Not only did I start a business five years ago, but I married my amazing husband three and a half years ago, and we became a family of three this past January.  He has been there for this business since day one and is one of our biggest cheerleaders behind everything I do for this business.  Mike, you are my rock and I don’t think you realize just how much you have done to support this business over the years.  From helping to flip venues, to staining flower boxes or building support systems for my crazy ideas; you are truly my other half in this business.  Our little girl is lucky to have such a talented and amazing father to look up to.   

Image Credit: Todd Studios Photography

And two and a half years ago I made a leap.  A crazy, don’t look down type leap that makes you quake in your boots.   I quit my day job to focus on something that really set my heart on fire not knowing if it would work out.  That was to focus on Wedding Planning and Design full time.  Design is my passion, and I love working with each of our couples to bring their wedding day vision to life.   Being able to do this full time is a dream come true for me and is one I didn’t always plan on when I hit submit on our LLC forms.  But I am extremely thankful to my husband and my family and friends for their support over the years, and to each of our couples for recommending us to their own family and friends.  And that leap two and a half years ago wouldn’t have come to fruition without some additional support from some truly amazing people in this industry who have mentored and advised me along the way.  Thank you to Lara, Gina, Emily, Stef, Lauren and Brit for being a part of this journey with me over the years.  Each Making Things Happen intensive I have attended has come at different turning points in my life both personally and professionally.  I have made some life long friends from these trips, and their support and advice is something that I treasure each and every day.

Image Credit: Gina Zeidler Photography

So today is definitely a celebration day.  I am popping open the bubbly tonight to celebrate five years in business, and toasting to my fabulous team that we have grown into over these past five years.  Not only that, I am toasting some of those business goals that you put down on the bucket wish list.  We’ve had quite a few of those moments this past year (Martha Stewart Weddings and Style Me Pretty to name a few!), and each and every one of them has made me jump up and down with joy.  Seeing your work in print or online is such an honor, and I don’t take that lightly.  I thank our fabulous couples and their families for allowing us to be a part of their wedding days, and also to the fabulous vendors who have asked us to design and style shoots that show our inspiration to others these past five years.  We have been a part of some pretty amazing shoots over the years (our very first, bringing our new brand to life, and a fabulous one from last year to name a few) and we absolutely love each and every vendor that we work with.  Our goal is to show new inspiration to brides, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do so and to show off what great vendors St. Louis has.

So grab a glass of bubbly (or a yummy cupcake) and join us in celebrating our 5 year anniversary.  We can’t wait to see what the next five years will hold for us!

Image Credit: Heather Roth Photography

xoxo,

Katie

An elegant color scheme complimented the details for their summer wedding, and were captured perfectly by Catherine Rhodes Photography. Even though this wedding will always be remembered by Jaci as the one she was forced to conquer a big fear when she was briefly stuck in an elevator, now looking back at the pictures, they only bring back fond memories for her!

Let’s start with our dapper groom anxiously waiting to see his bride for the first time…

Sigh..we love the emotion you feel when looking at that picture.

Onto some formal pictures of our bride and groom:

And their beautiful wedding party under a city staple that we love.. and do you notice the bird that photo bombed their picture?  My favorite!

The romantic vibe continued in the beautiful florals by Sisters Flowers…

..and with the burlap, silver, and rustic decor the perfect setting was created!

A great band or DJ definitely makes the evening a success, as is evident in this parting picture of our bride and groom jamming out to the last dance of the night.

Thank you to an amazing team of vendors:
Ceremony Venue: The Old Post Office
Reception Venue: Point of View
Catering: Patty Long Catering
Hair and Makeup: friend of the bride, Danielle Shocklee and Danielle Style
Florist: Sisters Floral Design
Photographer: Catherine Rhodes Photography
Videographer: Westview Media
Bakery: The Cakery
DJ: DJ Mode
Lighting: Exclusive Events
Planning and Design: Simply & Forever

Inspired by: plush beds, velvet, candles, neutral colors, mercury glass, antique gold, chandeliers, luxurious draping, lace

Draping is a versatile option for weddings – wether you use it styled for a chuppah or hanging loosely over your guests during your reception, there’s always a way to include it to make your day more romantic. A mix of vintage chairs makes your setting eclectic, while antique flatware warms the table setting. Don’t forget garden roses and dusty miller for a classic bouquet!

I bought the Style Me Pretty Weddings book for myself (pre-ordered the first day I could!) and saw this dress featured on their website as part of the book launch. The color adds a twist to a classic gown and I imagine the ruffled bottom graces the dance floor beautifully. The models hair in the photo is so perfectly swept back, but sometimes a girl’s gotta have some fun and just go with the top bun!

Living: Bedroom Canopy via / Plush Living Room via / Pink Headboard from Dust Jacket Attic / Golden Bathroom via

Wedding: Chuppah from Clary Photo / Wooden Tablescape from Style Me Pretty / Bridesmaids from Clary Photo / Antique Flatware from Style Me Pretty

Beauty: Monquie Lhuillier Dress from Style Me Pretty / Top Bun from Wedding Chicks / Ring from Style Me Pretty

Inspired by: the 20′s, old glamour, the Chrysler building, jazz, gold and silver, crystals and pearls, and F. Scott Fitzgerald

With such artistic designs, an Art Deco wedding has to be big and bold. If your reception venue isn’t quite up to par, bring in bold accents like gold sequin linens or tall, lush centerpieces (don’t forget the feathers!). Add ritzy glamour with hanging chandeliers and sparking charger plates on the table. And I know Saint Louis isn’t one of the big cities that defined Art Deco, but in case you didn’t know, we do have quite the gem downtown!

There are plenty of dresses that would work perfect for an Art Deco wedding, but none as amazing as this Jenny Packham ‘Eden’ dress. I first fell in love with it at this wedding and it hasn’t left my mind yet. I love vintage veils and headpieces to add some flair – my favorites are from Twigs & Honey and BHLDN!

Living: Gilded Bathroom from Decor 4 All  /  Staircase from Art Nouveau & Deco Tumblr  /  Ralph Lauren Chaise from Interior Design Files  /  The Chrysler Building (via)

Wedding: Mirror Decor from The Bridal Detective  /  Art Deco Venue from East Bridal  /  Black & Gold Tablescape from Ruffled Blog  /  Cake from Jen Huang Photography (via)

Beauty: Jenny Packham ‘Eden’ Dress from Vintage Bride & photo from Clary Photo  /  Art Deco Ring from Lang Antiques   /  Vintage Hairpiece from Ruffled Blog

Inspired by: burlap, cowboy boots, jean jackets, sunflowers, old barns, sprawling land, mountains, mason jars, horses, Big Sky Montana

Barn weddings have yet to go out of style, and those are partly what inspired me so much this week. Whether you keep it casual or dress them up with draping and chandeliers, there are so many ways to make a simple barn unique and entertaining for your guests. Baby’s Breath is versatile for country weddings – stick a bunch in galvanized tubs for ceremony decor or use them for a simple bridesmaid bouquet. Farmhouse windows can be used for escort cards or even to display dinner menus or family photos.

I love the idea of dressing down your dress for the reception, in this case taking a jean jacket and a pair of cowboy boots to this spectacular Justin Alexander gown. Pin your hair up in a sweet chignon and stay rooted in family values with a antique ring passed down throughout the family tree.

Living: Kitchen Table from Montana Log Homes (via) / Urban Farmhouse from Apartment Therapy / Country Family Room from My House My Home / Window Display from Laurie Anna’s Vintage Home (via)

Wedding: Barn Reception from Project Wedding / Outdoor Reception from Country Life Tumblr / Bridesmaids from Style Me Pretty / Farmhouse Window Seating Chart from Style Me Pretty

Beauty: Wedding Dress from Justin Alexander / Country Wedding Dress from Weddings By Lilly (via) / Vintage Ring from Style Me Pretty / Sweet Chignon from Style Me Pretty