#schlafly

Mrs. America is an ambitious, smart, and well-acted show that turns policy and politics into nine bingeable episodes (though it lags toward the middle). Still, just as Bombshell did with its portrait of Kelly and her Fox News colleagues, the series’ supposedly complex depiction of its conservative white protagonist in some ways shies away from Schlafly’s most unpalatable beliefs. The show admirably attempts to make the messy politics of the 1970s — including the difficulties of coalition building on the left and the dangers of fake news — speak to our current moment. But it pulls its punches about its right-wing protagonist’s history of racism, ultimately making the show’s dramatic stakes and conclusion less powerful and relevant than it could have been, and more of a TV history version of Sean Spicer on Dancing With the Stars.

While different episodes are designed to spotlight more of the other characters, they all come back to or revolve around Schlafly. The show opens by illustrating her home life and politics, showing how her anti-communist sentiment evolves into the attacks on feminism that she is now most well-known for. Her friend Alice (a fictional character played by Sarah Paulson), suggests that she put her efforts into fighting the Equal Rights Amendment. “What I am against is a small Northeastern group of establishment liberals putting down homemakers,” Schlafly says, referring to feminists like Friedan and Steinem. “The libbers love to say that they’re dedicated to choice, but if you dare to choose the path of full-time mother, if you don’t feel enslaved, you’re just dumb and unenlightened.”

This is juxtaposed with subsequent scenes of Schlafly being objectified by her husband, who pressures her to have sex after a long, tiring day of work. In other words, the show tells us, in a sentiment echoed by some of its other characters, Schlafly was working against her own interests: pushing against women’s empowerment even as she struggled to empower herself in her own life. It’s telling that Mrs. America imagines her that way. We don’t actually know how trapped Schlafly felt in her own marriage, if at all, but the liberal imagination seemingly can only understand conservative white women as failed white liberal feminists.

I met Hana and Karl last year at my office.  They had contacted me after a recommendation from a local neighborhood Facebook page. They were interviewing me and a few others.  But, I knew when I met Hana, I was the photographer for this bride.

 Well, they agreed, so we moved forward with my capturing their love story.  It started with a fun engagement shoot that centered around their three loves: doggos, each other, and beer.  You can check it out here. 

Karl and Hana met on Bumble, and their love story began at Civil Life Brewery.  And after getting to know these two, Leap Day was the perfect day for these two to wed.  And this day would be no different than their engagement session.  It was centered around doggos, their love for each other, and beer. 

If you kept up with me last week, you know I had caught the plague.  Not the flu.  Thankfully not the coronavirus.  But, I felt like death. 

When I walked into their Tower Grove home Saturday morning, I was greeted by Bunsen and Tonks’ sweet voices.  

Then by a beautiful bride.  In true Hana fashion, knowing I don’t do coffee, hot tea bag choices were waiting out for me. With a house full of her girls, laughter, stories, and mimosas surrounded Hana with a drama-free getting ready session.  

Just before they went to get dressed, I had them speak love over her, by telling their view on why Karl was the luckiest guy on Earth.  I heard about her being a Renaissance woman.  A girl that just has her crap together.  And leaves everyone around her a little better.  That’s Hana. 

I’m a sucker for a sweet first look.  

But, sometimes it is not with the groom.  Or the girls.  It is with the bride’s daddy.  And Steve didn’t disappoint. 

After a quick lint roll job, fast forward to the Palm House in Tower Grove Park.  If you haven’t checked out this venue, it’s one of my favorites in the Lou. I found a groom.  

And a group of guys surrounding that dude with love.  And beer.  There were a few beers. 

In the quickest ceremony I have witnessed, West Wing music came from strings.

Whiskey & bourbon were blended.

Laughs shared. Vows exchanged. 

Hana & Karl had been away from their babies enough.  They got some time to love on them as husband and wife. 

Then there were some beers. 

With the sun starting to drop, we loaded on the party bus.  I couldn’t help but grow to adore this wedding party.  A groomsman’s wife told me of their wedding photographer’s refusal to ride their bus.  I had no problem letting my hair down with his crew. 

We made our way to the Arch Grounds. 

Felt the Thunder. 

Then made our way to the Ferris Wheel. 

Finally, we found ourselves at Schlafly Taproom for a reception.  And, yes.  A few beers were waiting. 

One of the ways you capture moments is by watching.  From their engagement shoot to the rehearsal dinner, to the reception, there is no doubt Hana and Karl are best friends.  They are connected, and not far from the other’s side.  It is pretty special the way they love each other. 

Hana & Karl—I am grateful you chose me to capture your love story. Remember that, unlike, beer, love isn’t good when it is cold.  Try to love each as much as Bunsen and Tonks love you.