Okay, so this is a long blog, I am just going to throw that out there right now.  Allie and Andrew are kind of awesome.  I don’t like to play favorites, but they are both incredibly warm and charming in the most genuine way that you just can’t help but like them.  By the end of the night I knew everyone so well that I felt like I might possibly be in for a “lazy bear” myself, and that maybe I should watch my back (more on that later!)  Bottom line… a lot of things happened on 12.13.14 (most importantly, Allie and Andrew got married!)… but a LOT of other things happened too…funny things, happy things, strange things, sneaky things, ridiculous things, and sentimental things among family and friends alike.  Let’s begin with the shiny, pretty things!

I came to learn later that pink is Andrew’s signature color.  I love the back story on these heirloom earrings too… one was lost and the family had a replacement cast, so the patina on them is ever so slightly different. (but whomever made the new one did a REALLY beautiful job of matching it!)

cute monogrammed bride’s shirt (the girls had hoodies, which were adorable)

see?  cute, right?  I would say these rank highly in the re-usable functional wearable bridesmaids gift category!

I think the girls approve of the dress  :D

Allie was super impressed that Andrew had gotten his own stationery.

gorgeous.

aaaand then we visit the boys.  So the day with the boys began with some antics with a horse mask that somehow devolved into Andrew staging a scene from the Godfather in the bed at the Ritz Carlton.

everyone gets bow tied with a little help from their friends  (pink, of course!)

ready for action.

Andrew, what are you drinking?! I will not post the photo of the face you made immediately after.

not Bud Light Lime

first look time… I love that Andrew is a little teary eyed.

so, there was a reindeer outside the Ritz and it gave me the side-eye.

the (slightly freezing) ladies

and the whole gang

okay, so this is apparently called “salmoning” and is a semi regular occurrence with this crew.  I know nothing of it’s origins, but it was fairly hysterical to witness.

pink socks!

It is always so nice to work with people who are having a great time.  There was pretty much non stop fun all day.

gorgeous entryway by Simcha’s Events, Belli Fiori, and M Haley Design

fun with ketubahs

It’s official!

Pre ceremony goofing’ off (even with an arm in a sling)

here comes the groom….

Simcha doing final touchups

and here come stye bride!

the faces of two people who are psyched about getting married to each other

beautiful draping and a stunning chuppah can really transform a space!

I will put the photos in here where the glass actually breaks…. but for posterity’s sake, I feel it’s necessary to mention that this was stomp #2… the first one may or may not have sent the glass flying across the floor… but all’s well that ends well! Mazel tov!

glowing golds and pinks

hi!

a little dancing before dinner!

I am not sure I have ever had a bride and groom who both value their families (and each other’s) so much… cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents all are extremely tight knit… very awesome to witness and be a part of.

the horse head re-appears!

and suddenly during the horah there are TWO horse heads!  some pretty priceless terrified faces were made too….

It’s Laurie’s turn to almost fall off the chair….

And then Ellen’s… judging by the tilt of that chair, I’d say Ellen nearly crowd surfed.  Issac… you look a little tooooo amused LOL

the Chod Davos T shirts were pretty great too…

so recall earlier, when I talked about watching my back for a “lazy bear” …. this phenomenon occurs when one friend sneaks up behind another one and wraps their arms around the unsuspecting friend’s shoulders, simultaneously calling out “lazy bear” and becoming dead weight and causing their knees to buckle as they crumble to the ground.  Apparently, as I am told, this works 100% of the time, regardless of the person’s size relative to the other person.  I joked about not getting to witness it happen, and so promptly, one was enacted.  Ask and ye shall receive.  Sorry tall groomsman dude… that face plant was on me!  If I could have stopped laughing long enough to catch my breath, I *might*  have felt bad about it.

It appears that Allie has put a ring on it.

Andrew and Alex having a competition to see who has more junk in the trunk (it is perhaps a tie, no?)

this entire group danced all night long

Bud Light, ted Drewes, and Imo’s appeared for a true St. Louis late night after party!

Thank you Allie and Andrew for letting me capture your wedding day– it was a blast and I learned so many new fun terms!  LOL  We have loved working with you and both of your families!! with love, kate

L Photographie St. Louis wedding photography by Liz Sloan and Kate Hayes 

VENDOR LOVE

Planner : Simcha Lourie – Simcha’s Events

Ceremony & Reception venue : The Ritz Carlton

Officiant : Rabbi Carnie Rose

Cake : The Cakery

Band : Griffin and the Gargoyles

Ceremony musicians : The Rosewood Ensemble

Florist : Belli Fiori

Lighting/Chuppah : Exclusive Events

Paper goods : M Haley Design

Linens : BBJ Linen

Chairs : Premier Party Rentals

Makeup : Emily Miller

Hair : Kim Khotsyphom