St. Louis Bride Spring-Summer 2015 by Morris Media Network

117 RECEPTION VENUES 26 REAL WEDDINGS CHEFS’ FAVORITE DISHES WRITING VOWS SPRING/SUMMER 2015

VEILS & HEADPIECES ETIQUETTE Q&A WITH ANNA POST 13 BOUQUETS WEDDING PLANNERS TELL ALL

Instaglam

RELATIONSHIP 411 ESSENTIAL GUIDE

THE

ISSUE

$5.00 DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 15, 2015

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from the editor

#InstaStyle PEOPLE OFTEN ASK how we go about choosing

what the cover and fashion feature will look like. There is no one simple answer. Sometimes, it’s based specifically on a type of dress fabric and silhouette, like lace ballgowns. Other times, it may

Maggie

be a location that architecturally lends itself to showcasing gowns. And, sometimes, it’s just a cool concept that takes on a life of its own. That was definitely the case this time. Our spring/summer 2015 cover and fashion feature is all about the emotional journey experienced by couples throughout their wedding day— from getting ready, to saying “I do,” to the grand exit. The fashion team, along with our art director, took it a step further and created a social media feel to the layout and design. As you page through the fashion feature, you just might feel like you are looking at your Instagram feed. And, if that weren’t enough, cinematographer, Joe Seebeck of Boda Film, documented the entire photoshoot over the course of three days so you, too, can be a part of the entire experience, with behind-the-scenes footage to boot. Just click on the QR Code here and on page 172 to see more!

wedding days unique and magical. I also invite you to follow Saint Louis Bride on Instagram

Nancy L. Slade, Editor

Check out our behind the scenes fashion feature footage.

WWW.BRIDESTL.COM • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Visit us online at www.bridestl.com and www.facebook.com/stl.bride

(NANCY) ©ALECIA HOYT, XOXO ALICE; (OTHERS) ©L PHOTOGRAPHIE

@stlbride where we will continue showcasing the fashion and décor from this issue.

Lily

Sarah

You are cordially invited to follow the wedding-day journeys of Maggie, Sarah and Lily beginning on page 154 and witness all the details that went into making each of their

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Contents SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Features 112

IDEAL MEALS

Chefs from seven local attractions share their dream wedding dishes

126 FABULOUS FLOWERS

Designers share their favorite bouquets for brides

154 #INSTAGLAM Three brides, three wedding days, endless emotion shared social media style

REAL WEDDINGS REAL MOMENTS 26 couples tie the knot

©l photographie

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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CONTENTS

TIPS & TRENDS 32

AROUND TOWN

SITES TO BEHOLD Nine reception venues

GARDEN PARTY

102

SWEET SERVINGS Desserts beyond wedding cake

174

2015 BRIDAL FASHION The hottest trends from Fall Bridal Market in New York

176

FINISHING TOUCHES Veils and accessories complete your wedding day style

180

KEEPING YOUR RELATIONSHIP “PLANTED” Tips to transform your marriage

186

ASK ANNA Q&A with etiquette expert Anna Post

254

UNVEILED! Catching up with the insiders that make St. Louis weddings work

PLANNING

254

174

104

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS Travel pros suggest honeymoons to fit every budget

182

WHAT WEDDING PLANNERS WANT YOU TO KNOW Honest advice from those who execute and attend more weddings than anyone

188

I DO’S AND DON’TS Five tips for writing your own wedding vows

RESOURCES 207 MAKING IT LEGAL Where and how to apply for the marriage license

208 CEREMONY SITES 210

RECEPTION SITES List of venues in an easy-to-read grid

218

SAINT LOUIS BRIDE ESSENTIAL GUIDE A list of top vendors, services, locations and hours

219

TRUNK SHOW CALENDAR

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:

86 20

WWW.BRIDESTL.COM • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

www.facebook.com/stl.bride http://twitter.com/STLBRIDE @stlbride

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Editor Art Director Publisher and Associate Editor Vice President, Hawaii and Central Region Senior Account Manager Account Managers Circulation Manager Product Managers Senior Graphic Designer Photo Retoucher

Nancy L. Slade Teri Samuels Ethan Woods Patti Ruesch Debbie Chervitz Chris Taylor Yasmina Seifeldin Amy Fenster Brown Jasond Fernandez Cher Wheeler Heather Guffin Jerry Hartman

Photo Retoucher (Ads) Erik Lewis

♥ SAINT LOUIS BRIDE MAGAZINE MVP St. Louis 1006 Olive Street, Suite 202 St. Louis, MO 63101 (314) 588-8313 FAX (314) 588-0920 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. SAINT LOUIS BRIDE MAGAZINE® is a registered trademark of Morris Visitor Publications. SAINT LOUIS BRIDE MAGAZINE® makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Subscriptions in US $10.00 for one year (two issues), $20.00 for two years (four issues). Remit funds to www.bridestl.com

Morris VisITor Publications MVP | Executive

President Donna W. Kessler Vice President of Operations Angela E. Allen MVP | Creative

Chief Creative Officer Haines Wilkerson Design Director Jane Frey Email for the above: firstname.lastname@morris.com

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, LLC 725 Broad St., Augusta, Ga. 30901

Chairman & CEO William S. Morris III President William S. Morris IV P rinted in the U nited S tates

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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contributors

working behind the scenes

1 The Fashion Team: 1 LIZ SLOAN 2 KATE HAYES Liz Sloan and Kate Hayes are the wedding duo at L Photographie, a fine art boutique photography studio located in the Central West End. Combined Liz and Kate have over 20 years of professional photography experience and have captured over 400 weddings. “This was by far the most involved feature we have ever photographed for Saint Louis Bride magazine, but the end result was certainly worth the effort! Teaming up with a professional like Simcha Lourie takes the style and design to another level.

5 26

2 She planned and we photographed the equivalent of three complete wedding days for this shoot. The three bridal models are all former brides of ours and it was fun to get to connect and photograph them again. The wide range of emotions we see on wedding days are among our favorite things to capture, so we wanted to highlight those real moments, showing that no matter your wedding style, the sentiment and energy are always present.” @lphotographie

3 SIMCHA LOURIE Simcha Lourie founded Simcha’s Events in 2006, bringing together her experience as a hotel director of

WWW.BRIDESTL.COM • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

3 catering and passion for planning and designing weddings. Simcha stylized and produced our InstaGlam feature on pages 154 to 172. “Every wedding is unique and filled with personal touches that enhance the emotional journey of the couple. We also love that guests are able to play a role in creating these unforgettable moments by sharing their experiences in social media. @simchasevents

4 what I see through my lens and is changing the way people choose to document their weddings.” With a background in graphic design and photography, Boda Film brings a unique style and artistry to the industry. Joe filmed all three vignette shoots for our Instaglam fashion feature beginning on page 154. @boda_film

4 JOE SEEBECK “My passion for film and travel has taken me to many corners of the world that I never imagined I would travel. My style of cinematography is an honest view of

5 LACY BRANCH

6 DAVID LANCASTER

The owner and chief event stylist of Lacy Branch Events, an event styling and planning company, Lacy wrote our Bridal Fashion Week feature. This is Lacy’s fourth contribution to Saint Louis Bride. #lacybranchevents

David’s daytime career as editor of Where Magazine and Kansas City Where Guestbook has never kept him from being a longtime contributor to the pages of Saint Louis Bride, for which he has photographed countless bouquets, gifts, jewelry, accessories, food and fashion over the last thirteen years. For this issue, David shot Garden Party on pages 94 to 98, Sweet Servings on pages 102-103, Ideal Meals on pages 112124, and Fabulous Flowers on pages 126-152.

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on the cover The wide range of emotions we see on wedding days are among our favorite things to capture, so we wanted to highlight those real moments, showing that no matter your wedding style, the sentiment and energy are always present. —LIZ SLOAN & KATE HAYES, L PHOTOGRAPHIE

THE DRESS: “Yanguas” dress by Atelier Pronovias features shirt-style bodice in rebrodé lace with soutage. V-neck and short sleeves over a strapless bodice. Organza belt with subtle gold, silver and pearl gemstone embroidery and bow on the back (not shown). Flared skirt with concealed zip and front slit skirt, $5,000 from Simply Elegant Bridal. HIS LOOK: John Varvatos jacket and The Vintage Haberdashery bowtie. THE BOUQUET AND HEADPIECE: Bohemian-inspired, rustic and romantic bouquet from Flora by Nora features an array of roses, daisies and foliage, hand-tied and wrapped in a champagne satin ribbon. Flowers on headpiece are hand-strung. LOCATION: Maggie & Dan’s “Rustic Bohemian Style” cover was photographed at The Caramel Room at Bissinger’s.

MODELS: Maggie Panter and Dan Nolan • FLORIST: Nora Case, Flora by Nora • PHOTOGRAPHY: Liz Sloan & Kate Hayes, L Photographie STYLIST: Simcha Lourie, Simcha's Events • HAIR: Chrissy Stojan, Hair by Chrissy • MAKEUP: Emily Miller, Emily Miller Makeup

WWW.BRIDESTL.COM • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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around town

New and noteworthy happenings in and around St. Louis

ANNIVERSARIES

The staff at Absolutely In Event Planning & Coordination are celebrating their 5th

year in business, 314.315.1775, absolutelyin.com

The crew at The Cakery are gearing up for their 10th anniversary celebration in

March, 314.647.6000, cakerybakery.net

Congratulations!!!

MOVERS & SHAKERS Table Ten Event Design, a sister company to Belli Fiori, is now open and offers event design, rentals, uplighting, custom bars and more, tableteneventdesign.com

Poppies Design Studio in Columbia, Illnois, is now carrying their own line of paper products, Poppiesdesignstudio.com Mia Grace Bridal, St. Louisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; newest bridal salon, is now open at 108 ChesterďŹ eld Towne Center in ChesterďŹ eld, Miagracebridal.com

Palladium St. Louis is now offering 5 Star Wedding Packages for up to 50 guests to active duty military starting at $1,776, palladium-stl.com

GET AROUND WHERE MAGAZINE, WHERE MAPS and the ST. LOUIS MENU GUIDE make the perfect additions to your welcome gifts for out-of-towners. Call Amy Fenster Brown at Saint Louis Bride for more information, 314-588-8313. iZWdW gb W\aX Â&#x2122;

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WWW.BRIDESTL.COM â&#x20AC;˘ SPRING/SUMMER 2015

ANTIQUING IN ST. LOUIS

FIND ERAS OF STYLE FROM BIEDERMEIER TO MID-CENTURY MODERN

St. Louisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favorite bakers, Al Watson and Lia Weber, have done it! They won it all on TLC's hit TV show, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next Great Bakerâ&#x20AC;? on the show's season 4 finale. Wedding Wonderland Cakeshop â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Florissant bakery that initially nominated the duo of Watson and Weber â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hosted the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next Great Bakerâ&#x20AC;? Finale Watch Party event on August 19th at Yacovelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, located at 407 Dunn Road in Florissant, Missouri. After the secret was unveiled and Al Watson and Lia Weber were crowned the winners, Al Watson took time to thank his family, friends, co-workers at Wedding Wonderland and gathered guests for their support these past few months while the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Next Great Bakerâ&#x20AC;? competition rolled out on TV screens. Michael Temm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the owner of Wedding Wonderland, and the person who paired up Watson and Weber and submitted them to TLC/Discovery Channel producers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also spoke during the festivities at Yacovelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and thanked his entire team at Wedding Wonderland for their extra effort to support the team during their journey.

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Real Moments Chelsea Moeller & Travis Wesley October 11, 2014 PHOTOGRAPHED BY susan jackson photography

In college How they got planned a surprise engagement over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend while visiting Chelsea in Maine. Number of guests 120 Wedding colors A range of purples, hints of burnt orange and a sage green. Something new My dress and the string of charms I made to wrap around my bouquet. It had three charms dangling from it—one with each of my grandmothers’ initials, both of whom have passed away, and one with my mother’s. How they personalized the event Chelsea’s mom, Laura, and stepdad, Paul, worked tirelessly to create a hay-bale cocktail seating area that gave the tent the right balance of formal and fun. Wedding favors Sugar cookies custom-decorated with grape-clusters First dance The Luckiest, Ben Folds Bride’s most memorable moment There are miniature ponies out at the farm and one of them, Comet, had been escaping his pen all week. So the day of the wedding, Comet was photo-bombing every picture. It was a riot. But nothing took the cake quite like the moment he casually sauntered by during our vows. Travis and I were framed in the doorway of the barn and Comet just walked right by us and looked in at everyone. Groom’s most memorable moment Walking down the aisle with his mom. Occupations Travis is a strategic client manager with CarFax. Chelsea is the Director of Philanthropy at Maine General Health in Augusta, Maine. Honeymoon Inn at Ocean’s Edge in Lincolnville, Maine Reside Hallowell, Maine Advice for brides-to-be Try to enjoy the process and make it your own; don’t be afraid to express yourself. How they met

engaged Travis

Wedding consultant: Alred Wedding Consultants • Florist: Les Bouquets • Bride’s dress: Enzoani, Simply Elegant Bridal Groom’s attire: Suit Supply, Washington, DC • Bridesmaid dresses: Jasmine Bridal, B2 Collection, Simply Elegant Bridal • Wedding & Reception location: Bethlehem Valley Farm; Marthasville, Missouri • Caterer & Cake: Local Harvest • Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens: BBJ Linen • Rentals: Finch Vintage • Music: Brian Curan Band (cocktail hour, ceremony) Rockstar DJ's (reception)

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

Real Moments Kelly Erb & Justin Bryant September 13, 2014 Photographed by kelly park Photography

How they met Have

gone to school since 6th grade How they got engaged Justin planned a surprise engagement on the Florida beach while taking a walk. Number of guests 190 Wedding colors Champagne and Blush The menu During cocktail hour we had two stations: “Justin’s Picks” and “Kelly’s Picks.” Justin’s station had his favorites — all Italian selections — and my station had my favorites — all Chinese selections! For the main meal we had an asparagus salad to start, and then filet mignon with grilled shrimp and potatoes. How they personalized the event Kelly’s grandfather is an incredible graphic designer who has done many global and local labels. He designed a wedding monogram for the couple which they included on the invitation, wedding favors, and a gobo light on the dance floor. Wedding favors Chocolate covered almonds (in honor of my mother-in-law, who just published a cookbook entitled Almonds) First dance ABC by Jackson 5 Videographer Lifetime Media Bride’s most memorable moment We were so excited to be married that we started to walk off before the pastor pronounced us husband and wife. Groom’s most memorable moment Seeing my bride for the first time when the doors opened. Occupations Justin is a professional golfer; Kelly works at Forsyth, a St. Louis-based interior design company that sells zebra and cowhide rugs and pillows. Honeymoon Kelly caddied for Justin in a tournament the first week of their honeymoon in Palm Springs, California. The second week they spent relaxing at the Zoetry in Riviera Maya. Reside St. Louis Advice for bridesto-be Try your best to take it all in, the day goes by so fast!

Wedding consultant: Alred Wedding Consultants • Florist: Wildflowers • Bride’s dress: Monique Lhuillier, Ultimate Bride, Chicago Groom’s attire: JCrew suit, Vineyard Vines tie • Bridesmaid dresses: Natalie Deayala Collection, nataliedeayala.com Wedding location: First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis • Reception venue: Chase Park Plaza • Cake: Sarah’s Cake Shop • Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens: BBJ Linens • Paper goods: M. Haley Design; Calligraphy and monogram by my grandfather • Music: Landolfi String Quartet (ceremony) & Accolade Band (reception) • Transportation: St. Louis Carriage Company

www.bridestl.com • FALL/WINTER 2014

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Real Moments Victoria Rea & Sean Rex May 24, 2014 Photographed by cate jackson photography

How they met Work

together How 4th of July weekend at the Old Log Cabin in Innsbrook Resort at Innsbrook, MO. Number of guests 200 Wedding colors Green, Yellow, Champagne The menu Buffet Menu: Bruschetta Chicken, Baby Baker Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable Medley, Country Macaroni and Cheese, Glazed Carrots, House Salad and Rolls. Dessert Selections: Marble Wedding Cake, Cupcake Assortment, Sugar Cookies, Cheesecake Lollipops, Spice Cake Lollipops, Brownie Lollipops they got engaged Over

How they personalized the event

Framed photos of the couple were throughout the event, both current and as children. There were personalized koozies for drinks. Wedding favors Linen draw string bags containing iris bulbs in memory of Sean’s great grandmother MeMe. First dance At Last by Etta James Bride’s most memorable moment Walking down the aisle with my dad and seeing Sean at the end. It was breathtaking to take in the full view, every guest, Sean’s face, the gorgeous landscape. Occupations Victoria is a District Sales Executive at Expeditors International. Sean is an Account Executive at Reach Local. Honeymoon Disneyworld, Orlando, FL Reside Dallas, Texas Advice for bridesto-be The best advice I have is to slow down, take a moment, breathe and let it all sink in. The day goes by so quickly but it’s important to absorb as much as possible. Every single person is there to celebrate you and your husband. It’s a celebration of love and support that will never be able to be recreated.

Wedding consultant: Cosmopolitan Events • Florist: Sisters Floral Design Studio • Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero • Groom’s attire: Vera Wang, Men's Wearhouse • Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal • Wedding & Reception location: Cedar Lake Cellars, Wright City, MO • Paper goods: Pickle Prints • Music: Manhasset String Quartet for Wedding Ceremony (ceremony), Rockstar DJ's (reception) Videographer: Tower Studios • Transportation: Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Laura Iffrig & David Feldmaier September 27, 2014 Photographed by megan thiele studios

Online, match.com our way to a family vacation at Table Rock Lake. Dave had the ring in the glove box of his car and surprised Laura with it after asking her to get something out. We celebrated with the family all weekend! Number of guests 150 Wedding colors Neutrals – white, ivory, natural greenery, touches of peach Something old Laura’s grandmother’s engagement ring Something new Wedding dress Something borrowed Earrings Something blue Blue rosary around Laura’s bouquet (a gift from her grandmother at her first communion) The menu Arugula salad with poached figs and crispy pancetta, boneless braised beef shortribs, wild mushroom risotto cake, vegetables, wedding cake (vanilla with mocha buttercream) and french macarons How they personalized the event Laura started her own paper goods company on etsy earlier in the year so all paper goods were created by the bride! First dance I Found You by Alabama Shakes Bride’s most memorable moment Walking down the aisle with my Dad and seeing all of the love in the room from our family, friends and of course, my groom! Groom’s most memorable moment Our first look which was a reenactment of our ceremony with Laura walking down the aisle to me at the altar. Occupations Laura is a Corporate Recruiter for Barry-Wehmiller Design Group, Inc.; David is a Sales Manager for Bai 5 Honeymoon Cancun, Mexico Reside Webster Groves, MO Advice for brides-to-be Enjoy the process, hire the right vendors (especially the wedding planner), be specific and stand up for what you want. How they met

How they got engaged on

Wedding consultant: Kristin Ashley Events • Florist: Poppies Design Studio • Bride’s dress: Monique Lhuillier, Town & Country Bridal Boutique • Groom’s attire: Groom’s suit Hugo Boss, groomsmen suits Vera Wang • Bride’s & Bridesmaids’ hair & makeup: Danielle Style Bridesmaid dresses: Amsale & Joanna August • Wedding location: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church • Reception venue: Forest Park Visitor’s Center • Caterer: Catering St. Louis • Cake: The Cakery • Linens: Nuage Designs • Rentals: Finch Vintage Rentals • Paper goods: Lola Louie Paperie • Music: Contemporary Productions (cocktail hour), Crucial Entertainment (reception) • Videographer: Anthony Volkman Videography • Transportation: St. Louis Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Elizabeth McCarter & Trevor Noonan July 12, 2014 Photographed by stephen seebeck photography How they met Through

mutual friends at the University of Denver How they got engaged Trevor planned a surprise engagement on the anniversary of their third year of dating Number of guests 235 Wedding colors Navy and green with white and silver accents How they personalized the event “I think our flowers, dessert station and “late night snack” personalized the event.” Wedding favors “In lieu of favors, we served Ted Drewes frozen custard and White Castle sliders at 11pm. A lot of people traveled from Colorado, so my Father wanted to expose them to some St. Louis classics. To cover all the bases we also had gooey butter cake on the dessert station.” First dance All of Me by John Legend Videographer Westview Media Bride’s most memorable moment “We did our first look in the backyard of my parent’s house. The combination of being in my childhood home and having that moment with Trevor to start the day was amazing. My sisters’ co-maid of honor speech was definitely a memorable moment too. Lastly, the dance with my Dad to “My Girl” by the Temptations is one of my most special memories from the wedding. Everyone was clapping and dancing along on the sides—we had so much fun!” Groom’s most memorable moment “I would say our first look was my favorite moment.” Occupations Libby is in medical school at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Trevor is in finance. Honeymoon Cabo San Lucas Reside Maplewood Advice for brides-to-be The reception goes by incredibly fast! Be sure to step back and take it all in. This is one of the few or only times in your life all of your friends and family will be in one place and it is pretty amazing to watch everyone interacting and celebrating.

Wedding consultant: Cosmopolitan Events • Florist: Artistry Florist • Bride’s dress: Liancarlo, Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique Groom’s attire: The Suit Exchange • Bride’s and Bridesmaids' hair & makeup: Daniellestyle • Bridesmaid dresses: J Crew Wedding location: Salem United Methodist Church in Ladue • Reception venue: Greenbriar Hills Country Club • Dessert: Creative Stations and Sarah’s Cake Shop • Specialty lighting and décor: The Aries Company • Linens: BBJ Linen • Rentals: The Aries Company, Amerevent and Sitting Pretty/Party Arts • Paper goods: Two Blue Doors • Music: Galaxy Red • Transportation: Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Lisa Braudis & Jeffrey Roper September 21, 2013 Photographed by heather roth photography

How they met Through

mutual friends and a blind date at Remy’s Wine Kitchen How they got engaged Jeff proposed after 7 years of dating in Yosmite Park near a waterfall. He was able to have someone film it—acting as they were going to take a photo of us. Number of guests 200 Wedding colors Silver & Gold Something old Lisa cut up her grandma’s wedding dress to wrap around her flowers & made boutonnieres for the groomsmen. Something borrowed Vintage handbag from my grandmother The menu Marinated Chicken and Asian Pear Eggroll, Green Onion, Pickled Ginger and Micro Green Salad; Chicken Breast Roulade and Herb Roasted Tenderloin of Beef, Truffle Crushed Potato, Haricot Vert and Red Pepper How they personalized the event They created 15-foot lamps to add some height to the event and brought in a band from Chicago. Also, they had a guest appearance by Nelly. They also had 3 different linens and table settings throughout the room. First dance Then by Brad Paisley Videographer Poetic Productions Bride’s most memorable moment

Surprise Nelly performance and saying “I do” Groom’s most memorable moment Saying “I do” and seeing Lisa Occupations Lisa works in Commercial Real Estate, Jeff is an Entrepreneur Honeymoon Bora Bora, Tahiti Reside Ladue, MO Advice for brides-tobe Soak in every moment. Take mental snapshots of the day. Any other news to share since your wedding? We have had a little baby boy since then (5 months old).

Wedding consultant: Kristin Ashley Events • Florist: Belli Fiori • Bride’s dress: Lazaro, Kleinfelds NYC • Groom’s attire: Hugo Boss, Nordstrom • Bride’s & Bridesmaids hair & makeup: Danielle Style • Bridesmaid dresses: Dessy, Bella Bridesmaids • Wedding location: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis • Reception venue and Cake: Four Seasons Saint Louis • Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens: BBJ, Mosaic and La Tavola • Rentals: Aries Company & Exclusive Events Paper goods: Two Blue Doors • Music: Choir of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, Rosewood Ensemble, Larry King Orchestra and Nelly as a guest performer • Transportation: Privately-owned Rolls Royce & Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Real Moments Devon Harrison & Jared Mar June 14, 2014 Photographed by susan jackson Photography

How they met Introduced through mutual friends How they got engaged Jared planned a surprise engagement for Devon in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she was living Number of guests 100 Wedding colors Ivory, nude, champagne, peach and blue The menu Appetizer: Raising Canes Chicken Fingers (the bride and grooms favorite place to eat together in Lincoln, Nebraska) Main Course: (Pappy’s BBQ) Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Turkey Breast, Baked beans, Cole Slaw, Applesauce, bread, Mixed green salad with dressing Drinks: Homemade Root beer (made by Jared’s mom), Water, Lemonade, Coca Cola How they personalized the event The wedding consisted of all family and only a few family friends. Every decision or detail was somehow tied to Devon or Jared. Our family black lab, Payton, attended the wedding and accompanied most everyone down the aisle. First dance Your Song by Elton John Bride’s most memorable moment Sharing our first kiss as husband and wife, wow what an amazing moment! Groom’s most memorable moment Getting to leave the wedding with my wife! Occupations Jared is a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps Devon is currently a substitute elementary teacher Honeymoon Bar Harbor, Maine Reside St. Louis Advice for brides-to-be There are so many great memories made and exciting times to share with your fiance, family and friends leading up to your big day. Make sure you take the time to enjoy them and not get overwhelmed and so concerned with the small details because in the end it's the memories you remember most!

Florist: Bloomin’ Buckets • Bride’s dresS: Brides by Demetrios • Groom’s attire: Marine Corps Uniform - Blue Dress “Alpha’s” with Dan Brown Belt • Bride’s hair & makeup: Daniellestyle • Bridesmaid dresses: Chose their own • Wedding & Reception location: TaMunn Farm (a family friend’s private farm), Marthasville, Mo. • Caterer: Pappy’s BBQ • Dessert: Julian Pie Company • Linens & Rentals: Weinhardt Rentals Paper goods: Paper Source

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Nicole Campbell & Patrick Conner June 28, 2014 Photographed by Kurtis Hall Photographer

How they met Working they got engaged Top

together How of the Four

Seasons, Las Vegas Number of guests 105 Wedding colors Champagne Something old Grandmother’s necklace & bracelet Something new Badgley Mischka shoes Something blue A piece of Nicole’s dad’s old blue shirt was used for the hook to her bustle The menu Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Truffle White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese and Dijon Sauce served with Seasonal Vegetable Medley; Niman Ranch Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Puree, Mustard Port Sauce, Yellow Patty Pans and Baby Carrot; Portobello Mushroom Ravioli Pomodoro How they personalized the event: Personalized cocktail stirrers at the reception & welcome bags for out of town guests staying at the hotel DJ Elite Pro DJ (reception) band Serenade St. Louis (ceremony) First dance I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner Bride’s most memorable moment The first dance and cake cutting with guests looking over the balcony at us in the Grand Lobby at the Peabody. Stopping to take in the scene with all my friends and family around me was just incredible. Groom’s most memorable moment: Seeing the bride for the first time in her wedding dress Occupations Patrick is a Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, Nicole is an Accountant at Neff Power Reside Rock Hill, MO Advice for brides-to-be Don’t forget to take a minute to really enjoy everything that is going on around you. The day goes by quick and you’ll really want to remember how you felt that day.

Florist: Emily Hogoboom • Bride’s dress: Impressions Bridal • Groom’s attire: Jones New York, Men’s Wearhouse • Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal • Wedding & REception location: Peabody Opera House • Caterer: Levy Restaurants • Cake: Wedding Wonderland • Specialty lighting, décor & linens: The Aries Company • Paper goods: Personally designed and printed by Brick Street Creative • Music: Elite Pro DJ • TransportatioN: St. Louis Transportation

www.bridestl.com • FALL/WINTER 2014

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Real Moments Meghan Wolf & John Sedgwick July 26, 2014 Photographed by jon koch photography

How they met Out

with friends

How they got engaged Scavenger

hunt throughout St. Louis starting in Forest Park Number of guests 145 Wedding colors White, ivory, champagne How they personalized the event Our wedding minister was one of John’s close friends from Indiana University DJ Millennium Productions First dance Crazy Love by Van Morrison Bride’s most memorable moment Walking down the aisle toward John Groom’s most memorable moment

Seeing Meghan at the far end of the church before she walked down the aisle with her dad Occupations Meghan is a speech language pathologist and John works in private equity. Honeymoon France Reside Demun Neighborhood of Clayton Advice for brides-to-be Take time to pause and take in all of the special moments of the day. Any other news to share since your wedding?

We will be welcoming a baby girl into our family in April of 2015.

Wedding consultant: Before I Do • Florist: Les Bouquets • Bride’s dress: Sottero & Midgley, Clarice’s Bridal • Groom’s attire: Stallone’s Formal Wear • Bride’s & Bridesmaids’ hair & makeup: Blown Away Blow Dry Bar • Bridesmaid dresses: White House Black Market • Wedding location: Washington University Graham Chapel • Reception venue: Forest Park Visitor Center Caterer: Catering St. Louis • Linens: Sitting Pretty

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Veronica Whittington & Williebe Thorton July 25, 2014 Photographed by kurtis hall Photographer How they met 8th

grade sweethearts

How they got engaged Williebe’s

mother got married and they relocated to Washington state. Fifteen years later they reunited through Facebook. He was still living in Washington and I was in Illinois. He proposed via FaceTime 4 days later. Number of guests 60 Wedding colors Crimson, gold, royal purple The menu Hors D’oeuvres: Grilled Jumbo Tandoori Shrimp, Lobster Bisque Shooter with Corn Cake Stack, Mini Lamb Gyro with Red Onion, Tomato, Feta & Garlic Sauce. Dual Entrée: Braised Duck Breast with Blackberry Merlot Sauce; Grilled Sirloin Filet with Cabernet Sauce How they personalized the event Moroccan theme, synchronized plated dinner service, and caricature artist, Share Faerber First dance Custom choreography by Deborah Joy, The Wedding Dance Specialists in Alexandria, VA Bride’s most memorable moment Our first dance! Neither one of us had ever done anything like it before. We were so nervous, but the crowd went wild when we started and that gave both of us confidence. Groom’s most memorable moment

The ceremony. It was pretty intense and sobering. Occupations The Groom works in Construction, the Bride is a Registered Nurse Reside Carbondale, Illinois Advice for brides-to-be Invest in a good planner. Do a thorough interviewing process, and be sure you are on the same page about what you want and expect. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but you do need to commit some time to making sure your planner takes pride in her work. Any other news to share since your wedding?

Veronica recently started medical school to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a physician.

Wedding consultant: Events Luxe • Florist: The Crimson Petal • Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero, A Special Occasion in West Frankfort, IL • Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein, Men’s Warehouse • Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal • Wedding & Reception location: 9th Street Abbey • Caterer: Patty Long Catering • Cake: Artistry on Cakes • Specialty lighting, rentals and décor: Exclusive Events • Paper goods: PaperCuts • Music: Manhasset String Quartet (ceremony), Millennium Productions DJ (reception)

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

Real Moments Donald G. Engle II & Robert J. Pohrer July 4, 2014 Photographed by Lynnlight Photography

How they met Loading

Zone in the Central West End How they got engaged On a beach in Maui, Hawaii Number of guests 125 Wedding colors Blue & cream groom attire w/ red roses The menu Passed hors d’oeuvres How they personalized the event

Kentucky Derby Theme Wedding favors Fleur-de-lis wine stoppers and coaster with monogrammed chocolates First dance All of Me by John Legend Videographer Westview Media Donnie's most memorable moment

“When I saw our names on the Chase Marquis.” Bob's most memorable moment “Walking down the aisle to Somewhere Over the Rainbow, my late father’s favorite song.” Occupations Bob is CEO of Pauly Jail Building Co. and Donnie is Project Manager at Pauly Jail Building Co. Honeymoon St Petersburg, Fl Reside Gulfport, Fl Advice for couples Be patient with each other and kind at all times. Don’t believe in easy love or go to bed mad. After 18 years we have learned a lot from each other and sometimes it’s easy but sometimes it’s not but it has truly been worth it. Any other news to share since your

We are ecstatic that other same sex couples can legally now legally wed in our hometown of St. Louis. Our wedding was not for us. After 18 years together we could have easily ran to a state that legalized gay marriage and eloped, but our wedding had to be for the people who have stood by us in a time when being gay was not accepted.

wedding?

Florist: Alex Waldbart Florist • Groom’s attire: Kim Kuehner Suits • Wedding location: MCC Church of Greater St. Louis Reception venue: Chase Park Plaza Zodiac Room • Cake: Sugaree Baking Company • Specialty lighting & décor, linens and rentals: Premier Rentals • Music: DJ Riq Dilly • Transportation: JED Limousines

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Anica Shores & Travis Etheridge June 14, 2014 Photographed by forte photography

How they met High

School How they “Travis recruited his nieces and nephews to hold up signs that said ‘Will you marry Uncle Travis?’ and proposed at his parent’s house with his family.” Number of guests 500 Wedding colors Pink, Grey, and Gold Something old Grandfather’s cuff links attached to the bride’s bouquet Something new Bride’s dress and necklace Something borrowed “My mothers diamond earrings and a locket from my aunt with pictures of my grandfathers inside.” Something blue Garter The menu California salad with poppy seed dressing Beef tenderloin with Portobello gorgonzola sauce and chicken and wild rice casserole; Fontina Gratin, Roasted assorted vegetables, old fashioned green beans, and assorted breads with flavored butters; Wedding cake and cupcakes got engaged

How they personalized the event

Personalized dance floor and bar fronts with the couple’s initials on them. Wedding favors Flip flops on the dance floor and personalized cozies First dance All of Me by John Legend Videographer Forte Photography Bride’s most memorable moment

Walking down the aisle Groom’s most memorable momenT The first dance Occupations Travis is a financial representative for Country Financial in Centralia and Anica is finishing her MBA at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. Honeymoon Riviera Maya, Mexico Reside Centralia, IL Advice for brides-to-be Try not to stress about the small stuff and enjoy planning! Consider hiring a wedding planner. Sabrina took all of the stress of planning away and made it an amazing experience.

Wedding consultant: Proposing Dreams • Florist: The Special Event Florist Tina Barrera • Bride’s dress: Augusta Jones, The Ultimate Bride Groom’s attire: Savvi Formalwear • Bride’s and Bridesmaids' hair & makeup: Hollywood Hair Salon and Spa, Centralia, IL • Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff, The Ultimate Bride • Wedding location: St. Mary’s Church, Centralia IL • Reception venue: Bride's parents home Caterer: Cindi Peterman, Mt. Vernon, IL • Cake: Larry’s House of Cakes, Carbondale, IL and Cupcakes: Tip Top Cupcakes by Jerica, Centralia, IL Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens: BBJ Linen • Rentals: The Aries Company & Traube Tent • Paper goods: Two Blue Doors • Music: Smash Band and Rockstar DJ • Photobooth: Fish Eye Fun • Transportation: All About You Limos and Zee Express

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Real Moments Erin Polinsky & Andrew Rubin September 13, 2014 Photographed by jon koch photography

How they met Studying

abroad in Florence, Italy their junior year of college How they got engaged At the J Parker, a rooftop bar on top of Hotel Lincoln in Chicago. “I thought I was meeting my friend there for a drink before we got manicures, but he was there instead waiting for me with a bottle of champagne and my favorite Sprinkles cupcake.” Number of guests 243 Wedding colors White, Ivory, Champagne/Gold Something old Bouquet wrapped in mother’s wedding dress Something new Bracelet and Earrings, a wedding gift from the groom How they personalized the event “During cocktail hour we had a “his & hers” ice luge with our initials engraved. The A side served Old Fashions and the E side Appletinis which are our favorite drinks. In addition at the end of the night we had a confetti bomb and a sparkler send off.” Wedding favors “We wanted to incorporate both St. Louis and Chicago since the bride is from St. Louis and the groom is from Chicago so we had Gooey Buttercakes from Gooey Louie and Garrett’s Popcorn.” First dance Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Videographer Boda Films Bride’s most memorable moment “When the power went off for a few minutes and my dad went up on stage and started dancing with Griffin.” Groom’s most memorable moment

“The sparkler send off at the end of the night where Erin and I ran through everyone.” Occupations Erin is an Accountant and Andrew is a Commercial Real Estate Associate Honeymoon Greek Islands Reside Chicago, IL Advice for brides-tobe “Enjoy every minute leading up to the wedding, don’t waste your time stressing over the little things.”

Wedding consultant: Simcha's Events • Florist: Festive Couture Floral • Bride’s dress: Pallas Athenas, Gigi’s Closette in Glenview, IL Groom’s attire: Calvin Klein, Men’s Wearhouse • Bride’s & Bridesmaids' hair & makeup: Kim Khotsyphom from Dominic Michael Salon (hair), Emily Miller (makeup) • Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff, House Of Brides Bridal Salon • Wedding & Reception location: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis • Cake: The Cakery • Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens: BBJ Linen Paper goods: M. Haley Design • Music: Rosewood Ensemble (ceremony), Griffin and The Gargoyles (ceremony) • Ice Sculpture: Ice Visions

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Real Moments Brook Lashley & Matthew Lynch November 16, 2013 Photographed by switzerfilm

How they met Matt

and I met while he was working at a creative agency and I was working at Purina. He was working on a project I was assigned to. We reconnected a couple of years later after he had moved to a new company and started dating. How they got engaged Matt proposed in the living room of my family home on Christmas morning. We were surrounded by my family, his mom, and Matt’s daughter, Ava, now my stepdaughter. It was perfect! Number of guests 460 How they personalized the event Our first kiss was in a photobooth so we had the amazing Fish Eye Fun so our guests could join in the fun. Also, the choice of venue was sentimental as my grandparents used to bring my mom and my aunt to the Statler as children. It definitely felt like home to us, which is why we made the choice. Bride’s most memorable moment

Walking into the stunning Crystal Ballroom and seeing all of our family and friends surrounding us as I walked toward Matt. It was unforgettable. Groom’s most memorable moment

I have two—Seeing Brook turn the corner at the end of the aisle and smile Also, when Brook and I got to spend a moment together in the reception room before the guests arrived. Those are two moments I’ll never forget. Occupations Brook is a Manager in Talent Sourcing at Nestle Purina PetCare Company; Matt is an Assistant Vice President, Senior Customer Experience Interaction Designer for Wells Fargo Advisors Honeymoon Kauai and Maui Reside Swansea, IL Advice for brides-to-be Just be true to who you are as a couple and be sure the day reflects the two of you. Also, choose great vendors! It makes the experience that much more enjoyable!

Wedding consultant: Lacy Branch Events • Florist: Belli Fiori • Bride’s dress: Wedding Gallery • Groom’s attire: Simply Elegant Bridal • Bride’s hair & makeup: Danielle Style • Bridesmaid dresses: Town & Country Bridal Boutique • Wedding & Reception location: Renaissance Grand St. Louis • Cake: Sarah's Cake Shop • Specialty lighting and décor: Millennium Productions • Linens: Latavola Linen • Paper goods: Two Blue Doors • Music: Rosewood Ensemble (ceremony), CJs Disc Jockey Service (reception) • Officiant: All Couples Married • Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Company • Photobooth: Fish Eye Fun • Transportation: Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Real Moments Carmen Parks & Seth Knight August 8, 2014 Photographed by amy meyerott photography

How they met Through

mutual friends pinned the ring to our cat’s collar. Dizzy always comes and greets us in the morning, but this time she was wearing some extra bling. Number of guests 100 Wedding colors Pink Something old, new, borrowed & blue Borrowed Grandmother’s locket which held new pictures of grandparents and tied the locket around the bouquet with a blue ribbon. How they personalized the event Numerous personal pictures. There was a photo collage of all their friends and family, as well as a few engagement pictures, where they were holding their guest book, a large pink “K.” First dance All of Me by John Legend Videographer Ever After Films Bride’s most memorable moment The moment when I first saw my husband, during our first look. It was our special moment for just the two of us to be together. Groom’s most memorable moment When my bride walked down the aisle. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I even choked up a little. Occupations Carmen is a Band Director, Seth is a Project Engineer. Honeymoon Secret’s Resort and Spa, Punta Cana in Dominican Republic Reside Urbana, IL Advice for brides-to-be Enjoy the day, and remember what it is all truly about. You and your future husband, your love for one another and joining your lives together. How they got engaged Seth

Wedding consultant: Lacy Branch Events • Florist: Belli Fiori • Bride’s dress: Allure Bridal, Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe • Groom’s attire: Men’s Warehouse • Bride’s makeup: Looks by Lisa • Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Angelo & Allure Bridesmaids •Wedding & Reception location: Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel • Rentals: Dessert Table, Creative Stations • Paper goods: Two Blue Doors Music: CJ’s Disc Jockey Service, Metro East Brass Band, Potts and Pans Steel Band

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Maggie Eichwald & AJ Barton June 21, 2014 Photographed by Untamed heart photography

How they met College

bar How they surprise was threefold while on a weekend getaway in Chicago… in an amazing corner suite of the lovely Swissotel, AJ asked Maggie to open the shades so they could enjoy their amazing view. He had written ‘Will you marry me?’ in shoe polish. After she said yes, they enjoyed a fabulous brunch downtown, and returned to the room to find Maggie’s best friend waiting with champagne. Number of guests 215 Wedding colors Champagne & Navy, with navy & white stripe accents How they personalized the event Navy & white stripe accenting throughout the day, from bows on the bouquets to custom clutches for the bridesmaids to pillows on the lounge furniture to linens on a portion of the guest tables. Custom lanterns were suspended from the ceiling by nautical rope. First dance Hey Ya by Obadiah Parker Videographer Tony Volkman Videography Bride’s most memorable moment Entering the church with her Father, seeing her Groom waiting on the altar and all of their favorite people in the world lining the way. Groom’s most memorable moment Listening to speeches at the reception, seated next to his new wife, laughing with all of their friends and family. Occupations Bride is the VP of Marketing and Development for Butler’s Pantry, Groom is a Financial Analyst for Brown Shoe Company Honeymoon Riviera Maya, Mexico Reside Brentwood, MO Advice for brides-to-be Divide & Conquer…early. Make a list of to-do’s early in the planning process and tackle projects once a week. This ensures that you’re able to relax and enjoy the weeks, days leading up to the wedding. got engaged The

Wedding consultant: Absolutely In • Florist: The Rebel Florist • Bride’s dress: Tyler by Watters, Town & Country Bridal Boutique Groom’s attire: Tommy Hilfiger suit, Macy’s • Bridesmaid dresses: Lela Rose, Bella Bridesmaid • Wedding location: St. John Nepomuk • Reception venue: Palladium Saint Louis • Caterer: Butler’s Pantry • Specialty lighting and décor: Aries Co. • Linens: BBJ Linen & Mosaic • Paper goods: Vellum • Music: The Rosewood Ensemble (ceremony), Galaxy (reception) • Transportation: Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Elizabeth Keller & Brad Dunn August 30, 2014 Photographed by under grace photography

How they met At

a bar in Kansas City called The Levee. Brad was the bartender and Liz was a patron. She ordered a Chardonnay and they struck up a conversation. They exchanged phone numbers and the rest is history! How they got engaged On a walk along the river at his family’s farm in Bourbon, MO over Labor Day weekend 2013, Brad got down on one knee and popped the question. Number of guests 280 Wedding colors Seaside blue, rose pink, green, ivory, gold, navy Something old Mother’s veil Something borrowed Grandmother’s broach worn in Elizabeth’s hair How they personalized the event Sunflowers and Zinnias for the cocktailhour were grown in Bourbon, MO (where Brad proposed) by the groom’s father and arranged by the Bride’s mother for the cocktail hour. They also had nine children in the wedding procession that carried flowers and rang bells to announce the bride. Wedding favors Cookies by Kerry’s Cookies representing the bride and groom’s alma mater’s, University of Kansas and Rockhurst University First dance “Whatever It Is” by Zac Brown Band Videographer Captured in Frames Bride’s most memorable moment From seeing my dad for the first time, to looking into Brad’s eyes and trying not to cry too hard during the vows, and then laughing and dancing with friends and family all night long. Occupations The Bride is a Speech Language Pathologist at St. Louis Special School District and the Groom is a Product Manager at Cee Kay Supply Honeymoon Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Reside St. Louis Advice for brides-to-be Enjoy every part of the wedding day and the planning process.

Wedding consultant: White House Weddings • Florist: Elegance in Bloom • Bride’s dress: LeAnne Belter, Town and Country Bridal Boutique • Groom’s attire: Savvi Formalwear • Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Sung, Town and Country Bridal Boutique • Wedding location: St. Mary’s, Alton, Illinois • Reception venue: Culver Pavilion at Muny • Caterer: Bella Milano, Edwardsville, Illinios • Cake: Sarah Crowe • Specialty lighting and décor: Parties and Props • Linens: BBJ Linen • Rentals: The Aries Company • Paper goods: Schwartzkopf Printing, Alton, Illinois • Music: Alton High School Chamber Strings (ceremony), Millennium Productions (reception) Transportation: Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Real Moments Lena Koch & Patrick Heuer August 16, 2014 Photographed by george street photography

How they met Freshmen

biology class in high school How they got engaged While we were on our way to my favorite restaurant for dinner, Patrick’s friend called and said his car died and needed a jump start. Patrick said we’d have to help him before dinner, and I reluctantly agreed. We drove around the park looking for his friend when I saw a pavilion with 2 fireplaces lit. I had no idea what was going on when he said to get out of the car. We walked closer and when we walked onto the pavilion, string lights turned on everywhere and music began to play. In the middle was a small dinner table set for two with my favorite meal from the place we were going to go! He dropped down to one knee and proposed. We enjoyed our dinner and champagne and sat by the fire enjoying the magical night. Number of guests 160 Wedding colors Purple and grey Wedding favors Marble coasters that Patrick made with Fleur De Lis (our theme) stamped onto them; the underside had our names and date. First dance Everything by Michael Buble Bride’s most memorable moment Our first dance! We are both not dancers and took lessons to learn. It was absolutely perfect and the best we’d ever done it. The crowd loved it. Groom’s most memorable moment The first look. I was glad to have done a first look and see her before the ceremony. Occupations Patrick is a Space Command Officer in the Air Force and Lena is an RN in the NICU at a women’s and children’s hospital Honeymoon Cancun, Mexico Reside Columbia, Missouri Advice for brides-to-be RELAX and enjoy every moment. Stress is natural, but you will be surprised how well everything will turn out with good preparation.

Florist: Les Bouquets • Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero, Elegant Brides in Edwardsville, IL • Groom’s attire: Ralph Lauren, Savvi Formalwear • Bride’s and Bridesmaids' hair & makeup: Mane Attraction, Collinsville, IL • Bridesmaid dresses: Mori Lee, Elegant Brides in Edwardsville, IL • Wedding location: Missouri Botanical Garden • Reception venue: Regency Conference Center, O’Fallon, IL Cake: Wedding Wonderland • Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens & Rentals: Grand Rental Station • Paper goods: Wedding Paper Divas • Music: Landolfi String Quartet (ceremony), Night Magic Entertainment (reception) • Transportation: A Perfect Touch Limousine

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Cindy Brown & J.D. Rohrer June 28, 2014 Photographed by joel marion photography

How they met We

met on eHarmony! It’s never too old to fall in love and get married. How they got engaged J.D. was attending a legal seminar in Clayton, and asked me to meet him for lunch at the Ritz Carlton. He proposed and gave me my beautiful ring after we ate lunch. It brought tears not only to us, but our waitress had tears, too. She quickly ran to the kitchen and brought out a tray of chocolates with “Congratulations” written in chocolate on the plate. Number of guests 111 Wedding colors Taupe and peach Something old My mother’s pearl necklace Something new My diamond earrings Something borrowed A hanky from a dear friend Something blue My mother’s sapphire and diamond ring How they personalized the event They had guests sign a 3 liter wine bottle and box from the Far Niente vineyard they visited in October 2013. They also had the Rosewood Ensemble play “Over the Rainbow” in memory of Cindy's parents— both requested it be played at their funerals. Bride’s most memorable moment Marrying my husband!! And seeing my vision of our ‘fairy tale wedding’ come to life. It was exactly what I dreamed of as a little girl. Groom’s most memorable moment Seeing my bride for the first time on our wedding day. Occupations Cindy is the President and Co-owner of Shred-it in St. Louis and J.D. is an attorney practicing in and around Crawford County Missouri Honeymoon Two nights in Venice, Italy and a ten day cruise on Seabourn’s Spirit through Italy, Croatia, and Greece Reside Town and Country, MO Advice for brides-to-be Absolutely hire a wedding planner! Without Ellen, I would not have found the great people who made our fairy tale wedding come true.

Wedding consultant: Bride’s Vision • Florist: Artistry Florist • Bride’s dress: Simply Elegant Bridal • Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Banks Bride’s hair & makeup: Danielle Style • Bridesmaids’ makeup: Danielle Style • Wedding & Recaption location: St. Louis Woman’s Club • Cake: Sugaree Baking Co • Linens: Sitting Pretty • Paper goods: Vellum • Music: Rosewood Ensemble

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Real Moments Kathryn Noonan & Charlie Schlafly May 17, 2014 Photographed by sarah corbetts photography

How they met While

in college at Miami University through mutual friends How they got engaged After dating for 4 years, Charlie surprised Katie while vacationing in Florida. Number of guests 300 Wedding colors Classic black and white, sage green and gold accents Something old Portions of Katie’s mother’s and grandmother’s wedding dresses were sewn into the under portion of her dress. Katie also had her paternal grandmother’s engagement ring tied to her bouquet. Something new Charlie gave Katie a Pearl necklace gift the morning of their wedding Something borrowed Charlie’s mother’s ring which was a 25-year anniversary present from Charlie’s father. Something blue A blue garter made by Katie The menu Cucumber and goat cheese salad, a lemon sorbet intermezzo, entre was a duet of Salmon and Filet and wedding cake How they personalized the event Each guest received a handmade jar of honey that was harvested from the Schlafly’s beehive in their backyard Wedding favors Honey Jars saying “How Sweet it is!” First dance How Sweet It Is by James Taylor Bride’s most memorable moment Singing and Dancing with my Husband and the band on stage, and looking out on all of our friends and family having the best time! Groom’s most memorable moment Dancing by ourselves on the roof of Chase while the sun was setting. Occupations Katie is a sales representative for a medical device company. Charlie works for Ford Hotel Supply Company. Honeymoon Costa Rica Reside University City Advice for brides-to-be It is easy to get overwhelmed with wedding planning, especially because there are so many options. My best advice is it have 2-3 options for everything, pick one and move on! Being engaged is too much fun to fuss over details.

Wedding consultant: St. Louis Wedding Consultants • Florist: Christine Laurentius's Floral Designs • Bride’s dress: Madame Trousseau, Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique • Groom’s attire: Stallone’s Formal Wear • Bridesmaid dresses: J Crew • Wedding location: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church • Reception venue: Chase Park Plaza • Cake: Sugaree Baking Company • Music: J Rob Band Transportation: Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

Real Moments Jennifer Tyus & Brandon Haynes August 31, 2014 Photographed by abbie takes pictures

How they met Introduced by a mutual

friend How they got engaged While dating long distance, Brandon was in a graduate program in New Orleans and typically in a coffee shop studying while they chatted online or via FaceTime. Jen joked that they were like the couple in “You’ve Got Mail.” On Christmas Day 2012, Brandon gave Jen a Christmas gift of a coffee mug with whole coffee beans, and the ring was hidden in the coffee beans. Number of guests 215 Wedding colors Berry, Purple, and Gold The menu Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Pineapple Chutney, Asparagus, and White Rice How they personalized the event Brandon is from New Orleans, so incorporated a New Orleans theme by creating their own Second Line with instruments, parasols and Mardi Gras beads. One of the wedding cakes included gold fleur-de-lys and “Who Dat?” (Brandon is a huge Saints football fan) and the groom’s cake was a King Cake. First dance Joy by Blackstreet Videographer Lifetime Media Bride’s most memorable moment During the ceremony I tried to put his ring on the wrong hand. Once I realized that my left is different than his left when he’s facing me, I (along with the entire chapel) burst into laughter! Groom’s most memorable moment Seeing Jen for the first time was an amazing moment that I will never forget. The most entertaining moment was at the reception when my groomsmen and I (with boxes) performed a special dance for my bride and their significant others. The song is a famous SNL parody by Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg. The crowd cheered and roared in laughter. Occupations Jennifer is an attorney at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Brandon is the Director of Community Engagement at The Deaconess Foundation. Honeymoon Disney World Reside Maryland Heights

Wedding consultant: Alred Wedding Consultants • Florist: Crimson Petal • Bride’s dress: Allure, White Traditions Bridal House Groom’s attire: Savvi Formalwear • Bride’s hair & makeup: Tiffany Johnson, J Arthur’s Salon (hair); Debbie Watson (makeup) Bridesmaids' makeup: Debbie Watson • Bridesmaid dresses: Da Vinci, Frew’s Bridal • Wedding location: Graham Chapel, Washington University • Reception venue: Hilton St. Louis Airport • Cake: The Cakery Bakery and Helfer’s Pastries; dessert bar by Denyse Hill • Specialty lighting and décor: Millennium Productions • Linens: Sitting Pretty • Paper goods: M. Haley Design • Music: James McDaniel and Dywanne Harris (ceremony); Rockstar DJs (reception) • Transportation: Best Transportation • First Dance Instruction: Prestige Ballroom

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Real Moments Stephanie Weinecke & Michael Kramer June 21, 2014 Photographed by l photographie

How they met They studied abroad together in Bonn, Germany How they got engaged He proposed at Torrey Pines State Park in La Jolla, CA while on a hike. He found a nice overlook facing the ocean at sunset and said he wanted to take a picture. After she set up the camera timer and joined the picture he pulled the ring out of his pocket and proposed just as the camera went off. Then he brought out chocolate covered strawberries and champagne from his hiking backpack to celebrate! Number of guests 180 Wedding colors Rosepetal pink with accents in silver and white How they personalized the event Since both Mike and I are from beer towns (Milwaukee and St. Louis), and met in Germany, we wanted to share beers that were meaningful to us with our guests. We hired Parties & Props to create a biergarten, complete with a white pergola decorated with our new last name highlighted in gold. We also honored our grandparents who are no longer with us by incorporating some of their items (yarmulke, gold wedding band, kiddish cup, prayer shawl) into our ceremony. First dance Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel Bride’s most memorable moment Before our ceremony started, we had our first look and read our personalized vows to each other in private. Groom’s most memorable moment

Watching my amazing wife walk down the aisle in a room filled with so many of our family and friends. Occupations Bride: Pharmacist, Groom: MD/PhD student Honeymoon Maui Reside San Diego, CA Advice for brides-to-be There are so many lovely things which can happen spontaneously to make it a special and memorable day; do not be disappointed when things do not go exactly as planned.

Wedding consultant: Katie Saeger Events • Florist: The Special Event Florist Tina Barrera • Bride’s dress: Essence of Australia, Christy’s Bridal in Burlington, WI • Groom’s attire: Black by Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse • Bride’s and Bridesmaids' hair & makeup: Breeze Blow Dry Bar • Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff • Wedding & Reception location: Westwood Country Club • Cake: McArthur’s Bakery Specialty lighting and décor: Parties & Props • Paper goods: William Arthur (invitations), programs were handmade by bride Music: Rosewood Ensemble (ceremony), Rockstar DJ’s (reception) • Photobooth: Top Notch Photo Booth • Transportation: Vandalia Bus Line

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Real Moments Rebekah Keller & Zack Stovall November 1, 2014 Photographed by white-klump photography

How they met Rhodes

College in Memphis, TN. How they got engaged Over Homecoming weekend in October 2013, Zack took Rebekah back to the place where we they first met at Rhodes and proposed. Number of guests: 210 Wedding colors Dark teal, copper, burnt orange, gold The menu Grilled Filet Mignon & Seared Salmon Duo with risotto cake, braised spinach, & threepeppercorn sauce How they personalized the event Rebekah is a Broadway musical lover, and they were able to incorporate this into their wedding. At the ceremony, the string quartet played classical versions of songs from some of her favorite musicals during the prelude, prior to a more traditional processional. First dance “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder Videographer George Street Video Bride’s most memorable moment The first time I saw the church all decorated with flowers before the ceremony and again when Zack and I were able to view the Grand Lobby reception space privately before the guests came in. Groom’s most memorable moment

When I was on the altar, waiting for Rebekah to come down the aisle. It was such a beautiful day outside that when they opened the doors for her dad to walk her down, the sunlight, mixed with the aisle candles, created a bright tunnel that she emerged out of in her very detailed, very gorgeous dress. Occupations Rebekah is a Marketing Associate for Confluence Investment Management. Zack is a Development Manager for St. Louis Public Radio Honeymoon Italy Reside St. Louis City Advice for brides-to-be Hire a wedding planner! The day was so immaculately planned out that we were able to just show up and spend the entire day/night taking it all in and enjoying ourselves.

Wedding consultant: Kate & Co. • Florist: Artistry Florist • Bride’s dress: Essense of Australia, The Ultimate Bride • Groom’s attire: Michael Kors, Savvi Formalwear • Bridesmaid dresses: Joanna August, Bella Bridesmaids • Wedding location: First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis • Reception venue: Peabody Opera House • Caterer: Levy Catering • Cake: La Patisserie Chouquette Specialty lighting and décor: The Aries Company • Linens: La Tavola (tablecloths) & BBJ Linen (napkins) • Rentals: Premier Rentals (chairs), BBJ Linen (chargers), Aries (plates) • Paper goods: Two Blue Doors • Photobooth: KP Photobooth Transportation: St. Louis Trolley Co. & Best Transportation

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

Real Moments Erica Stark & Pete DiChristofano III June 14, 2014 Photographed by your story by jeremy+melisa

How they met College

at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville How they got engaged Pete planned a surprise engagement in Chicago Number of guests 230 Wedding colors Array of purples How they personalized the event Customized monogram gobo displayed on the water feature. Tablecloths as well as chair sashes alternated by table between eggplant organza and lilac organza. First dance Amazed by Lonestar VideographeR Millennium Productions Bride’s most memorable moment My most memorable moment was our first dance. I am a very bubbly, outgoing person so naturally I started singing to him while dancing with him in front of our guests. He shocked me and started singing our song to me as well. In the seven years we had been together at that time, he has never liked to dance nor sing in front of people. Such a fun memory! Groom’s most memorable moment My most memorable moment was watching my gorgeous soon-to-be wife starting to walk down the aisle. Occupations Erica is a Kindergarten Teacher for Mitchell Elementary School for the Granite City Community Unit School District 9; Peter is an Operations Manager for Keller Construction, Inc. in Glen Carbon, IL Honeymoon Maui, Hawaii Reside Pontoon Beach, IL Advice for brides-to-be Invest in a “Day Of” coordinator. We have received nothing but compliments on how smooth and how well organized our wedding was.

Wedding consultant: Proposing Dreams • Florist: Belli Fiori • Bride’s dress: Essense of Australia, Ultimate Bride • Groom’s attire: Allure Men, Savvi Formalwear • Wedding location: St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Glen Carbon, IL • Reception venue: Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark • Cake: Patty Cakes • Specialty lighting and décor: Millennium Productions, Custom monogram Gobo from Pickle Prints Paper goods: Pickle Prints • Music: Millennium Productions • Photobooth: Fish Eye Fun • Transportation: Best Transportation

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Real Moments Anne Marie Schulte & David Zarrilli September 27, 2014 Photographed by kelly park photography How they met Mutual

friends How they had a dog collar made for his yellow lab, Gus, that said “Will you be my mom?” When I got home from work one evening, Dave was outside in the backyard with Gus and asked me to look at Gus’s new collar, then he dropped down on one knee and popped the question. Ever since, Gus has been involved in many wedding details, including engagement pictures and made a special appearance at the church after the wedding to be in a couple wedding pictures with us. Number of guests 160 Wedding colors Navy and Pink How they personalized the event The wedding was at The Bannister House on SLU’s campus which was named after my late Grandfather, Joseph Bannister. Our wedding was the first wedding to be held there. It meant a lot to David and I, as well as our families, that were able to have our wedding at a venue that held a special place in our hearts. We also incorporated small camouflage touches, as David is an avid deer and duck hunter. The boutonnieres were made of shotgun shells, the groom and the groomsmen all wore camo socks and I wore camo ballet flats. First dance Love me through the pain by Marquis Knox Groom’s most memorable moment The Best Man’s speech, playing Cornhole with friends during the reception, and Anne and I’s first dance. Occupations Anne works in Private Wealth Management for UMB Bank and David works in Project Management for AMDOCS. Honeymoon Big Cedar Lodge Reside St. Louis Advice for brides-to-be Hire a wedding consultant from the beginning! I hired my wedding consultant a couple weeks before the wedding so that she could help with last minute details and be there the day of, but I wish I would have hired her from the beginning. She was extremely helpful and made everything less stressful. got engaged David

Wedding consultant: Proposing Dreams • Florist: Crimson Petal • Bride’s dress: Robin’s Bridal • Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Banks Bride’s & Bridesmaids hair & makeup: Make-up - Makeup Works by Laura Bewig and Hair by Lisa Lindell, Za Za Zsu Salon • Bridesmaid dresses: LulaKate, Bella Bridesmaids • Wedding location: St. Gabriel the Archangel • Reception venue: The Bannister House, Saint Louis University • Caterer: Russo’s Gourmet Catering • Cake: The Cakery • Specialty lighting, décor & rentals: Grand Rental Station • Paper goods: Acme Printing • MUSIC: CJ’s Disc Jockey Service • Transportation: St. Louis Carriage Company

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Real Moments Katie Braznell & Neal Patel October 25, 2014 Photographed by White-Klump photography

How they met Working

together in the ER How they got engaged On a walk around the lake at Des Peres park Number of guests 250 Wedding colors Navy, gold, cream, magenta Something old 1920’s handkerchief Something new Diamond earrings Something borrowed Grandmother’s brooch borrowed from my mom Something blue Tanzanite ring given by the groom’s aunt How they personalized the event Personalized details including napkins, coasters, drink stirrers, slider and French fry boxes, and drink koozies (a must for the groom!). Wedding favors Welcome boxes customized with bride and groom’s favorite local treats First dance At Last by Etta James Bride’s most memorable moment Reading personalized vows to each other one-on-one before the ceremony. Groom’s most memorable moment Seeing Katie for the first time during our first look. Occupations Neal is a physician and Katie is a nurse practitioner Honeymoon Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Whitsunday Islands/ Great Barrier Reef) Reside Creve Coeur, MO Advice for brides-to-be A wedding consultant will be the best money you spend on your wedding! Shelli kept me as sane as possible and was so much fun to work with!

Wedding consultant: Alred Wedding Consultants • Florist: Artistry Florist • Bride’s dress: Liancarlo, Fleur de Lis Bridal • Groom’s attire: Savvi Formalwear • Bride’s and bridesmaids' hair & makeup: Chrissy Stojan (hair) & Debbie Watson (makeup) Bridesmaid dresses: J. Crew • Wedding & Reception location: The Chase Park Plaza • Cake: Decorative cake and groom's cake by the bride's cousin, guests' cake by La Bonne Bouchée • Specialty lighting and décor: Exclusive Events • Linens: BBJ Linen Rentals: The Aries Company • Paper goods: M. Haley Design • Music: Rosewood Ensemble (ceremony and cocktail hour), Block Rockin' Beats DJ (reception)

www.bridestl.com • SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

sites to behold

Nine fabulous places

2 1 The Cultural Center New Venue sngoc.org 12550 South 40 Drive, Town & Country 314-795-2066

2 Carriage House at DeMenil Newly Renovated demenilweddings.com 3352 DeMenil Place, Cherokee/Soulard 314-771-5828

3 The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FEATURED VENUES

Newly Renovated ritzcarlton.com/stlouis 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton 314-863-6300

sites to behold

4 Laumeier Sculpture Park New Venue laumeier.org 12580 Rott Road, Sunset Hills 314-615-5278

5 Cedar Creek New Venue visitcedarcreek.com 1401 Olive Road – New Haven, MO 855-778-7222

6 Soulard Preservation Hall Newly Renovated cateringstlouis.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FEATURED VENUES

1921 South 9th Street – Soulard 314-961-7588

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sites to behold

8 7 Orlando's Event & Conference Center Newly Renovated orlandogardens.com 4300 Hoffmeister, South County 314-638-6660

8 Moulin Events-Jefferson Ballroom New Venue moulinevents.com 2017 Chouteau Avenue, Lafayette Square 314-241-4949

New Venue aerieswinery.com 800 Timber Ridge Drive, Grafton, IL 618-786-8439

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FEATURED VENUES.

9 Aerie's Terrace & Lodging

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St. Louis Shopping Lilly Pulitzer party cups, from Pink Magnolia, $12 for set of 8. pinkmagnoliashop.com, 314.997.6161

Paper products, from Service Bureau, Inviting Company notecards, with monogram, starting at $12 for 12 cards; Invitations by One Canoe Two, $19 for 10 cards; Paper Petals notecards, $18 for 6 cards. Stlservicebureau.com, 314.991.1104

Rings, from The Silver Lady, large flower ring, $256; small flower ring, $92. Two locations. Thesilver-lady.com, 314.727.0704

Add a festive touch to your affair with this enchanting array of floral-themed items BY A M Y F E N S T E R B R O W N P H OTO G R A P H Y BY D AV I D L A N C A S T E R

Monogrammed floral table runner, from Sew Sisters, $35. Baby doll nightie, from

Etsy.com/shop/sewsistersco

Clair de Lune Lingerie, $89. clairdelunekc.com, 314.993.3232 Coach wallet, from The Vault, $69. womensclosetexchange.net, 314.736.6511

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St. Louis Shopping

Lilly Pulitzer soft cooler with bottle opener, from Pink Magnolia, $26. pinkmagnoliashop.com, 314.997.6161

Lingerie by Panache, from Clair de Lune Lingerie, bra $65, panty $34. clairdelunekc.com, 314.993.3232

Lilly Pulitzer flip flops, from Pink Magnolia, $61.95. pinkmagnoliashop.com, 314.997.6161

Body products, from K. Hall Designs, bar soap, $10; hobnail candle, $28; shea butter cream, $22. Two locations, khalldesigns.com, 314.963.3293

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St. Louis Shopping Butterfly jewelry, by Park Lane Jewelry, Papillon bracelet, $253; ring, $115. myparklane.com/beaustin, 314.596.6860

Flower magnets and flower pot, from K. Hall Floral scarf, from K. Hall

Designs. Magnets, $15;

Designs, from $30. Two

flower pot, from $18. Two

locations, khalldesigns.

locations, khalldesigns.com,

com, 314.963.3293

314.963.3293

Burberry trench coat, from The Vault, $499. womensclosetexchange.net, 314.736.6511

Handmade burlap flower pins, from Sew Sisters, $8 each. Etsy.com/shop/sewsistersco

Valentino shoes, from The Vault, $299. womensclosetexchange.net, 314.736.6511

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Sweet Servin� s Desserts beyond wedding cake

BY A M Y F E N S T E R B R O W N

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY D AV I D L A N C A S T E R

Popcorn, 25+ ﬂavors, prices upon request. Poptions, poptionspopcorn.com, 636-812-2385

Ice cream, ColdStone Creamery. Pre-made sundaes or custom cold slab mixing bar on location. Prices upon request. Several area locations. Coldstone-rockymountain catering.com Cake trufﬂes and pops, starting at $2 each. The Happy Baker, 314.660.6091

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WEDDING CAKES are traditional. We all love to oohhh and aahhh over them

when we walk into a reception, and the newlyweds cutting the cake is a photo op you can’t beat. But perhaps the groom is more of a pie guy, the bride loves salty snacks, and they both want to serve a little something different after the festive meal. Enter the sweets table—platters of confectionary delights to wow your guests, offer options, and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Cupcakes, starting at $3 each. The Cup, 3 area locations, cravethecup.com.

Chocolates, starting at $3 per piece. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Several area locations. Coldstone-rocky mountaincatering.com

Fruit pies, $17 each. Sugaree Baking, sugareebaking.com, 314.645.5496

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Travel pros give their suggestions for the ideal honeymoon to fit any budget By a m y z i m m e r m a n

ccording to the website About.com, 99 percent of couples who choose a traditional wedding take a honeymoon. The destinations and budgets for those honeymoons are as diverse as the wedding ceremonies and receptions that precede them. Travel experts from three St. Louis travel agencies provided their tips for the best honeymoon destinations for various budgets. >> 104

courtesy el dorado royale

El Dorado Royale

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Honeymoon Destinations

“If you have a hard budget of $3,000 or less, rather than cheapening your travel, shorten the number of nights.” —Mike Schellhase, president of Travel Haus St. Louis

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Mexico is our experts’ top choice for honeymooners on a budget. Charter flights between St. Louis and Mexico are affordable and because flights are available daily, the length of your stay is flexible. “If you have a hard budget of $3,000 or less, rather than cheapening your travel, shorten the number of nights,” suggests Mike Schellhase, president of Travel Haus St. Louis. Schellhase recommends the Crown Paradise Golden in Puerto Vallarta, a 4.5 star adults-only, all-inclusive, oceanfront resort on Banderas Bay. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset from the beach bar, take a dip in the infinity pool, play tennis or visit the health club and spa. On-site water sports include snorkeling and windsurfing. A Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is nearby and the resort offers discounted rates. The Crown Paradise Golden provides one free city tour per person per stay. Additional activities include zip lining in the mountains, swimming with dolphins, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and sunset cruises. Susan Robson, owner of Go Travel STL, recommends the Ocean Maya Royale in Playa del Carmen or the Ocean Coral and Turquesa near Riviera Maya, both located in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. These beachfront resorts offer tennis, beach activities, windsurfing, catamarans and more. Visit the spa or lounge in one of the pools and enjoy a romantic dinner and evening entertainment.

courtesy secrets royal beach

Secrets Royal Beach

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Honeymoon Destinations

Sandals Halcyon Beach

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According to the website About.com, couples spend an average of $4,466 on their honeymoon. This budget range allows couples to lengthen their stay, consider destinations such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic that only have charter flights weekly, or add more perks and activities to their vacation. Schellhase tells couple that in this price range, Mexico remains the ideal destination to get the most bang from your buck. The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, comprises of the Mexican states of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Cancun, located in Quintana Roo, is one of the most popular destinations. “Cancun proper features lots of nightlife and activities, high-rise (Continued on page 191)

courtesy sandals halcyon beach

Sandals’ exchange program allows you to stay at one resort on St. Lucia but enjoy the restaurants, activities and beaches at all three resorts.

“These are nice resorts for a budget without giving up any luxury. I’m constantly surprised that they are able to keep the price down,” says Robson. For couples on a budget who want to go on a cruise, Julia Crunk, owner of Ambassador Travel, suggests departing from a city within driving distance to avoid the expense of airfare. Cruises to the Western Caribbean depart from New Orleans or Galveston, Texas. Cruises typically include meals and taxes, but not drinks and excursions. Soft drink and alcohol packages are available and cruise lines sometimes offer specials during non-peak times.

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IDEAL

MEALS Chefs from seven local attractions share their dream wedding dishes



PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID LANCASTER

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Larry Johnson B U S C H S TA D I U M (From left to right) Champagne Poached Maine Lobster Braised Baby Leeks Honey Scented Muscovy Duck Breast Wild Rice Polenta Cake Steamed Asparagus Elysian Fields Lamb Chop Yukon and Cauliflower Mash Tourne Vegetables Morel Sauce

As a Chef, I am inspired by the bountiful items unique to each of the seasons. I love this feeling and use it as a driving force to be creative with my menu offerings. I have chosen this entrée flight as my favorite wedding dish for a couple of reasons. Using all seasonal items, a trio of entrees allows my inspiration to translate to a creative plate for the bride and groom.

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IDEAL MEALS

Chuck Friedhoff, Butler's Pantry MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM Roasted Chicken Marsala with Seasonal Vegetable and Rich Marsala Chicken Jus I especially enjoy creating dishes that are based on childhood food memories. One of my favorites is my Chicken Marsala. While inspired by the dish my mom used to prepare, I've made it current with local products and find it to be be a very pleasing option for a wedding menu. 114

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IDEAL MEALS

Christopher Fletcher, Catering St. Louis MISSOURI B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N Duck Leg Confit, Hash of Sweet and Golden Potatoes with Lamb Sausage, Roasted Brussels Sprouts You can’t go wrong by stepping away from the traditional wedding chicken dishes and serving something really interesting. Guests will often never comment upon nor even recall what they might have eaten at a wedding dinner, but they will remember a dish like this.

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IDEAL MEALS

Byron Smith, Starlite Events Catering SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER Braised Beef Short Rib and Pan Seared Scallop Duo with Roasted Mushroom Demi Glace, Duchess Potatoes, and Grilled Asparagus. I think it’s a texturally exciting dish, and equally exciting on the plate. 118

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IDEAL MEALS

Todd Corum, Mane Event Catering SAINT LOUIS ZOO Apple Cider and Maple Braised Pork Belly with Seared Scallops, Raspberry Mango Butter Sauce with Pickled Honeydew

Pork belly and scallops are two of my favorite foods. The rich texture and complex flavor of the pork belly and the sweet buttery flavors of the scallop complement each other well. When creating this dish, I wanted to show that the Zoo is capable of so much more than just concessions.

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IDEAL MEALS

Greg Piaseki N AT I O N A L S H R I N E OF OUR L ADY OF THE SNOWS SURF AND TURF

These are two very popular proteins, but presented creatively depicting both in an ocean setting and a land setting. They are full of both flavor and color.

A Butter Basted Filet Mignon served over Demi-Glace and drizzled with Thyme infused Olive Oil. The Filet is accompanied with Oyster Mushrooms, Roasted Artichokes, and Pan Seared Fingerling Potatoes that sit atop a Roasted Garlic Puree. A Butter Poached Maine Lobster Tail served over a Citrus Beurre Blanc. The Lobster is paired with Seared Fennel Bulbs, Pomelos, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Blood Oranges. Garnished with Fennel Fronds. 122

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IDEAL MEALS

Ivy Magruder SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM Beef Tenderloin Filet with Balsamic Veal Demi Glaze & Shrimp topped with Petite Sorrel & Roasted Pepper Salad on a bed of English Pea Risotto.

I chose this as a perfect match, the beef and shrimp are similar to a bride and groom coming together to celebrate their marriage. The couple both bring unique substance and qualities, which are the perfect balance and contrast, like the dish. The risotto took time to create and evolve, just as in a marriage, the same will be required.

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ST. louis Bride's guide to bouquets for your big day

Designers share their faves for brides p h oto g r a p h E D by dav i d l a n c a s t e r 126

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Spring is one of my favorite times of the year—bringing the renewal of life in my garden. Seeing the peonies, ranunculus and anemones make it feel like spring. Add a the scent of the hyacinth and it is spring!” — B OTA N I C A L S D E S I G N S T U D I O

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This is my favorite bouquet because it incorporates exotic and natural botanicals, along with bling to enhance the total look of the bouquet and heighten the experience of her perfect day.” — B U S E ’ S F L O W E R A N D G I F T S H O P, I N C

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Our rebellious inspiration is born of the best of what’s right in front of us, leading to a wild, freshlygathered and delicious mix of florals that let the personality and flavor of each individual bloom tell its own tale. For this fantasy bouquet, we chose a palette of sugared plums and refreshing pinks.” —T H E R E B E L F LO R I S T

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When it comes to choosing the perfect bouquet for me, I look to my feelings. I want the deep rich colors and contrasts to express my love story: Strong, passionate, playful and fun. I want it to be timelessly-shaped, but textural to last through the ages, but not lack in playfulness—romantic and feminine—a visible piece of what it feels like to be in my shoes.” —T H E C R I M S O N P E TA L

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This is my dream bouquet because I absolutely love everything organic! I love the way the different textures play off of each other, from the soft ferns and hanging amaranthus to the harder textures of the scabiosa pods and succulents. I chose this particular palette because I wanted a very crisp, clean look with the greens while also adding a fun, energetic feel with the oranges and corals.” —POPPIES DESIGN STUDIO

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My true love is painting, so I see bouquets as art forms. The seasonal dahlias were my main springboard for this color scheme. Fall was another inspiration. Combining wonderful and unusual textures of grevillea and leucadendron, with the early oranges and magentas, made my heart sing.” —LES BOUQUETS

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FA B U LO U S F LO W E R S

This bouquet consists of three varieties of orchids; White Dendrobium orchids from Hawaii, and the hand strung garland in the bouquet also consists of the dendrobium orchid blooms, bound in pearl wire. The second variety is Mokara orchids in shades of purple and fuchsia, mokara’s come in a wide variety of bold colors. And lastly Green Cymbidium orchids, which is one of the most popular orchids used in wedding bouquets.” —RW DESIGNS

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This special bride bouquet combines both the look and feel of a nostalgic bouquet from years past with a modern twist. — S C H N U C KS F LO R I ST & G I F TS

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To see these amazing coral peonies at market in November is so unusual. Having the peonies be so full and vibrant is really a dream any month of the year— they showcase the very best of what fresh flowers can be.” — S I S T E R S F LO R A L D E S I G N S T U D I O

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I’m loving the rustic glam look that is trending today— not-too-tight designs with lush textures and a pop of gold accents. —T H E S P E C I A L E V E N T F L O R I S T-T I N A B A R R E R A

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The elegant blend of textures and colors is what makes this bouquet stunning. The more traditional garden roses and stock blend well with the anything but common King Protea and burgundy peonies to make a warm, unique and classy bouquet.” —T W I S T E D W I L L O W

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I like creating a bouquet with seasonal flowers and letting these dictate the shape of the bouquet. I ‘found’ the ‘Passiflora’ draping off a building and was inspired by its form and drape. I cut some branches (with permission!)the night before our first big frost. It fit well with my appreciation of the unstructured, loose, free forms and ‘found’ nature of the flowers used in bouquets currently. — W I L D F LO W E R S

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I believe every bride’s bouquet should reflect their personality and style. I’m an artistic person who loves orchids, the color pink and bling—so, naturally I started there. — F E S T I V E C O U T U R E F LO R A L

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# instaglam Three brides, three wedding days, endless emotion shared social media style by Stlbride PHOTOGRAPHED BY L PHOTOGRAPHIE STYLED BY SIMCHA’S EVENTS CINEMATOGRAPHER BODA FILM

Rustic Bohemian Models Maggie Panter and Dan Nolan Shot on location at The Caramel Room at Bissinger’s

Modern Flair Models Lily Bjorklund and Lars Bjorkland Shot on location at The Boo Cat Club

Classic Elegance Models Sarah Garlich and Josh Jackson Shot on location at The Magnolia Hotel and Little Flower Church

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tandcbride The peplum dress is so you, you look amazing!

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stlbride

458 likes stlbride Nothing transforms a girl into a bride like the perfect wedding gown! #bridetobe #besties #bestdayever marianaw That deco ring from @timekeepersclayton is to die for! #deco #simplyelegantbridalstl hooplajewels love those earrings on you Maggie!

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354 likes stlbride We can feel the nervousness and excitement building with the ceremonies just around the corner. The newly renovated @magnoliahotels is beautiful! #goingtothechapel #firstlook #itsgotime #besttransportation #vintagehaberdashery

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stlbride

712 likes stlbride Our grooms are looking quite dapper in their tuxes from @stallonesformalwear and @menswearhouseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we love seeing their faces as their gorgeous brides come down the aisle! #herecomesthebride #noturningback #ketubah #fleurdelisbridal #exclusiveevents

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590 likes stlbride All the preparation and planning leads to this moment...introducing the new Mr. & Mrs.! @partiesandprops We were honored to build this custom chuppah for this unique and beautiful couple! #mazeltov #itsofficial #firstkiss

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632 likes stlbride Swooning over all of the pretty things! Love each coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique style #obsessed #vintagemeetsglam megs2000 Those flowers from @artistryflorist are my favorite colors #florabynora #bellifiori #theultimatebride

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632 likes stlbride When else in life do your friends and family get to publicly brag about how awesome you are together? Bring on the bubbly! #toasts #cheers #pourthechampagne jensw25 omg that pink dress!!! #prettyinpink mrsjohnson85 We used the Versailles chairs from @sittingpretty at our wedding too!! karenco Love all these happy moments!! @simchasevents you always do such a great job with the details so couples can enjoy their day! #thecaramelroom #boocatclub

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821 likes stlbride To smash or not to smash? That is the question! #cakecutting #sugarhigh brian2005 Haha I totally smashed it at our wedding #inyourface kimmyv27 You better not do this next month at ours ;) @jonj99 #mindthemakeup frewsbridal That gold beaded gown is one of our favorites! #pintsizebakery #thecakerystl #sugareebakingco

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stephandjohn15 Love the leafy garland on the back of those @finchvintage chairs! barblewis01 Oh my goodness you two are the cutest! So glad @lphotographie caught this shot as you’re about to get lifted up for the hora – your faces are priceless!

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1058 likes stlbride The perfect end to the perfect day! #dancingthenightaway #sparklersendoff #exhausted #honeymoon nicole77 Ha this looks so fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I want to do a sparkler sendoff too!

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fashion credits Rustic Bohemian D e ta i l s

Venue: The Caramel Room at Bissinger's Hair: Chrissy Stojan, Hair by Chrissy Makeup: Emily Miller, Emily Miller Makeup Florals: Flora By Nora Ceremony Structure: Exclusive Events Linens: BBJ Linen Cake & Confections: Pint Size Bakery Jewelry: Hooplajewelry, Timekeepers, The Vintage Haberdashery Dessert Table Props, Farmhouse Tables & Chairs: Finch Vintage Rentals Bridal Gowns from Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique, Town and Country Bridal Boutique, Simply Elegant Bridal and Bridesmaid gowns from Bella Bridesmaids Men’s Attire from The Vintage Haberdashery Models: Christie Fritz, Sophia Phifer and Chloe Galati (bridesmaids)

Modern Flair D e ta i l s

Venue: The Boo Cat Club Hair & Makeup: Danielle Erb, Danielle Style Florals: Artistry Florist Chuppah/Props/Lighting: Parties and Props Linens: Nuage Designs Cake: The Cakery Jewelry: Frew's Bridal, Timekeepers Dress Sashes: Katherine Jessica Collections Chairs/Chargers: Sitting Pretty Party Arts China/Stemware: Premier Rentals Bridal gowns from Frew's Bridal, Town and Country Bridal Boutique and Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique Men's Attire from Men's Wearhouse Models: Ellen Brin (mother of the groom), Brooke Biernbaum (wedding guest)

Classic Elegance D e ta i l s

Venue: The Magnolia Hotel and Little Flower Church Hair: Kim Khotsyphom Makeup: Phi Trinh Florals: Belli Fiori Linens: Sitting Pretty/Party Arts & Connie Duglin Cake: Sugaree Baking Company Jewelry and Accessories: Timekeepers, The Vintage Haberdashery Chairs/Chargers/China/Stemware: The Aries Company Getaway Car: Best Transportation Bridal gowns from The Ultimate Bride, Town and Country Bridal Boutique and Simply Elegant Bridal Men's Attire from Stallone's Formal Wear Models: Hank Zak (father of the bride) and Faith Berger (mother of the bride) 172

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Page 156 “Kensington” by Amsale, $6,200 from Town and Country Bridal Boutique; Bib necklace by BCBG Max Azrea, $138 from Frew’s Bridal Page 157 (Left to right, top to bottom) “Ilys” by Rivini, $5,852 from Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique; Sorella bridesmaid gown from The Ultimate Bride; Lovell by Lazaro gown, $1,913 from Simply Elegant Bridal; Gold mirror & brush props; “True Love” earrings, $148 from Hoopla; Gold diamond and sapphire ring, $4,000 from Timekeepers; Bridesmaid gowns by Joanna August and Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids; “Ilys” by Rivini, $5,852 from Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique; Sorella bridesmaid gown from The Ultimate Bride; Lovell by Lazaro gown, $1,913 from Simply Elegant Bridal; Flowers by Flora Nora; Stemware from Fitch Vintage; KM2 “Sophia” headband, $95, from Cha Boutique; “Kensington” by Amsale, $6,200 from Town and Country Bridal Boutique; Bib necklace by BCBG Max Azrea, $138 from Frew's Bridal Page 158 (Left to right, top to bottom) Tuxedos from Stallone's Formal Wear; “Ilys” by Rivini, $5,852 from Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique; Bridesmaid gowns by Joanna August and Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids; Bouquet by Artistry Florist; Gold mesh hand bag, $2,500 from Timekeepers; 1960 Silver Cloud II Bentley-Rolls Royce from Best Transportation; Vintage vest and necktie, $45 Rental from The Vintage Haberdashery; “Kensington” by Amsale, $6,200 from Town and Country Bridal Boutique; Bib necklace by BCBG Max Azrea, $138 from Frew’s Bridal; Tuxedo by Men's Wearhouse Page 159 Mori Lee gown, $2,199 from The Ultimate Bride; Vintage Ermine cape, $85 Rental from The Vintage Haberdashery; Bouquet from Belli Fiori Page 160 “Tullah“ gown by Elizabeth Fillmore, $3,960 from Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique; Ceremony structure by Exclusive Events; Bouquet and florals by Flora by Nora Page 161 (Clockwise from top left) Legends by Romona Keveza dress, $3,730 from Town and Country Bridal Boutique, Tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse; Tuxedo from Stallone’s Formal Wear; Little Flower Church, altar florals by Belli Fiori;

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Lacy Branch

Monique Lhullier

Six hot trends from New York Fall Bridal Market | by l ac y b r a n c h I just returned from the craze and whirlwind that is Fall Bridal Market in New York City. Seventy-

two hours were filled with runway shows, writing appointments and catching up with industry friends in passing. The wonderful thing about the current state of bridal fashion is there are so many options for brides-to-beâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the largest variety of fabrics, necklines and silhouettes that we have seen in years! 174

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photos courtesy of featured designers

Legends by Romona Keveza

 1

illusion & Plunging Backs We saw the plunging back neckline emerge as a big trend last season. It seems that this trend is continuing into Fall 2015. Several designers showed very low and revealing silhouettes, while others seemed to be a little more modest with sheer illusion backs.

corseted Bodices In many of the

cut-Outs & Crop Tops I have to

shows, corseted bodices seemed to be woven throughout. This lingerie-inspired detail adds a sexy and feminine touch to any gown.

admit—this is not my favorite trend and one that I don’t anticipate having a long shelf life. It was first seen in ready-to-wear, then at Kim and Kanye’s wedding, and now on many bridal designers’ runways. So, I felt it was noteworthy for this issue.

Anne Barge

Inbal Dror

Amy Kuschel

Several designers showed very low and revealing silhouettes, while others were more modest with sheer illusion backs.

photos courtesy of featured designers

off-the-Shoulder Necklines One of my favorite classic necklines has reemerged as a hot trend this season. This neckline is demure and is a beautiful alternative to st5rapless, yet still shows off the décolletage.

Austin Scarlett

tea Length & Boatnecks On more catwalks that I can count, I witnessed 1960’s- inspired influenced gowns. In addition to boho looks, we saw the more classic side of the 1960’s, including flirty tea length gowns and Jackie O inspired boat necks. I hope this we will continue to see more of this next season.

sleeves The sleeve trend continued into this season. We saw everything from fully covered sleeves to lace illusion and everything in between. ♥ SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

Ines Di Santo

Theia Bridal

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VERONICA WHITTINGTON & WILLIEBE THORTON



July 25, 2014

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Touches

Finishing

Veils and accessories complete your wedding day style By a m y z i m m e r m a n

©kurtis hall photographer

It’s the “a-ha” moment. The reflection in the mirror is the picture you’ve had in your mind since you started thinking about your wedding day. You put on your veil and you become a bride. But how do you find the perfect veil or accessory that completes your attire and makes the look your own? Stephanie Fagyal, owner of Town and Country Bridal Boutique, suggests that brides begin by thinking about the style of wedding they want. A huge wedding in a cathedral may call for more formal attire than a small, outdoor ceremony. “Cathedral length veils are more traditional and are appropriate for a cathedral wedding, while a blusher length veil would be complimentary with a less formal event, particularly if you are dealing with elements such as wind,” says Fagyal. Annette Karsch, owner of Simply Elegant Bridal, says the types of veils are as varied as the brides who select them. “Some brides are going all out with the cathedral length, beaded veils. Others are keeping it simple so the veil doesn’t compete with the dress. Often if there is more detail to the gown, brides choose a veil with a raw edge and without trim. Some go with shorter veils, especially if the dress has straps or a jacket,” says Karsch.

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Finishing Touches

Detachable veils are popular for brides who want to change their look from the ceremony to the reception. The veil can be removed while the headpiece or headband remains.

that can pull the look together. Since the necklines may, vary necklaces may not be the best choice but matching earrings or bracelets may be the perfect accessory to complete your bridesmaids’ attire.

Jewelry

Accessories

Another way to accent or personalize your gown is with jewelry. Karsch says many brides want a bracelet or earrings to accent their look. “We find that because many brides are choosing gowns with straps, necklaces aren’t as important but almost everyone wants a bracelet. It really completes the look,” says Karsch.

Karsch says brides are using accessories as a way to change their look from the ceremony to the reception. They may remove the train and add a belt or wear straps for the ceremony and remove them for the reception. Some brides want a more demure look for the ceremony so they may wear a bolero-type jacket in the church and take it off for the ceremony. “More brides are looking for dresses that offer options for day-tonight or ceremony-to-reception. They want to achieve two looks with one dress,” says Karsch. She says brides are using color to accessorize, however, the use of color is subtle, such as a blush belt on an ivory gown. Faygal tells brides to keep in mind that accessories should be used to make a dress uniquely theirs. Follow your sense of style and personal preference so that the look highlights you. “We had a bride who chose an amazing, simple dress. She paired it with a chunky bracelet, a beautiful necklace and a beaded veil. It fit her style and personality perfectly,” says Faygal. Whether you like clean lines or lace, dramatic earrings or diamond studs, accessories can help you customize your style and help you look not just like a beautiful bride, but singularly you. ♥

Karsch suggests investing in a piece of quality costume jewelry that you will be able to wear repeatedly with fond memories of your wedding day. Karsch suggests investing in a piece of quality costume jewelry that you will be able to wear repeatedly with fond memories of your wedding day. Since brides frequently are asking their bridesmaids to wear coordinating but not matching gowns they often turn to jewelry as an accessory

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Keeping Your Relationship “Planted” Tips to transform your marriage

“Wow, your hair looks great!” She replies... “Actually I am having a bad hair day. I am due to get it cut.” Why do we do that? When someone chooses to go out of their way to give you a nice comment, please accept it. For those who need a little bit of a reminder, here’s how it works.... in the beginning of every relationship, the man is in pursuit. He aims to please, put a smile on your face and most of all...show you off. During the dating phase, the seed of passion is planted in the hopes that a garden (a life) of abundance, prosperity, health and family comes to fruition. This happens by understanding one another, communicating and putting each other first. So then, WHY IS DIVORCE SO PREVALENT? The answer is relatively simple. Over time we fail to recognize the person the same we you did when we were dating. Appreciating the little (Continued on page 202)

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©shutterstock/Aleksey Stemmer

By l e i s a j e n k i n s

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What Wedding Planners Want You to Know Honest advice from those who execute and attend more weddings than anyone

•

“I am so glad I hired a wedding planner.” Having written about countless weddings and talked to hundreds of brides, this is the answer I most hear regarding newlyweds’ advice to future brides. They say hiring a wedding planner was key to realizing the wedding of their dreams, and with a lot less stress than if they had gone it alone. Wedding planners make the planning and execution of your big day tremendously easier and better. But there are things brides can do, too, to optimize their relationship with their planners (Continued on page 204)

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©susan jackson photography

By j e n n i f e r c . f r a k e s

Fashion Credits (Continued from page 172) Legends by Romona Keveza dress, $3,730 from Town and Country Bridal Boutique, beaded sash from Katherine Jessica Collections, Tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse; “Yanguas” dress by Pronovias, $5,000 from Simply Elegant Bridal; Lace Mori Lee gown, $1,599 and Toni Federici veil from The Ultimate Bride, Father's Tuxedo from Stallone’s Formal Wear, Bouquet by Belli Fiori Page 162 (Clockwise from top left) "Yanguas” dress by Pronovias, $5,000 from Simply Elegant Bridal, bowtie from The Vintage Haberdashery; Lace Mori Lee gown, $1,599 and Toni Federici veil from The Ultimate Bride, Father's Tuxedo from Stallone’s Formal Wear, bouquet from Belli Fiori; Fancy yellow diamond ring, $15,000 from Timekeepers; Stallone’s Formal Wear tuxedo, Mori Lee gown (beaded bodice), $2,199 from The Ultimate Bride; Florals by Flora Nora; Men’s Wearhouse tuxedo, “Claudine” wedding jacket, $448 from Frew’s Bridal Page 163 Chuppah, props & lighting by Parties and Props; Tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse; "Claudine" wedding jacket, $448 from Frew's Bridal; Bouquet by Artistry Florist Page 164 (Left to right, top to bottom) Floral by Belli Fiori; Cake & Topper by Pint Size Bakery, Cake stand from Fitch Vintage; Charger from Sitting Pretty, Linen by Nuage Design, Stemware & Flatware from Premier Rentals; Cake & Stand by Cakery Bakery, Lighting by Parties and Props; Charger & napkin from The Aries Company, Table linen from Sitting Pretty, Brooch from Belli Fiori; Farmhouse florals by Flora by Nora, table, chairs & candlesticks from Finch Vintage, Table runner by BBJ Linens; Confections by Pint Size Bakery; Floral by Artistry Florist, Chairs from Sitting Pretty, Linen from Nuage Designs; Cake & stand by Sugaree Baking Company Page 165 Mori Lee gown (beaded bodice), $2,199 from The Ultimate Bride Page 166 (Left to right, top to bottom) Chairs from Sitting Pretty Party Arts, Chair sashes from Parties and Props, Florals by Artistry Florist, Linens by Nuage Designs; Farmhouse table, chairs and props from Finch Vintage, centerpieces by Flora by Nora, Table runner from BBJ Linens; Floral by Belli Fiori, Linens by Sitting Pretty Party Arts, Chairs & stemware from The Aries Company, Deep platinum dress from Simply Elegant Bridal; Chandeliers at The Magnolia Hotel lobby; Farmhouse table, chairs and 184

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props from Finch Vintage, centerpieces by Flora by Nora, Table runner from BBJ Linens, Five-strand pearl and rhinestone necklace, Original by Robert, $65 Rental; Throne chair from Parties and Props, Bridal bouquet by Artistry Florist; Toasting photo, bridesmaids' necklaces, from left to right, all from Hooplajewelry: Ridiculous necklace in green amethyst $98, Stardust necklace $78, Hearts necklace $108, Ritz necklace $188, Paris earrings, small $88, Ritz necklace, heather $178, Kimmie earring; classic bride Emerald cut rhinestone necklace, $45 Rental from The Vintage Haberdashery Page 167 Stallone's Formal Wear Tuxedo, “Madison” by Monique Lhuiller, $5,465 from Berrybridge, “Violet” Toni Federici veil, $255 from Town and Country Bridal Boutique; Florals and décor by Belli Fiori; Linens by Sitting Pretty Party Arts, Chairs & stemware from The Aries Company Page 168 “Gianna” gown by Maggie Sottero, $1,799 from Frew's Bridal; Tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse; Masks from Parties and Props Page 169 (Clockwise from top left) Cake by Sugaree Baking Company, Candle décor from Belli Fiori; Cake & Topper by Pint Size Bakery, Cake stand from Fitch Vintage, Vintage vest and necktie, $45 Rental from The Vintage Haberdashery, “Intrigue” by Monique Lhuillier gown, $4,995 from Berrybridge, Five-strand pearl and rhinestone necklace, Original by Robert, $65 Rental; Cake & stand by Sugaree Baking Company, linens by Nuage Designs Page 170 (Left to right, top to bottom) Men’s Wearhouse tuxedo; Florals by Artistry Florist; Vintage vest and necktie, $45 Rental from The Vintage Haberdashery, Bridesmaid gowns by Joanna August and Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids, Edwardian necklace, enamel and faux amethyst, $65 Rental from The Vintage Haberdashery; Floral by Belli Fiori, Linens by Sitting Pretty Party Arts, Chairs & stemware from The Aries Company; Cake topper from The Pint Size Bakery; Masks from Parties and Props; Vintage Breitling Chronograph, $3,400 from Timekeepers; Tux from Men’s Wearhouse, “Gianna” gown by Maggie Sottero, $1,799 from Frew’s Bridal; Father of the Bride tuxedo from Stallone’s Formal Wear Page 171 “Chloe” short dress by Kirribilla, $460 from Fleur De Lis Bridal Boutique; 1960’s Ivory Pillbox Hat, $40 from The Vintage Haberdashery; Suit from Men’s Wearhouse; Bouquet by Artistry Florist SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Ask Anna Anna Post is the great-greatgranddaughter of Emily Post and co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition” www.emilypost.com To ask Anna an etiquette question, write to stlouisbride@emilypost.com.

guest count dilemna

ANNA: Failure to RSVP is a complaint I hear from hosts everywhere and for almost every occasion. Enclosing stamped, addressed reply cards, including telephone numbers and email addresses have let guests off the hook for hand writing the traditional standard form acceptance or regret, but it hasn’t improved the response rate. Well, wait no longer, but pick up the phone and give your delinquent guests a call. No need to be snippy—after all, you really do want them to attend. A friendly, “Jen, I hadn’t heard from you about our wedding 186

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jack rowell

Q. It’s two weeks before the wedding and I haven’t heard from a number of guests. What’s the right way to handle this?

on the 12th. I hope you and Rory will be with us…” If there’s any hemming or hawing (or if you have to leave a voicemail) add, “I have to give the caterer a head count by the 1st.” Hopefully, this will finalize your list, but if you still haven’t gotten a yay or nay from all, let your caterer know ahead of time. It’s far easier for them to plan on a few extras now than be surprised on the big day. rehearsal dinner protocol

Q: The last time my boyfriend and I attended a wedding in which he was a groomsman, he went to the rehearsal dinner, while I was not invited and had to stay back at the hotel. I was somewhat hurt by this, and I want to avoid this type of situation in my own upcoming wedding plans. Who is typically invited to the rehearsal dinner? Is there a rule about dates? ANNA: Although you may have felt that your exclusion from the rehearsal dinner for which your boyfriend was a groomsman was inappropriate, it actually wasn’t. Typically only close family members and those who are participants in the wedding ceremony plus any spouses, fiancée(s) or live-in partners are invited to the rehearsal dinner. That said, if the budget permits, it’s a lovely and gracious gesture to invite the dates of the wedding attendants.. The same consideration applies to your wedding guest list. If your budget allows, you can extend an invitation to your single attendants and guests to bring a date. receiving line

Q: We’re having a large wedding and want our guests to enjoy the reception, not wait in a long receiving line. Can we skip this? ANNA: Actually, no; in your case the receiving line is still the best way to personally greet and speak with each of your guests and thank them for coming to your wedding. A receiving line isn’t a “must,” but thanking everyone is. With less than 75 guests, you would probably be able to speak with everyone during (Continued on page 194) SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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I Do’s Dont’s AND

Five Tips for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows BY J E N N I F E R C . F R A K E S

Will you love her in the dark? Will you love her in the park? Will you love her on a train? Will you love her in the rain?

Will you love him here and there, Will you love him everywhere?

ANNE MARIE SCHULTE & DAVID ZARRILLI

September 27, 2014

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These vows are said during a wedding scene in the 1995 movie “Miami Rhapsody,” starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Antonio Banderas (though they aren’t the two getting married). The wedding guests in the film find the vows amusing, but afterwards the bride worries if the Dr. Seuss-inspired vows were too childish and silly for such

©KELLY PARK PHOTOGRAPHY

Will you love him in a boat Will you love him on a float?

a big moment. How can you make your wedding vows your own without going too far to be original? Writing your own wedding vows can be daunting. But it’s also a meaningful way to personalize one of the most important parts of your ceremony. With some forethought and planning between you and your future spouse, you can customize vows that will work for the ceremony and be words you’ll both always remember. Carolyn Burke is a wedding liaison and officiant who performed more than 125 wedding ceremonies in 2014. She has been a part of many touching moments during the recitation of the vows, as well as moments that could have gone better. Here are five things Carolyn advises couples to consider when writing their own wedding vows:

Writing your own wedding vows is a meaningful way to personalize one of the most important parts of your ceremony.

Check With Your Officiant Be sure to confirm with the person who is performing your ceremony, to make sure he or she and that institution allow non-traditional vows. They may ask to see the vows beforehand to approve them. And if they approve, you may want your officiant to keep a copy of the vows, for back-up on the big day.

Keep it Brief Burke’s motto for her ceremonies is “short, sweet and simple” and that’s her advice for vows as well. “The vows should only be about one minute long, definitely no more than two minutes,” Burke says. “You many end up repeating words or similar ideas if you go on too long.” She also suggests checking with your spouse to make sure your vows are of similar length. Recently, one couple she married wrote their vows together and the husband and wife recited vows back and forth, each taking a turn saying a line. “Then the couple said the last line together,” Burke says. “It worked well and was very sweet, and a real sign of unity.” SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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I Do’s and I Don’ts

Practice (but don’t memorize) Though it may seem a little silly, Burke suggests practicing your vows in front of the mirror. Are you comfortable with what you’ve written? Does it sound natural? “Don’t worry about memorizing your vows,” Burke says. “It’s hard to remember exactly what you want to say, especially if you are already a bit nervous. And even if one member of the couple can pull it off, it’s rare if both can do memorized vows well.” Burke likes to hold onto a copy of the vows, as well as the couple having them on hand.

Keep it Appropriate There may be a temptation to keep the mood light and go for the laughs, but don’t get carried away with creativity and cuteness. Burke suggests including one humorous line or reference, and keeping the rest sentimental and meaningful. On the other hand, be sure to keep it G-rated for all the guests. Remember Grandma and possibly some children are in the audience! Be kind and don’t make anyone uncomfortable.

Include one humorous line or reference, and keep the rest sentimental and meaningful.

Make Sure it Sounds Like You There are many resources available offering samples of wedding vows, but the whole point of writing your vows is to for them to be more personal. “You can find inspiration from websites and books, but make the words your own,” says Carolyn. “Pick out phrases and words that are meaningful to you and your partner and customize them to your relationship and your marriage.” Burke says a good place to start is with lines that begin with “I promise to…” It makes the vows easier to remember and give you a nice framework for all the vows. And since they are called “vows,” saying “I promise” is always fitting. If either or both members of the couple have children, Burke recommends including the kids in the vows in some manner. You are, after all, making a promise to the kids, too. She suggests having family vows, or including family vows following the couples’ vows. Burke estimates that about 20 percent of the couples she marries write their own vows, and she’s noticed more couples doing it lately. With these tips, and avoiding Green Eggs and Ham for inspiration, you and future husband can help create a special moment between the two of you and a memorable ceremony for your family and friends. ♥

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Honeymoon Destinations

COURTESY HOTEL RIU GUANACASTE

(Continued from page 108) hotels on the beaches. The exact opposite, and the place I recommend to honeymooners, is the Riviera Maya,” says Schellhase. The Riviera Maya stretches along nearly 100 miles of Caribbean coastline south of Cancun and offers a more romantic and relaxed destination, with vast resorts spread perpendicular to the beach. Schellhase recommends the El Dorado Royale, an allinclusive, adults-only luxury resort situated on a mile and an half of private beach. Voted one of Conde Nast traveler’s Top 100 Hotels in the world, the El Dorado offers a secluded beach, gourmet cuisine, and luxurious accommodations. “Anytime we work with honeymooners we know they want a five-star luxury resort experience. They have high taste in food and high expectations for liquor. Resorts such as the El Dorado Royale and the Eldorado Seaside

provide that type of trip,” says Schellhase. Robson agrees that honeymooners are looking for an all-inclusive resort with unlimited luxury. She recommends Secrets and Sandals properties, located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. All three destinations offer exciting water and land activities, including interactive adventures such as swimming with dolphins or stingrays, PGA golf courses,

parachute jumping, zip lining, rappelling and much more. Crunk adds to the list of amazing resorts the Hotel Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica, a seafront property on Mata Palo Beach. This allinclusive resort offers a huge pool, a beautiful beach with protected turtle nests, entertainment and activities including a free introductory scuba lesson.

The Secrets and Sandals properties, located in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, all offer exciting water and land activities, including interactive adventures such as swimming with dolphins or stingrays, PGA golf courses, parachute jumping, zip lining and rappelling. Hotel Riu Guanacaste

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Honeymoon Destinations According to the website About.com, luxury honeymooners account for 15 percent of the market and spend an average of $9,954 on their vacation. A travel budget of this size allows for upgrades to your trip, a longer stay or additional destinations. With this budget you can consider

upgrading your room to categories that include ocean front suites, swim-up suites or butler services. You can include excursions that may incur additional charges or extend the length of your stay. Robson says a larger budget also allows honeymooners to consider destinations such as St. Lucia, St. Thomas and possibly even Aruba or St. Martin. In this price range, Schellhase suggests one

of the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia, Sandals Halcyon Beach, Sandals Regency La Toc or the Sandals Grande St. Lucia. You can snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, hike to the top of the Gros Piton, drive through a volcano or explore the rainforests. Sandals resorts include unlimited scuba diving and water sports, perfect for exploring the beautiful reefs of St. Lucia. Enjoy complimentary greens fees at the Sandals Regency La Toc golf course. Sandals’ exchange program allows you to stay at one resort on St. Lucia but enjoy the restaurants, activities and beaches at all three resorts with round-trip transportation among the resorts included. Hawaii is one of the most desired honeymoon destinations and also one of the

Get the Reassurance and Buy the Insurance “I tell my clients that unless you absolutely can’t afford it you should buy travel insurance,” says Robson. “Something could happen that might prevent you from going on the trip and if you don’t have insurance you will be out that money and it can be a significant amount of money.” Robson reminds her clients to consider themselves, but also to keep in mind that illness or injury to family members can affect travel plans as well. Additionally, most policies cover injury while on the trip. “You don’t plan on getting hurt, but things happen. You could break your ankle and need to come back to the United States for surgery. That is a serious situation,” says Robson. She cautions couples to understand when they are buying a policy what is covered. Most policies, including those offered by Apple Vacations and Funjet Vacations, allow you to cancel for any reason but others may require a medical reason. Schellhase also highly recommends that couples purchase the optional insurance. “For a seven day trip, if the price decreases between booking and travel, they can get a refund. Plus, most policies allow you to cancel for any reason,” he says.

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Honeymoon Destinations most expensive. While Hawaii does not feature all-inclusive resorts, a Hawaiian cruise may offer a more affordable option. “Hawaiian cruises are a great way to see all four major islands of Hawaii,” says Crunk. “Couples may choose to arrive early and spend time in Honolulu before boarding the ship.

couples with a limited budget to consider United States destinations or to shorten their stay. “I’ve sent couples to some great destinations such as the San Antonio River Walk, the Sheraton on the Niagara Falls or Buffalo Thunder Spa in Santa Fe. Even if you are on a tight budget, I can assure honeymoon clients that they don’t have to skimp on fun, romance and luxury. You can find that in the states, too.

And on the flip side, if you have a budget of more than $10,000 you can consider custom honeymoon packages to destinations such as Australia, Tahiti and New Zealand. Whether you spend $2000 or $10,000 the most important part of you honeymoon is relaxing with your spouse while making those first memories of your life together. ♥

Even if your budget is under $2,000 you can have a fabulous honeymoon. Robson tells

What is All-Inclusive? The cost of an all-inclusive resort typically includes airfare, transfers, hotel, meals, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), entertainment and nonmotorized water sports. For example, activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and sun-sailing are included but there may be an extra charge for motorized activities such as jet skiing and parasailing. Some resorts, such as Sandals, include both motorized and non-motorized water sports. Tips typically are not included as part of your stay. You should expect to tip anyone who provides a service during your stay, including wait staff, pool staff, bell staff, housekeeping and transfer drivers. The exception is Sandals resorts, which include tips. While transfers from the airport to the hotel are included in the price, not all transfers are non-stop. Your included transfer may be a bus that stops at several resorts before dropping you off at your destination. “I suggest that couples upgrade to a private transfer or limousine,” says Schellhase. It will add $100 to $300 to your trip, but saves time, sometimes up to an hour or more both directions.” Schellhase also suggests that honeymooning couples focus on adultonly resorts so they will be vacationing with like-minded travelers. “I guarantee they will run into another couple like them. They may even end up becoming Facebook buddies and taking a one-year anniversary trip together.”

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Anna Post (Continued from page 187) your reception; more than 75, it’s less likely. To help with the wait, have servers offer guests hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Just make sure there is a table at the beginning of the line, so guests can set down their drinks before going through the line and shaking hands. If you still feel strongly about not having a receiving line, be sure to spend time with each

guest at some point during the reception and thank them for coming. toasting the b&G

Q: At the reception, who makes the toast/s? When is the appropriate time? What should be said?

ANNA: Reception toasts are traditionally started off by the best man and occur only after all guests have been provided with glasses of Champagne (or sparkling cider, soda water, or other beverage of choice). If you are having a sit-down dinner, the first toast takes place after everyone is seated; if it’s a cocktail reception, it is made after the couple enters the reception. It’s possible the best man will give the only toast; however, the fathers of the bride and groom, as well as the maid or matron of honor and even the bride and groom themselves, may also wish to offer a few words in honor of the marriage. It is important to keep toasts short, simple, and sincere, highlighting your wishes for the new couple’s happiness. Brief personal stories are okay, but avoid sharing longer or potentially embarrassing experiences. When in doubt, a straightforward salute is perfectly acceptable: “To Amy and Mike—two very special people. May you always be as happy as you are today!” tipping vendors

Q: How much do I tip my vendors for their wedding day services? How is this done? ANNA: In general, wedding professionals such as consultants, club managers, caterers, photographers, florists, or musicians are only tipped for extra-special service. Often a caterer’s gratuities are embedded in the total costs, and many hotels include a service charge for waitstaff. Always ask if gratuities are included, and for whom, before signing any contract. If they’re not, expect to pay 15 to 20 percent of the total food and beverage bill and for other services that were provided. If the bartender is hired separately, he or she is tipped 15 to 20 percent of the bar bill. Tips are given on the day of the wedding. It’s a good idea to have some extra cash on hand in case you choose to thank a vendor for especially outstanding service. You may want to give one of your attendants a list of your vendor contacts and ask him or her to deliver the tips for you at the end of the reception. (This is typically asked of the best man.) Consider tipping parking, coat check, and powder room attendants ahead of time. Be sure to instruct them to refuse tips from guests: “Thanks, I’m already covered.” inviting the officiant

Q: Do we invite our officiant to the reception if we don’t know him very well? ANNA: You should invite your officiant and his or her spouse/partner, if applicable, to the 194

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Anna Post rehearsal dinner, as well as the reception. This is a nice way to express your gratitude for the person who is binding you to the love of your life. Even if you don’t know this person very well beforehand, inviting him or her to attend your celebration may allow for a closer relationship to develop in the future. photographing the reception

Q: How do I ensure that my wedding reception is properly documented? Any suggestions on how I can plan the photography ahead of time to make sure that we don’t miss a moment?

to all guests, or, if the bride and groom choose, there may follow a few more songs with special pairings. The optional tradition of the “second dance” involves the father of the bride dancing with his daughter, and the groom dancing with his mother. The groom’s father may then dance with the bride, and the groom with his new mother-in-law. Then the groom might dance with the maid/matron of honor, and the bride with the

best man. After this, other guests are welcome to join them on the dance floor. announcements

Q. Should I send printed engagement announcements? ANNA: You may want to shout it from the

ANNA: It’s important to speak up and coordinate with your photographer(s) about the kind of shots you want captured during your reception. It may help to think about reception photography in terms of three different categories: portraits, planned events, and candids. Portraits include posed pictures of you and specific family members and attendants. It’s a good idea to provide your photographer a list of “must have” shots and the combinations of special people in advance. Planned events, such as the bride and groom cutting the cake, should also be thought about ahead of time and listed for the photographer in terms of approximate times and locations so that he or she is best able to capture them as they occur. You should also let your photographer know your preferences for candid shots. Do you want to include shots of everyone at each table, for example, or focus on completely spontaneous photos of people in action? “Getting ready” moments, like the bride’s mother arranging with her daughter’s veil, are other instances you may wish to have documented. dancing

Q: What are the traditional guidelines for dancing at a wedding reception? ANNA: Dancing usually begins following dessert at a seated dinner or after the receiving line or photo session at a buffet reception. If the reception occurs in the afternoon with a meal to be served later on, dancing may start before the bridal party goes to their table. Whenever it takes place, the bride and groom lead off with the first dance in front of their guests. At this point, the dancing is either opened SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Anna Post rooftop (go right ahead!) but otherwise share your news in person or by phone first with any children, immediate family, close friends and relatives; and then by email, the newspaper, or your Facebook page for your wider circle of friends and the world at large. (Just be careful not to imply a forthcoming wedding invitation.) Since an engagement is a temporary state of affairs and doesn’t involve a name change, printed

announcements aren’t sent. Typically, printed social announcements are sent after the birth or adoption of a child, a marriage, or a formal name change. So, hold off for now and save the printed announcement for your wedding. It’s a great way to share the official news with those friends and relatives who weren’t a part of your wedding. And a final note? A wedding announcement carries no gift obligation, though some

people may choose to send one anyway. Minister preference

Q. I’d like to have the minister from my hometown marry us in the church where my fiancé and I are now members. What’s the protocol for inviting him? I don’t want to upset our current minister. ANNA: This isn’t such an unusual request, but the first step is to talk to your current minister right away. Explain that you’ve always wanted your hometown clergyman, an old friend, to be involved in your wedding. In some cases, it’s required that the local officiant be present and lead or participate in the service. In others, there’s no such requirement and the visiting clergy may have the use of the church. These steps can ensure that all goes smoothly: • Check with your local church about their policies before asking out-of-town clergy to perform all or part of the ceremony. • Get permission to use the house of worship, if necessary. • Invite your officiant by handwritten note. • Coordinate communication between the outof-town officiant and his or her contact person at your local house of worship. • If the out-of-town officiant will be the sole clergy, get a list of ceremony needs ahead of time. • Pay the travel, lodging, and meal expenses of any clergyperson you invite from out of town. • Remember an honorarium for each clergyperson. If your out-of-town officiant is the sole officiant, make a donation to the local house of worship as well to cover the use of the site and the assistance of personnel. • Invite each officiant (and spouse) to the rehearsal dinner. Cash bar

Q. We have to trim our budget and the coordinator at the hotel where we’re having our reception is suggesting that we have a cash bar. Is this okay? Do we tip the bartender or do our guests? ANNA: Just as a guest in your home doesn’t pay for food or drink, neither should a guest at

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Anna Post your wedding. There are lots of ways to economize without resorting to a cash bar. The simplest is to take alcohol off the menu completely, or only serve wine or Champagne for a toast. Less drastic, but very effective is to offer wine and beer in addition to a selection of non-alcoholic options such as juices, sodas, waters, and iced tea. Choose a red and a white wine and a dark and a light beer. Purchasing by the case can yield additional savings. If there is room in the budget, you could offer one mixed cocktail—a signature drink that matches the theme of your wedding. As to tipping, as the host you are responsible, so make this arrangement ahead of time and have an attendant make sure that there are no tip jars on the bar.

the royal couple did. How do I do this in a classy way? ANNA: We can look to the royal couple for many classy but modern wedding ideas from their beautiful, informative wedding program to their reception style to their thoughtful encouragement of a wedding gift to charity. Note first that there

was absolutely no mention whatsoever of gift, gift registry, charitable gift, suggested charities, or even “no gift, please” on the queen’s invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding. The entire focus was on the guest. As formal as it was, the invitation was also very personal as each guest’s name was handwritten. So how did they get the word out? In a very old fashioned way with a modern twist:

Invite envelopes

Q. I was at the stationer’s to choose my wedding invitations. I wasn’t sure whether I needed one envelope or two. Any advice? ANNA: The two-envelope tradition goes back a long wway, to when invitations were delivered by hand. The outer envelope with the name and physical address often arrived in less than pristine condition and was just considered the protective wrapping for the “real” invitation inside. The inner envelope was always addressed in more personal terms to the actual individual(s) being invited: Mr. Everworthy; Mr. and Mrs. Deering, Miss Sarah Deering; Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom. The main advantage of the inner envelope is that you can be absolutely specific about whom you are inviting. You can list the names of children if they are included, or leave them off if they’re not. You can write “and guest” to let an unattached single know that he may bring a plus one, something that you can’t do on the “public” envelope. The disadvantage is cost—the extra envelope, the addressing, and the extra postage for the additional weight. The modern pocket or tri-fold invitation is a good compromise. Have your stationer show you how you can write both the outer public address and an inner personal address on two of the panels. This “all in one” can be closed with a decorative seal and mailed as is, or sent more traditionally in an outer envelope. A Charitable Registry

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Anna Post word of mouth via their wedding website. And even there, the suggestion was made graciously: “Having been touched by the goodwill shown to them since their engagement, they have asked that anyone wishing to send them a wedding gift consider doing so in the form of a donation to the fund.” Note the words “anyone wishing to” and “consider.” Nowhere is the idea “a present is owed”

hinted, nowhere is there a demand that a particular gift be chosen. So, taking their example to heart, use your wedding website to suggest the idea of a charitable donation to your guests. You might also present several charitable options. Giving information about the charities and their work is a respectful way to let a guest choose something that matches his own values as well. Of course, your fam-

ily and attendants can also spread the word, and you can answer if asked directly: “Thank you for thinking of us. A donation to charity would be very meaningful to us, but we will appreciate anything you choose.” While your wedding website is a logical place for any type of registry or gift information, make sure it’s not the main feature of your homepage. It’s also not the kind of information to post on your Facebook page, unless all your Facebook friends will be invited to your wedding. Welcoming Guests of Another Faith

Q. A number of our wedding guests aren’t of our faith and may be unfamiliar with the ceremony and traditions we’ll be celebrating. What can we do to make them feel welcome and at ease? ANNA: You get a gold star for making your guests’ comfort such a high priority. The ceremony program is a logical place to give guests information about your ceremony or particular customs. The program can go beyond a list of the order of service and those participating in your wedding to give details about the meaning of different parts of the ceremony. You can also explain the context of any special traditions, their history or significance, and what they mean to you or your family. A deeper understanding will draw your guests more personally into your ceremony. While the program is a great vehicle for conveying this important information, let’s rethink the timing of the delivery. Many guests may need this and other pertinent information well before the wedding ceremony. Wedding guests want to be good guests and arming them ahead of time with what will be expected of them gives them the confidence that they won’t make a gaffe at the wedding. Post any pre-wedding need to know information such as required head coverings or the removal of shoes in the place of worship, on your wedding website or include it on an insert with your invitation. Consider, too, posting your program on your website prior to the wedding as well. Guests who are unfamiliar with your faith or cultural customs will appreciate your thoughtfulness. invitation dilemma

Q. Should I send invitations to people who I know won’t be able to attend my wedding? 198

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ANNA: Its a personal call, rather than a point of etiquette, as to whether you choose to send invitations to guests who you know won’t be able to be there. Think about your decision in terms of closeness, not distance. Not matter where they live or what their schedule, do invite close friends and relatives. Given other circumstances, there is no question that you would invite them to your wedding. They may be excited about your wedding and even expect to receive an invitation, and could easily be hurt if they didn’t. Some may even surprise you and make the trip. If, however, these “definite no’s” are outside your close circle, consider sending a wedding announcement instead. An announcement carries no gift obligation, which may be one of the reasons why you are hesitant to send these invitations in the first place. Close friends who receive an invitation are more than likely happy to send a gift in honor of your wedding. Sending announcements to those of greater degrees of separation gives them the option of sending a gift or their congratulations.

private one is being hosted at another location, and guests will have received mailed invitations. Otherwise, publicly calling attention to your not inviting some of those at the wedding ceremony to the reception would be awkward. LIGHT FARE RECEPTIONS

Q. We need to cut reception

costs, so we’ll be serving hors d’oeuvres at our evening reception instead of a sit-down dinner. How do we let our wedding guests know not to expect dinner?

INCLUDING CHURCH CONGREGATION

Q. My daughter is getting married at our church, and while it would be nice to be able to invite everyone who attends our church to the wedding, it is not at all budget friendly to invite them all to the reception. Would it be O.K. to put something in our church bulletin like: “While we would love for all of you to be able to attend our wedding, space and budget do not allow us to invite the entire church family to the reception. We hope you understand”? ANNA: You are probably not the first members of your church to face this problem, so do ask for your pastor’s advice on how this has been handled in the past. Generally, an invitation for the congregation to witness a wedding is issued from the pulpit or in the bulletin. An invitation to a simple reception is sometimes also included, but only if the couple, their parents or the church hosts one immediately after the ceremony in the church social area. Often, this type of reception is limited to light refreshments and congratulations, and could be followed by a private reception elsewhere. But when no mention is made of a reception, it is understood that a

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Anna Post ANNA: If budget is a couple’s primary constraint, breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or early evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres receptions are all excellent cost-saving options. However, if your reception time falls during a meal hour – say noon to 1 pm, or 6:30 pm on, most guests will expect more substantial fare. If you aren’t serving a meal be sure that guests understand that.

The place to clue guests in is on the wedding or reception invitation. Simply saying “reception” alone, will imply a meal, so if that won’t be the case, especially during a meal hour, be more explicit. Below the ceremony information, where you would normally write “Reception to follow” or “Dinner and dancing to follow,” be clear about the alternative: “Refreshments/Breakfast/Brunch/Afternoon tea/

Cake and Champagne/Cocktail reception to follow” all let guests know not to expect a full meal and to plan accordingly. This is also true if local custom equates wedding receptions with serving just cake and refreshments, or cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Let your invitation give a heads up to your out-of-town guests who might not be in the know. RESPONDING TO A RESPONSE CARD

Q. My wedding is weeks away, and we have just started receiving response cards. I was astonished to open one to see that a couple included their daughter and au pair on the reply. The invitation was addressed to only the parents, and we did not want their child and nanny to attend. We did not invite any children to our wedding. We do not wish to ruin the friendship over this, but how do we clear things up as firmly as possible? ANNA: Along with your goal to clear things up “firmly,” I’ll add “pronto.” The longer you wait to address the situation, the more awkward it can become. You, or the host of the wedding, will need to speak to this couple directly, either in person or on the phone and not by e-mail or text. It’s amazing how many invitation recipients don’t understand that an invitation is intended only for those whose names are on the envelope. That’s it: no dates, no friends, no kids, no pets. Whoever calls the couple should make a big effort to overlook their cluelessness. Use a calm, friendly and understanding tone, and stick to the facts: “We’re delighted you can join us at our wedding. But there seems to be a mix-up, since your response card includes the names of your daughter and au pair. Sorry, but we cannot accommodate any extras, as our guest list is very tight. I hope you understand.” Be prepared for any possible reply. The invitees might graciously accept the reality. (Phew—a happy ending for all.) Or they might become huffy. Some even try to bully the wedding hosts into inviting their children. In such a case, you can go the extra mile by explaining that, even though little Susie is a peach and you’d like to meet the au pair sometime, you’re not inviting any children and you cannot make 200

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an exception. It wouldn’t be fair to other guests who also have children. If they take the ultimate umbrage by becoming angry and threatening not to come at all, so be it. The rudeness would be theirs, not yours. guest list dilemma

Q: My parents would like to invite many of their friends to my wedding, but I don’t want the celebration to be dominated by their guests. Is it fair to limit them to a certain number, even though my dad’s paying for the wedding?

addresses to out-of-town guests who accept the wedding invitation. This information could also be posted on the couple’s wedding web site. • Create welcome baskets and have them delivered to guests’ rooms. Include light snacks, local products, and information on local restaurants, attractions and events. • Close friends of the couple or of their parents

might host a cocktail party, barbecue, or other gathering for out-of-towners the night before the wedding. • If many of the guests are staying at one hotel, the parents or couple could arrange a happy hour for guests to meet and mingle. A post-wedding brunch hosted by both families is a low-key and cost effective way to spend time with out of town guests and wrap up the festivities. ♥

ANNA: You’ll need to talk this over with your parents. Honestly and calmly tell them that you’d like to balance the guest list with some of your friends, your fiancé’s friends, and his family’s friends, too. While it’s perfectly reasonable to include your parents’ closest friends and business associates, it’s your wedding and not an opportunity for business and social paybacks. Don’t be afraid to speak up, but listen with an open mind. You and your parents might reach an easy agreement—or you both may end up making some compromises. out-of-town guest dilemma

Q. What is the etiquette regarding entertaining outof-town wedding guests? Should they be included at the rehearsal dinner? ANNA: The simple answer is that other than the wedding reception, out-of-town guests are responsible for their own meals, lodging and entertainment. That said, many couples and their families want to recognize the extra effort these guests have made to attend the wedding. Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner, an intimate gathering that includes: the wedding party and officiant; their spouse, fiancé(e) or livein partner; and the couple’s parents, stepparents and grandparents. After these, “must invites,” the guest list can be expanded to include aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While budget is one factor when considering additions to the guest list, another is making sure that the rehearsal dinner doesn’t upstage or rival the wedding reception. Here are some alternative ways to make out–of-town guests feel welcome: • Send or e-mail a listing of area restaurants and attractions with phone numbers and web

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Keeping Your Relationship “Planted” (Continued from page 180) things like taking out the garbage, making the bed, a new perfume, painted nails, dinner made, taking time to play with the kids, and the countless other things that occur throughout the week that get ignored. In the beginning, appreciation of every and any thing that they did was communicated. Thus, made you want to continue to do more of it.

Then, it happens.... “I DO.” Gulp, it all just got real. You are excited to start your life because believe it or not, THIS IS THE REAL BEGINNING. Granted, no two marriages are alike because they are all special in their own way. That is what’s so wonderful, because it is the little things you both share and know about that nobody else knows about. That is what keeps life’s garden soil nurtured and

your relationship abundant. Think about your marriage as if both of you are in a canoe. The person in the front of the canoe is paddling and the person in the back is paddling and steering. In life, we share roles from time to time. When this happens, we simply spin the canoe 180 degrees, (switching roles), yet you both are going in the same direction. Life is not a two way street but rather a one way street. You switch off driving from time to time, but you are going in the same direction. I am asking you today to pray with gratitude with all that you have and are together. Even if there are a few “weeds” in your life, see the good over the bad. Just simply thank God for that person in your life. 5 Simple tips for a Marriage Transformation….

Write your spouse a “Grati-Tuesday” card. It is a thank you/gratitude card of being grateful by telling them how much you appreciate them. In time, the weeds in your garden will go to the wayside and the passion will get re-ignited. Do it today! Write a card (yes, pen and paper) and you won’t believe how the seed of abundance gets sowed.

Always remember, a way to someone’s heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time. It is the little things that make the largest impact. And know the best gifts are simply sharing uninterrupted time together.

Sit with one another and write down your desires and set the goals (with a date) to make them happen. The sooner you do this, the faster you become a team again.

Sound too good to be true? Start with one seed and one weed at a time. Focus on what you want in your life TODAY. Don’t be afraid to let go and say “no” to the things or people pulling you away from the one YOU MADE A PROMISE to when you said “I DO.” I promise you, both of you will flourish by being on the same page.

Never be afraid to let someone appreciate or recognize something special about you. It makes that person want to do it even more. You may need a little “Pruning.” Have you ever seen a tree grow its branches all on one side? If it did, It would fall over because it wouldn’t be balanced. Think about your relationship with your spouse (or soon to be) as if both of you are your own tree. So there you are, a tree growing on your own with a small trunk with both newly 202

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Keeping Your Relationship “Planted” formed roots and branches. You are learning to endure the different seasons but innately you just know there is nothing you cannot handle. You grow a thicker trunk over time and at the same time your bark has helped you to adapt to the changes in the environment. Life is never easy, but when you experience the seasons over and over, you get stronger and also stuck in your own ways. Relationships occur in the same fashion. Imagine that you represent a grown tree and that you are planted next to another tree. Both of you are planted in the same soil, sharing the same air and enduring the seasons together. Yet you are your own tree. As you both mature, the roots get deeper and the branches extend farther. In time, many of your roots begin to intertwine with one another as well as the branches. NOT ALL OF THE ROOTS AND BRANCHES ARE CONNECTED! This is so very important to

be everything for everyone and end up growing apart from the one you fell in love with. More importantly, you will begin to lose yourself in life’s forest. Life happens with or without our doing and if we focus on what is right with us, the things that are “wrong” with us will begin to go by the wayside. But, when we get that “gut feeling” about a certain situation, pruning is imperative.

Getting Weller is a lifestyle comprised of living a life you have always desired. It’s attained by having thriving relationships, an optimum functioning body, doing what you love and most of all, living a balanced-driven life by being divinely rooted. ant to learn more? Visit www.gettingweller.com and attend our life-transformational event in early 2015. ♥

It is the little things that you both share and know about that nobody else knows about. That is what keeps life’s garden soil nurtured and your relationship abundant. understand how balance is established in the relationship. The branches you share with one another are part of the relationship that everyone sees. The roots that you share are that special part of the relationship that nobody knows about. Yet, you are your own tree. Creating balance is imperative for a thriving, long-lasting relationship. There is just a small part of your tree that shares branches with the other. That is because other branches on your tree are for other relationships in your life… family, friends, hobbies, work, etc. It is ever so important that you always keep in mind of what is keeping you rooted. Did you know that the root system is typically twice the diameter of the width of branches? Even when we are planted, we must be aware of those that can keep us from being us. Sometimes in life we must say “no” to people or things that keep us from being us. This is done by “pruning” our branches. By doing this, it will keep you strong, energetic and centered. Again, never hesitate to take the opportunity to be a better you. Failure to do so will cause you to try to SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Advice from Wedding Planners (Continued from page 182) and to get the final results they want to achieve. Here are some things to keep in mind, straight from the experts: YOUR VERY FIRST STOP: THE WEDDING PLANNER

Hiring the right wedding planner for you is a big deal, so ask away, says Ellen Gutierrez of Bride’s

Vision Weddings and Events. “Don’t assume anything and don’t be afraid to ask anything. Don’t be embarrassed to express a concern, even if it might sound a little out there.” And please don’t commit to any venues or vendors before hiring a planner. “You wouldn’t build a house and then hire an architect,” points out Lacy Branch, owner and chief event stylist of Lacy Branch Events. “We know of more venues

than you are probably aware of, and we know the pros and cons of each.” Also, you may be committing to a venue that doesn’t align with your budget. “It makes it really hard for the planner if you have a budget of $40,000 and you’ve already signed on with a reception venue that costs $30,000,” says Gutierrez. Once you have hired your planner, trust in her and relinquish your control early on. “Your planner is assembling a team of experienced professionals and you can’t second guess them every step of the way,” says Branch. THE BUDGET: SOME HARD TRUTHS

It’s essential to be upfront and honest with your planner right away about what your budget truly is, says Gutierrez. And Branch says there’s no secret to where your money goes: “The

Once you have hired your planner, trust in her and relinquish your control early on. “Your planner is assembling a team of experienced professionals and you can't second guess them every step of the way,” says Branch.

•

guest list is what drives your budget. Some brides may need a reality check—do they want quality or quantity? Often the guest list needs to be cut, or the budget increased. And don’t settle on a venue without knowing your guest count. You may want to add 100 guests, but your venue is not big enough to hold them. Or, you can’t afford a certain venue with the 400 guests you are planning on.” Another rule of the budget: Some things are non-negotiable. Josie Littlepage, owner of Cosmopolitan Events, says, “The cost of a chair is the cost of a chair. Flowers are not negotiable either, but you can choose different flowers to fit your budget.” Littlepage also advises brides not to be surprised by delivery charges. “We’ll tell you about them ahead of time, but sometimes the charges may vary 204

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Advice from Wedding Planners based on the day and time of delivery and additional factors.” Kristin Weis of Kristin Ashley Events agrees that couples need to know that sometimes the price is the price. “It may be offseason, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll get a discount,” says Weis. “After all, most of your popular wedding floral is not in season in January.” Be careful about spending too much in one area if you are trying to stick to an overall budget. Gutierrez gives an example: “You may not need favors and menu cards and place cards—that’s all being spent in one place—on the table. You could do one framed menu on the table, so instead of spend $20 per table on menu cards, you are renting one frame for two dollars.”

“The perfect color doesn’t exist and won’t be found for all the things you may want it for,” Littlepage says. “Know that there will be a range of similar colors and that will look just as nice. Find a color palette you love, and go with that. Lighting, indoors and out, can change ‘the perfect color’ anyway.” And as the song goes, you can’t always get what you want. But the wedding planner

can usually get pretty darn close. “Just because you’ve seen it on Pinterest doesn’t mean it can be duplicated to perfection,” Weis says. “When getting inspiration from national websites or blogs, keep in mind where the wedding was held and if the same things are available in your town—especially the rentals.” Also, if you cut and paste all your ideas

MORE OPINIONS IS NOT NECESSARILY BETTER-AND IS DEFINITELY PRICIER

Ellen Gutierrez says some brides want to bring their future in-laws to the dinner tasting. Usually tastings are for four people and adding any more is an additional cost to you. Besides costing you more, you may get more feedback than you bargained for. “You’ll be bringing two more opinions to the table, and you may not like what they have to say,” Gutierrez says. “Then you’re between a rock and a hard place.” Also, think seriously before you ask someone to be a bridesmaid. “A small wedding party is cheaper—bouquets, gifts and transportation costs add up,” Lacy Branch says. “And every bridesmaid will likely let you know how she feels about the dress, shoes, hair and makeup.” It often leads to more stress for brides. Branch thinks three bridesmaids and groomsmen is ideal. Regarding soliciting opinions, Josie Littlepage says brides really need to trust their own tastes and instincts more. “It’s about what you are attracted to. Details are subjectivethere isn’t a right and a wrong choice or a better choice, just what you genuinely like,” Littlepage says. “Some brides worry too much that something might be tacky, outdated or cliché. But with a good wedding planner and reputable vendors, all the options presented to you will be tasteful and of high quality. Choose what you like best. Your planner and the vendors all are on your team and want the best for you. They want you to be pleased and to possibly recommend them to future clients. They would not lead you astray.” THE PITFALLS OF BEING TOO PARTICULAR

On the other hand, some brides may be so sure of exactly what they want that they won’t entertain the idea of anything else. For instance, don’t obsess over the perfect color. SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • www.bridestl.com

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Advice from Wedding Planners from other weddings, you may miss a chance to have something truly original. “Some wedding planners are great designers as well as being skilled event planners,” says Weiss. “So if you want your wedding to be unique and different, don’t imitate every idea you see on what’s hot and in. We have great resources that can customize and truly make your wedding your own!”

In general, Weis advises brides to stay focused on the big picture, not the tiny details and things that they can’t control. Remember it’s going to be a beautiful day when you marry the love of your life and as Weis says: “Keep your eye on the prize!” FAMILY ISSUES….EVERYONE’S GOT ‘EM

Speaking of things brides can’t control….most

families have some members who don’t get along or could be potentially embarrassing. Littelpage advises brides: “You just have to let those things go. Try not to let it get to you or preoccupy you.” The family dynamic was that way before the wedding and will most likely be that way after. “Inform your planner of potential issues regarding seating and relationships and she will take it from there,” Littlepage says.

Most families have some members who don't get along or could be potentially embarrassing. Littlepage advises brides: “You just have to let those things go. Try not to let it get to you or preoccupy you.” The family dynamic was that way before the wedding and will most likely be that way after.

•

Family dynamics is another thing to be honest and upfront about with your planner right away, says Guiterrez. “Whether it’s about your relationship with your mother, an uncle that tends to get drunk at every gathering, whatever. Your planner can run defense if they know what (and whom) to look out for.” AND FINALLY….BE NICE!

Remember to treat your planner and vendors with respect. If you treat them as hired help, they will give you exactly what you paid for. But if you go out of your way to send a thank-you during the planning process, vendors appreciate it and will give you the above-and-beyond treatment for your big day. “We planners cry at weddings, too,” admits Kristin Weis. “Maybe not every weekend, but if you look closely, we most likely will shed a tear before you walk down the aisle, a beautiful toast written by your significant other or your dance with dad. We still love you even if you give us kind of a hard time.” ♥ 206

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MAKING IT LEGAL

Though procuring a wedding license isn’t quite as complicated as the wedding itself, it helps to know the rules. Here they are: 1 All applicants in Missouri and Illinois must receive a license before the ceremony; Saint Louis Bride recommends a minimum of 24 hours. Blood tests are not required in either state. 2 A Missouri license is valid for thirty days from its effective date; an Illinois license for sixty days. 3 Both bride and groom must apply in person. In Missouri, you may apply for a license at any office provided the wedding is to take place within the state. In Illinois, you must apply for and receive a license from the county in which the ceremony will take place.

City of St. Louis City Hall, 1200 Market Street, Room 127 Hours: 8a.m.-5p.m. Mon.-Fri. ID: State ID/driver's license, proof of social security number if absent from license Phone: 314-622-3257 Fee: $48 (cash only)

©Mn studio/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

St. Louis County St. Louis County Government Center 41 S. Central Avenue (4th floor), Clayton Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 8a.m.-5p.m.; Tues. and Thu. 8a.m.-6p.m. ID: State ID/driver's license, proof of social security number; if under 18, must be accompanied by custodial parent/legal guardian with guardianship papers ($1.00 fee), must present certified copy of birth certificate Phone: 314-615-7180 Fee: $45 (cash only) Franklin County Government Center 400 E. Locust, Room 102 (Union) Hours: 8a.m.- 4:30p.m. Mon.-Fri. ID: proof of social security number Phone: 636-583-6367 Fee: $46 (cash only) St. Charles County St. Charles County Admin. Building 201 N. 2nd Street, Room 338 Hours: 8a.m.-5p.m. Mon.-Fri.

ID: driver's license, proof of social security number if absent from license; if 15-17, must be accompanied by custodial parent ($1.00 fee), 18 and under must present certificate of birth as well Phone: 636-949-7505 Fee: $48 (cash only) Jefferson County Jefferson County Administration Center, Room 126, Maple Street (Hillsboro) Hours: 8a.m.-5p.m. Mon.-Fri. ID: driver's license Phone: 636-797-5415 Fee: $51 (cash only) St. Clair County Illinois, County Clerk's Office 10 Public Square (Belleville) Hours: 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 8:30a.m.12:00p.m. Sat. ID: two valid forms of ID (i.e. driver's license, social security card) Phone: 618-277-6600 x2388 Fee: $32 (cash, money order or local check) Madison County Illinois, Administration Building 157 N. Main Street, Suite 109 (Edwardsville) Hours: 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Mon.-Fri. ID: State ID, driver's license Phone: 618-692-6290 Fee: $30 (cash only) ♥

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CEREMONY sites

RECEPTION SITE AVAILABLE

MAXIMUM CAPACITY

OUTDOOR AREA

BRIDAL SUITE ON SITE

ON SITE OFFICIANT AVAILABLE

ALLOW CHOICE OF OFFICIANT

ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR SEATING

AUDIO SERVICE CHARGE

Whether your ceremony is upscale and elegant or informal and fun, you’ll find the perfect venue in our list below.

Barnett on Washington, 800-844-GO-BARNETT, (Ad on page 47) 3207 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103 www.barnettonwashington.com

180

Busch Stadium 314-345-9630, (Ad on page 59) 700 Clark Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 www.cardinals.com/events

1000

Carondelet Park Boathouse 314-289-5300 3900 Holly Hills Drive, St. Louis, MO 63116 www.stlouis-mo.gov

250

Carriage House at DeMenil 314-771-5828, (Ad on page 209) 3352 DeMenil Place, St. Louis, MO 63118 www.demenilweddings.com

140

n/a

The Conservatory 636-947-0414 1001 South Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 www.gardenwedding.com

100

Ethical Society of St. Louis 314-991-0955 9001 Clayton Road, St. Louis, 63117 www.ethicalstl.org

400

Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center 636-398-5214, (Ad on page 209) 1868 Hwy F, Defiance, MO 63341 www.danielboonehome.com

100

Historic Sappington House & Barn Restaurant 314-822-8171 1015 S. Sappington, St. Louis, MO 63126 www.sappingtonhouse.org

350

Jewel Box in Forest Park 314-531-0080 Intersection of Wells Dr. & McKinley Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110 www.stlouis-mo.gov

250

The Music Stand at Tower Grove Park 314-771-4410 4256 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 www.towergrovepark.org

200

n/a

Old Barn Inn at The Gardens at Malmaison 636-458-0131, (Ad on page 14) 3519 St. Albans Road, St. Albans, MO 63073 www.gardensmalmaison.com

600

Old Courthouse, 314-655-1600 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 www.nps.gov/jeff/planyourvisit/permits

120

n/a

Old Post Office Plaza at Magnolia Hotel, 314-436-9000, (Ad on page 213) 421 North 8th Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 www.magnoliahotels.com

250

Patty Long Catering’s 9th Street Abbey, 314-621-9598, (Ad on page 109) 1808 South 9th Street, Historic Soulard, MO 63104 www. pattylongcatering.com

210

Piper Palm House, 314-771-4465, (Ad on page 231) 4256 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 www.palmhousestl.org Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, 636-530-0076, (Ad on page 202) 15193 Olive Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63017 www.butterflyhouse.org/weddings

225

n/a

150

St. Louis County Parks, 314-615-8820 Multiple Locations www/stlouisco.com/parksandrecreation

varies

Vance Vineyards & Winery, 573-783-8800, (Ad on page 215) 1522 Madison 222, Fredericktown, MO 63645 www.vancevineyards.com

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varies varies Y

500

(from left) ©joel marion photography; courtesy Old Barn Inn at Gardens at Malmaison; ©kelly park photography

18 of our favorite ceremony venues

—A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION—

Ceremony Sites

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reception sites

108 of our favorite reception venues

years sburgh

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Aerieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Terrace, 618-786-8439, (Ad on page 229) 800 Timber Ridge Dr., Grafton, IL 62037 www.aerieswinery.com

700

350

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa 636-940-4300, (Ad on page 41) One Ameristar Boulevard, St. Charles, 63301 www.ameristar.com

1450

640

Avalon Hall at Overlook Farm, 573-242-3838, (Ad on page 236) 901 South Hwy. 79, Clarksville, MO 63336 www.overlookfarmmo.com

500

400

Barnett on Washington, 800-844-GO-BARNETT, (Ad on page 47) 3207 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103 www.barnettonwashington.com

365

200

call

Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Post 636-536-9404, (Ad on page 239) 16125 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, MO 63017 www.bishopspost.com

250

100

Bogey Hills Country Club 636-946-6250, (Ad on page 97) 1120 Country Club Road, St. Charles, MO 63303 www.bogeyhillscc.com

400

350

Boo Cat Club, 314-224-5521, (Ad on page 206) 812 Union Blvd., St. Louis, 63108 www.boocatclub.com

400

350

Busch Stadium 314-345-9630, (Ad on page 59) 700 Clark Street, 63102 www.cardinals.com/events Butterfly House 636-530-0076 (Ad on page 202) 15193 Olive Boulevard, 63017 www.butterflyhouse.org

2000 1200

200

150

call

The Caramel Room, 314-615-2480, (Ad on page 101) 1600 North Broadway, 63102

500

325

Carondelet Park Boathouse 314-289-5344 Loughborough and Field, 63116

call

n/a

Carriage House at DeMenil, 314-771-5828, (Ad on page 209) 3352 DeMenil Place, 63118 www.demenilweddings.com

200

170

Cedar Creek, 855-778-7222, (Ad on page 71) 1401 Olive Road, New Haven, MO 63068 www.visitcedarcreek.com

1000

600

Cedar Lake Cellars, 636-745-9500, (Ad on page 135) 11008 Schreckengast Road, Wright City, MO 63390 www.cedarlakecellars.com

500

250

Ces & Judyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LeChateau 314-991-6700 (Ad on page 195) 10405 Clayton Road, St. Louis, 63131 www.cesandjudys.com

400

250

Chandler Hill Vineyards, 636-798-2675, (Ad on page 127) 596 Defiance Road, Defiance, MO 63341 www.chandlerhillvineyards.com

350

275

Charles F. Knight Center, Washington University St. Louis 314-933-9400 (Ad on page 178) One Brookings Drive, 63130 www.olin.wustl.edu/knightcenter

300

200

call

Chase Park Plaza 314-633-3000, (Ad on page 19) 212 Kingshighway, 63108 www.chaseparkplaza.com

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CEREMONY SITE

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ROOM CHARGE

CAKE CUTTING CHARGE

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

City Cottage on Chouteau 314-961-7588, (Ad on page 24) (Catering St. Louis) 3800 Chouteau, 63110 www.cateringstlouis.com The Coronado Ballroom & Meeting Facility 314-367-4848 3701 Lindell Blvd., 63108 www.thecoronado.com

150

110

600

350

Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport 314-291-6700, (Ad on page 205) 11228 Lone Eagle Drive, Bridgeton, 63044 www.crowneplaza.com

400

350

call

Crowne Plaza St. Louis Downtown Hotel 314-436-8051, (Ad on page 190) 200 N. 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 www.crowneplaza.com/stlouisdt

350

call

Cultural Center, 314-795-2066, (Ad on page 227) St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – 12550 South Forty Drive, 63141 www.sngoc.org

550

500

DoubleTree by Hilton Collinsville/St. Louis 618-345-2800, (Ad on page 214) 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, 62234 www.doubletreecollinsville.com

800

450

call

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center St. Louis 636-532-5000, (Ad on page 184) 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, 63017 www.doubletreechesterfield.com

800

450

DoubleTree Westport Hotel 314-212-2110 1973 Craigshire, 63146 www.doubletreewestport.com

1000

450

Drury Inn & Suites Forest Park 314-646-0770, (Ad on page 77) (Catering by Bartolino's Osteria) 2111 Sulphur Avenue www.druryhotels.com/content/weddings.aspx

300

220

The Edge of Webster, 314-962-6886, (Ad on page 232) 359 Marshall Avenue, 63119 www.theedgeofwebster.com The Falls Reception & Conference Center 888-538-3354, (Ad on page 110) 300 Admiral Wienel Pkwy., Columbia, IL 62239 www.seethefalls.com

250

200

1200

600

Flamingo Bowl, 314-436-6666, (Ad on page 247) 1117 Washington Avenue, 63101 www.flamingobowl.com

300

150

Forest Park Visitor’s Center 314-961-7588 ext. 221, (Ad on page 24) (Catering St. Louis) 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park, 63112 www.cateringstlouis.com

350

230

Four Points by Sheraton 618-622-9500, (Ad on page 214) 319 Fountains Pkwy., Fairview Heights, IL, 62208 www.fourpointstlouis.com

1,000

500

Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, 314-881-2031, (Ad on page 33) 999 North Second Street, 63102 www.fourseasons.com/stlouis/weddings

500

380

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CEREMONY SITE

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OVERNIGHT GUESTS

The Franklin Room, 314-664-7706, (Ad on page 230) 816 Allen Avenue, 63104 www.thefranklinroom.net

300

The Gardens at Malmaison 636-458-0313, (Ad on page 119) 3519 St. Albans Road, St. Albans, 63073 www.gardensmalmaison.com

call

246

Grand Hall on Chouteau 314-427-6771 (Ad on page 238) (Russo’s Catering) 2319 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103 www.russosgourmet.com

550

450

Graphic Arts, 314-427-6771 (Ad on page 238) (Russo’s Catering) 105 Progress Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63043 www.russosgourmet.com

300

230

ask

Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 314-421-1776, (Ad on page 212) 1 South Broadway, 63102 www.hiltonstlouis.com

900

650

Hilton St. Louis Frontenac 314-993-1100, (Ad on page 215) 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd, 63131 www.stlouisfrontenac.hilton.com

1000

500

Holiday Inn South County Center, 314-892-3600, (Ad on page 145) 6921 South Lindbergh Boulevard, 63125 www.holidayinn.com Holiday Inn Route 66, 314-821-6600 (Ad on page 65) 10709 Watson Road, 63127 www.holidayinn.com

500

325

600

400

Hotel Lumiere, 314-881-7800, (Ad on page 115) 999 N. Secound Street, 63102 www.lumiereplace.com

425

350

tbd

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 314-342-4655 (Ad on page 43) 4th & Chestnut, 63102 www.stlouisarch.hyatt.com

3500 2000

call

Jim Edmonds Space 15, 314-588-8899, (Ad on page 248) 1900 Locust Street, St. Louis, 63103 www.15stl.com

250

180

Kemoll’s Restaurant 314-421-0555, (Ad on page 91) 40th Floor, Metropolitan Square, 211 N. Broadway, 63102 www.kemolls.com

350

200

Kuhs Farm 314-226-0709 13061 Spanish Pond Rd., Spanish Lake 63138 www.kuhsfarm.com

10,000 900

Laumeier Sculpture Park, 314-615-5278, (Ad on page 233) 12580 Rott Road, 63127 www.laumeier.org

call

250

call

Lemp Mansion Restaurant 314-664-8024, (Ad on page 251) 3322 Demenil Place, St. Louis, 63118 www.lempmansion.com

260

reception sites

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CAPACITY SEATED

OUTDOOR PARTY AREA

ON SITE CATERING

ALLOW CHOICE OF CATERER

ROOM CHARGE

CAKE CUTTING CHARGE

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

Lodge at Grant’s Trail 314-638-3340, (Ad on page 186) 4398 Hoffmeister, 63125 www.lodgeatgrantstrail.com

125

Lumen Private Event Space, 314-241-5757, (Ad on page 131) Y 600 2201 Locust, 63103 www.lumenstl.com Magnolia Hotel, 314-387-1385, (Ad on page 213) Y 500 421 N. 8th Street, St. Louis, 63101 www.magnoliahotels.com

300

Mandarin House Banquet Hall, 314-427-8070, (Ad on page 234) 8004 Olive Blvd., University City, MO 63130 www.stlouismandarinhouse.com

500

400

Marcel’s Restaurant and Bar Event Space, 314-241-1576, (Ad on page 198) 720 North First Street, 63102 www.marcels-restaurant.com

498

Missouri Bluffs Golf Club 636-939-6494 #18 Research Park Circle, St. Charles 63304 www.mobluffs.com

200

150

Missouri Botanical Garden 314-577-0200, (Ad on page 24) (Catering St. Louis 961-7588 x221) 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110 www.cateringstlouis.com

350

200

Missouri History Museum 314-454-3121, (Ad on page 228) (Butler's Pantry Catering) 5656 Lindell, 63112 www.butlerspantry.com

1500

300

Moonrise Hotel 314-721-1111, (Ad on page 125) 6177 Delmar Blvd., 63112 www.moonrisehotel.com

200

Nat’l Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows 314-241-3400, (Ad on page 199) 442 S. De Mazenod Dr., Belleville, IL, 62223 www.snows.org

600

400

Neo on Locust, 314-570-9218 (Ad on page 141) 2801 Locust Avenue, 63103 www.neostl.com

1000 600+

n/a

Noboleis Vineyards 636-482-4500 100 Hemsath Rd., Augusta, MO 63332 www.noboleisvineyards.com

200

ask

Old Barn Inn at The Gardens at Malmaison, 636-458-0131, (Ad on page 14) 3519 St. Albans Road, St. Albans, MO 63073 www.gardensmalmaison.com

600

250

Old Hickory Golf Club 636-477-8960, (Ad on page 21) #1 Dye Club Drive, St. Peters, 63304 www.oldhickorygc.com

650

550

ask

Old Post Office (Desco Group), 314-436-0101, (Ad on page 237) 815 Olive Street, Suite 19, 63101 www.oldpostofficestl.com

500

250

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CAPACITY SEATED

OUTDOOR PARTY AREA

ON SITE CATERING

ALLOW CHOICE OF CATERER

ROOM CHARGE

CAKE CUTTING CHARGE

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

Oliva on the Hill 314-961-7588 x221 (Ad on page 24) 4915 Daggett, 63110 www.cateringstlouis.com

150

100

Orlando’s Event & Conference Centers, 314-638-6660, (Ad on page 186) 4300 Hoffmeister, 63125 www.orlandogardens.com

1000

900

Orlando’s Event & Conference Centers, 314-453-9000 (Ad on page 186) 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 www.orlandogardens.com

900

600

Overlook Farm, 573-242-3838, (Ad on page 236) 901 S. Hwy. 79, Clarksville 63336 www.overlookfarmmo.com

300

250

Palladium Saint Louis 314-799-8886, (Ad on page 234) 1400 Park Place, 63104 www.palladium-stl.com

700

400

Patty Long Catering’s Beyond Broadway 314-621-9598, (Ad on page 109) 112 Sidney, Soulard, 63104 www.pattylongcatering.com

499

350

Patty Long Catering’s 9th Street Abbey, 314-621-9598, (Ad on page 109) 1808 S. 9th St., Soulard, 63104 www.pattylongcatering.com

350

210

Patty Long Catering’s 9th Street Loft, 314-621-9598, (Ad on page 109) 1808 S. 9th St., Soulard, 63104 www.pattylongcatering.com

100

Peabody Opera House, 314-622-2500 (Ad on page 117) 1400 Market Street, 63101 www.peabodyoperahouse.com

375

Pear Tree Inn Union Station 314-241-3200 x7077, (Ad on page 77) 2211 Market Street, 63103 www.druryhotels.com/content/weddings.aspx

500

300

call

Pevely Farms Golf Club 636-938-7000 400 Lewis Road, Eureka 63025 www.pevelyfarms.com

250

150

The Piper Palm House 314-771-4410, (Ad on page 231) Y 275 (Butler’s Pantry Catering) 4256 Magnolia, 63110 www.butlerspantry.com

150

The Promenade by Westin, 314-552-5712 (Ad on page 92) 811 Spruce Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 www.westin.com/thepromenade

500

275

Renaissance Grand and Suites Hotel 314-418-5820, (Ad on page 27) 800 Washinton Avenue, Downtown www.renaissancegrandweddings.com

2000 1500

call

The Ritz Carlton, St. Louis 314-863-6300, (Ad on page 17) 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105 www.ritzcarlton.com

1000

call

reception sites

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800

CEREMONY SITE

CAPACITY STANDING

CAPACITY SEATED

OUTDOOR PARTY AREA

ON SITE CATERING

ALLOW CHOICE OF CATERER

ROOM CHARGE

CAKE CUTTING CHARGE

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

River City Event Center and Casino, 314-881-7800 (Ad on page 139) 777 River City Casino Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63125

1400

800

call

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, 314-259-3200 315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63102 www.ruthschrisstlouis.com

100

Saint Louis Art Museum 314-655-5387, (Ad on page 51) One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110 www.slam.org

400

300

Saint Louis Science Center 314-289-1410, (Ad on page 121) 5050 Oakland Avenue, 63110 www.slsc.org

1000

600

call

Saint Louis Zoo, 314-646-4855, (Ad on page 23) One Government Drive, Forest Park www.stlzoo.org

unltd.

500

Sappington House Complex - The Barn Restaurant 314-822-8171 (House); 314-966-8387 (Barn) 1015 S. Sappington Road, St. Louis, 63126 www.sappingtonhouse.org

350

275

The Sheldon Concert Hall & Ballroom 314-533-9900, (Ad on page 238) 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108 www.sheldoncancerthall.org

700

500

call

Sheraton Westport Lakeside Chalet 314-878-1500, (Ad on page 107) 191 Westport Plaza, 63146 www.sheratonwestport.com

1000

500

Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel 314-878-1500, (Ad on page 107) 900 Westport Plaza, 63146 www.sheratonwestport.com

500

250

Shrewsbury Ballroom and Banquet Center 314-647-1003 5200 Shrewsbury Avenue, Shrewsbury, 63119 www.cityofshrewsbury.com

300

240

Silver Oaks Chateau, 314-238-6567, (Ad on page 129) 1168 State Hwy 100, Wildwood, MO 63069 www.silveroakschateau.com

300

call

Soulard Preservation Hall, 314-961-7588, (Ad on page 24) 1921 South 9th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104 www.cateringstlouis.com

250

150

Spazio Westport 314-576-0400, (Ad on page 249) (Russo’s Catering) 12031 Lackland Road, 63146 www.spaziowestport.com

350

300

call

St. Louis Artists’ Guild 314-961-7588 x221, (Ad on page 24) (Catering St. Louis) Two Oak Knoll Park, 63105 www.cateringstlouis.com

150

110

St. Louis Union Station Hotel 314-621-5262, (Ad on page 201) 1820 Market Street, 63103 www.stlunionstationhotel.com

500

call

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ON SITE CATERING

ALLOW CHOICE OF CATERER

ROOM CHARGE

CAKE CUTTING CHARGE

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

600

340

call

240

140

Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards 636-987-2400, (Ad on page 147) 125 Boone Country Lane, Defiance, MO 63341 www.sugarcreekwines.com

300

250

Tapawingo Golf Club, 636-575-4044 13001 Gary Player Drive, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 www.tapawingogolf.com

300

200

Third Degree Glass Factory, 314-367-4527 (Ad on page 220) 5200 Delmar Blvd., 63108 www.stlglass.com

500+

225

Three Barn Farm, 314-961-7588 x221 (Ad on page 24) 20955 Highway W, Clarksville, MO 63336 www.cateringstlouis.com

200

call

Top of the Met 314-421-0555, (Ad on page 91) (Catering by Kemoll's) One Metropolitan Square, 42nd Floor, 63102 www.kemolls.com

600

400

Upstairs at the Cheshire, 314-932-7857, (Ad on page 196) 7036 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63117 www.upstairs-stl.com

225

170

Vance Vineyards & Winery, 573-915-1156, (Ad on page 215) 1522 Madison 212, Fredericktown, MO 63645 www.vancevineyards.com

call

Villa Antonio Winery 636-475-5008, (Ad on page 4) 3662 Linhurst Road, Hillsboro, MO 63050 www.villaantoniowinery.com

300

Villa Marie Winery & Banquet Center, 618-345-3100, (Ad on back cover) 6633 E. Main Street, Maryville, IL 62062 www.villamariewinery.com

450

375

The Westin St. Louis 314-621-2000, (Ad on page 92) 811 Spruce St., 63102 www.westin.com/stlouiswedding

500

275

Wild Flower Restaurant & Catering, (Ad on page 216) 4590 Laclede Avenue, 63108 www.wildflowerstl.com

150

130

Windows On Washington 314-241-5555, (Ad on page 99) 1601 Washington Ave., 63103 www.wowbanquets.com

500

350

Xavier Grand Ballroom 314-427-6771, (Ad on page 238) (Russo's Catering) 3628 Lindell Blvd., 63108 www.russosgourmet.com

400

330

reception sites Starlight Roof at the Chase 314-367-1700, (Ad on page 19) 212 North Kingshighway, 63108 www.chaseparkplaza.com The Studio Inn 636-458-0131, (Ad on page 119) 454 Studio Road, St. Albans, 63073 www.studioinnstalbans.com

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12/4/14 10:00:20 PM

ESSENTIALGUIDE A list of local businesses to make planning your wedding in the St. Louis metropolitan area easier

Elena Slavin & Alex Sarver May 31, 2014

Accomodations Alterations Bachelorette Parties Beauty & Health Bridal Gowns & Salons Bridal Shows Cakes & Confections Calligraphers Caterers Ceremony Sites Consultants/Event Planners Dance Instructors Decorations

218

220 221 221 221 221 222 222 222 222 208 223 223 224

Destination Weddings Favors Financial Planner/Realtors Florists Formalwear Foundations & Lingerie Gifts Gown Preservation Honeymoons Ice Sculptures Invitations/Stationers Jewelry Lighting & Décor

224 224 224 224 225 225 225 226 226 226 226 226 226

Mother of the Bride Music & Entertainment Officiants Online Planning Photo Booths Photographers Reception Sites Registry Rehearsal Dinner Sites Rentals Special Touches Transportation Videographers

226 227 228 228 228 229 230 230 231 235 236 237 237

Photographed by Abbie Takes Pictures

CONTENTS

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SPRING 2015 trunk show calendar It’s not a fashion show. It’s not for every bride. But it may be where you find the dress of your dreams.

Photographed by Abbie Takes Pictures

✦ Simply Elegant Bridal 314.241.8201 Enaura Bridal Couture, January 2-10 Olia Zavozina, January 16 & 17 Space is limited call or email to book your appointment. Enzoani, January 23 & 24 Badgley Mischka Collection, February 20-22 Meg Jewelry, Meet the designer, March 6 & 7

✦ Fleur de lis bridal boutique 314.721.2457 Homa Bridal, January 16-25 Modern Trousseau, January 23-25 Amy Kuschel, February 6-8 Rivini, February 20-22 Judd Waddell, March 6-8

Please visit bridestl.com for a current list of trunk show dates.

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ACCOMMODATIONS CHARLES F. KNIGHT CENTER Washington University One Brookings Drive 314.933.9400 www.olin.wustl.edu/knightcenter THE CHESHIRE SAINT LOUIS 6300 Clayton Road 314-647-7300 www.cheshirestl.com CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL ST. LOUIS AIRPORT 11228 Lone Eagle Dr. 314-291-6700 www.cphotelstlouis.com CROWNE PLAZA DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS 200 North Fourth Street 314-436-8051 www.crowneplaza.com/stlouisdt DOUBLETREE BY HILTON 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield 636-532-5000 www.doubletree3.hilton.com DOUBLETREE BY HILTON 1000 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville 618-345-2800 www.doubletree.hilton.com/collinsville DOUBLETREE BY HILTON 1973 CraigshireRoad, Westport 314-434-0100 www.doubletreewestport.com DRURY INN & SUITES brentwood 8700 Eager Road 866-377-2034 www.druryhotels.com DRURY INN & SUITES I-44 and Hampton Avenue 866-377-2034 www.druryhotels.com DRURY PLAZA CHESTERFIELD 355 Chesterfield Center East 866-377-2034 www.druryhotels.com DRURY PLAZA HOTEL-AT THE ARCH 2 South 4th Street - Downtown 866-377-2034 www.druryhotels.com FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON 319 Fountains Parkway Fairview Heights Il 618-622-9500 www.fourpointstlouis.com

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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAINT LOUIS 999 North Second Street, 63102 314-881-5800 www.fourseasons.com/stlouis HILTON ST. LOUIS AT THE BALLPARK One South Broadway 314-421-1776 www.hiltonstlouis.com HOLIDAY INN ROUTE 66 10709 Watson Road 314-821-6600 www.hiroute66.com HOLIDAY INN SOUTH COUNTY CENTER 6921 South Lindbergh Blvd 314-892-3600 www.holidayinn.com HYATT REGENCY ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH 315 Chestnut, Downtown 314-655-1234 www.stlouisarch.hyatt.com LODGE AT GRANT'S TRAIL 4398 Hoffmeister Ave., Lemay 314-638-3340 www.lodgeatgrantstrail.com MAGNOLIA HOTEL 421 North 8th Street 314-436-9000 www.magnoliahotels.com MOONRISE HOTEL 6177 Delmar Blvd. 314-721-1111 www.moonrisehotel.com PEAR TREE INN UNION STATION 2211 Market Street, Downtown 866-377-2024 www.druryhotels.cm THE RITZ-CARLTON, ST. LOUIS 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton 314-863-6300 www.ritzcarlton.com SEVEN GABLES INN 26 N. Meramec 314-863-8400 www.sevengablesinn.com SHERATON WESTPORT PLAZA & LAKESIDE CHALET 314-878-1500 www.sheratonwestport.com ST. LOUIS UNION STATION HOTEL 1820 Market Street 314-621-5262 www.stlunionstationhotel.com

WESTIN ST. LOUIS 811 Spruce Street, Downtown 314-621-2000 www.westin.com

The Medspa & Salon by mary Cates 16216 Baxter Rd, Suite 300 - Chesterfield 636-203-7711 www.marycatessalon.com/weddings

ALTERATIONS

BRIDAL GOWNS & SALONS

MONTELEONE'S FINE TAILORING 10285 Clayton Road 314-991-1933

BELLA BRIDESMAIDS 13428 Clayton Road 314-205-1191 www.bellabridesmaids.com

BACHELORETTE PARTIES/ BRIDAL SHOWERS

BERRYBRIDGE 9904 Clayton Road, Suite A - Ladue 314-997-1439 www.berrybridgebridal.com

BIG DADDY'S 118 Morgan Street 314-621-6700 www.bigdaddystl.com CHARLES P. STANLEY CIGAR CO. 1000 Washington Ave. 314-436-3500 www.stanleycigarco.com FLAMINGO BOWL 1117 Washington Avenue, Downtown 314-436-6666 www.flamingobowl.com howl at the moon 601 Clark Avenue, Ballpark Village 314-736-4695 www.howlatthemoon.com Jive & wail 621 Westport Plaza 314-781-7000 www.jiveandwail.com

BEAUTY & HEALTH IT WORKS! Beth Barr - 314.265.2126 www.inspiretoskinnywrap.myitworks.com LOOKS BY LISA 314-229-1964 www.looksbylisa.com MANE ATTRACTION HAIR STUDIO BOUTIQUE & SPA 618-344-3778 www.maneattractionhairstudio.com Mary Cates Salon 1354 Clarkson Clayton Center - Ellisville 636-527-2566 11772 Olive Blvd. - Creve Coeur 314-692-9966 www.marycatessalon.com/weddings

BRIDES by DEmetrios 19 The Boulevard 314-721-7400 www.demetriosbride.com FLEUR DE LIS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 8109 Maryland Avenue, Clayton 314-721-2457 www.fleurdelisbridal.com FREW'S BRIDAL SALON 305 Piasa St. Alton, IL 877-274-3321 www.bestbridalprices.com mia grace BRIDAL 108 Chesterfield Towne Center, Chesterfield www.miagracebridal.com SIMPLY ELEGANT BRIDAL 1004 Olive Street, Downtown 314-241-8201 www.simplyelegantbridalstl.com TOWN AND COUNTRY BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 8809 Ladue Road 314-863-7200 www.townandcountrybride.com THE ULTIMATE BRIDE 1115 S. Big Bend Blvd. 314-961-9997 www.theultimatebride.com

S aint L ouis B ride

Quick Tip:

NAIL POLISH Nails should never compete with your dress or ring. A natural beige or French manicure are perfect choices. If you want color, put it on your tootsies!

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BRIDAL SHOWS WEDDING CONNECTION Sunday, January 11, 2015, 1-4:30pm Chase Park Plaza 314-588-8313 for advanced reservations www.bridestl.com BUSCH STADIUM BOUTIQUE BRIDAL EVENT Sunday, February 8, 2015, 12:30-4pm Register at Cardinals.com/events Wedding vendors show Sunday, January 4, 2015, 12:00-3pm Caseyville Community Center 909 South Main Street (RT 157) Free Admission

CAKES & CONFECTIONS

SARAH'S CAKE SHOP 10 Clarkson Wilson Centre, Chesterfield 636-728-1140 www.sarahscakeshopstl.com SUGAREE BAKING CO. 1242 Tamm Ave 314-645-5496 www.sugareebaking.com THE SWEET DIVINE 1801 S. 9th Street, Soulard 636-942-2900 www.thesweetdivine.com WEDDING WONDERLAND 449 Dunn Road 314.837.5015 www.weddingwonderlandcakes.com

Also see SPECIAL TOUCHES

CALLIGRAPHERS

ARTISTRY ON CAKES 618-355-0000 www.artistryoncakes.com

CALLIGRAPHICS 636-441-7225 www.calligraphics.info

THE CAKERY 1420 Tamm Ave. 314-647-6000 www.thecakerybakery.net COLD STONE CREAMERY 3228 Green Mount Crossing Drive, Shiloh, IL 2100 Troy Road, Suite 101, Edwardsville, IL #7 Ronnieís Plaza, St. Louis 618-567-6000 www.coldstone-rockymountaincatering.com THE CUP 1590 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield 636-536-2287 28 Maryland Plaza, Central West End 314-367-6111 1057 Century Drive, Edwardsville, IL 618-656-2287 www.cravethecup.com ENCORE BAKING COMPANY 2730 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood 314-832-4303 www.encorebaking.com LUBELEY'S BAKERY & DELI, INC. 7815 Watson Rd., Shrewsbury 314-961-7160 www.lubeleysbakery.com

CATERERS Also see REHEARSAL DINNER on page 231 and the RECEPTION SITES grid on page 210. Please note that many of the restaurants listed here may also be able to help you with small, intimate wedding receptions. BUTLER'S PANTRY 314-664-7680 www.butlerspantry.com Companion bakehouse 4555 Gustine Avenue 314-537-2285 www.companionstl.com

Sa i n t Lo u i s B r i d e

Quick Tip: HIRING A CATERER Many caterers are often booked twelve months in advance. Try to book yours once you've

Nadoz euro bakery & café #12 The Boulevard - Brentwood 314-726-3100 17089 N. Outer Forty Road - Taubman Prestige Outlets 636-536-4100 www.nadozcafe.com

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pinpointed a date. Remember, some reception sites may have a preferred vendor list for you to choose your caterer from.

CATERING ST. LOUIS 314-961-7588 x221 www.cateringstlouis.com CES & JUDY’S CATERING 314-991-6700 www.cesandjudys.com HOLLYBERRY CATERING 284 East Avenue 314-968-9239 www.hollyberrycatering.com Nadoz bakery café & catering #12 The Boulevard - Brentwood 314-726-3100 www.nadozcafe.com/catering/ ORLANDO'S CATERING 4300 Hoffmeister 8352 Watson Road 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza 314-638-6660 www.orlandogardens.com THE PASTA HOUSE COMPANY CATERING 2200 59th Street 314-644-1400 www.thepastahouse.com/catering/ PATTY LONG CATERING 1808 S. Ninth, Soulard 314-621-9598 www.pattylongcatering.com ROY-EL CATERING 8000 Concordia Church Rd., Belleville 618-476-7722 www.royel.com RUSSO'S CATERING 9904 Page Avenue 314-427-6771 www.russosgroumet.com STEVEN BECKER FINE DINING 314-367-6050 www.stevenbeckerfd.com VILLA FAROTTO 636-519-0048 www.villafarotto.com WILD FLOWER RESTAURANT & CATERING Laclede Avenue ñ Central West End 314-361-8282 www.wildflowerstl.com

CONSULTANTS & EVENT PLANNERS ABSOLUTELY IN 314-315-1775 www.absolutelyin.com ALRED WEDDING CONSULTANTS, INC. 636-922-4778 www.alredweddingconsultants.com BEFORE I DO 314-640-2123 www.beforeidostl.com BRIDE'S VISION WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 314-580-2381 www.bridesvision.com CAROLYN BURKE - WEDDING LIASION 314-821-4844 www.weddingliaison.com COSMOPOLITAN EVENTS 314-249-9107 www.cosmopolitanevents.com KATE & CO. 314-403-2018 www.kateandcollc.com KRISTIN ASHLEY EVENTS 618-946-0936 www.kristinashleyevents.com SIMCHA'S EVENTS 314-458-5463 www.simchasevents.com ST. LOUIS WEDDING CONSULTANTS 636-236-9359 www.stlweddingconsultants.net Style: Altar’d 314-852-1630 www.stylealtard.com Weddings by renee 314-616-4600 www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com

DANCE INSTRUCTION GABRIELLE'S STEP BY STEP DANCE STUDIO 310 E. Main St., Belleville, IL 618-340-1694 www.ballroomdancetoday.com

CEREMONY SITES See CEREMONY SITES listings on page 208.

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DECORATIONS An affair to remember 387 N. Euclid Avenue 314-669-6374 www.affair-remember.com EXCLUSIVE EVENTS 13633 Lakefront Drive, Earth City 314-995-7282 www.exclusiveeventsinc.com Parties and props 2622 Rock Hill Industrial Ct. 314-963-0880 www.partiesandprops.com PARTY CITY 10861 Old Halls Ferry Road, St. Louis 314-867-6850 10790 Sunset Hills Plaza, St. Louis 314-821-8580 9612 Olive Boulevard, Olivette 314-692-0996 34THF Blvd, Chesterfield 636-728-1277 790 Gravois Bluffs Plaza Dr, Fenton 636-717-1155 2560 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis 314-892-2117 15894 Manchester Rd, Ellisville 636-527-7244 2935 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 636-281-0912 10845 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, IL 618-398-6864 www.partycity.com SIGNATURE SETTINGS 314-222-7601 www.signaturesettings.com Table ten Designs 2705 LaSalle Street 314-776-2200

DESTINATION WEDDINGS AMBASSADOR TRAVEL & CRUISES 618-234-1046 www.4ambassadortravel.com GO TRAVEL 636.458.8844 Www.gostravelstl.com TRAVEL HAUS OF ST. LOUIS 11231 Concord Village Ave., 63123 314-842-7313 www.travelhausstlouis.com

FAVORS See CAKES & CONFECTIONS, GIFTS AND STATIONERS

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THE CUP 1590 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield 636-536-2287 28 Maryland Plaza, Central West End 314-367-6111 1057 Century Drive, Edwardsville, IL 618-656-2287 www.cravethecup.com GIFTS 636-458-2439 www.giftsstlouis.com HOLLYBERRY BAKING 284 East Avenue 314-968-9239 www.hollyberrybaking.com POPtions! POPCORN 1580 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 636-812-2385 www.poptionspopcorn.com

FINANCIAL PLANNER/ REALTORS I TAKE THIS HOME 314-677-6120 Facebook.com/itakethishome

FLORISTS An affair to remember 387 N. Euclid Avenue 314-669-6374 www.affair-remember.com ARTISTRY 2734 LaSalle Street, St. Louis 314-772-1301 www.artistryflorist.com BUSE’S FLOWER & GIFT SHOP 333 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles 636-724-0148 www.busesflowershop.com BELLI FIORI FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO 2705 LaSalle Street 314-776-2200 www.bellifioristl.com BOTANICALS DESIGN STUDIO 3014 South Grand Ave 314-772-7674 www.botanicalsdesignstudio.com THE CRIMSON PETAL 314-578-5363 www.thecrimsonpetal.net

Grimm & gorly Florists 324 E. Main Street, Belleville, IL 618-234-4455 203 Edwardsville Road, Troy, IL 618-667-3071 www.grimmandgorly.com LES BOUQUETS 7905 Big Bend (Dale entrance), Webster Groves 314-395-8335 www.lesbouquets.com POPPIES DESIGN STUDIO 314-368-7760 618-281-7091 www.poppiesdesignstudio.com THE REBEL FLORIST 314.962.3232 www.therebelflorist.com SISTERS FLORAL DESIGN STUDIO 314-821-0076 www.sistersflowers.net SCHNUCKS FLORIST & GIFTS 9220 Shortline Drive 314-997-2444 www.schnucks.com/floral WILDFLOWERS 1013 Ohio, St. Louis 314-772-9900 www.wildflowersstl.com

FORMALWEAR Also see BRIDAL GOWNS & SALONS

WILLARD'S FORMAL WEAR 618-632-6200 www.willardsformalwear.com

FOUNDATIONS & LINGERIE ANN'S BRA AND LINGERIE SHOP 13471-75 Olive Street Rd., Chesterfield 314-878-4144 SUGAR MAGNOLIA 33 North Gore Ave., Webster Groves 314-395-9159 www.sugar-magnolia.com

GIFTS, ATTENDANT GIFTS, FAVORS, HOSPITALITY BAGS AND ACCESSORIES Also see BRIDAL REGISTRY, FLORISTS, JEWELERS and STATIONERS THE DESIGNING BLOCK 7735 Clayton Road, Clayton 314-721-4224 www.thedesigningblock.net enchanting embellishments 4732 McPherson 314-361-5300 www.enchantingembellishments.net GIFTS 636-458-2439 www.giftsstlouis.com indie mats 4703 McPherson 800-467-7624 www.indiemats.com

Savile Row 8101 Maryland Avenue - Clayton 314-721-7848 www.savilerowstl.com

Sa i n t L o u i s B r i de SAVVI FORMALWEAR See locations below. www.savviwedding.com Galleria, 314-727-0088 South County, 314-894-2991 Mid Rivers Mall, 636-970-2281 St. Clair Square, 618-632-8415 Alton Square, 618-465-1110 6185 Delmar Blvd., 314-725-2150 West County Center, 314-821-0070 Columbia Mall, 573-445-6602 Chesterfield Mall, 636-532-1800 White Oak Mall, 217-787-8150 STALLONE'S FORMAL WEAR See locations below. www.stallonesformalwear.com Chesterfield, 636-519-7111 Ladue, 314-997-8900 Maryland Heights, 314-576-5900 Sunset Hills, 314-729-0004 OíFallon, 636-272-4799

Quick Tip: EMERGENCY KIT Creating your own emergency kit is easy. You can do it ahead of time and have it ready to tote along. Pack the following items in a pretty cosmetic bag: aspirin, bobby pins and safety pins, oil blotting tissues, deodorant (trial size), hairspray (trial size), nail clipper and emery board, clear nail polish, baby powder (trial size), nylons, band-aids, tampons, sewing kit (buttons, needle & thread), tweezers and brush on super glue.

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INITIALS, INC 314-614-1772 www.myinitials-inc.com/14311 IVY HILL 8335 Ladue Road, Ladue 314-721-7004 www.ivyhillboutique.com M. HALEY DESIGN 314-308-4743 www.mhaleydesign.com POPtions! POPCORN 1580 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 636-812-2385 www.poptionspopcorn.com SIGNATURE SETTINGS 314-222-7601 www.signaturesettings.com THE SILVER LADY 4736 McPherson Avenue 314-367-7587 6364 Delmar Blvd. 314-727-0704 www.thesilver-lady.com

GOWN PRESERVATION West Oak Cleaners 14838 Clayton Rd 636-394-2743 11471 Olive Blvd. 314-567-4180 1736 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield 636-537-3250 12 Four Seasons Shopping, Chesterfield 314-275-2009 2470 Taylor Road, Grover, MO 636-405-0808 www.westoakcleaners.com

HONEYMOONS AMBASSADOR TRAVEL & CRUISES 618.234.1046 Www.4ambassadortravel.com

PAPER PATCH 12009 Manchester Road 314.821.6561 www.paperpatchinvitesyou.com POPPIES DESIGN STUDIO 314-368-7760 618-281-7091 www.poppiesdesignstudio.com THE SERVICE BUREAU 9973 Clayton Road, 63124 314.991.1104 www.stlservicebureau.org TWO BLUE DOORS 75 W. Lockwood, Ste. 203, Webster Groves 314-968-4033 www.twobluedoors.com VELLUM 120 W. Monroe, Kirkwood 314-909-1640 www.velluminc.com

JEWELRY Also see GIFTS ADAm foster fine art jewelry 9 North Central, Clayton 314-771-3390 www.fosterjewelry.com CURT PARKER JEWELERS 10192 Conway Road, Ladue 314-989-9909 www.curtparker.com

RACHEL'S DESIGN 9495 Olive 314-991-0994 www.rachelsdesign.com

GO TRAVEL 636.458.8844 Www.gotravelstl.com TRAVEL HAUS OF ST. LOUIS 11231 Concord Village Ave., 63123 314-842-7313 www.travelhausstlouis.com

SIMONS JEWELERS 8141 Maryland Avenue 314-725-8888 www.simonsjewelers.com

INVITATIONS/STATIONERS

SUTTON LASATER JEWELRY 314-308-5592 www.suttonlasater.com

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LIGHTING & DÉCOR ALOBAR'S INC 716 Hanley Industrial Court 314-781-7600 www.alobars.com EXCLUSIVE EVENTS 13633 Lakefront Drive, Earth City 314-995-7282 www.exclusiveeventsinc.com MILLENNIUM PRODUCTIONS 1334 Strassner Drive, Brentwood 314-918-9335 www.millenniumproductions.com Parties and props 2622 Rock Hill Industrial Ct. 314-963-0880 www.partiesandprops.com Table ten Designs 2705 LaSalle Street 314-776-2200

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE/ SPECIAL OCCASION Also see BRIDAL GOWNS

LADY BUG BEADS 7616 Big Bend Blvd. 314-644-6140 www.ladybugbeads.net

REINIGER JEWELERS 2704 N. Illinois St., Swansea, IL 618-235-1219 911 N. Illinois Route 3, Waterloo, IL 618-939-4367 www.reinigerjewelers.com

M. HALEY DESIGN 636-352-2102 www.mhaleydesign.com

TIMEKEEPERS 17 N. Meramec, Clayton 314-721-4548 9495 Olive, Olivette 314-991-0994 www.timekeepersstl.com www.timekeepersclayton.com

FREW'S BRIDAL SALON 305 Piasa St., Alton, IL 877-274-3321 www.bestbridalprices.com NEIMAN MARCUS Plaza Frontenac 314-567-9811 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Plaza Frontenac 314-567-9200 SIMPLY ELEGANT BRIDAL 1004 Olive Street, Downtown 314-241-8201 www.simplyelegantbridalstl.com THE VAULT 2325 S. Brentwood Blvd. 314-736-6511 www.womensclosetexchange.net WOMEN'S CLOSET EXCHANGE 11575 Gravois Road 314-842-8405 www.womensclosetexchange.net

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MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT COMPLETE MUSIC DISC JOCKEY SERVICE 314-991-5656 www.completestlouis.com DOWNTIME PRODUCTIONS 314-452-2848 www.downtime-productions.com FANTASY 314-452-2848 www.stlfantasyband.com MANHASSET STRINGS 636-537-0405 www.manhassetstrings.com MILLENNIUM PRODUCTIONS 1334 Strassner Drive, Brentwood 314-918-9335 www.millenniumproductions.com MUSIC BOX BAND 314-239-8032 www.musicboxtheband.com NIGHT MAGIC ENTERTAINMENT 1324 Lebanon Ave, Belleville, IL 618-235-5800 or 314-602-5800 www.nightmagicentertainment.com PUSH THE LIMIT 314-452-2848 www.pushthelimitband.com THE ROSEWOOD ENSEMBLE 314-609-0702 www.rosewood-ensemble.com

GIFT SUGGESTIONS We asked wedding planners, married couples, and people who have traveled for weddings to list their favorite items to give and receive. ❏ Handwritten note ❏ Bottle of water ❏ Itinerary ❏ Snacks ❏ Gum ❏ Mints ❏ Map ❏ Where Magazine ❏ Lip Balm ❏ Anything local, such as food or souvenirs

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SLAM 314-452-2848 www.slamstl.com THE SPECTRUM BAND 314-434-7153 www.spectrumband.net TKO DJ'S 314.647.3000 www.tko-djs.com THE X BAND 314-452-2848 www.thexbandstl.com STEEL DRUM FLAVOR 314-485-9541 www.steeldrumflavor.com

OFFICIANTS CAROLYN BURKE - WEDDING LIASION 314-821-4844 www.weddingliaison.com THE MONASTERY 3910 Old Hwy 94 South, Suite 120 St. Charles 636-345-6535 www.themonastery.vpweb.com Ruth Ellen hasser 314-322-0906 www.ruthellenhasser.com

ONLINE PLANNING BRIDAL ELITE www.bridalelite.com SAINT LOUIS BRIDE MAGAZINE www.bridestl.com

PERSONAL SERVICES THE Etiquette factory 314-596-1868 www.theetiquettefactory.com/mrspatterson Runner, llc. 9216 Clayton Road, Ste. 131 314-858-4770 www.runner-stl.com

PHOTOBOOTHS CAPTURE POD 618-580-6536 www.capturepodstl.com

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FISH EYE FUN 314-621-8638 www.fisheyefun.com MCMUSIC PHOTOBOOTH SERVICES 618-604-9671 www.mcmusicdj.com STL BOOTHS 314-400-8485 www.stlbooths.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS ABBIE TAKES PICTURES 314-616-2794 www.AbbieTakesPictures.com CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY 101 East Main Street 618-570-0323 www.conner-photography.com hawes PHOTOGRAPHY 3934 Enright Avenue 314-932-1300 www.aaronhawes.com JOEL MARION PHOTOGRAPHY 636-861-2400 www.joelmarionphoto.com JON KOCH PHOTOGRAPHY 314.497.8308 www.kochphotography.net JUNE HALLOWELL PHOTOGRAPHY 618-667-7771 www.reflectionsbyjune.com KELLY PARK PHOTOGRAPHY 314-570-7413 www.kellyparkphotography.com KURTIS HALL PHOTOGRAPHER 314-323-0811 www.kurtishall.com L PHOTOGRAPHIE 314-265-3786 www.lphotographie.com L'AMORE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY 314.707.3539 www.lamorerose.com MEMORIES ARE FOREVER 314-878-5657 www.memoriesareforever.com NICHE PHOTOGRAPHY 618.772.9959 www.niche-photography.com

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PHOTO ELEGANCE 636.561.4012 www.phelegance.com Strike a pose photography 9901 Gravois Road 314-638-8717 www.strikeaposestl.com Video gate studio 677 N. New Ballas Road 314-994-9018 www.videogatestudio.com White klump photography 132 West Monroe 314-471-8027 www.whiteklumpphotography.com YOUR STORY By Jeremy + Melisa 314.603.7814 www.ysstudios.com

RECEPTION SITES See RECEPTION SITE LISTINGS on Page 210.

REGISTRY CRATE AND BARREL 1 The Boulevard (Brentwood and Galleria Parkway) 314-725-6380 www.crateandbarrel.com DILLARD'S GIFT REGISTRY St. Clair Square 618-632-5000 ext. 5735 www.dillards.com MACY'S Store locations below. 1-800-835-9716 Alton, 618-463-4100 Chesterfield, 636-532-3800 Galleria, 314-726-1810 MidRivers, 636-278-6660 South County, 314-892-0110 St. Clair Square, 618-624-2000 West County Center, 314-966-0017 www.macys.weddingchannel.com POTTERY BARN Plaza Frontenac (Lindbergh and Clayton) 314-996-2630 www.potterybarn.com WILLIAMS SONOMA Plaza Frontenac (Clayton and Lindbergh) 314-567-9211 www.williams-sonoma.com

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REHEARSAL DINNERS, SHOWERS & BRUNCHES Also see RECEPTION SITE GRID on Page 210 and CATERERS beginning on page 222. AERIE'S TERRACE & LODGING 800 Timber Ridge Dr., Grafton, IL 618-786-8439 www.aerieswinery.com anthonino’s taverna 2225 Macklind Avenue - The Hill 314-773-4455 www.anthoninos.com Aya Sofia 6671 Chippewa Street 314-645-9919 www.ayasofiacusine.com ballpark village/budweiser brewhouse 601 Clark Street 314-241-5595 www.stlballparkvillage.com BISHOPS POST RESTAURANT 16125 Chesterfield Pkwy West, Chesterfield 636-536-9404 www.bishopspost.com BIXBY'S AT THE MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM Forest Park 314-454-3151 www.butlerspantry.com BOATHOUSE in FOREST PARK 6101 Government Drive 314-367-2224 www.boathouseforestpark.com BUSCH STADIUM 700 Clark Street 314-345-9630 www.cardinals.com/events

S aint L ouis B ride

Quick Tip: SELECTING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER Most photographers have websites. This is a great way for you to preview their work and get a glimpse of their overall style before you set an appointment to meet them and see their portfolio.

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CAFÉ EAU at the CHASE PARK PLAZA 212 N. Kingshighway, Central West End 314-454-9000 www.chaseparkplaza.com cardinals nation 601 Clark Street 314-345-9880 www.cardinalsnation.com CHANDLER HILL VINEYARDS 596 Defiance Road 636-798-2675 www.chandlerhillvineyards.com CHARLIE GITTO'S ON THE HILL 5226 Shaw Ave. 314-772-8898 www.charliegittos.com CITY COTTAGE ON CHOUTEAU 314-961-7588 www.cateringstlouis.com CYRANO'S CAFÉ 603 E. Lockwood Ave. Webster Grooves 314-963-3232 www.cyranos.com FLAMINGO BOWL 1117 Washington Avenue, Downtown 314-436-6666 www.flamingobowl.com FLEMING'S STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 1855 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 314-567-7610 www.flemingssteakhouse.com Gamlin whiskey house 236 N. Euclid Avenue 314-875-9500 www.gamlinwhiskeyhouse.com THE GARDENS AT MALMAISON 3519 St. Albans Road, St. Albans, MO 636-458-0131 www.gardensmalmaison.com GUIDO'S 5046 Shaw Ave., The Hill 314-771-4900 www.guidosstl.com Hard Rock café 1820 Market Street, Ste 450 314-621-7625 www.hardrock.com/cafés/st-louis HISTORIC SAPPINGTON HOUSE 1015 S Sappington Road, Crestwood 314-822-8171 www.sappingtonhouse.org

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HOLIDAY INN ROUTE 66 10709 Watson Road 314-821-6600 www.holidayinn.com jim edmond’s space 15 1900 Locust Street 314-588-8899 www.15stl.com Jive & wail 621 Westport Plaza 314-781-7000 www.jiveandwail.com JOE BUCK'S/J BUCKS 1000 Clark Ave., Downtown 314-436-0394 101 S. Hanley, Clayton 314-725-4700 www.jbucks.com KEMOLL'S TOP OF THE MET One Metropolitan Plaza 314-421-0555 www.kemolls.com LEMP MANSION 3322 Demenil Place 314-664-8024 www.lempmansion.com THE LODGE AT GRANT'S TRAIL BY ORLANDOS 4398 Hoffmeister 314-638-3340 www.lodgeatgrantstrail.com LUCAS PARK GRILLE & MARKET 1234 Washington Avenue, 63103 314-241-7770 www.lucasparkgrille.com

ARE YOU REGISTERED? As soon as you've set the wedding date, you can begin your bridal registry—experts recommend starting four to six months before the wedding. Start by taking an inventory of what you already have, then create a wish-list of what you need and want. Make an appointment with a bridal registry consultant at a major department store or specialty shop that carries the items on your list. Choose items in a variety of price ranges so your guests can shop within their means.

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MAGGIANO'S #2 The Boulevard St. Louis 314-824-2410 www.maggianos.com MAMA'S ON THE HILL 2132 Edwards 314-776-3100 www.mamasonthehill.com mary ann’s tea room 4732 McPherson 314-361-5300 www.maryannstearoom.com MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION 3015 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood 314-965-6885 x 2 www.transportmuseumassociation.org Nadoz bakery café & catering #12 The Boulevard - Brentwood 314-726-3100 www.nadozcafe.com/catering/ NATHALIE'S 4356 Lindell Blvd 314-533-1580 www.nathaliesstl.com OLD HICKORY GOLF CLUB #1 Dye Club Drive 636-477-8960 www.oldhickorygc.com old orchard gallery 39 S. Old Orchard Avenue 314-961-4433 www.theoldorchardgallery.com OLIVA ON THE HILL 4915 Daggett Street 314-961-7588 www.cateringstlouis.com PAPPY'S SMOKEHOUSE 3106 Olive Street 314-535-4340 www.pappyssmokehouse.com paul mineo’s 333 Westport Plaza 314-809-9870 www.paulmineos.com RIGAZZI'S 4945 Daggett, The Hill 314-772-4900 www.rigazzis.com RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Brentwood & Forsyth ñ Clayton 314-783-9900 Hyatt Riverfront Hotel - Downtown 314-259-3200 www.ruthschrisstlouis.com

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SPAZIO WESTPORT 12031 Lackland Road 314-576-0400 www.spaziowestport.com Sub zero vodka bar 308 N. Euclid Avenue 314-367-1200 www.subzerovodkabar.com STEFANO'S 504 N. 10th Street 314-241-7722 www.stefanos10thst.com UPSTAIRS AT THE CHESHIRE 6300 Clayton Road 314-932-7818 www.upstairs-stl.com VILLA FAROTTO 17417 Chesterfield Airport Rd- Chesterfield 636-519-0048 www.villafarotto.com

WILD FLOWER RESTAURANT & CATERING Laclede Avenue ñ Central West End 314-361-8282 www.wildflowerstl.com

RENTALS A-1 PARTY & WEDDING RENTAL, INC 618-343-1680 www.a1partyandwedding.com ALOBAR'S INC 716 Hanley Industrial Court 314-781-7600 www.alobars.com THE ARIES COMPANY 4940 Northrup Avenue 314-664-6610 www.ariescompany.com

S aint L o u is Bri d e

Quick Tip: REHEARSAL DINNER INVITES The rehearsal dinner invitations should go out about one month in advance of the wedding, but make sure the wedding invitations have been sent first.

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EXCLUSIVE EVENTS 13633 Lakefront Drive, Earth City 314-995-7282 www.exclusiveeventsinc.com GRAND RENTAL STATION 570 Rudder Rd., Fenton 636-343-PARTY (7278) www.grandrental-stl.com MILLENNIUM PRODUCTIONS 1334 Strassner Drive, Brentwood 314-918-9335 www.millennium-productions.com Parties and props 2622 Rock Hill Industrial Ct. 314-963-0880 www.partiesandprops.com PARTY ARTS 3252 Laclede Station Road 314-781-1400 www.party-arts.com PORTABLE WATER CLOSET 314-293-1800 www.portablewatercloset.com premier rentals 11640 Lakeside Crossing Court 314-785-1100 www.premierpartyrentals.com SITTING PRETTY 3252 Laclede Station Road 314-781-1400 www.imsittingpretty.com Table ten Designs 2705 LaSalle Street 314-776-2200 TRAUBE TENT COMPANY 314-647-8368 www.traubetent.com WEINHARDT PARTY RENTALS 11601 Manchester Rd., DesPeres 5901 Elizabeth Ave., St. Louis 314-822-9000 www.weinhardtpartyrentals.com

SPECIAL TOUCHES ALOBAR'S INC. 716 Hanley Industrial Court 314-781-7600 www.alobars.com indie mats 4703 McPherson 800-467-7624 www.indiemats.com

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POPtions! POPCORN 1580 S. Lindbergh Blvd. 636-812-2385 www.poptionspopcorn.com

TRANSPORTATION ALL ABOUT YOU LIMOS 618.281.2200 www.aaylimos.com Best Transportation 8531 Page Avenue, Suite 160 314-989-1500 www.besttransportation.com JED LIMOUSINE 11100 Linpage Place 314-429-2200 www.jedlimousine.com MID-AMERICAN COACHES 866.944.8687 www.mid-americancoaches.net PRESIDENTIAL LIMOUSINES 636.451.3600 www.prezlimos.com

VIDEOGRAPHERS Boda Film www.bodafilm.com COMPLETE VIDEO 11100 Olive Blvd. 314-991-5656 www.completestlouis.com KEVIN HARDER VIDEOGRAPHY 314.894.3311 www.kevinhardervideo.com LIFETIME MEDIA 8140 Brentwood Industrial Dr. 314-481-4754 www.weddingsbylifetime.com MILLENNIUM VIDEO 1334 Strassner Drive, Brentwood 314-918-9335 www.millenniumproductions.com SKYGUY MEDIA 314-699-4759 www.skyguymedia.com TJ’S VIDEO CAFÉ 618.407.9247 www.tjsvideocafe.com WESTVIEW MEDIA 149 N. Meramec, Clayton 314-726-6222 www.westviewmedia.com

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Essential Guide Financial To Do List for Newlyweds 1. Change your beneficiaries. Look at all of your assets – investment accounts, 401(k) plans, IRAs, insurance policies, etc. – to review your beneficiary designations and ensure they will go to your spouse should something happen to you. This is especially important for life insurance policies and retirement plans. Some default to the spouse, but it’s wise to verify. Beneficiary designations are crucial if there was a divorce prior to the marriage or if children from a previous marriage are involved. The new couple has to state their wishes. If the wife has two children from a previous marriage and the husband has none but then they have a child together, you need to make sure the beneficiaries are changed appropriately. 2. Review insurance coverage. Review current life insurance coverage or get life insurance if you don’t have it already. This is a very important area that is commonly overlooked by young couples. If you need both incomes to manage expenses, you need to cover that through life insurance. It becomes even more important if you have children. Additionally, review your health insurance plans to determine the best option for you as a couple. It may be best to have both spouses on one plan or it may be more efficient to retain separate plans. Look at both coverage and cost to determine what is best for you. 3. Review retirement plans. Take a look at the retirement plans offered by your employer and make sure you are taking full advantage of the saving opportunities. Compare plans to see if one offers better savings. If you’re both putting three percent in your plans, but one employer matches 100 percent of the first six percent you contribute and the other matches 50 percent of the first three percent, put more money in the better savings plan. 4. Make a will or update your will. Seek the advice of an estate-planning attorney to determine your needs. Along with a will, consider establishing a health care directive and durable power of attorney.

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Tips on Making a Good Toast It’s hard to wing a good toast; better if you prepare your remarks ahead of time. You’ll never go wrong if you keep it short and sweet. The best toasts last a minute or two – three at the most – and can even be just a few lines: I’d like to take a moment to congratulate Mike and Kathryn. Let’s raise our glasses and toast to a long life filled with happiness and love for both of them. To Kathryn and Mike! Practice, practice, practice! Say it out loud, and get used to the sound of your own voice and your mouth shaping the words. Time yourself. It’s fine to use a written copy or cue cards, but you’ll sound more natural if you speak your toast instead of reading it. Finally, avoid excessive drinking ahead of time. Mix your nervousness with some alcohol and you have a recipe for a disaster. What Not to Say Subjects that aren’t toast-worthy include: • Pointless stories (either cute or embarrassing) about the couple’s childhoods—this is a wedding, not a roast. • Any mention of past loves. Period. • References to any problems the couple might have had. This is not the time to bring up their two-month falling out over his Halloween costume. • Talking about yourself instead of about them. Check your ego at the door.

Champagne Alternatives Whether for health or religious reasons, some guests may prefer an alternative to Champagne. These will keep the fizz, but lose the buzz: • Ginger ale or other pale soda • sparkling cider • sparkling white grape juice • seltzer water • fruit juice spritzers

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Style

That Perfect Something

Visit www.bridestl.com for more information

— A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION —

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Rehearsals, Brunches & Showers A Special Advertising Section Visit www.bridestl.com for more information

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Marketplace Caterers & rehearsal dinner

OFFICIATES

special touches

Villa Farotto We offer full service catering at over 15 venues and at many locations of your choice. We cover every detail such as rentals, flowers, entertainment, and, of course, menu selection and every type of service. We have two great restaurant locations for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and showers. Call us to set up a tasting and we can assist you with venues selection at the same time. www.villafarotto.com 17417 Chesterfield Airport Road Chesterfield, MO 63005 636.519.0048

Ruth Ellen Hasser— Wedding Celebrant Your customized and personalized ceremony, celebrated with warmth and joy! www.ruthellenhasser.com www.facebook.com/stlouisceremonies 314.322.0906

POPtions! Popcorn A POPtions! popcorn bar or favors are sweet, savory, spicy and fun additions to your wedding reception. www.poptionspopcorn.com 1580 South Lindbergh Blvd St. Louis, MO 63131 636.812.2385

Personal services

Transportation

Runner LLC Event Concierge: Day of Errands, Airport Shuttle, Food & Beverage Delivery, Tuxedo Returns, Pet-sitting www.runner-stl.com 9216 Clayton Road Suite 131 Ladue, MO 63124 314-858-4770

All About You Limo All About You Limos is simply your best value in luxury transportation. We serve the entire St. Louis & Metro East area and beyond. St. Louis’ largest and most diverse party bus fleet. www.aaylimos.com 618.281.2200

ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC Complete Weddings + Events North America’s solution for Weddings + Special Event services. Offering a one stop shop for DJ, Photo, Video, MEGA Photo Booth and Up-Lighting to make your event a complete experience! Visit our new location at 11100 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141. www.CompleteStLouis.com 314-991-5656 / 800-369-3535 Music Box Music Box is a seven piece high energy variety dance band designed to perform all the music of your life. They will perform your cocktail, dinner and dance music to perfection! www.musicboxtheband.com 314-239-8032 Spectrum Band. Performing for more weddings in St. Louis than any band! 2015 award winner from TheKnot.com and WeddingWire.com. Twice voted “Best Band” in STL. Great website too! 14140 Conway Road 314-434-7153 www.spectrumband.net Steel Drum Flavor Caribbean Island Music Caribbean steel drum music will provide you with that unique, island flair for your destination wedding. www.steeldrumflavor.com 2811 Laclede Station Rd Apt K St Louis, Mo, 63143 314-485-9541 TKO DJs Over 30 years in business. Every TKO wedding reception is custom-tailored to each couple’s wishes. Visit our website: TKO-DJs.com 314-647-3000

flowers & DECOR An Affair To Remember You Dream It! We Design It! Floral Design • Décor • Luxury Linens Rentals • Lighting • Set-up/Tear-Down www.affair-remember.com 387 North Euclid Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 314.669.6374 Buse’s Flower and Gift Shop, Inc. At Buse’s, we believe that every wedding is unique and should be custom-designed to your specifications. We pride ourselves in making your vision a reality. We also believe in quality in our service and designs, which is why we use only the freshest premium-grade flowers in all of your floral accessories. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. We are your St. Charles Wedding Floral Specialists! www.busesflowershop.com 333 First Capitol Drive St. Charles, MO 63301 636.724.0148

PHOTO booth rental STL Booths Rent a Photo Booth to make your event memorable. The STL Booths Experience is as simple as 1, 2, 3! 1. Push 2. Pose 3. Print www.stlbooths.com 314-400-8485

PHOTOGRAPHY Conner Photography Artistic. Relational. Documentary. You need photos that are set apart and mind-blowing. You need us. www.conner-photography.com 101 East Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234 618.570.0323 Memories Are Forever Offers a mix of photojournalistic style images with traditional photography. www.memoriesareforever.com 1568 Ross Ave St. Louis, MO 63146 314-878-5657

Planning/coordination Weddings By Renee Wedding Design, Planning, and Day-of Coordination Services. An experienced wedding planner is the best gift you’ll ever give yourself. Share your wedding dreams with us and together we will create an unforgettable celebration for you and your guests. You’ll relax and enjoy your wedding day with family and friends, while we handle all the details. Expert Advice. Innovative Design. Flawless Execution. Call us for a complimentary consultation today. www.stlweddingsbyrenee.com facebook.com/WeddingsByReneeSTL 314-616-4600

Mid-American Coaches A family owned and operated business, founded in 1927. Our fleet of luxury motor coaches includes such amenities as a restroom, air-conditioned ride, and multiple video systems. We are members of the Int. Motor Coach Group and American Bus Assn. We also enjoy the highest governmental safety ratings! www.mid-americancoaches.net 866-944-8687

travel GO TRAVEL STL Specializes in Personal Service and Expert Advice for Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, and Leisure Travel planning. We craft perfect Honeymoons by matching “YOU” to the one perfect destination and unique resort that best fits your Dreams, Style & Budget. Let GO TRAVEL STL help “YOU” find your Dream Honeymoon! Don’t Go Without…GO TRAVEL STL! www.GoTravelStl.com 636-458-8844 Susan@GoTravelSTL.com

VIDEOGRAPHY SkyGuy Media We are nationally known for unique & creative storytelling videos. Relive your wedding day again and again in beautiful HD. www.SkyGuyMedia.com SkyGuyMedia@gmail.com 314.699.4759

Real Estate I Take This Home Let our team of professionals help you find your new home! Katie Ross and Nicki Moss of Keller Williams Realty, and Peter Wright of Essex Mortgage, have a combined 40 years of experience in the Real Estate and Lending fields. 314-677-6120 itakethishome@gmail.com www.facebook.com/itakethishome

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unveiled!

catching up with the insiders who make St. Louis weddings work

lucas park grille 10th Anniversary Party November 6th

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The Ritz-Carlton Renovated Ballroom Unveiling September 16th

the caramel room at bissinger's Grand Opening October 16th

fleur de lis bridal boutique Couture Collective Event October 22nd

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parting shot

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Julia & Raymond Wagner

October 11, 2014

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