Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. This Saint Louis, Missouri, Wedding Was All About the Gateway to the West
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Saint Louis, Missouri, Wedding Was All About the Gateway to the West

By Blythe Copeland March 17, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
lauren chris wedding couple portrait on the lawn
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Locally-inspired accents made this couple's wedding a love letter to their city.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
lauren chris wedding couple portrait on the lawn
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

When Lauren and Chris tied the knot on October 5, 2019, it wasn't the first time they'd stood together at the altar. "Chris and I were the best man and maid of honor for our best friends," says Lauren. She and Chris planned a joint bachelor and bachelorette celebration for the couple on Block Island in 2017—but didn't exactly plan for each other. "We certainly didn't expect that when we went out that Friday to kick off the weekend, we would actually be kicking off the rest of our lives!" she says. With Lauren, a nurse practitioner, living in New York City, and Chris working as a first responder in Boston, the couple spent their weekends traveling the Northeast Corridor until Chris proposed in October 2018 on a trip to Captiva Island, Florida.

As the couple began planning their 250-guest wedding, Lauren already had her mind set on a location—her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. "I always knew I wanted to get married in St. Louis," she says. "It holds such a special place in my heart, and I wanted to celebrate the best day of our lives in our favorite place." The couple chose the iconic The Busch Family Estate for their outdoor ceremony and tented reception. "The Busch Estate is full of St. Louis history," says Lauren. "It also didn't hurt that 2019 was the first year the St. Louis Blues defeated the Boston Bruins to win the Stanley Cup! Despite this rivalry, our Boston guests fell in love with St. Louis, too."

The couple incorporated the Budweiser Clydesdales, popular St. Louis snack foods, horseshoe escort cards, and a late-night snack from Shake Shack to create a hyper-local event for their nearest and dearest. "Chris and I love our friends and family deeply," says Lauren. "These are the people that guided us to one another, and for that, we are eternally grateful. We wanted to celebrate these people and their importance in our lives with a weekend full of love."

1 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Welcome to St. Louis

lauren chris wedding welcome bag local saint louis items
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren and Chris used St. Louis as a recurring design element throughout their celebration. "We really leaned into the St. Louis theme!" says Lauren. They planned a Meet Me in St. Louis-inspired welcome party and put together gift bags with local staples—including snacks from The Billy Goat Chip Company and Gooey Louie butter cake.

2 of 29

3 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feeling the Blues

lauren chris wedding elegant blue and white invites
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

The white-and-cream invitation suite from On Three Designs showed off Lauren's favorite color: "Blues!" she says. "I love any and all shades of blue." Dusty blue accent pieces came in the form of envelopes and ribbon, while a custom monogram included a silhouette of a Clydesdale in a nod to the venue; the schedule of events featured a hand-drawn sketch of the estate.

  • 27 Cool Blue Wedding Ideas You'll Love

3 of 29

Advertisement

4 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Two of a Kind

lauren chris wedding bride walking downstairs with father with bridesmaids waiting below
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren had "such a blast" trying on wedding dresses that she couldn't narrow her search down to a single gown. "I really fell in love with a lot of different styles, so it was hard to pick one," says Lauren. Instead of choosing, she purchased two: A custom Galia Lahav strapless ball gown with a "secret sparkle" layer for the ceremony and a Vera Wang fit-and-flare for the reception. For the ceremony, she added a Galia Lahav cathedral-length veil and heirloom jewelry: "My something borrowed and blue was my maternal grandmother's sapphire ring that has been worn for three generations in my family," says Lauren. "Every bride has worn it on her wedding day."

  • 21 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties

4 of 29

5 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lush Blooms

lauren chris couple standing together while bride holds white wedding bouquet
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

The bride carried a "classic Midwest style" bouquet of peonies, roses, dahlias, ranunculus, and astilbe from Ashley MacDonald Floral Designs.

5 of 29

6 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pearly

lauren chris wedding bride's pearl decorated shoes
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

At the end of the reception, she traded her pearl-studded Jimmy Choo heels for white Converse sneakers; Chris wore a matching pair.

  • 25 Nontraditional Wedding Shoe Ideas from Stylish Brides

6 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pretty 'Maids

lauren chris wedding bridesmaids sitting in pastel blue dresses
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

For her bridesmaids, Lauren selected gowns from Joanna August—a designer she'd worn at a previous wedding—in a color called Morning Dew, and asked each woman to choose her favorite style. "I knew the dresses were classic and comfortable," she says.

7 of 29

8 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Prints Charming

lauren chris wedding groom and men dressed in blue
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

The groom and groomsmen wore custom navy blue suits from Jos. A. Bank—Chris added a vest—with their own choice of custom lining.

8 of 29

9 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Love You, LK

lauren chris wedding groom's american flag suit lining
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

"As a surprise, Chris had his [suit's lining] embroidered with 'Love you, LK' on the inside breast pocket," says the bride.

  • Should the Groom Splurge on a Custom Wedding Suit?

9 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

So in Love

lauren chris wedding close up of bride and groom smiling during first look
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren and Chris set aside time for a private first look on the grounds of The Busch Family Estate before posing for formal portraits with their bridal party. "We loved it," reflects the duo. "It was a quiet moment we could celebrate our commitment to each other, just us two."

10 of 29

11 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Pre-Wedding Drink

lauren chris wedding woman serving beer from budweiser cart
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Carts serving Prosecco and Budweiser (with custom wedding-day labels) greeted guests ahead of the ceremony. "Many of our guests took advantage of visiting the Anheuser-Busch brewery as well, where they got to sample Budweiser beer made the day of our wedding," says the bride.

  • Should You Serve Pre-Ceremony Cocktails?

11 of 29

12 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Back of the House

lauren chris wedding ceremony busch estate patio
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

The ceremony was held on the property's lawn, within view of the historic estate.

12 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Under the Arch

lauren chris wedding ceremony greenery and white roses arch in grass
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

A lush flower arch, comprised primarily of white roses, anchored the altar.

  • 59 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony

13 of 29

14 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Floral Aisle

lauren chris wedding ceremony white flowers in the grass lining aisle
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Those white blooms also reappeared along the aisle; small, grounded arrangements added a touch of garden-inspired whimsy to the space.

14 of 29

15 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Order of Events

lauren chris wedding pastel blue ceremony program
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Another nod to the bride's favorite color, the ceremony programs were printed on barely-blue card stock, and included the duo's custom crest (originally seen on the invitation suite).

  • 44 Perfect Wedding Ceremony Programs

15 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Down the Aisle

lauren chris wedding ceremony bride and father processing
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Musicians from The Mix performed Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and Pachelbel's "Canon in D" for the couple's processionals. Lauren's father escorted her out of the estate and down the aisle wearing a tie she personalized with a photo of them and embroidery reading, "I loved you first." "He still wears it all the time," she says. "My parents are my best friends, and I'm so grateful for their love and support, so these special moments I will cherish forever."

16 of 29

17 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ring Warming

lauren chris wedding ceremony men holding bag of rings to warm them
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

The couple also found ways to incorporate their guests into the ceremony, asking three attendees—Lauren's attending doctor, a mutual friend, and her brother—to "honor the importance of strong mentorship, friendship, and family to marriage," and adding in a ring warming ceremony. "We passed our wedding rings around to all of our guests for them to each impart their own blessings to us," says the couple.

  • 25 Creative Wedding Rituals That Symbolize Unity

17 of 29

18 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

From the Heart

lauren chris wedding ceremony couple saying vows
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren asked her best friend's father to officiate the service. "They have been my New York family since I moved there in 2011," she says. "It was so special to have him standing up there with us and definitely put us both at ease with his humor and kind words."

18 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

They're Married!

lauren chris wedding ceremony couple kissing in aisle
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Chris and Lauren wrote their own vows, which, they say, "celebrated not only the grand moments, like our wedding day, but the love of the every day, the quiet love—like road trips to our favorite music and walking our dog, Bodie."

19 of 29

20 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lucky Ones

lauren chris wedding horse shoe seating chart
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

The Busch Family Estate inspired many of the reception details, including the table names—which incorporated the East Coast and Midwest Budweiser Clydesdale hitches—and the escort wall, which led guests to their seats via lucky horseshoes.

  • 25 Unique Wedding Seating Charts to Guide Guests to Their Tables

20 of 29

21 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Puppy Love

lauren chris wedding cocktail with dog sign
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

During the cocktail hour, Lauren and Chris offered a signature sip named after their dog, Bodie—a green tea martini in honor of the drinks they ordered on the night it all began. "It was the first cocktail that led to the first kiss," says the couple.

  • 28 Meaningful Ways to Honor a Pet at Your Wedding

21 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Stunning Space

lauren chris wedding rustic long wooden table with white flowers and gold and blue place settings
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

A spacious tent offered room for a large dance floor flanked by lounge seating and three types of tables: A long head table with upholstered chairs; square tables topped with powder blue tablecloths and a white vine tulle overlay; and half round tables covered in white oxford. Overhead, candleabras were draped in greenery for natural, organic texture.

  • 28 Tent Decorating Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Wedding Reception

22 of 29

23 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blue Notes

lauren chris wedding rustic blue and gold head table
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren and Chris chose to leave the head table bare, decorating it instead with a 32-foot-long runner of abundant white flowers, including peonies, roses, and dahlias. Navy blue napkins on gold-rimmed chargers set off pristine white anemone blooms, while deep blue pillar candles on crystal stands coordinated with blue goblets.

23 of 29

24 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Golden State

lauren chris wedding table with lace overlay
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Smaller tables showed off centerpieces of loose greenery and blush-colored dahlias in ceramic vessels; taper candles perched on slim gold holders were surrounded by minimalist glass cylinders. Individual sprigs of navy viburnum dentatum berry sat on white oxford napkins, adding a garden-inspired element to place settings of brushed gold flatware and gold-rimmed chargers.

24 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Good Eats

lauren chris wedding cake with floral decorations on gold stand
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

After a dinner of cauliflower bisque, beet salad, filet mignon, and Arctic char from Butler's Pantry, the newlyweds sliced into a six-tier funfetti confection from The Cakery. A late-night meal from Shake Shack and an espresso bar helped keep guests energized on the dance floor.

  • The Most Popular Wedding Cake Flavors, According to Bakers

25 of 29

26 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Party Time

lauren chris wedding couple first dance
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren and Chris had one immediate priority for their reception: "Our family loves hosting parties," they say, "so we knew we wanted an amazing band to keep the party going all night." The Mix delivered, and the couple wasted no time getting the dancing started. "We brought everyone out on the dance floor to dance before dinner," they say. "It really set the mood of a fun party!"

26 of 29

27 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dance with Dad

lauren chris wedding bride and father dancing and laughing
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Lauren danced with her father to "Toes" by Zac Brown Band—it's one of their favorites ("We play it on repeat in the car and at the beach in Captiva, and dance to wherever we can!" she says). "The lyrics, 'Life is good today' definitely rang true on October 5!" the bride adds.

27 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cigar Bar

lauren chris wedding cigar bar lit under trees
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

A cigar bar was stationed outside; personalized labels were added to cigars for guests to take home.

28 of 29

29 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

lauren chris wedding bride sitting on groom's lap at reception
Credit: Mike Cassimatis

Photography, Mike Cassimatis
Venue, The Busch Family Estate
Event Planning, Kristin Ashley Events
Catering, Butler's Pantry
Flowers, Ashley MacDonald Floral Designs
Videography, TenSixteen
Stationery, On Three Designs
Cake, The Cakery
Music, The Mix Music
Rentals, Aries Rental; Exclusive Events Inc.; Nuage Designs
Bride's Gowns and Veil, Galia Lahav (ceremony); Vera Wang (reception)
Bride's Shoes, Jimmy Choo
Hair, Brides by Brady; Clare's of Clayton
Makeup, Fleur Bridal Styling
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Joanna August
Flower Girl Dresses, Pippa & Julie
Menswear, Jos. A. Bank
Lighting, Exclusive Events
Transportation, Best Transportation
Live Painter, Florelle Studio
Photo Booth, Fete
Rings, Michel Absi Jewelers
Tent, Traube Tent

29 of 29

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • This Couple Traded Their Original Wedding Venue—Central Park's Boathouse—for the Bride's Childhood Home in Illinois
    • These Are 20 of the Best Bridal Shower Favors Under $10
    • What to Bring to Your First Wedding-Dress Shopping Appointment
    • 3 Eco-Friendly Wedding Flower Ideas That Are Simple and Impactful
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 29
    2 of 29 Welcome to St. Louis
    3 of 29 Feeling the Blues
    4 of 29 Two of a Kind
    5 of 29 Lush Blooms
    6 of 29 Pearly
    7 of 29 Pretty 'Maids
    8 of 29 Prints Charming
    9 of 29 Love You, LK
    10 of 29 So in Love
    11 of 29 A Pre-Wedding Drink
    12 of 29 Back of the House
    13 of 29 Under the Arch
    14 of 29 Floral Aisle
    15 of 29 Order of Events
    16 of 29 Down the Aisle
    17 of 29 Ring Warming
    18 of 29 From the Heart
    19 of 29 They're Married!
    20 of 29 Lucky Ones
    21 of 29 Puppy Love
    22 of 29 A Stunning Space
    23 of 29 Blue Notes
    24 of 29 Golden State
    25 of 29 Good Eats
    26 of 29 Party Time
    27 of 29 Dance with Dad
    28 of 29 Cigar Bar
    29 of 29 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    This Saint Louis, Missouri, Wedding Was All About the Gateway to the West
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.