For once I am at a loss of words. These photos truly just speak for themselves. The lighting, the sunset ceremony, the joy, the beauty? None of it needs an introduction, other than the fact that I am honored that Mike of MNC Photography shared this wedding with me. And, thrilled that Ashlynn was so excited to share the details of her and Stephen’s planning process.
And, for the record, Forest Park is one of my absolute favorite venues in St. Louis. World’s Fair Pavilion offers some spectacular views of the Park, and I swoon every time I see a wedding up there.
From the Bride:
The story behind the World’s Fair Pavilion as our venue started when I was about 13 years old. It all started when my dad took me to a musical at The Muny in Forest Park. Afterward, we went to lunch at The Boathouse (where we had our rehearsal dinner) and then walked around the park. As he took me up to the World’s Fair Pavilion (at the time not dressed up with all the fountains and landscaping it now has), I said to him “I am going to get married here some day.” Ten years later, when the man of my dreams asked me to marry him, we began our planning from Washington, DC, where we were then living. From the beginning we wanted this to be the most fun, non-stuffy wedding we could throw, while trying to still keep some traditional elements as well.
In DC I worked at a bridal shop, so planning while working there was so fun. We got all of our the attire and accessories for myself and the wedding party at the shop. I am the bride that says my husband wasn’t too interested in planning (until the end, when he stepped up to help take some load off my shoulders) but probably because I am an OCD planner!
Since everything was planned to be outside, I scoured the internet for 3 month/30day/15 day forecasts! That week it was supposed to rain. After developing a Plan B for the ceremony, the day of the wedding was a miraculously beautiful day!!! We agreed we wanted the ceremony and reception in the same place, directly following each other and in the evening. So, we had our first look and took all of our pictures before so we could just enjoy the rest of the night.
The ceremony took place at sunset overlooking the park (it was amazing!). We then headed to cocktail hour and reception inside the pavilion. We had lounge style seating with high top tables, bistro tables and large rounds, and guests could sit where ever they wanted with food being available for about two hours. Later in the night we had Saint Louis’s famous Gus’s pretzels and a popcorn stand, as well as a photobooth, all of which was a huge hit! We danced the WHOLE night!!!
Our brilliant idea was to swim in the fountain at the end of the night. We only shared this information with our photographer, who stuck around just to photograph it (he is amazing by the way). So we had a mini trash the dress session. Afterward, I got to cut and keep the top part of the gown.
The bus ride at the end of the night was one of the funniest things I had seen in a long time, we tried to pile about 60 people on our bus, where everyone continued the dance party!! Overall definitely the most amazing night of our lives (only having a baby could top it:)!!
Ceremony / Reception Venue: World’s Fair Pavilion | Ceremony Music: Keough Music Productions | Reception Music: Arvell & Company | Photography: MNC Photography | Florist: Lucky You Productions | Lighting / Decor: Exclusive Events | Wedding Gown: Ian Stuart from Hannelore’s Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm Occasions from Hannelore’s Bridal Boutique | Veil: Toni Federici | Shoes: Kate Spade | Groom / Groomsmen Attire: Savvi Formalwear | Photobooth: Photobooth StL | Hair / Make-up: Tami Scott Studio | Catering: Orlando’s Catering | Bakery: McArthur’s Bakery
