple's May nuptials at a local midwest barn. Their comfortable demeanor with each other is so evident in person and in their photos - stay tuned for more from their wedding day!

How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

We met through Match.com, and had our first date at Andy’s Frozen Custard. We have been together almost five years! Also, come to find out his family has known my grandparents for years. I think it was fate.

Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

Amanda: He took me on a spur of the moment birthday date a couple of years ago. I was just about to leave work, and he told me to pack my bags as soon as I got home. That night we headed down to Branson, had a fun dinner, and stayed in a hotel overlooking the river.

When did you know it was the real thing?

Amanda: Probably when he told me he wanted to become our own little family. Just the two of us and his dog Hunter.

Cole:  One day I had a talk with my Grandpa about life, and he asked me why I wasn’t married yet. That’s when I  realized that I never wanted to let her go, and she’s the one.  

Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

Amanda: It was a surprise! We have two labs and our girl dog is Sadie. He gave her a bone and had her bring it over to me from the other room, and when she gave it to me it said, “Will you marry Dad?” It was the cutest thing ever, and I was shocked and very excited!

How do you envision your wedding day?

Hopefully going off without a hitch. Fun, romantic, elegant, and everyone having a good time.

Are there any fun family traditions or special details that you are planning to incorporate?

Amanda: I will be using my parent’s cake servers from when they got married in 1983, and will also be using my great grandmother and grandmother’s silver and china.

Amanda, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

Seeing his face when I walk down the aisle, and pledging our love together.

Cole, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

 The thing I'm most looking forward to at our wedding would be finally able to call the girl of my dreams my wife, and starting our lives together

What are we both looking forward to?
Having family and friends join us on our special day, and our honeymoon to Grenada!

Venue: Dogwood Canyon (Big Cedar)
Photographer: Christine Bonnivier

Vendor Spotlight: Christine Bonnivier Photography

We love working with Christine Bonnivier! In one of her many client reviews I once read the most perfect statement about how she exudes joy and brings out that vibrance in others. Her photographs always look so natural and so JOYFUL because they have that same thing behind the camera. Enjoy learning a little more about Chris and her business and getting a sneak peek at some of her photos. 

To contact Christine about using her services, check out her website!

How long have you been in business and why did you decide to start?

We just celebrated 5 years this past April & I couldn’t be more proud! My husband Levi & I opened Christine Bonnivier Photography in 2009, shortly after our move from Pennsylvania and a year after my graduation from the Antonelli Institute for Art & Photography. After years of working as a second shooter, I knew that photographing love stories was my passion. I am thrilled & incredibly blessed to have been able to work with such amazing couples over the past 5 years. We recently celebrated with our clients and loved ones at the Veridian & it was a wonderful evening of catching up! I am so thankful that CBP is a community of loving & kind people, rather than ‘just a business’. It is certainly special and we always have so much fun!

Tell us one thing that sets your business apart!

One thing that sets CBP apart is our client loyalty, care & loving service. We value each & every one of our couples and strive to give them and their families, the best experience possible. This includes, collaborating with each couple, so they have a unique & fun engagement session, connecting them to other vendors who can help their visions come to life, creating a photography itinerary for their wedding day, sharing their images on social media for friends & family to enjoy and so much more! 

What’s your favorite aspect of your job?  

I get so excited when I think about this! My favorite aspect of my job is connecting with people! The positive effects from connecting with others, whether they are clients, family members, wedding guests or vendors, are immense & have a lasting impact. I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am for the people who have blessed Levi & I (in ways they don’t even know)!! The personal connection I have with CBP couples, results in organic & intimate images that represent them & their story. It is a wonderful creative process that not only benefits my clients but the generations that come after them. 

Give us a run down of your typical day.

A typical weekday for Levi & I, starts when the alarm sounds at 6 am, I feed our pup Buddha and prepare Levi’s lunch. When hubby is off to work, I drink my morning cup of coffee and head to the office! If we are in peak wedding season, I do a ton of post production, blogging & album design and in the ‘slower’ months (there isn’t such thing, really), I am shooting engagements, preparing itineraries, meeting with clients & prepping for Bridal Shows. In the evenings Levi & I exercise, enjoy dinner together, wind down & get plenty of rest for the day ahead. Life is good! 

Any crazy wedding stories you want to share?

Haha! I don’t have just one that comes to mind but I’ve definitely had some memorable experiences! I’ve toured St. Louis with a Bridal Party via bicycle, fixed many wardrobe malfunctions and I’ve even cut the cake, to name a few.

What is your main mission in business that you want your clients and followers to get? 

Christine Bonnivier Photography’s mission is to provide couples & their families with an exceptional experience & a collection of images that represents their story. Levi & I strive to nurture a business based on client loyalty, care & love and it wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our couples & loved ones!