This, loves, is a classic wedding done oh-so-right. Think the prettiest of blue color palettes, fabulous paper goods from Chelsey Emery and a dash of modern aesthetic to give it just that right touch of bling. All crafted by an amazing team of vendors and featuring a stunning duo that knows a thing or two about perfect parties, don’t miss a moment captured by Photography By Betty Elaine right here.
From the Bride… We knew we wanted to get married in the town that has always been home. Fall in St. Louis is a perfect time of year, post-humidity, pre-snow (most of the time). Our ceremony was held at the church just steps form my parent’s St. Louis city home, a very classic, grand church with gorgeous details. After touring the Missouri History Museum we knew we didn’t want to celebrate our reception anywhere else — the idea of dancing under the Spirit of St. Louis was too exciting to pass up, and we booked it just as soon as we could.
Going into planning I knew a simple, muted pallet would reign supreme. Taking these classic colors, I put a modern touch on pieces that would lend themselves to a little creativity. Our entire days was a mix of traditional, classic elements and modern, clean details . We worked several personal details into our day as well, from the bride and groom on our cake table, borrowed from my grandparents’ wedding so many years ago, to the S and K marquee letters welcoming guests as they arrived.
Prior to our ceremony I knew I wanted to have a first look, but not with my groom (I couldn’t wait to see his reaction at the ceremony!), but with my dad. He helped give me the most perfect wedding day, and I wanted to capture a special moment with him, before all the hustle and bustle started. He was the first person to see me in my dress outside of my wedding party and his reaction was the perfect start to my day.
Something very few people knew, but a detail that meant so much to me was actually sewn right into my dress. My mom saved the sash from her wedding gown and gifted it to me as my ‘something old’. I took a corner of her ivory belt and had my new monogram sewn in as my ‘something blue’. For the entire day I had this special memento with me, remembering my old and welcoming my new.
Small homages were paid to our families throughout the day, as well. The mothers wore gardenia corsages, my mom’s favorite flower. Our bouquets and centerpieces boasted dusty miller, a plant my grandmother grew in her backyard. Songs were carefully selected based on our parents’ and friends’ favorite jams (and dance moves).
The whole day went by so quickly (and thanks to my wonderful team, without a hitch). However, we both remember, so vividly, the toasts by our wonderful friends. I don’t think we’ve laughed so hard or felt so loved, both our maid/matron of honor and best man did an amazing job and we cannot thank them enough for contributing to our day in such a special way.
Sean could eat popcorn for every meal. So to honor the groom’s favorite treat, we had a gourmet popcorn bar for guests to grab a snack in between dances. For those guests that wanted to celebrate with a cigar, we also had those available late in the night, which, thanks to the gorgeous weather, many were able to enjoy in the courtyard.
Sean and I went into our day knowing we wanted to have fun. We wanted to dance, we wanted to toast with friends and we wanted to walk away from the entire thing the happiest we’ve ever been. Even when he forgot the rings (yes, we almost got married without wedding bands, but thanks to our best man’s quick thinking –and driving–parents, the day was saved!) we remembered to laugh. Thanks to our wonderful team of vendors, our loving family and friends, we didn’t have a care in the world that day, we left any stresses at the door and we danced until the place closed down.
After the wedding was said and done and we waiting patiently for our photos from our wonderful photographer, reliving all the moments of the day through images was such an exciting experience. When we happened upon the images we took last in the day, in front of the wooded, fairytale-esque background we were both in shock, and it took us about 1 minute to decide they were are favorite photos. Our favorite photo, us stealing a kiss in front of the tall grass and fall flowers happily hangs in our home, a reminder of the best day ever.
Photography: Photography By Betty Elaine | Event Planning: Proposing Dreams | Floral Design: The Special Event Florist | Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza | Cake: McArthur's Bakery | Invitations: Chelsey Emery | Reception Venue: The Missouri History Museum | Jewelry: J.Crew | Catering: Butler's Pantry Calligraphy | Groom's Attire: Michael Kors | Bridal Salon: JLM Couture from the Ultimate Bride