WEDDING STORY

autical nuptuals

When COVID changed their plans, this couple didn’t let that get in the way of having a memorable wedding.

STORY COMPILED BY CHARIS PATIRES PHOTOS BY JESSICA LAUREN PHOTOGRAPHY

Rishi and Rima Gandhi had planned on getting married in Chicago with a traditional ceremony among 300 guests. Due to COVID they were forced to downsize but didn’t want to postpone their wedding. They decided to move it to their “happy place” and exchanged vows at Lake of the Ozarks.

On July 4, 2020, in front of immediate family, the couple held a ceremony onboard their tritoon at the exact same spot where Rishi proposed.

“This is where we got engaged and spent a lot of weekends during the summer. It is special to us,” Rima said.

The couple met in 2015 at Ballpark Village in St. Louis after meeting up with mutual friends. Rishi proposed on October 13, 2018 while out on the family’s boat at Lake of the Ozarks.

“The crazy thing about our wedding was because of the pandemic, our families came together to help with all the details,” Rima said. “These were all special touches to our big day.” Rima’s mother-in-law built a floral back-drop for the boat that included the colors that were going to be a part of their original wedding (lavender and ivory/champagne). Rima’s sister did her hair and makeup, and her sister-in-law made the cake.

“We are perfect for each other because we balance on another out! We motivate and support each other and have the same values as well,” Rima says. Both their sisters performed the ceremony, while Rima’s sister was the officiant. “The most memorable part of the day was the actual ceremony itself,” Rima said. “The ceremony was short and sweet but full of emotions!”

After the wedding, the couple honeymooned in Hilton Head and Charleston, S.C. but are hoping to go somewhere abroad next year. Rishi graduated from Mizzou and is a financial advisor. Rima graduated from St. Louis University and is a physical therapist. They live in Chesterfield.

Originally there was going to be seven groomsmen and seven bridesmaids but they had to shorten the guest list to immediate family. Rima’s sister was still able to be the matron of honor and their dog Bentley was able to be a part of the big day. Everyone got ready at their condo in Camdenton and took off for the ceremony by boat. The rings were purchased from Blue Nile and the bride’s gown is from Lulus.

LEFT: Chocolate, Banana Cream, and Lemon Lavender Cupcakes with a Vietnamese Coffee.

BELOW: Hot Lavender Macchiato and a Hot Latte.

Just okay IS NEVER ENOUGH

Serendipity Coffee Roasting Company serves savory flavors with baked goods and fine coffees

Inspired by a father’s hobby and a daughter’s dream, the Simmons family has opened Serendipity Coffee Roasting Company for Eldon’s residents and the greater Lake community. Cliff Simmons, his wife Triple Ferment bean delivers complex notes of citrus fruits and berries. Father and daughter Cliff and Sariah delight in rendering that flavor and several more for customers. They began to do so online on January 1, 2020, six months before they opened the retail coffee shop on STORY BY CONNYE GRIFFIN + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AL GRIFFIN Marilyn, and daughter Sariah are the Maple Street in Eldon. That online busimainstays at Serendipity, each contrib- ness supported their dream to provide a uting their talent and art to a budding welcoming gathering place for people to business. Two sons add their labor as enjoy baked goods and fine coffees. well. One of Cliff and Sariah’s favorite cof-

Opened on July 1, 2020, in a difficult fees is the Frozen Cherry. That roast is year, Serendipity continues to exceed the aptly named because the green coffee Simmons’ expectations. During a visit and beans are flash frozen, sun dried, and interview in early September, Serendipity flash frozen again in a 400-hour process was busy with walk-in take-out custom- that becomes a dark bean with cherry ers while others enjoyed WiFi or quiet undertones. The team also agree that conversation. What all have come for is Columbian Triple Ferment and Ethiopian the good, savory flavors of a fine coffee Blueberry are fine roasted beans as well. bean, America’s favorite way to kickstart Both are popular at Serendipity, online or any day. in-store, but both sell out quickly.

Somewhere between the first and Some of these coffees are the base for second crack of a green coffee bean pour-over and art in a cup. In her role as resides its full flavor in a light to medium barista, co-owner Sariah meticulously air roast. At Serendipity, the Columbian made a Hot Honey Lavender Macchiato, served in a large, wide ceramic mug. The creamy surface held lavender buds providing the clean scent of herb gardens and open fields. It invites patrons to sip and relax. It had me at first sip.

Another true Serendipity delight is the Vietnamese coffee, a participation beverage — so-called because the customer finishes the preparation. The coffee arrives on a quality wood serving tray featuring Serendipity’s logo. On that tray is a glass of iced espresso and a smaller glass showcasing layers of cream and more espresso. The customer uses a small coffee spoon to stir the two layers into a rich, caramel blend before pouring the blend over the iced coffee and stirring again. The completed drink is both satisfying and delicious.

A featured pour-over at Serendipity begins with Geisha coffee, an Ethiopian bean trending in the 21st century. The Simmons acquire this bean, as they do all their beans, through a supplier sourcing from Columbia, South America. However, the Simmons attend U. S. Coffee

A view to Maple Street from inside Serendipity.

Marilyn, Sariah, and Cliff Simmons are the Serendipity team. Serendipity Coffee Roasting Company

18 Maple Street, Eldon Open 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sundays. Steller Strawberry and Mango Madness Bubbles Fraps with Serendipity’s cheesecake.

championships when travel and business demands allow. They taste and learn. They study and build on their at-home pan-roasting experiences. They listen and welcome mentoring by the owners and managers at Three Story Coffee in Jefferson City. They are serious about the coffee community — as serious as they are about providing clean, discernible flavors in every roasted bean.

For their business, the Simmons’ team chose an Artisan 3 air roaster. This allows customers to select a green bean from tall dispensers on the wall. Their selections can then be roasted on site and bagged or brewed. The process is thus not proprietary at all. Roaster and patron complete the full circle from bean to steaming cup together.

Marilyn Simmons, Cliff’s wife and Sariah’s mother, honed her home baking skills to a high art. She adds that art to Serendipity’s success. One of her contributions is light as air cupcakes under sweet frosting crowns. The Lemon Lavender proves Marilyn delivers delicious goods in every bite. She also provides flaky croissants, creamy cheesecakes, a fine six-inch chocolate chip cookie, and muffins, rich in berries and nuts. On Mondays, those muffins include dairy-free, gluten-free versions.

For non-coffee drinkers and children, Serendipity has Bubble Fraps, otherwise known as creamy deliciousness in a sodafountain glass. Made with fruits such as mango or strawberry, half-and-half, and Boba bubbles, the frap (frappe) is finished with a mound of whipped cream. It will delight the child in us all, but if fewer calories are what the customer has in mind, Serendipity makes a Lavender Lemonade that is very popular, too.

Serendipity Coffee Roasting Company has brought to life a building dating from 1890. The ceilings and floor are original. Tall windows let light pour in, bathing the space in warmth. Bright yellow chairs and accents, ivory walls, and warm, fine-grain wood tables create a homey, cozy space.

A display shelf showcases honey from two local beekeepers, The Bee Team and Pure Hardesty. Coffee mugs made by Muddy Otter are also for sale. Serendipity will add gift baskets, pour-over sets, and T-shirts as the holidays approach. For September 11, Serendipity will be home to an evening of music. It has been the gathering place for Bible study groups, community meetings, and a baby shower — exactly what the Simmons hoped for when they opened the shop.

The name of the shop, Serendipity, may best describe the business itself. A father’s hobby became a family’s vocation; a daughter’s dream became a real business now thriving. These are everyday occurrences colliding with good intentions, and those have beneficial results for both the Simmons’ family and Eldon.