Honestly one of the best things about what we do is that every wedding is different. Yes, it’s many of the same things on the same schedule…photograph the dress and the rings, put the bride in her dress, get the groom tying his tie, here comes the bride, vows, smiles down the aisle, family photos, wedding party tom foolery, pretty reception stuff, announcements, toasts, dinner and dance party. If you’ve seen a few of our blogs then you know how it goes down! BUT, you will probably also see how different and unique each day is. Not only in the style and decor, but in the most important way…the people. Dealing with a new set of family and friends every weekend keeps us on our toes and forever in love with the variety of the human race.

I was positive that this one was going to be different from the very beginning. Ana and Matt are absolutely unique and wouldn’t let their wedding be anything but. I knew I was in for interesting as soon as they brought a little LOVE made of Legos to their engagement session and wanted to get covered in paint. And who better to accept the challenge of creating a wedding worthy of this unique couple than our friend Simcha Lourie! This wedding was filled with firsts for us: my first time in the most amazing suite at the Ritz Carlton St. Louis, first butterfly release, first dance floor surrounded by a moat, first dance floor confetti explosion, and at the rehearsal dinner our very first lantern release. So we should start there!

Many of the vendors involved in this event started referring to Ana as “The Water Bride”, myself included. That started when she and Matt hopped in the water to finish off their engagement session. And then with all of the water features at the reception, it just seemed meant to be. So I tried a new approach on my ring shot to bring it all together!


Presentation of coins…a Puerto Rican tradition said to bring luck and wealth.


Ana is such a natural beauty…with perfect skin. Danielle sometimes your job is just so EASY! ;)

She gets her natural laughter from her beautiful mother.

Bridal perfection.


Love this moment with mom.

Meredith had a few moments with Matt and the guys. We don’t see the white jackets very often. Again, unique!


Ana had a little secret photo session with us on the side. ;)



Awww…last minute before we are off to the church!



The Cathedral Basilica is just as beautiful as any of the churches Steve and I saw when we were in Italy on our honeymoon. The whole thing is covered top to bottom mosaic tiles.



Frankie at Festive Couture Floral did an AMAZING job on all of the florals for this wedding. I mean AMAZING. You know I’m serious when I type in all caps right?!


Married!

So the butterfly release…one of my firsts…I would say could have gone better? They didn’t really feel like flying. Lazy butterflies. :)




Off to the park for a few fun wedding party photos and portraits!





This was a failed experiment due to lack of wind. But I think the failure is still pretty cute in it’s own way. :)







Back to the Ritz to cool off, touch up hair and makeup and relax for a few before the reception.

And here come the awesome reception details. Wait for it…


Um, holy orchids!!!

AND custom built waterfalls in the middle of the head table! I think that Exclusive Events outdid themselves on this one.

Again with the floral design…killing it Frankie!

The custom built dance floor was surrounded by a “moat” and a couple of additional water features.



It was all so perfect!








The fathers of the bride and groom had the crowd in stitches.

Nothing like sparkling champagne! Get it?!





Love hugs. One of my favorite things about wedding days. Good hugs.


That and all of the genuine smiles.











Guests were excited to try out the custom dance floor!


Keeping with our water theme, just a couple of quick portraits out by the fountain.

Butterfly confetti explosion!



The place card table became the favor table while guests were enjoying the reception. Meant to Bee with little pots of honey.

And the confetti exit is the cherry on top!

Congratulations to you both! We wish you many years of smiles, laughter and joy. With love, Liz + Meredith

VENDOR LOVE

Ceremony venue : Cathedral Basilica

Reception venue : Ritz Carlton

Planner : Simcha Lourie – Simcha’s Events

Band : Burning Las Vegas

Cocktail band : Son Montuno

Ceremony musicians : Rosewood Ensemble

Florist : Festive Couture

Lighting/Drapery : Exclusive Events

Videographer : Boda Films

Cake : The Cakery

Photobooth : Two Chicks and a Photobooth

Ice sculpture : Ice Visions

Hair & Makeup : Danielle Erb – Daniellestyle

Linens : BBJ Linen

Rentals :Premier Party Rentals

Transportation : VIP Limo

Paper goods : MHaley Designs

L Photographie St. Louis Wedding Photographers