The pressure to throw a big, traditional wedding is real, complete with packed guest lists, familiar traditions, and the feeling that certain decisions are required just to keep the peace. But you don't have to follow everyone else's rules. You’re allowed to choose something smaller, more intentional, and rooted in what you actually want.
Shadow + Fern exists for unconventional couples who want a celebration that feels relaxed, meaningful, and deeply personal--a day surrounded only by the people who matter most, and the freedom to be fully yourselves while I quietly document the candid, honest moments.
for couples rewriting the wedding script.
I take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give each couple my full creative energy—custom timelines, no cookie-cutter posing, and no pressure to fit in a box.
Instead, you get a bespoke, deeply personal experience—grounded support before the wedding, a calm presence on the day itself, and candid, prompt-based guidance that lets me create art while you relax and sink fully into the moment.
Your wedding isn’t a production. It’s a story. I’m here to capture the moments so you can feel them over and over again.
Intentional, Experience-Driven, Cinematic Storytelling
A photography experience built around presence, not performance
relaxed & real
As seen in:
"Heather was the chaos coordinator, hair and dress fixer, and the sister I didn’t have at my wedding. She sees every detail and every hug., and you can tell she cares about what she captures. She's an artist. Her work is stunning--absolutely stunning."
Sarah, 2025 bride
Long before micro-weddings were a trend, I chose one for myself, and it was the best decision I could have ever made. Stripping away expectations made space for intention, presence, and genuine joy, and that experience became the foundation for Shadow + Fern.
I photograph small weddings because I believe your day should feel honest, grounded, and true to who you are. I’m here to support you, calm the noise, and document the quiet, cinematic moments that become the heirlooms your family will hold onto for years.
I'm Heather, and this is my Philosophy.
St. Louis Missouri Micro-WEdding Photographer
No two micro-weddings look the same, so your photography shouldn’t, either. My collections start with a thoughtfully crafted base package, and then you build from there—adding only what matters to you. Everything is intentionally customizable so you can shape the coverage that fits the celebration you’re creating.
Coverage designed to support the day you actually want.
Micro-Weddings - Elopements - Intimate Celebrations
Bespoke collections for a choose-your-own-adventure.
Your wedding is intentionally small so your photography experience can be epic. From timeline support to gentle prompting and all the emotional in-between moments, my approach is rooted in helping you feel relaxed, seen, and fully present. When your day feels effortless, your photos reflect that.
"I am so glad I chose Heather for our wedding photographer. We and our family and friends are typically NOT photogenic, but Heather made sure we were more focused on the fun we were having instead of posing for awkward portraits, and it really shows in the pictures how joyful the day was. If you're looking for someone to capture your day with realism, grace, and humor - Heather is the perfect choice."
Emily, 2025 bride
