A Garden Wedding At Home In St Louis Missouri

 bride and groom smiling at each other next to saint louis sign   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

` Martha Stewart Weddings View All A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer

bride and groom smiling at each other next to saint louis sign   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom smiling at each other next to saint louis sign Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom smiling at each other next to saint louis sign

Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

It was providential that Megan and Nick should cross paths on their first day as students at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine—it was nearly 30 years to the day that Megan’s parents met in the same auditorium on their own first day at the revered medical school. But fate wasn’t done with them yet. “In a class of 120 students, we happened to be assigned to the same small advisory group of five; the same anatomy bay; and all the same classes,” shares Megan. “I couldn’t get away from the guy if I tried!” All jokes aside, a romance felt inevitable and truly meant to be—so when love led to an engagement, the couple was ready. 

Although their plan to wed before hundreds of guests was thwarted by the pandemic, the pair was able to exchange vows on their original wedding date in an intimate ceremony. Fast-forward a year, and their follow-up event for 400 people had to be reined in due to lingering county restrictions in addition to safety apprehensions. “Out of concern about our guests traveling and gathering in large groups, we cut our guest list in half,” says the bride—which was no easy feat. But with the numbers finally settled, the couple turned their attention to selecting a venue—and realized that there was no place like home. “Nick, my family, and I toured dozens of venues in St. Louis, and all of them were gorgeous,” says Megan. “But I felt nothing could compare to what I could imagine for my parents’ home and land.”

With a garden vision in mind and the seemingly endless assistance and skills of Kate + Co, the pair transformed the family’s residence into a fairy-tale of flowers, custom structures, and signature colors. Most of all, they cherished the opportunity to reaffirm their vows before their nearest and dearest in such a meaningful locale—one that was as meant to be as their love story.

blue and botanical themed wedding invitation suite   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

You’re Invited

With the couple’s garden theme in mind, Cheree Berry Paper & Design created the the invitation suite using floral details and the couple’s signature blue-and-purple color palette.

welcome boxes with hand sanitizer and butter cakes   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Warm Welcome

The couple put together welcome bags for their “favorite party animals,” including some essentials and local treats—like hand sanitizer and gooey butter cake—to help loved ones “celebrate, hydrate, and recuperate.”

bride with eleven bridesmaids wearing matching pj sets   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Bridesmaid Bonding

Hours before the bride’s 11 attendants preceded her down the aisle, they enjoyed lounging in coordinating pajamas as they got ready for the big day.

bride smiling while bridesmaids carry her dress   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Feathers and Florals

Megan’s full Pnina Tornai wedding dress was beautifully embellished with 3D floral appliqués and the lightest of feathers. “My mom started crying!” she says of the moment she put on the gown, which was customized to the bride’s specifications.

bride with large all white floral wedding bouquet   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Beauty in Bloom

Delicate sweet pea, ranunculus, garden roses, and waxflower composed the bridal bouquet, which was asymmetrical in shape. Trailing clematis vine softened the edges.

bride with eleven bridesmaids wearing pale blue dresses   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Gray-Blue Gowns

Bridesmaids wore Jenny Yoo for Bella Bridesmaid dresses in varying silhouettes, all in matching gray-blue hues.

groom smiling walking with groomsmen outside   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Dressed to Impress

Nick was extremely taken with his custom tuxedo created by Tailored Gent in St. Louis. “There were 50-plus different measurements!” Megan says. Each groomsman was gifted a matching, custom-fitted tux, which resulted in a handsome, cohesive look.

large white tent wedding ceremony space with white chairs and floral decor   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Draped in White

The tent where the ceremony was held was a dreamy vision of white designed around a central, expansive aisle lined with flowers in shades of subtle green, soft ivory, and subtle lavender. 

plant display area wedding ceremony detail   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Plant Unity Ceremony

The ceremony included a plant display for the couple; the parents of the bride and groom completed a watering ritual—to signal their children’s union—at the altar.

large purple and white floral wedding aisle decor   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Purple Blooms

Festive Couture Floral created the floral displays that lined the aisle. The neutral arrangements, filled out with plenty of greenery, were accented with pops of purple.

flower girl wearing white dress holding purple and white floral bouquet   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Here Comes the Flower Girl

For her walk to the altar, the flower girl donned a dress by Doloris Petunia and held onto a miniature bouquet with delicate garden roses and sweet peas.

bride and groom holding hands smiling at each other during recessional   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Back Up the Aisle

After the couple recessed back down the aisle, guests raised chilled glasses of Dom Pérignon—hand selected by the bride’s father—for a joyous Champagne toast.

wedding oyster bar   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Sea Fare

Among the outdoor cocktail hour offerings were fresh hand-shucked oysters—a nod to the couple’s connection to the East Coast.

his and hers cocktail bar with old fashioned and gin fizz supplies   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

His and Hers

Two signature drinks were served up at the full bar: This first was an old fashioned, smoked to order, in honor of Nick.

waiter holding botanical designed serving tray with gin fizz drinks   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Gin Fiz

As for the second? Megan’s favorite gin fizz drinks were poured into blue coupes and served on branded trays.

coors beer wedding bar   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Of Coors!

The couple had Coors beer on tap for their guests.

dinner seating sign in garden area   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Walk This Way

At the close of the cocktail hour, loved ones were invited to enter the reception tent through an escort card “garden.”

garden tent with hanging greenery and floral arrangements   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Into the Garden

Loved ones found their table assignments on paper butterflies and dragonflies that were embedded into the fresh flowers. 

escort cards in greenery with butterfly cutouts   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Butterfly Notes

Each butterfly featured a short motivational quote in honor of Megan’s mom, who is known for sending her favorite phrases to her kids.

white and blue wedding reception lounge area next to bar under tent   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Epic Entry

Thousands of wisteria stems were suspended from the tent’s rafters and immediately captured guests’ attention as they entered the 12,000-square-foot space. Lounge areas were sprinkled throughout; the chic furniture groupings offered guests places to gather.

blue and white wedding reception bar   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Statement Bar

Amazing floral displays, also by Festive Couture Floral, were placed on every surface, including atop a custom bar that was built to reflect one of the couple’s signature wedding colors: perwinkle. The shade was an exact match to the back of their big-day invite; their signature vine wallpaper marked the center of the station.

gold and white chairs lining long floral decor topped tables   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Table Talk

Gorgeous mirror-topped tables stretched across the tent. Floral chandeliers were interspersed with crystal iterations that sloped down from the white fabric overhead.

gold and white chairs around purple and white linen topped round tables   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

In the Round

Round tables were draped in luxe purple-and-white patterned linens. Elegant chairs, flatware, and rimmed stemware added additional glamorous touches of gold. 

gold and white place settings with blue linens and floral centerpieces   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Overflowing With Flowers

Lavender-hued blooms dotted the lavish, creamy floral arrangements, including those that spilled gracefully over select tabletops in a cascade of white orchids.

first and second course reception menu on gold rimmed white plates   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

On the Menu

Settings of china layered over chargers with gilded edges were topped with linen napkins tied with pristine white ribbon. Booklet menus told of the meal to come.

bride and groom share a kiss seated at reception table   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

A Sweet Moment

The couple shared a kiss during the first course: a chilled corn soup topped with cream and edible flowers (caviar was also served tableside).

eight tier white frosted wedding cake with large purple and blue floral decor   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

More Is More

The pair’s 7-foot wedding cake—“Mom said she wanted a big cake, so we went big!” says Megan—designed and baked by The Cakery Bakery boasted a number of flavors, including banana-cinnamon, chocolate, and yellow cake with raspberry filling and chocolate chip cake with vanilla cream. 

bride and groom standing next to giant wedding cake   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Ombré Floral Sash

A swag of fresh flowers—that began with a topper of white orchids, calla lilies, and ivory roses—picked up color on the way down courtesy of sweet peas, hydrangeas, roses, and more in shades of blue, purple, lavender, and blush. 

dessert table with several more cakes   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Cake Garden

Tucked away in the back of the tent, a dessert garden, which was designed to be an immersive experience, awaited guests. Five different cakes—created to look as if they were growing among the blooms—were offered, and chefs in coordinating attire made nitrogen-infused ice cream to order. 

bride and groom share a kiss during first dance   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Their First Dance

Megan and Nick took their first dance to “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, courtesy of music by Contemporary Productions.

For the bride, the ensuing family dance party was the highlight of night. “My family took a nontraditional approach to the parent dance,” she says. “We played Taylor Swift’s ‘Never Grow Up,’ and my father, mother, and two brothers all took a turn dancing with me. It was very special, as we are a very close family, and I felt this represented that!”

bride and groom share a kiss surrounded by wedding party   Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

Sources

Photography, Mike Cassimatis Photography Wedding Planning, Event Design, and Coordination, Kate & Company Flowers, Festive Couture FloralVideography, Blueberry CreativePortrait Lounge Photographer, Banga StudiosStationery, Cheree Berry Paper & DesignMusic, Contemporary ProductionsRentals, The Aries Company; BBJ Linens; Casa de Perrin; Décorum; Jacob Co Creative; La Tavola; Mahaffey Event and Tent Rentals; Revelry Event Designers; VIP Restrooms; Weinhardt Party RentalsWedding Dress, Pnina TornaiBride’s Accessories, Pnina Tornai veil; Jimmy Choo shoes;Bridal Salon, Kleinfeld BridalReception Outfit, EtsyHair and Makeup, Amanda Dunavant for DanielleStyle Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Jenny Yoo for Bella BridesmaidMother-of-the-Bride Dress, Badgley MischkaMenswear, Tailored GentsFlower Girl’s Attire, Doloris PetuniaRings, Simons JewelersCake, The Cakery BakeryDesserts, Bijoux Chocolates; Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolate; The Cakery Bakery; Loria, STL Cake PopsTransportation, JED TransportationGuest Accommodations, The Ritz Carlton Saint LouisValet Parking, Midwest Valet ParkingCatering, 23 City Blocks Catering

blue and botanical themed wedding invitation suite Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

blue and botanical themed wedding invitation suite

welcome boxes with hand sanitizer and butter cakes Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

welcome boxes with hand sanitizer and butter cakes

bride with eleven bridesmaids wearing matching pj sets Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride with eleven bridesmaids wearing matching pj sets

bride smiling while bridesmaids carry her dress Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride smiling while bridesmaids carry her dress

bride with large all white floral wedding bouquet Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride with large all white floral wedding bouquet

bride with eleven bridesmaids wearing pale blue dresses Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride with eleven bridesmaids wearing pale blue dresses

groom smiling walking with groomsmen outside Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

groom smiling walking with groomsmen outside

large white tent wedding ceremony space with white chairs and floral decor Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

large white tent wedding ceremony space with white chairs and floral decor

plant display area wedding ceremony detail Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

plant display area wedding ceremony detail

large purple and white floral wedding aisle decor Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

large purple and white floral wedding aisle decor

flower girl wearing white dress holding purple and white floral bouquet Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

flower girl wearing white dress holding purple and white floral bouquet

bride and groom holding hands smiling at each other during recessional Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom holding hands smiling at each other during recessional

wedding oyster bar Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

wedding oyster bar

his and hers cocktail bar with old fashioned and gin fizz supplies Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

his and hers cocktail bar with old fashioned and gin fizz supplies

waiter holding botanical designed serving tray with gin fizz drinks Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

waiter holding botanical designed serving tray with gin fizz drinks

coors beer wedding bar Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

coors beer wedding bar

dinner seating sign in garden area Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

dinner seating sign in garden area

garden tent with hanging greenery and floral arrangements Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

garden tent with hanging greenery and floral arrangements

escort cards in greenery with butterfly cutouts Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

escort cards in greenery with butterfly cutouts

white and blue wedding reception lounge area next to bar under tent Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

white and blue wedding reception lounge area next to bar under tent

blue and white wedding reception bar Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

blue and white wedding reception bar

gold and white chairs lining long floral decor topped tables Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

gold and white chairs lining long floral decor topped tables

gold and white chairs around purple and white linen topped round tables Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

gold and white chairs around purple and white linen topped round tables

gold and white place settings with blue linens and floral centerpieces Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

gold and white place settings with blue linens and floral centerpieces

first and second course reception menu on gold rimmed white plates Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

first and second course reception menu on gold rimmed white plates

bride and groom share a kiss seated at reception table Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom share a kiss seated at reception table

eight tier white frosted wedding cake with large purple and blue floral decor Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

eight tier white frosted wedding cake with large purple and blue floral decor

bride and groom standing next to giant wedding cake Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom standing next to giant wedding cake

dessert table with several more cakes Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

dessert table with several more cakes

bride and groom share a kiss during first dance Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom share a kiss during first dance

bride and groom share a kiss surrounded by wedding party Credit: Mike Cassimatis Photography

bride and groom share a kiss surrounded by wedding party

` Martha Stewart Weddings View All A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer

` Martha Stewart Weddings View All

• A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Garden Wedding in California 9 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023 Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer

  Martha Stewart Weddings View All

  Martha Stewart Weddings

View All

Martha Stewart Weddings

Martha Stewart Weddings