Rachel and Jermal met at the Zoo (they both very active in philanthropic work).  Jermal was on the board of the Young Zoo Friends and a mutual friend introduced the two at the annual Zootini.  So it was no surprise that they wanted to get married near by and it just so happens to be one of the most beautiful locations in St. Louis, Forest Park.  Rachel and Jermal wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, followed by an extended cocktail reception and later a dinner reception at Copia for close friends and family.  We lined The Statue with 250 chairs over looking all of Forest Park- every moment was breathtaking.

Rachel and Jermal celebrated with friends and family drinking champagne and nibbling on cake pops. This charming couple is loved by so many, and it was not an easy decision to go against having a large wedding party yet to have one best man and one maid of honor.  However, they honored 26 of their closest friends/family with boutonnieres and a large group picture.  I LOVED this idea…everyone seemed to as well!

Wedding Coordinator: Kristin Ashley Events 

Ceremony & Reception: Forest Park, The Statue

Dinner Reception: Copia

Photographer: Lance Omar Thurman Photography

Flowers: The Silver Garden

Ceremony Music: Rosewood Ensamble 

Reception Music: TKO

Rentals: Signature Rentals

Cake/Cake Pops: The Cakery

Cocktail Reception Catering: Dominique Catering

Paper Goods: Cheree Berry 

Katie and I met through my cousin in-law, Lindsey, at the end of 2011.  Katie grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to St. Louis in 2010 where she got a Full-Time job as a bank teller, with PNC Bank.  I soon expressed my concerns to Lindsey about how different the industry’s are, but she quickly informed me Katie had a background in catering and design….we were getting warmer!

I was on a mission to find an assistant that could handle the demands of this industry.  I was in need of a girl who could read my mind, take notes, and be my Ying to my Yang.  After one wedding, I knew Katie was my girl.  She gets my corky humor, last minute demands and is always eager to jump in any scenario.  Although she likes the glitz and glamour of weddings, Katie’s biggest talent is the ability to execute my weekend timelines- LOVE!

When asking Katie what she loves about working for Kristin Ashley Events, ” I love how Kristin has a wide variety of clients. One wedding might be outside in Forest Park, a traditional Catholic wedding at St. Francis or a casual modern wedding at Lumen.  I would say the best feeling is seeing a past client at a wedding and getting a huge hug from them like it’s your family you haven’t seen in forever!  It is such a privilege to get to know these families and an honor to be apart of so many special days. ”

Meet Grace Mower; 2012 Intern

Often mistaken for my younger sister, Grace is an outgoing, personable, creative and not to mention the most DRIVEN girl I’ve ever met.  Grace was born in Chester, New Jersey, but shortly after moved to St. Louis.   Grace’s parents encouraged her from a young age that nothing comes easy in life and it was imperative to get involved with her school, community and the work field.

Grace and I met at Crate and Barrel where we got talking and I didn’t want to stop…so I asked her to shop with me for my Summer feature on Great Day St. Louis.  Something about Grace was striking to me, she was so interested in what I did but on a very professional level.  Grace told me she was unsure what she wanted to study in college, however, she has always been interesting in event planning.  Soon after Grace was shadowing me at weddings and now sometimes helps out as an assistant on weekends.  Grace is a master with the logistics and has a keen eye for style.  I love how professional and likable Grace is with everyone she comes in counter with.

I asked Grace what she loves most about working for Kristin Ashley Events, “I love the uniqueness and individuality of every wedding with all the personal touches the bride and groom put in the event.  Kristin has such a talent of knowing exactly what her clients wants and needs are and watching her execute them on the day of weddings has taught me a lot about business in general.”

Photos by C. Lynne Photography

Maggie and Micah chose the Levi Place to be married.  The farm was purchased by Maggie’s Great- Great Grandfather in the early 1900′s and became known as the Levi Place.  The farm has always stayed in the family and it is where they all gather to celebrate everyone’s company.  They now call it the Nickens and Sons Farm and has been the home of holiday parties, engagements and now Maggie and Micah started a new wedding tradition!

Their wedding festivities took place on July 4th weekend.  We are talking golfing, brunch, group float trips along the river, swimming, paddle boating, four wheeling, a large welcome party (I should mention hotdogs, s’mores and sparklers by the campfire- perfect touch!) and ended with a massive firework display thanks to Mr. Nickens, which we agreed it was a must have!

They really wanted this party to go for hours so we started off with a pre-ceremony welcome hour (it was 100* so we opt to do this one inside the Big House).  Guests were soon asked to take their seat on hay bales (don’t worry we covered them with hankies and pillow cases, as well as fan programs).  The very intimate ceremony took place in what they call the Secret Garden, also where they planted a tree just after they declared their promises to each other. (tearing up yet?) Following the ceremony we had cocktails on the main porch which had Spanish influences to it.  Maggie and Micah met in Spain while studying abroad, so they really wanted a small part of Spain tied in to their day. After cocktails, guests were able to enjoy a variety of food stations, music by the well-known St. Louis band, Downtime Productions and swoon over this whimsical fairytale outdoor wedding…

The details on this wedding are endless.  Maggie wanted her guests to feel like they were coming to just another one of their family get together’s, this one just happen to be extra special.  Her colors consisted of plume, fuchsia, lilac, rose, gold, ivory and burlap.  We had an amazing tent that was set up by Traube Tent on the parking lot and a beautiful fountain just happen to stand in the middle, which made a peaceful center piece.  Maggie loved the idea of hanging mason jars and lanterns to make up for a majority of the lighting, but what really made it dazzle was the extra lighting and draping brought in by St. Louis’s, Exclusive Events.  We had a variety of colors, textures and experiences that their friends and family got to adore.

Emily, from Slice of Lime created some of the best paper goods I’ve ever seen.  Guests were welcomed with a Welcome Booklets which consisted of a hand drawn map (made by Maggie), History of Land, Things to Do and Weekend Festivities

Can you just take a second to enjoy the view…thanks.

This tree was painted by a dear friend, “Leaf Your Thumbprint and Name”

To make sure the placecards didn’t fly away we painted their numbers on the rocks.  Perfect cocktail drink on a hot summer day a Sangria (of course).

Now, normally I would NEVER post a picture of a bathroom.  But listen up, if you are having an outdoor wedding, in the middle of July with 100* temperatures, you need a bathroom with AC people! There was simply no argument on this one…treat your guests right and they will forever be thankful for it

Photos by C. Lynne Photography and Tana Nickens

OH AND PLEASE…let’s not forget about the photo op! We pulled Ol’ Greener from the shed and fancied her up for this great little area guests could come take pictures and take home their own token from the wedding.  What’s not to love?!

Maggie and Micah, it was a wedding I will never forget.  Thank you for letting me be apart of it… good luck with your next chapter in life!

Team

Full Planning Services- Kristin Ashley Events

Photographer: C. Lynne Photography (services were donated for 2011 Wish Upon A Wedding; c.lynneproductions@gmail.com)

Florist: The Flower Merchant; Springfield, MO

Tent:  Traube Tent; St. Louis

Décor: Exclusive Events; St. Louis

Location: Richland, MO

Caterer: ReRicogrill

Desserts:  ReRicogrill

Music:  Downtown Productions; St. Louis

Paper Goods:  Slice of Lime; St. Louis

Linen & Rentals: Connie Duglin & Fabick

Jaclyn and Chris’s wedding was absolutely breathtaking.  Jaclyn has always been a fun, sassy and stylish gal.  Her personality lights up a room so when it came to her wedding she wanted it to be nothing more than meaningful, memorable and well FUN!  Every last detail of their wedding was planned out by Jaclyn leaving the final details for Ali and I to take care of that day.  Chris and Jaclyn were as cute-as-could be dashing around Chicago with Studio This Is to capture all their wedding day moments.

Kehoe designed an incredible setting for the two.  Jaclyn’s vogue color combo consisted of ivory, gold, bronze and gunmetal with a splash of ivy green to mix up this modern wedding look.  She wanted the room to dazzle with candlelight, hanging chandeliers and amber lighting.  The Ivy Room looked magical and timeless…Jaclyn’s envision for her wedding day was without a doubt perfected.

This Purdue couple (and many of their Boilermaker guests) know how to party and what better way to throw a party than having Chicago’s best, Larry King Orchestra.  When all work is said and done Ali and I hit the dance floor with the couple and partied to songs like Black Betty, Don’t Stop Believing and Firework.  It was an unforgettable night for many of us… thank you for letting me be apart of it!!!

All Photo’s by Studio This is

Ceremony:  St. Alphonsus

Reception:  Ivy Room

Decor: Kehoe Designs

Photographer: Studio This Is

Music: Larry King Orchestra

Dress: Amsale

Paper Goods: Two Tulips

Transportation:  Aaron Limousine

Catering: Blue Plate Chicago

Cake:  Bittersweet

Tablecloth, Garland, festive ornaments: Crate and Barrel
Hurricane and Chargers: Hobby Lobby or Michaels

I also wanted to say a little thank you to ALL the fabulous vendors that I’ve gotten the privilege to work with this year.  You are only as good as those you work with… and St. Louis has some great vendors in this industry!

I wish you all the best now…and always.  Thanks again and congrats to my 2011 clients!!!

I can remember from a young age my parents having the Bowerman & Kennedy families over for Thanksgiving.  My mom would always make sure everyone felt welcomed, loved and thankful.  When I say loved, I mean she made an extra batch of deviled eggs and saved me a bowl of raw (yes raw) stuffing.  As much as I like to think I was the favorite child she managed to save the dark meat for my brother and picked up a heavenly ham just for him…

We love Thanksgiving… but my mom couldn’t wait for the weekend after to start decorating our house in live size snowmen, santa’s galore, and Christmas cheer you could feel down the street. So it shouldn’t be much surprise to most that I love the holidays!! This is how it gets started at the Weis house…

First things first… Pandora! Classic Christmas music is the best!

Having a hard time deciding where to start? Pick up Real Simple- it’s my monthly must read!

“Forever Young” Essie nail polish and an “Apple Pie” Yankee candle yummm!

DIY project- yes people get out your hot glue gun and head to Hobby Lobby.  This year’s big thing is making your own wreath.  Before anyone walks in your door, welcome them with a little holiday cheer…

(You need; a plain wreath, about 50-60 ornaments (hint get the ones on sale!), hot glue gun, ribbon and about 30 minutes).

I am not a GREAT cook and that’s no secret…I get all my tasty treats from blogs such as; Pioneer Woman, Real Simple, Smitten Kitchen and Yummy Mummy.  I got this cute little appetizer idea from a friend of my Ashley Brooke that she made for the holidays.  We picked this simple cranberry treat from Yummy Mummy!

Recipe: Yummy Mummy Kitchen 

Who doesn’t love a nice martini (please drink responsibly) or the alternative hot chocolate for all those who prefer a nice nonalcoholic drink.  Check out Real Simples 10 Ideas for: holiday cocktails this Pomegranate Martini is just as delicious as it looks!

If you haven’t learned by now, I love Purdue, basketball, my family and well I am a sucker for paper goods! I took my Christmas card from last year (designed by Ashley Brooke Designs) and framed it in my kitchen I loved it sooo much!  If there is one thing I miss most about Indiana (besides corn and tomatoes) is going to Purdue basketball games with my Dad.  I hope you enjoy our holiday/team spirit as much as we do!

Saving the best for last…. My dear friend and blogger Nina Helleny of According to Nina and friend Erin came up with 25 Acts of Kindness which I LOVE! I printed this off and stuck it to my fridge (best way to look at it multiple times a day).  Be sure to follow her throughout the holidays because I am sure she will have some great ideas/projects for the season!

Don’t forget to smile…it’s contagious!

Lauren & Ryan- Love Story from GEBBS on Vimeo.

…and on their wedding day. Priceless.

Lauren & Ryan- Same Day Edit from GEBBS on Vimeo.

Special thanks to Gebbs Films for sharing!

It brings me nothing but joy to see friends and family getting married.  Anne, is considered a friend of mine, but I think of her more like family.  We are sorority sisters (Pi Phi’s) and if you know anything about the Greek community, you know we love our sisters! Anne was always the one looking out for everyone and anyone who comes in contact with her can’t help but to smile.  She had the same reaction on Ryan Fillmann.  Ryan just so happen to be friends with Anne’s brother but never made a move until her sister, Abby’s wedding.  For starters we (her sisters) would not approve of a boy who went to O-H-I-O! However, when we met Ryan, it wasn’t just Anne that fell in love with him… we all fell in love with him.

Ryan took Anne to Pittsburgh for a Steelers game and proposed at Mt. Washington with friends and family to witness it all.  On October 8th, we were so blessed to be apart of their special day, overlooking the most beautiful scenery in Indianapolis, IN.  I always like to stop, look around and take in every moment just like I tell my brides to.  It was such an intimate ceremony filled with hugs, smiles and tears of happiness and even though I can’t take credit for the planning process, it was an honor to be there with them witnessing their promises to each other.  They are truly meant for each other and I can’t wait for them to have little Fillmann’s

Ceremony/Reception: River Glen

Photographer: Gail Werner

Floral: Circle City (Tiffany Mullen)

DJ: Tim Burbich

Dress: Jenny Yoo