Unveiled Tip-in 2018 by St. Louis Magazine

2 0 18 B R IDAL GU IDE

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Create Createthe thewedding weddingof ofyour yourdreams dreamswith withthe theincomparable incomparable service serviceand andsplendor splendorof ofThe TheRitz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton,St. St.Louis. Louis. To Toschedule scheduleyour yourwedding weddingconsultation, consultation,contact contactRobin RobinAlbach Albach at at314-863-6300 314-863-6300or orvisit. visit.ritzcarlton.com/stlouis. ritzcarlton.com/stlouis. SSTT. . LLOOUUI S IS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Real Weddings

Four of our favorites from the past year By Sarah Kloepple, Megan Mertz, and Erica Sloan P.

Fun for All

From cigar bars to doughnut walls, wedding couples now put a greater focus on enhancing guests’ experience. Wedding cake from The Sweet Link

By Sarah Kloepple

Setting the Stage

Wallet-Friendly Weddings

How to pair up—and pare down the costs By Katelyn Mae Petrin

Alterations Four fresh takes on bridal fashion

Styling by Ana Dattilo Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

Reverie to Reality

Kelly Spencer turns food musings into memories. By George Mahe

Four under-theradar venues

By Katelyn Mae Petrin

Bread and Cake

A look back at St. Louis wedding cakes in 1931 By Stefene Russell

Cover PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOJO PANGILINAN

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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

January 2018 stlmag.com

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REAL WEDDINGS

L’ERIN & RONALD

MARCH 24, 2017

Ceremony & Reception: L’Erin Brown and Ronald Wagner said their “I do’s” at the Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, where they also held their reception. Beneath strings of twinkling lights, the couple danced the night away with family and friends. 108-Rose Proposal: On their two-year anniversary, Ronald sent 100 red roses to L’Erin’s office and took her out to dinner at Morton’s The Steakhouse—the location of their first date—where there were six more roses waiting. “Throughout dinner, I felt as though we were being looked at in a weird way,” L’Erin recalls. That’s probably because the restaurant staff knew what Ronald had planned. After the couple had eaten, the manager brought over a silver platter containing two Forever Roses and a ring, and Ronald asked L’Erin to marry him. —MEGAN MERTZ

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THE DETAILS Photography: Pinxit Photography Florist: Personal Touches by Jeanetta Caterer: Spiro’s Restaurant Event Styling: Big Bow Events Cake: Dee the Baker Hair: Shaun Henley Makeup: Nikki Perkins Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dresses: Clarice’s Bridal

Photography by Pinxit Photography

REAL WEDDINGS

SARAH & COLTON

JUNE 2, 2017

Ceremony & Reception: Sarah Harbers and Colton Nelson, who met in college, tied the

THE DETAILS

knot on their five-year anniversary at the Piper Palm House, in Tower Grove Park. The reception followed at Windows on Washington, where their family and friends enjoyed dinner, dancing, a cigar bar, and plenty to satisfy a sweet tooth, including cake, cookies, and—Colton’s favorite—doughnuts from Strange Donuts.

Photography: Lauren Muckler Photography Wedding: Piper Palm House Reception: Windows on Washington Florist: An Affair to Remember Cake & Cookies: Bailey Cakes Hair & Makeup: MW Makeup Designs Photo Booth & DJ: Complete Weddings + Events Bridal Gown: Maiden Voyage Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus.com

Puppy Proposal: Colton proposed to Sarah on Christmas Eve after obtaining the blessing of her parents and twin sister. He dressed their puppy, Piper, in a gold collar, a red bow, and a card that read, “Mom, I’m ready to be a Nelson!” before getting down on one knee and popping the question. —M.M.

Photography by Lauren Muckler Photography

January 2018 stlmag.com

FREAL A S H I WEDDINGS ON

JENNIFER & TYLER

JUNE 3, 2017

Ceremony & Reception: Jennifer Milward and Tyler Schaefering exchanged vows at Cedar Lake Cellars, in Wright City. “I wanted something that felt like a destination wedding,” Jennifer says, “but without having to be a real destination.” The reception was held in a rehabbed red barn. Instead of dinner, the couple served brunch—their favorite meal—in the form of a hearty buffet of fried chicken and waffles, eggs, and French toast. Rounding out the theme: a full doughnut display from Heaven Scent Bakery and pancake artist Dancakes. Sweethearts in Scandinavia: While visiting Norway in 2015, Tyler planned to propose while seeing the Northern Lights—but the trip turned out to be less romantic than expected, with the couple packed in a crowded van, driving around in the middle of the night. “It was comical more than anything,” Jennifer recalls. Fortunately, the next day, the couple went dog sledding aross the fjords. Afterward, Tyler dropped to his knee (yes, in the snow) and asked Jennifer to marry him. —ERICA SLOAN

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THE DETAILS Photography: KC Photography Venue & Catering: Cedar Lake Cellars Decor & Floral Design: Euro Trash Bouquets: BUDS Hair: Drew Schaefering & Ashley Crawford Makeup: Victoria Xenos Bridal Gown: Wtoo by Watters Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu, Jenny Yoo, Donna Morgan DJs: DJ Greasy and DJ Big D Photo Booth: StillLife

Photography by Casey Hartley of KC Photography

REAL WEDDINGS

HAYLEY & BLONIE

OCT. 21, 2017

Ceremony & Reception: Hayley Rosenblum and Blonie Dudney got the surprise of a

THE DETAILS

lifetime during their wedding reception at the Four Seasons St. Louis when, around midnight, a certain pop sensation asked the bride whether she could crash the party. Katy Perry and her crew, in town for a concert, busted out dance moves and posed for photos. “She was awesome and really friendly with all the guests,” the bride says.

Photography: Ray Prop Photography Wedding Coordinator: A Bride’s Ally Venue: Four Seasons St. Louis Florist: An Affair to Remember Cake: Four Seasons St. Louis Hair & Makeup: CPa Studio and Makeup by Elin Bridal Gown: Town & Country Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

A Spanish Connection: The newlyweds met in Madrid—thanks to Hayley’s dad. He had plans to visit Hayley and her brother in Spain and decided to bring along Blonie—then a friend he’d made just weeks earlier. “I thought that was crazy,” the bride says. But the two hit it off immediately. —SARAH KLOEPPLE

Photography by Ray Prop Photography

January 2018 stlmag.com

TRENDS

Forget black tuxes, stuffy ballrooms, and the always uninspiring question “Chicken or fish?” Couples nowadays want out-of-the-box celebrations that incorporate more personalized touches and place greater focus on the guests’ experience. “They’re feeling more free to reflect who they are as a couple as opposed to having to go with the cookie-cutter wedding experience,” says Victoria Burrows of A Bride’s Ally. “I’m noticing that across all budgets.” “More and more, it’s not just looking at Pinterest for inspiration,” says Allissa Reimer of Style: Altar’d, “but [instead] making it a fun event for everyone involved.” Wedding planners agree that food is always a significant way in which couples ensure that guests have a good time. “Usually when you went to a wedding, you knew what to expect as far as the food,” Burrows says. “Now, the sky’s the limit.” For example, some weddings feature fried chicken on

mini waffles as appetizers. Tiffany Halkitis of Events Luxe says she’s also seeing more whimsical desserts— pies, ice cream stations, doughnuts— in lieu of a cake. “We did a lot of doughnuts this year,” she says, adding that they might be stacked to look like a cake or hanging from a peg board, creating a fun display and backdrop in front of which guests can pose. “Brides and grooms want their guests to be able to do something besides just dance,” Halkitis adds. In that vein, there are now cigar bars, whiskey tastings, make-yourown-bouquet craft tables, GIF booths, caricature artists… Even with favors, couples are opting for eye-catching and memorable gifts, whether it’s a potted succulent in the summertime or a fleece blanket in the winter. “They’re investing a lot in making sure guests have a good time and unique experience,” says Burrows. “It’s not just ‘Oh, here’s the fifth wedding we had to go to this year.’” Intricate greenery continues to be a popular alternative to flowers. “I had one bride this summer who used hops— hanging from the chandeliers and down the tables,” says Halkitis. “It was gorgeous.” Community-style seating is also in demand. “Farm tables were initially cool because of their rustic vibe,” Reimer says. “Now people are drawn to farm tables or longer-table seating because of the community aspect: having all their friends and loved ones really sitting together and connecting.” —SARAH KLOEPPLE

Photography by Dana Tate, courtesy of Events Luxe

FUN FOR ALL FROM CIGAR BARS TO DOUGHNUT WALLS, WEDDING COUPLES ARE PUTTING A GREATER FOCUS ON ENHANCING GUESTS’ EXPERIENCE.

stlmag.com January 2018

S T. L R E V

P R EMIE

E E V NU – at –

OPENING SPRING 2018

WEST ’ NE ENUE S I T OU EN V

T | 2018

BE LOVELY PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDINGS • CEREMONIES • EVENTS FOR INFO & VENUE RENDERINGS VISIT: B I T. LY/ T H E V E N U E AT M D L

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January 2018 stlmag.com

FVENUES ASHION

SETTING THE STAGE FOUR UNDER-THE-RADAR ST. LOUIS–AREA WEDDING VENUES

Looking for a hidden gem to host your wedding or reception? These options accommodate small to midsize weddings. As with most venues, wedding parties should plan to book at least a year or so in advance, especially for a ceremony scheduled for peak wedding season. —KATELYN MAE PETRIN 1. BARNETT ON WASHINGTON With sweeping staircases, grand pillars, stained gla ss windows, and high vaulted ceilings, this Spanish Mission Revival building was designed by architect Tom Barnett in 1920. Newly reopened after a $4 million renovation, Barnett House hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions, and more. The ornate space accommodates 160 to 335 people, depending on whether the event has a buffet, seats, or a dance floor. 3207 Washington, 844-462-2763, barnetton washington.com.

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2. SILVER OAKS CHATEAU Opened in 2015, Silver Oaks hosts intimate weddings with rustic charm. The Grand Hall seats up to 275 guests, and the 28-acre estate has plenty of greenspace. After a ceremony outside, enjoy cocktails on the patio and a reception in the grand hall. Wedding packages run the gamut from a Sunday brunch to a 12-hour rental on a Friday or Saturday. 1168 Highway 100, Pacific, 314-280-8890, silveroakschateau.com.

3. OLIVA ON THE HILL A onetime tavern, Oliva offers a gorgeous Mediterranean setting—complete with a pergola-covered courtyard, stone water features, and terrazzo floors—in St. Louis’ iconic Italian neighborhood. The space is an atmospheric venue for smaller events, with a capacity of 120 for a cocktail reception or 100 for a seated dinner. For an extra treat, select Italian-themed menus created specifically for the venue. 4915 Daggett, 314-961-7588, olivaon thehill.com.

4. STONE HOUSE OF ST. CHARLES The venue—comprising the stone McClay house (built in the early 1800s) and the forthcoming hammerbeam-roofed Sycamore Hall—sits on a 10-acre plot that’s home to two of the oldest sycamore trees in the state. It will provide flexible spaces for ceremonies, cocktails, and receptions. The venue just started hosting weddings (Sycamore Hall was still under construction at press time), but it’s already booking a year out for prime wedding season. 4401 McClay, 636-317-1222, shofsc.com.

Photography courtesy of Barnett on Washington, Silver Oaks Chateau, L Photographie, and Stone House of St. Charles

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BRIDAL • BRIDESMAIDS • MOTHER OF THE BRIDE FLOWER GIRL • GRADUATION GOWNS

miagracebridal.com 108 Chesterfield Towne Center Chesterfield, MO 63005 636-778-3433

Just anticipate the moment. We’ll handle the details.

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch provides the perfect setting for any wedding occasion: from dynamic grand ballrooms and the inviting Park View room to the memorable rooftop Gateway Ballroom and terrace overlooking the Gateway Arch. For more information, call 314 342 4655 or visit stlouisarch.regency.hyatt.com. HYATT REGENCY ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH 315 Chestnut Street St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 63102 The trademarks HYATT®, Hyatt Regency® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved. Image by Kelly Park Photography.

STLRS5544_HR St Louis Unveiled Magazine Wedding Ad--.indd 1

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January 2018 stlmag.com

FBUDGET A S H I O NADVICE

WALLET-FRIENDLY WEDDINGS HOW TO GET HITCHED—WHILE MINDING YOUR BUDGET

Wedding costs have skyrocketed in recent years. According to The Knot, the average U.S. wedding reached an all-time high price tag of $31,213 in 2014. Sara Jones, co-owner of event planning company Lifevents–Stl, offers advice on creating—and sticking to—a budget. —K.M.P.

pieces for guest tables and the bar. If you can’t reuse it, sell it; votives, chargers, frames, centerpieces, and bar signs can all be resold.

Set your limits. “Just setting a budget is the biggest obstacle,” says Jones. Parents are footing less of the bill in recent years, she’s noted, so she recommends determining the budget right away. Staying within your means is key. “Find a comfortable range so you’re not adding stress.”

Talk to vendors. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of vendors in sticking to the budget. At the florist, for instance, ask which flowers are in season, whether vases may be rented, and whether you may bring your own vases. At the bakery, ask about a smaller multi-tier cake and a few less expensive sheet cakes.

Host the wedding and reception in the same location. Doing so eliminates a second location fee and the need for rental cars or limos to ferry the wedding party and guests, limits vendor costs for gap times, and requires fewer delivery payments. Avoid peak times. Try marrying in the offseason, or do a Sunday brunch instead of a traditional Saturday wedding. “That saves a lot, because it’s not the peak day,” says Jones. Limit the alcohol. “Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses,” Jones says. Con-

stlmag.com January 2018

sider offering just beer, wine, and a signature drink. She recommends against having a cash bar, which may upset some guests. Ask family and friends to get involved. Do you know a talented baker willing to lend a hand? Ask him or her to make cookies or pies. Design-savvy relatives can also help create centerpieces, invitations, and wedding favors. (Don’t ask a casual photographer to record the big day, though. “If they miss that first kiss or walking down the aisle,” says Jones, “it’s moments you can’t get back.”) Save on the cardstock. Download digital invitations and have them printed locally. Opt for one big seating chart instead of escort or place cards. Reuse everything. Break down the bridesmaids’ bouquets and use them on the head table or to create accent

Say no to the venue-free wedding. “Sometimes starting with a park is a little more of a blank canvas,” says Jones. “It’s great for someone who’s a little more low-key,”—say, for a wedding where everyone will stand. But a more elaborate wedding often comes with hidden costs and considerations, such as renting chairs and tables. Sometimes that “no-fuss” wedding ends up costing just as much and resulting in more stress. Budget for gratuities. As Jones says, “Anything is better than nothing.” Photography courtesy of HJS Photography

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January 2018 stlmag.com

FOUR FRESH TAKES ON BRIDAL FASHION

A LT E R ATI O N S

STYLING BY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Ana Dattilo

Kevin A. Roberts

stlmag.com January 2018

FASHION

Bespoke lace brown diamond ring, $24,000; Constellation teardrop moonstone necklace, $13,500. Adam Foster. Bouquet. Flowers & Weeds. Long-sleeve fitted crĂŞpe gown, $1,999. The Ultimate Bride. Harriet Wilde Peony Low Blue shoe, $260. Town and Country Bridal.

the TR ADITIONAL bride

January 2018 stlmag.com

stlmag.com January 2018

FASHION

the NONTR ADITIONAL bride

Fiore Couture capelet with beaded trim, $599. The Ultimate Bride. Mara jumpsuit, $280. BHLDN. BaubleBar â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; crystal collar in pearl/rosegold, $68; Gazer bootie, $129.95. Nordstrom. Constellation gold-anddiamond starburst ring, $4,900; Plume pink tourmaline earrings, $8,990; Constellation gold-anddiamond starburst cuff, $13,800. Adam Foster.

January 2018 stlmag.com

Vintage sterling silverand-turquoise Navajo squash blossom necklace, $1,250; vintage fur collar, $40; vintage sterling silverand-turquoise Navajo three-stone ring, $140; vintage sterling silver-andturquoise Navajo earrings, $65. Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place. Legends by Romona Keveza Chantilly lace gown with illusion boat neckline, $5,040; Harriet Wilde Joanie platform with gold, crystal, and pearl cherry blossom detail $590. Town and Country Bridal.

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FASHION

the

B O H E M IA N bride

January 2018 stlmag.com

stlmag.com January 2018

FASHION

the

RE BE L bride

Constellation tanzanite ring, $7,500; Constellation tanzanite earrings, $9,900. Adam Foster. Silver 1970s clutch, $24. Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place. Wedding cake: The Sweet Link. Swazey faux-suede jacket, $500. Fauxgerty. Hayley Paige Dori gown, $4,700. Maiden Voyage Bridal. Harriet Wilde Arabella Low in champagne, $262. Town and Country Bridal.

January 2018 stlmag.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VENDORS Pulling together your big day will be a team effort. These professionals have the expertise and experience to make your nuptials beautiful, fun and stress-free.

January 2018 stlmag.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Intimate Venue

The Cheshire 6300 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117 314 - 647-7300  cheshirestl.com

he 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/ bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, receptions and more. With rich dark wood surroundings, vintage stained-glass windows and rustic charm, both Upstairs at The Cheshire and the Red Room 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.

Grand Venue

Hilton at the Ballpark 1 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102 314 - 421-1776  hiltonstlouis.com

ilton 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.

stlmag.com January 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Grand Venue

Sheraton Westport Hotels 191 & 900 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146 314 - 878-1500  sheratonwestport.com

ne 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…

Grand Venue

St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton 1820 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 314 - 621-5262  stlunionstationhotel.com

he 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-ofa-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.

January 2018 stlmag.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Intimate Venue

Outdoor Venue

Cyrano’s Café

Villa Antonio Winery

603 E. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119 314-963-3434  cyranos.com

3660 Linhorst Road, Hillsboro, MO 63050 636-475-5008  villaantoniowinery.com

Centrally located in Webster Groves, Cyrano’s Café offers a beautiful and unique private room for your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or bridesmaid luncheon. With bright colors and eclectic interior design, Cyrano’s offers something you can’t find in traditional banquet rooms. The space can accommodate up to 40 people for a sit-down meal and up to 60 people for a buffet. Cyrano’s offers a wide variety of menus for lunch and dinner—along with award-wining desserts!

Romantic lakeside and vineyard views, beautiful grounds and an elegant outdoor tent provide the perfect backdrop for the wedding of your dreams. Villa Antonio Winery’s Italian-inspired vineyard venue blends rustic charm with classic elegance, while offering a variety of packages to meet your needs. Villa Antonio Winery was recently named one of the best wedding venues in the St. Louis area by WeddingWire. The one-of-a-kind environment can host unforgettable weddings of 300-plus, rehearsal dinners, showers and more.

Grand Venue

Photo Booth

Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries

Fish Eye Fun

3648 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 314-533-9900  thesheldon.org

3409 Roger Place, St. Louis, MO 63116 314-621-8638  fisheyefun.com

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.

Fish Eye Fun is a fun and funky alternative to a traditional photo booth. With its “open air” booth design, fisheye lens, professional studio lighting and unique image processing, you’ll see that Fish Eye Fun really is way better than a photo booth!

stlmag.com January 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Florist

Photo/ Video Booths

Ken Miesner’s Flower Shoppe

VideoCakes Productions

9723 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 314-567-6650  miesnersflowers.com

8125 Cornell Court, University City, MO 63130 314-376-5372  videocakesproductions.com

Since 1971, Ken Miesner’s Flower Shoppe has been the destination for discerning brides looking to find the finest flowers in St. Louis. The Shoppe’s commitments to excellence, design and service continue to be their defining hallmarks. The team of award-winning, experienced designers are on hand to provide you with a truly memorable celebration of love. Whether your wedding is an extravagant occasion or an intimate affair, Ken Miesner’s Flower Shoppe is the perfect choice for your perfect day.

VideoCakes Productions creates unique and heartfelt memories that last a lifetime. They specialize in montages, concept films, slow-motion video booths, green screen photo booths, electronic guest sign-in books and more. The team at VideoCakes Productions loves making a masterpiece out of the moments of life, and it shows.

Grand Venue

Travel Specialist

Missouri Athletic Club

Destination Weddings by RSVP

405 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102 314-539-4470  mac-stl.org

17281 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005 636-778-1081  destinationweddingsbyrsvp.com

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 awardwinning 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.

The destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialists at Destination Weddings by RSVP, a division of Travel Leaders Chesterfield, have the knowledge, experience and connections to turn your dreams into reality. Whether it is just the two of you on your romantic honeymoon or a destination wedding with a group of close friends and family from across the globe, they will manage all the travel details, so you can focus on your new life together.

January 2018 stlmag.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH LLOYD

Florals, Décor & Rentals

Florist

An Affair To Remember

Poppies Design Studio

4810 Fairview Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 314-899-9321  aatrstl.com

10405 Baur Boulevard, Ste. F, Olivette, MO 63132 314-952-1591  poppiesdesignstudio.com

Whether you’re Pinning romantic garden-style weddings or want something with a bit more sparkle, the awardwinning team at An Affair To Remember has the style and experience to turn your dream wedding into a reality. From gorgeous bouquets and centerpieces to luxury linens and the most unique decorative rentals in the area, they will create and execute a design tailored to your personal style, vision and budget. Contact them today for a private consultation.

Blooms for New Beginnings: Poppies Design Studio specializes in wedding and special event florals. Poppies not only provides floral design but also has a wide variety of rentals ranging from arches, vases, candelabras, candles, lanterns, table numbers and signage. The staff works closely with every client to ensure that every floral detail is brought to life for his or her big day.

WEEKENDER LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO? ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT · FAMILY ACTIVITIES · TRAVEL

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stlmag.com January 2018

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAPACITY

RENTAL FEE

VENUE

The Caramel Room at Bissinger’s 314-615-2480 caramelroom.com

KEY

Reception Guide

DINNER

BUFFET

COCKTAILS

CATERING

MON–FRI

SAT–SUN

CATERER

STARTING COST PER PERSON

OUTDOOR AREA

320

400

N/A

23 City Blocks Catering

135 (includes bar and service)

Yes

The Cheshire 314-647-7300 cheshirestl.com

150–200

150

250

N/A

Boundary

Varies

Yes

Cyrano’s Café 314-963-3434 cyranos.com

$30 a.m./$75 p.m.

$75 a.m./$150 p.m. (Fri–Sun)

Cyrano's Café

Lunch:$12 Dinner: $16 Buffet: $12

Hilton at the Ballpark 314-421-1776 hiltonstlouis.com

300

275–300

425

N/A

Hilton at the Ballpark

$89

1,000

2,200

N/A

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

$100

Yes

Lumen Private Event Space 314-615-2480 lumenstl.com

180

250

N/A

23 City Blocks Catering

$123 (includes bar, valet, and service)

Missouri Athletic Club 314-539-4470 mac-stl.org

400

500

$1,000

$3,000 (Saturday only)

Missouri Athletic Club

$80

Moulin Events & Meetings 314-241-4949 moulinevents.com

260

225

600

$325–$1,500+

Moulin Events & Meetings

$70

Yes (with an additional rental fee)

Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries 314-533-9900 thesheldon.org

500

700

$1,400+

$1,800+

Client's choice

Determined by caterer

Sheraton Westport Hotels 314-878-1500 sheratonwestport.com

500–500

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

500– 1,000

N/A

St. Louis Union Station Hotel

$95

Dec–Apr: $4,250 May–Jun: $4,675 Jul–Aug: $4,250 Sep–Nov: $5,300

Ces & Judy’s Catering

Varies

Yes

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch 314-342-4655 stlouisarch.regency.hyatt.com

The Venue at Maison du Lac 314-991-6700 cesandjudys.com

300+

Fridays only Dec–Apr: $3,600 May–Jun: $4,300 Jul–Aug: $3,600 Sep–Nov: $4,000

Villa Antonio Winery 636-475-5008 villaantoniowinery.com

300+

Varies

Villa Antonio Winery

$25

Yes

Willow 314-899-0430 weddingsinwillow.com

250

300

$1,500 (with $5,000 food and beverage minimum)

$1,500+ (with $5,000 food and beverage minimum)

Fifth Wheel Catering

Varies

January 2018 stlmag.com

Q&A

a table with hanging house-made pretzels along with different sauces, mustards, salts, and charcuterie. What’s the most important question that a couple can ask a caterer? Whether they create custom menus. We do a lot of taco bars, for example, and one couple loved Korean food, so we created a Korean-themed taco bar. What are the most important questions you ask a couple? What do they like to eat in general? What’s their favorite restaurant? When they go there, what do they eat? What do they eat on special occasions? Then we design and create the menu specifically for that night. What’s the most important question no one asks? What a couple doesn’t like. We use a lot of mushrooms, for example; if someone doesn’t like them, we need to know that. A lot of building block items—like onions and some peppers—can end up being stumbling blocks.

REVERIE TO REALITY KELLY SPENCER TURNS FOOD MUSINGS INTO MEMORIES.

She calls herself a boutique caterer—“like that dress in a little shop that no one else will be wearing at the party; that’s what we try to do with food,” explains Kelly Spencer, owner of The Social Affair. Her “imagination stations” range from Chinese barbecue pork biscuits to top-your-own deviled egg bars. “The client thinks it up,” she says. “We bring it to life.” —GEORGE MAHE Are wedding receptions becoming simpler or more elaborate? Both. The trend is shifting from sit-down dinners to cocktail-style receptions. Today’s couples just want a big party, a memorable and interactive experience, which is not necessarily cheaper, but the host gets more for their dollar. Are wedding traditions changing? Some are definitely taking place earlier—

stlmag.com January 2018

often, the cake ceremony and dancing start immediately, not after dinner. How popular are food stations? Hotter than ever, and they’re not going anywhere. We do a s’mores station, where guests toast their own marshmallows over a converted chicken trough, then add unusual toppings, like butterscotch caramel sauce and candied bacon. Recently we did

Have wedding cakes become less popular? They’re no less popular, but they are smaller. The five-tier wedding cake is on its way out; the 6-inch “cake-cutting cake” is in—it’s just big enough for the bride and groom to cut, feed to each other, and save a piece. What are the hottest wedding trends? Nontraditional entrance music, custom vows, colored wedding dresses… I’ve seen whiskey-tasting stations, mini-doughnut bars, a table where cigars are rolled to order. But across the board, it’s pre-ceremony cocktails, inspired by the couple, because they’re unexpected. Maybe the hottest trend is the unexpected. Couples want their reception to live on, for months and years to come. What’s the hottest trend that’s yet to hit St. Louis? Friday weddings, so people can hang out with friends and family for the rest of the weekend. Online: Visit stlmag.com to read about Spencer’s most unusual food request. Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

EVENTS · CONTESTS · DEALS

January 2018 stlmag.com

FLASHBACK

BREAD AND CAKE It was 1931, the year of St. Louis’ milk wars. Pevely and Sanitary Dairy Co. were fighting over sales territories, engaged in “the dumping of milk trucks, shooting from ambush, burning of cow barns,” and other acts that the local press described as “close to guerrilla warfare.” Somehow, the milk supply still flowed, though the Great Depression would soon take care of that. As the decade wore on, baking would mean making do without eggs or butter. Ingenious sweet tooths invented War Cake, Mystery Cake, and Tomato Soup Cake—horrible-sounding but allegedly tasty. But for those with money, life went on as usual, complete with cathedral weddings and snowy cakes with multiple tiers, busy with sugar roses and sparkling tendrils of icing. Here, bakers’ apprentices study that art, though their cakes are probably made of plaster or cardboard. This class found itself better off than the wraiths who sold apples on corners. And yet for most working people, that reality never felt far off. One wonders what happened to the shy guy on the right in his serious

stlmag.com January 2018

glasses, or even the instructor, who probably fancied himself something of an artist (two fish on a wedding cake is even less appetizing than Tomato Soup Cake but more interesting than two tiny plastic people). How close did these people skirt the edges of precarity? What was it like to deliver cakes to June brides such as Miss Janet Gardner, who sported “an ensemble of peach blow chiffon with a jacket of imported French appliqué lace” and had her first dance to the strains of an orchestra imported into her parents’ garden? At the end of that night, Mrs. Hawes, née Gardner, walked up a grand staircase to see that “the entire third floor of the house was used to house the wedding presents, which numbered in the hundreds.” And the spinster baker who authored all those sugar flowers on the cake, resigned to having her artistry cut up and eaten, caught a streetcar in the dark, daydreaming about the day she’d make her own cake, in her own kitchen—not with canned soup and vegetable oil but instead with butter, milk, and eggs. —STEFENE RUSSELL Photo by Ed Meyer, courtesy of the Missouri History Museum

, after parties, and so much more!