Some might say it was a wedding event that was a decade in the making. Hilary and Cory, a young Saint Louis couple met each other the summer before their freshman year of high school and had been dating for more than ten years before becoming engaged.
Rich and bold patterned invitations created by Serendipity Beyond Design.
Their wedding reflected Saint Louis nostalgia, with a traditional ceremony held at the historic Old Cathedral and the reception at the World’s Fair Pavilion. Talented Saint Louis wedding decor, lighting and rental vendors including The Aries Co., Parties and Props, Premier Rentals, and lush floral by Mary Tuttles all came together to turn Hilary’s fairytale dream into reality.
From the moment guests entered the World’s Fair Pavilion, they were treated to a variety of visual and culinary delights. Rich textures topped the tables such as bengaline silk, lamour satin, and crushed bichon provided by BBJ Linen paired with napkins provided by Connie Duglin Linens.
The pavilion’s blank palette had been transformed into an opulent destination with stunning linens in regal shades of purple and red; mahogany chiavari chairs flanking long dining tables; dramatic wash lighting and gobo lights simulating trees growing from the columns accentuating the architectural details of the historic venue.
Each guest table was named after a year the couple had shared together and featured a summary written from the couple’s perspective of that particular year.
As the couple began to cut the cake provided by The Cakery together they forgot the bottom layer was made of Styrofoam. Realizing it a little too late the couple continued to pretend to eat the cake. However, despite the funny situation, it made a great story and an even greater photo.
Galaxy Band kept the music rocking all night long despite the storm scare that seemed to be approaching.
Shortly into the first set, guests were surprised by an impromptu performance of “Mustang Sally” by Hollywood legend and Saint Louis native, John Goodman, who is a member of the groom’s extended family.
As the party wound down and guests left, they were given “doggie bags” to fill at a cookie station (showcasing the donation to a local animal charity) featuring a wide variety of Hollyberry Baking award-winning sweets. In addition to making the dining experience truly special, Hollyberry Catering was also awarded the ISES Louie Award for Best Caterers for this event.
The night ended with a sparkler exit as the bride and groom hopped into a red 1950s Austin Healey and waved their guests goodbye.
Hilary and Cory’s magical wedding was featured in the Spring/Summer 2011 edition of Saint Louis Bride. It was truly an honor celebrating this momentous occasion with the Wheeler and Lenzen families and we wish them a lifetime of happiness.
Special thank you to the following vendors:
Photographer: Megan Thiele Studios
Transportation Company: Presidential Limousines
Make-up Artist: Danielle Style
Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Ice Sculpture: Ice Visions
Design Details & Event Day Stationery: Nichole Chandler, Cosmopolitan Events
– Josie Littlepage & The Cosmopolitan Events Team