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THE 2020 BRIDAL GUIDE
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REAL WEDDINGS
BRIDAL FASHION
EVENT PLANNING
WEDDING TRENDS
NEW VENUES
CULINARY GUIDE
FLASHBACK: 1914
Photography by Vein + Vessel
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UNVEILED: REAL WEDDINGS AMISHA & MEHUL
APRIL 27 & 28, 2019
T H E H I G H L A N D S C L U B H O U S E A N D F O U R S E A S O N S H O T E L S T. L O U I S
P . 7 4 | STLMAG .C OM | JANUARY 2020 A TWIST OF DIGITAL FATE: Mehul and Amisha would likely have never met if not for Coffee Meets Bagel, a dating app that Amisha, a California native, had only just downloaded and Mehul was about to delete. Their personalities matched, and Amisha found Mehul confident and humorous. “She’s the only one who thinks that,” Mehul says, laughing. After a few months of talking about their future together, Mehul proposed in his apartment, decorated with twinkle lights and candles, with a song he wrote for Amisha.
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The couple had a Hindu wedding with Western twists. Both sides of the family were involved in planning several ceremonies leading up to the marriage, such as the sangeet, a pre-wedding party. Roses, greenery, and lanterns adorned the altar at the main ceremony. Reception guests were treated to musical performances by the couple and family members. Whereas traditional Indian weddings welcome the bride into the groom’s home, the couple celebrated welcoming Amisha to all of St. Louis. —LAURA MISEREZ
THE DETAILS Photographer and videographer: North Arrow Creative Assistant photographer: Zach Dalin Assistant videographer: Le’Annie Jashonda Hair and makeup: Soni Gill Décor: Fatima Designs Florist: An Affair to Remember Cake: Sarah’s Cake Shop DJ: Karan Pujji
Photography by North Arrow Creative
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UNVEILED: REAL WEDDINGS PRESLEE & ESTEVENSON
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THANK YOU, FACEBOOK: High school classmates, Estevenson and Preslee later reconnected when he commented on a Facebook post she’d made about his favorite soccer team. They were soon talking every day, and Preslee was driving from Kansas City to St. Louis almost every weekend to see him. How did they survive long-distance? Independence and hard conversations, they say. After three years of dating, Estevenson proposed on a mountain hike in Haiti. Without phone service, he says, the two “had a few days to just be engaged.”
NEW TOWN CHAPEL AND THE CARAMEL ROOM
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The couple kept the ceremony simple,
with white flowers and green eucalyptus. Guests saw the pair’s tenderness when Estevenson used Preslee’s hand, which he was holding, to wipe his tears rather than let go during the service. The reception, at The Caramel Room, began with a toast in Estevenson’s native Haitian Creole by Preslee’s father, who learned it for the occasion. Estevenson’s home country also got shout-outs in the form of the groom’s cake, late-night snacks, and music. —L.M.
THE DETAILS Photographer: Laura Ann Miller Photography Hair: Savanah Summer Luxury Hair + Makeup Catering: 23 City Blocks Catering Cake: Flowers & Flour Cakes Preslee’s dress: Stella York Bridesmaids’ dresses: Adrianna Papell Estevenson and groomsmen’s suits: Menguin Florist: Petals and Bells Live Music: Jimmy Hussey (A Rockin’ DJ) Officiant: Chris Nation
Photography by Laura Ann Miller Photography
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UNVEILED: REAL WEDDINGS LAUREN & DALLAS
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S I LV E R OA K S C H AT E A U
P . 7 6 | STLMAG .C OM | JANUARY 2020 FAMILY KNOWS BEST: The couple met at Maggie Malone’s among a group of friends. Each found the other cute, sure, but the real test? Whether Lauren could impress Dallas’ young niece and two nephews, whom she later met at his family’s weekly Mexican dinner night. Lauren passed, and the two felt what it would be like as a family. Dallas proposed in Destin, Florida, after spontaneously flying Lauren down to join him on a business trip (and even more spontaneously picking up a ring 12 hours before the flight). Lauren was totally surprised.
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: The venue’s tall windows served as a beautiful backdrop for this ceremony, which included a sand-blending ritual. Ivory and pastel flowers—and burgundy tuxes—lent a calm vintage feel. At the reception, guests laughed at Lauren’s attempt to serenade Dallas during the first dance. (They’d decided on the song “Where I Belong,” by Justin Lee, only two weeks earlier, so Lauren didn’t have much time to master the lyrics.) That moment perfectly captured the couple’s joyful nature. —L.M.
THE DETAILS Photographer: CMS Photography Catering: Sugarfire Cake: Cake House Design Lauren’s dress: Signature Bridal Dallas’ and groomsmen’s suits: Savvi Formalwear Hair: Bailey Meyers Hair & MUA Florist: Lawrence Florist Officiant: Rob Jackson Coordinator: Adorist Weddings & Events
Photography by CMS Photography
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ai157480926417_STL Mag Full Page Nov 2019 Revised.pdf
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Cheers to
AT PA L L A D I U M S A I N T L O U I S
CELEBRATING YOUR STORIES + OURS BOOK SELECT DATES + PICK TWO UPGRADES ON US PALLADIUM-STL.COM • 314.881.4301 • #BESTOFPALLADIUMSTL Unveiled_0120.indd 77
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UNVEILED: REAL WEDDINGS CALLA & ASHLEY
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TOWER GROVE PARK AND WILD CARROT
P . 7 8 | STLMAG .C OM | JANUARY 2020 A RECONNECTION: Calla and Ashley had been friends for more than six years. After their friend group drifted apart, the two, who happened to both be single at the same time, decided to catch up over brunch. It was “like a light switch flip,” says Ashley. They knew within a few weeks that their friendship had become love. Within two years, they found themselves in a race to see who could propose first. Ashley won, proposing on a bench on Flora Place, and Calla followed a few weeks later, as the couple was biking on the Katy Trail.
CEREMONY & RECEPTION: Natural, local, and personal was the
vision for the ceremony, which was held in Tower Grove Park. Calla learned calligraphy and made the invitations and seating cards by hand; Ashley built the arbor and cedar log benches. Friends handled other details, such as the flowers and desserts, and Calla’s dad even played the trombone. The Wild Carrot reception was simultaneously artsy and industrial, just as the couple wanted. “Everything felt like us,” Ashley says, “like, if our personalities could be a wedding.” —L.M.
THE DETAILS Photographer: Vein + Vessel Catering: Seed Sprout Spoon and Salt & Smoke Desserts: Sara Levine, Jimmy Truschel, and Mary Wiegand Ashley’s Suit: Bespoke Apparel Calla’s Dress: BHLDN Hair: Homegrown Hair Co. Florist: Kyle Cheesborough Officiant: Sarah Bollinger
Photography by Vein + Vessel
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U N V E I L E D : FA S H I O N
TH E
UNION E X P R E S S P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J A I M AY H E W STYLING BY KRISTI PINKHAM
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F RO M TH E VOWS TO TH E FINA L TOA ST, H AU TE B RIDA L LO O KS EMB RAC E CA S UA L C O OL .
From left: Cami NYC top, Saks Fifth Avenue. Nicole Miller Artelier skirt, The Vault. Alexis Bittar earrings, Nordstrom. Heels, stylist’s own. Theia Marion dress, Juno Bridal. Kendra Scott ring, Nordstrom. Noir earrings, Sachin + Babi, Neiman Marcus. Jay Godfrey dress, Neiman Marcus. Jennifer Behr earrings, Neiman Marcus. Emporio Armani jacket, Neiman Marcus. Zignone pants, Saks Fifth Avenue. Ermenegildo Zegna shirt, Neiman Marcus.
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U N V E I L E D : FA S H I O N
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From left: Marchesa Notte gown, Saks Fifth Avenue. Metal belt, Bridal Parlour. Oscar de la Renta earrings, Nordstrom. Gianvito Rossi heels, Saks Fifth Avenue. Topman sweater, Nordstrom. Topman suit, Nordstrom. w. Kleinberg belt, Neiman Marcus. Christian Louboutin velvet loafers, Neiman Marcus. Parker Black dress, Vie. Oscar de la Renta earrings, Neiman Marcus. Edie Parker clutch, Nordstrom. Parker Black dress, Vie.
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U N V E I L E D : FA S H I O N
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From left: Bruno Cucinelli bow tie, Neiman Marcus. Hugo Boss shirt, Saks Fifth Avenue. Zignone pants and jacket, Saks Fifth Avenue. Belt, Nordstrom Men’s Shop. Yves Saint Laurent heels, Neiman Marcus. Sweet Caroline Styles dress, Bridal Parlour. Gucci earrings, Nordstrom. Bracelet and rings, Vie.
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U N V E I L E D : FA S H I O N
P . 8 6 | STLMAG .C OM | JANUARY 2020 From left: Nicole Miller Artelier skirt, The Vault. Sweet Caroline Styles top, Bridal Parlour. Escada blazer, Neiman Marcus. Prada handbag, Neiman Marcus. CÊline sunglasses, Neiman Marcus. Oscar de la Renta earrings, Neiman Marcus. Stuart Weitzman boots, The Vault. Yves Saint Laurent coat, Saks Fifth Avenue. Theory polo, Saks Fifth Avenue. Belt, Nordstrom Men’s Shop. Seven for All Mankind jeans, Saks Fifth Avenue. Yves Saint Laurent boots, Saks Fifth Avenue.
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Models: Jessica Ridenour, West Model & Talent Management; Lee Anderson, West Model & Talent Management Talent: Amber Butler and Blake Hunt Hair: Heather Biernbaum Makeup: Kat Hinkle Photography assistant: Ian Wasserman Styling assistant: Hannah Chancellor Videographer: Matt Bills Location: St. Louis Union Station
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UNVEILED: PLANNING
A LOT GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENES.
“People are very surprised at how much time goes into getting from one place to another and planning accordingly. People always say, ‘I can’t believe we’re going to be getting ready for hours. That’s going to seem like forever.’ But they don’t realize that pictures are going on, hair and makeup, the florist comes in, or the photographer comes in, the time it takes to put on dresses and for everyone to pack up.” MAKE THE EXPERIENCE PERSONAL.
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“Incorporate elements into the wedding that are really expressive [of the couple], whether it be a dining experience, a whiskey tasting, a cigar roller, doing something unique with music, having a big dance, having cakes on the table. Scents are also becoming a thing, custom candles.” (She says she’s noticed that color, particularly blues and jewel tones, is making a comeback.) “Don’t forget to include detail shots: paper goods, ring box, accessories… These details are such a part of your story and really add to your wedding gallery.”
CAPTURE THE DETAILS.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE A WEDDING PLANNER’S SAGE ADVICE BY SAMANTHA STEVENSON
you’ll find Hillary Williams seeing to details—ensuring that the bride and groom have their signature cocktail in hand, making sure the venue looks just right, tending to the bride. The founder of Hillary J. Events, Williams plans about 25 weddings per year. The lead-up to the ceremony requires her to wear multiple hats, including “hype girl,” she says. “I’m the girl who’s going to be excited about your custom envelope liner. Sometimes you just want to call someone and freak out because you love your veil. I want to be that girl, too.” One thing that never seems to change: the day’s inevitable nerves, hiccups, and last-minute to-dos. Here’s how you can make the day feel perfect, regardless of what comes your way.
ON THE BIG DAY ,
“A ‘Mary Poppins’ trunk of emergency supplies: everything from extra picture frames and a staple gun to deodorant, granola bars, and Tums… Also a mini ‘goodie bag’ for the bride or maid of honor to keep on hand—it has things like bobby pins, safety pins, eye drops, Band-Aids, and mints.”
PACK FOR THE UNEXPECTED.
THINK AHEAD. “There are always things
that come up at the last minute. A big
thing is gratuity. All of the day-of items, like food. I like to put that in their minds earlier rather than later when it comes to the budget.”
LEAN ON YOUR SUPPORT. Williams suggests that stressed brides turn to the wedding planner during “times when they need me to be the bad cop or need an outside voice, whether it’s a maid of honor they feel has overstepped or a mother of the groom having conflicting opinions and they want someone to create that common ground.” TAKE A BREAK. “Couples overlook how exhausting it is to be ‘on’ from start to finish of wedding weekend—the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, wedding day, morning-after brunch. It’s a lot. Create some alone time for the couple to sit back and take it all in.” T H E R E ’ S A LWAYS A R E A S O N TO C E L -
“I truly believe that—from the minute you get engaged to the minute you make your sparkler exit. It’s important to celebrate the everyday and the big days. The wedding day should be one of the most amazing days of your life, but it’s not the only amazing day.”
EBRATE.
“An obvious but common thing that can be overlooked, believe it or not, is remembering to bring the marriage license to the ceremony. I triple-check with my couples at the rehearsal.”
REMEMBER TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL.
Photography by Emily Broadbent Photography
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UNVEILED: TRENDS
WOW FACTOR
FROM PERSONALIZED DÉCOR TO PHOTO - OPS, THESE ARE THE NEW WAYS COUPLES ARE PERFECTING THEIR BIG DAYS. BY SAMANTHA STEVENSON
P . 9 0 | STLMAG .C OM | JANUARY 2020 THE LATEST TABOO in wedding etiquette: sticking your smartphone out in the aisle during the bride’s entrance when a professional’s already snapping the moment. If you wait, there are plenty of other chances to capture memories of the big day. Many couples set up backdrops at their receptions, with help from rental services, which can construct artificial floral, boxwood, eucalyptus, and hedge walls for the altar, a seating arrangement display, or the head table. Rental companies also offer such accessories as neon “Treat Yourself ” signs, perfect for a dessert table. Many brides style the walls on their own, often featuring a new last name with the greenery. “It adds the element of fun to your wedding,” says Eye Candy Rentals owner Beth Milan, “but it’s also really beautiful.” Another display option for that foliage backdrop: a wedding’s hashtag (yes, the epitome of getting married in the age of social media). The cutesy phrase usually incorporates the married last name or both first names. Why have the hashtag? (1) It’s a creative way to share the occasion, and (2) a good strategy to track all those photos that guests are sharing. (If creating the perfect hashtag seems daunting, consider a song,
movie title, or silly rhyme; if all else fails, a quick Google search provides a few hashtag generators.) Couples are also getting creative with photo shoots and mementos. Embroidery studio Daily Disco, for instance, sells “Just Married” patches, custom bride chain stitch embroidery, and heart patches, onto which the shop can stitch wedding dates. Alicia Lantzy of On Three Designs has also hand-painted romantic phrases onto leather jackets. Many couples also call upon Lantzy for her custom mementos and stationery, a hallmark of many wedding albums. She’s illustrated signature cocktail menus (drinks personal to the bride or groom), done seating arrangements and table numbers in calligraphy, painted watercolor sketches of couples’ homes or wedding venues, too. Perhaps the best one, though, was when Lantzy decorated such items as the wedding’s cocktail napkins, Koozies, and gift bags with images of a couple’s beloved corgi, along with the couple’s names and wedding date. “Couples are looking for a way to make their weddings unique,” says Lantzy. “They want to find ways to make their weddings stand out—ways to make guests smile.”
Photography by Erin Stubblefield Weddings, The Ganeys, courtesy of Daily Disco
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UNVEILED: VENUES
OFF THE BEATEN PATH FOUR MEMORABLE PLACES TO SAY “I DO.” BY SAMANTHA STEVENSON FIRST COMES LOVE. Then comes—well, actually, the wedding venue. After making the decision to marry, couples must consider where they’ll share their vows long before the words are ever spoken. Beyond the staples, here are a few memorable locales waiting to be discovered.
1. SUNSET BLUFFS
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3. THE CONSERVATORY GARDEN WEDDING VENUE
Originally built as his home, Fredrick Long’s quarry-located venue
Located on St. Charles’ historic
might be the only one with a 45-
cobblestone Main Street, this
foot waterfall. “The pictures don’t
venue, accommodating up to
do it justice,” he says. “It makes an
100 people, could easily be mis-
amazing peaceful noise during the
taken for a greenhouse. That’s be-
ceremony,” whether that’s held on
cause, before hosting nuptials for
the property’s white sand beach,
the first time in 1990, it was. Pric-
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the waterfront lawn, or in front of the outdoor stone fireplace. Celebrate with up to 300 guests in
ing ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.
2
The nearby historic building on the property houses dressing
a 40-by-60-foot tent or the recep-
rooms and a place to prep. The
tion hall—all of which is a stone’s
venue is lush with tropical plants
throw from a five-bedroom house
such as palm trees and ferns, and
where 20 guests can stay. The
Japanese maples, mixed foliage,
best photo-op: from atop the
and arbors fill the courtyard. The
bluffs at sunset, which Long says
best photography setting just
has a become a venue signature
depends on what’s in bloom.
of sorts. 1775 Bieker, Washington,
1001 S. Main, 636–947–0414,
314–660–210, sunsetbluffs.com.
gardenwedding.com.
2.
THE AQUILA BARN
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4. THE ARTISAN
Opened last August, this
Opened on Baetje Farms last fall,
5,000-square-foot barn is nestled
this property can accommodate
behind Eagle Fork Farms in
500 guests between its white
Moscow Mills. “It’s very homey,”
barn-style venue and outdoor
co-owner Taylor Fisher says of the
pavilion. “It’s a really warm space
150-guest venue. “On the patio, it’s
with elegant finishes,” says co-
a winery feel; it’s out in the coun-
owner Shanna Starnes. “We tried
try.” With lights hanging overhead
keeping the French inspiration
and a forthcoming stone fireplace,
from our cheeses throughout
the venue glows at night. Inside the climate-controlled barn, the
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the venue.” A picker even helped the owners collect authentic
bridal suite includes two LED mir-
doors, windows, and fixtures from
rors, salon chairs, a private bath-
Europe to incorporate into the
room, and a Victorian-style sofa.
facility. That French elegance
Perhaps best of all: the Lincoln
matches well with the nearby
County location. “We don’t have
idyllic countryside and creek, a
a noise ordinance,” Fisher says,
red Sears-Roebuck kit barn, and
“so you don’t have to have your
the critters who call it home: the
music turned off at a certain time.”
farm’s several white goats. 8932
180 John Creech, 636–445–2087,
Jackson School, Bloomsdale,
eagleforkfarms.com.
573–483–9021, baetjefarms.com.
Photography by Jess and Jenn Photography, Vintage Image Portraits, Danielle Ambry Photography, courtesy of The Conservatory Garden Wedding Venue
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WHEN IS COMES TO THE DETAILS... RELAX, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. LET OUR COORDINATOR DESIGN YOUR PERFECT EVENT IN OUR BRAND NEW CLUBHOUSE. REDUCED FRIDAY AND SUNDAY MINIMUMS CALL 636.946.6250 x 202 • 1120 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI SENDRES@BOGEYHILLSCC.COM • WWW.BOGEYHILLSCC.COM
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UNVEILED: CULINARY
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WHIZ KID
ALCHEMY BAKERY’S TYLER DAVIS CAN MAKE YOU A CAKE AND HAND -PAINT IT, TOO. BY GEORGE MAHE
It’s not uncommon for aspiring chefs to bounce from job to job. Tyler Davis began at The Crossing, then went to the DeMun Oyster Bar, Franco, Benton Park Café, The Libertine, and Siam, before landing the executive chef job at The Tavern of Fine Arts. It is uncommon, however, for traditional, freewheeling chefs to make the jump into the world of pastry, where recipes must be followed to the gram. Davis did just that at Element, discovering a talent that bore fruit when he transitioned to The Chocolate Pig as its executive pastry chef, creating desserts like a chocolate dome that melted under poured hot berry sauce, exposing peanut butter mousse, cookie crumbles, and nitrogen-frozen berries. Compelled to become a small business owner, he started PiGuy Cheesecakes, which morphed into a tricorn business, under the brand Tai Davis: Sacred Geometry, which includes food photography for fine art books (released in December), paintings, prints, and large-scale cake installations for museum exhibitions; Aether (which includes consulting and a series of pop-up dinners called Elevated), and Alchemy Bakery (source for special-occasion cakes and chocolates). On the bridal front, Davis’ versatility as both chef
and artist translates to a multitude of different services: Largegroup catering, wedding cakes and pastries, and bridal shower brunches are a few of the options available. The chef ’s avant-garde wedding cakes are usually inspired by natural elements. He’s made cakes that look like pyrite, a geode, and “an Art Deco wall with roses poking out it.” Davis likes the challenge of a you-name-it flavor and prefers using buttercream icing over fondant. The hottest trend? Handpainted cakes. “You don’t see those very often, and not many people can execute them,” he says. People underestimate the time, care, and steps necessary to make and deliver a wedding cake—“it should be an Olympic sport, honestly,” Davis says—so he’s happy when clients think outside the wedding cake box by requesting dessert bars, cheesecake spreads, food walls with doughnuts or cookies…to say nothing of curiosities like create-your-own noodle bowl stations. And yes, post-reception food is still a big deal, he says, the most popular item being a version of the Saint Louis Spread, a traditional roundup of thin-crust pizza, homemade T-ravs, barbecue pork steak sliders, gooey butter cake bites, and, of course, mini-cups of Ted Drewes.
Photography by Wesley Law, Amanda Witt Photo
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Thank you Randy Fenoli for your personal appearance at...
Maiden Voyage Bridal
Randy Fenoli bridal collection exclusively at Maiden Voyage Bridal maidenvoyagebridal.com 636-394-5858 120 Henry Ave., Manchester, MO
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UNVEILED: FLASHBACK
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE 1914
P . 9 6 | STLMAG .C OM | JANUARY 2020 THIS IS NOT a wedding portrait. It’s a wedding-clothes portrait: 16-year-old Beatrice Chouteau Turner wearing the dress 17-year-old Marie-Thérèse Cerré donned to marry 35-year-old Auguste Chouteau in 1786. Standing in for Auguste Chouteau is…well, another Auguste Chouteau. In 1929, two years after Beatrice herself wed, people mobbed the old Jefferson Memorial to see department store mannequins wearing the Chouteaus’ wedding clothes. A newspaper writer gushed: “First to meet the visitor’s eye—and one judges it would be the first, even in a dark cellar at midnight—is the gorgeous wedding coat of Auguste Chouteau, pale green with rose lapels and lining, over a vest of Joseph-colors, including red and yellow.” For contrast, the curator placed a mannequin nearby wearing Monsieur Chouteau’s deerskin coat, “embroidered with brightly colored porcupine quills.” And next to these was Marie-Thérèse’s second-day dress, worn to a ball the day after the wedding and “elaborate beyond the description of even a woman of this day.” Today, not even a Chouteau, or a mannequin, is allowed to wear that dress; it’s carefully stored in a wide, flat drawer in a climate-controlled warehouse. But last fall, we finally got to see Marie-Thérèse’s bridal gown—or, at least, a re-creation of it—in color. This was also at the Jefferson Memorial, now the Missouri History Museum. In black and white, her dress is as dull and conservative as a gray pinstripe suit. In person, you see that their wedding clothes were made as a set. Her dress is light pink with mint piping and panels, its trim as riotous and floral as a rose bower. It was an appropriately fancy dress for a girl with a $3,000 dowry and a trunk full of gauzy dainties and hand-embroidered table linens. But that rosy dress also presaged what turned out to be a joyful and harmonious marriage, one that resulted in nine children—and many more grooms named Chouteau. —STEFENE RUSSELL
Photography courtesy of Missouri History Museum
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S P EC I A L A DV E RT ISIN G SEC TIO N
wedding planning guide Congratulations on your engagement! These local experts have the knowledge and experience to make your nuptials beautiful, fun, and stress-free.
intimate venue
Overlook Farm From its start as a land grant in the late 1700s to a prosperous apple orchard in the 1930s and ‘40s, Overlook Farm today is emerging as a model in sustainable food production and innovative farming techniques. Overlook Farm continues to be organic and continually growing. Under the nurturing guidance of fifthgeneration owner Nathalie Pettus, Overlook Farm now includes award-winning inns and premier event venues, all nestled into the pastures and hillsides of an operating farm. Pettus and her team have invested heart and soul into making any farm visit a happy one, whether it is a bridal couple’s memorable weekend celebration, a girls’ getaway, or a rejuvenating and reconnecting inn stay for a busy couple. Come experience the surprising oasis that is Overlook Farm and all that it has to offer, including spectacular views from a hot tub and the comfortable elegance of the inns and event spaces. 16095 Highway W Clarksville, MO 63336 573-242-3838 overlookfarmmo.com
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S P EC I A L A DV E RT ISIN G SEC TIO N
intimate venue
The Cheshire The Cheshire offers the perfect setting for the quintessential St. Louis wedding. Located just minutes from downtown and adjacent to Forest Park, The Cheshire is the premier venue for all wedding festivities, including bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, receptions, and more. With rich dark wood surroundings, vintage stained-glass windows, and rustic charm, Upstairs at The Cheshire and the Red Room both offer an intimate feel in the heart of the big city. With an on-site hotel, your guests will enjoy amazing services and luxurious amenities with a stay at The Cheshire. Reserve a Novelty Suite for your special night, themed around the greatest works in British literature such as the chic James Bond or the romantic Romeo and Juliet. Summer events relish in poolside paradise with cabana seating, bars, and a spot for live music perfectly set to host your party. Experience a unique setting with unmatched charm and impeccable service at The Cheshire. 6300 Clayton Road St. Louis, MO 63117 314-647-7300 cheshirestl.com
grand venue
Hilton at the Ballpark Hilton at the Ballpark, located in the heart of downtown, epitomizes St. Louis event perfection. Only steps from the iconic Gateway Arch, next door to Ballpark Village, and just a block from Busch Stadium, it’s the premier location for a larger-than-life St. Louis wedding experience. Boasting 40,000-square-feet of event space, this hotel provides a contemporary setting for wedding celebrations of all sizes. Chic sophistication fills the Grand Ballroom, perfect for lavish weddings, with space for up to 600 guests. Gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of St. Louis surround the Arch View Ballroom, flawlessly set to accommodate up to 320 guests. Atop the hotel lives the award-winning Three Sixty rooftop bar, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a delectable menu that your guests will boast about. Plus, earn thousands of Hilton HHonors Points for your event that can be used for hotel stays across the globe. 1 S. Broadway St. Louis, MO 63102 314-421-1776 hiltonstlouis.com
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grand venue
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IRISH EYES PHOTOGRAPHY
Sheraton Westport Hotels One of the most sought-after wedding venues in St. Louis, Sheraton Westport Plaza and Chalet Hotels’ unique and comfortable ballrooms and wedding facilities offer unbeatable finishing touches. Fresh off a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Plaza Hotel has two stunning ballrooms, and the Chalet consists of the new, spectacular Versailles Ballroom. The Versailles Ballroom is both elegant and functional since it can be divided into two sections or used in its entirety, with the capacity to seat as many as 800 people for a banquet and 1,200 people theater-style. Gaze upon the gorgeous lake perfectly set outside the Sheraton Chalet offering newly renovated, chic guest rooms with impressive functionality. The professional event staff at the Sheraton Westport Plaza and Chalet provides unmatched service, divine culinary offerings, and event-planning support to ensure your wedding is a dream come true… 191 & 900 Westport Plaza St. Louis, MO 63146 314-878-1500 sheratonwestport.com
grand venue
St. Louis Union Sation Curio Collection by Hilton The historic St. Louis Union Station, a landmark venue with extraordinary charm, offers timeless elegance and remarkably unique event spaces perfect for inspirational wedding ceremonies and entertaining receptions. The stylish Regency and Grand ballrooms provide chic and elegant backdrops with gorgeous chandeliers, plush carpet, and spacious pre-function/cocktail hour areas. The Grand Hall impresses with intricate architectural details, stained glass windows, and stunning historical elements surrounding. Customize a spectacular 3-D light show for your event and dazzle guests as it magically soars above on the 65-foot ceiling of The Grand Hall. Enjoy the charm of train travel with St. Louis Union Station’s one-of-a-kind rail excursion—there’s a car suited for every occasion! The St. Louis Union Station Hotel tops off event perfection with gorgeous guest rooms, an unmatched level of service, and pristine attention to detail in event planning, all while creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. 1820 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63103 314-621-5262 stlouisunionstationhotel.com
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AAA Travel Agents
Missouri Athletic Club
Anyone who has helped plan a wedding knows it’s not for the faint of heart with all the logistics, budgeting, shopping, mailing, ordering, and scheduling that is required. Trying to plan a honeymoon at the same time can be daunting at best and disastrous at worst. AAA Travel Agents specialize in helping travelers plan the vacations of their dreams, including honeymoons. They can find the best vacation to match the couple’s interests and budgets, including cruises, all-inclusive resorts, Hawaiian getaways, and more.
Don’t leave anyone or anything out from your wedding celebration. Missouri Athletic Club’s timelessly elegant, ornate ballroom can comfortably seat up to 400 guests for ceremonies or receptions. Select from delicious menu options, ranging from fine dining to wedding cakes and late-night snacks prepared on-site by MAC’s award-winning culinary staff. Stay all night; the MAC boasts more than 75 hotel rooms to accommodate the newlyweds and their guests. Shuttle service is also available. 405 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102 314- 539-4424 / mac-stl.org
grand venue
Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries The Sheldon invites you to experience historic elegance combined with contemporary amenities, for parties from 50 to 500 guests. Located in the Grand Center arts and entertainment district in Midtown St. Louis, The Sheldon has reigned among the city’s finest special events facilities since 1912.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FESTIVE COUTURE FLORAL
Contact AAA to find an AAA Travel Agency office near you. 866-222-7587 / aaa.com/travel
reception planning guide You’ve said your nuptials. Now it’s time to party! This guide offers a helpful start to creating a smooth, memorable, and fun-filled celebration for you and your guests.
3648 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 314-533-9900 / thesheldon.org
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reception planning guide capacity dinner
buffet
rental fee
mon–fri
sat–sun
caterer
starting cost per person
outdoor area
cocktails
venue Bogey Hills Country Club 636-946-6250 bogeyhillscc.com
catering
280
280
400
N/A
N/A
Bogey Hills
Varies
Yes
150–200
150
250
N/A
N/A
Boundary
Varies
Yes
City Cottage on Chouteau 314-961-7588 cateringstlouis.com
100
80
150
Day: $500 Evening: $850 (Mon–Wed) $1,500 (Thurs–Fri)
Sat: $2,500 Sun: $1,500
Catering St. Louis Events
Varies
Yes
Cyrano’s Café 314-963-3434 cyranos.com
50
50
70
Day: $30 Evening: $75 (Mon–Thurs)
Day: $75 Evening: $150 (Fri–Sun)
Cyrano's Café
Lunch:$12 Dinner: $18 Buffet: $20
No
300
275–300
425
N/A
N/A
Hilton at the Ballpark
$89
No
Innsbrook Resort
Varies
Yes
The Cheshire 314-647-7300 cheshirestl.com
Hilton at the Ballpark 314-421-1776 hiltonstlouis.com Innsbrook Resort 636-928-3366 innsbrook-resort.com
Aspen Room: 250 Sycamore Room: 60 Aspen Patio: 350
Contact for rental fee information
Mahler Ballroom 314-361-4411 mahlerballroom.com
250
250
400
$2,000+
$2,500+
Patty Long Catering
Varies
Yes
Missouri Athletic Club 314-539-4470 mac-stl.org
400
400
500
$1,000
$3,000 (Saturday only)
Missouri Athletic Club
$85
No
Overlook Farm 573-242-3838 overlookfarmmo.com
350
400
400+
Catering St. Louis
N/A
Yes
Palladium Saint Louis 314-881-4301 palladium-stl.com
400
360
700
Mon–Thurs: $1,500 Fri: $2,000
Sat: $3,000 Sun: $1,500
Butler's Pantry
$83
Yes
Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries 314-533-9900 thesheldon.org
500
500
700
$1,400+
$1,800+
Client's choice
Determined by caterer
No
Sheraton Westport Hotels 314-878-1500 sheratonwestport.com
50–500
50–400
800
$500–$1,000 (ceremony only)
$600–$1,200 (ceremony only)
Sheraton Westport Hotels
$60
Yes
St. Louis Union Station Hotel 314-621-5262 stlunionstationhotel.com
250–800
250–800
500–1,000
N/A
N/A
St. Louis Union Station Hotel
$95
Yes
300+
Dec–Apr: $3,600 May–Jun: $4,300 Jul–Aug: $3,600 Sep–Nov: $4,000 (Fridays only)
Dec–Apr: $4,250 May–Jun: $4,675 Jul–Aug: $4,250 Sep–Nov: $5,300
Ces & Judy's Catering
Varies
Yes
The Venue at Maison du Lac 314-991-6700 thevenuestl.com
300+
300+
Contact for rental fee information
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