Jennifer and Jeff
November 11, 2000

ABOUT THE BRIDE: Jennifer grew up in St. Louis, graduated in 1999 from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and now resides in Houston. She works as a consultant for the American Productivity & Quality Center.

ABOUT THE GROOM: Jeff grew up in Oklahoma City, graduated in 1997 from Trinity University, and now resides in Houston. He works as a senior financial analyst at Crown Castle International.

HOW WE MET: The couple met at college in the Fall of 1996, when a fraternity brother of Jeff's asked Jennifer to a cocktail party and Jeff asked a friend of Jennifer's. The two couples had dinner together and felt a connection, but six months transpired before Jeff, who was about to graduate, asked Jennifer on a date.

ENGAGEMENT: Jeff and Jennifer decided to go on a weekend getaway in April to Seguin, a small town in the Hill Country of Texas. They were the only guests at an old Victorian mansion on the perfect spring Saturday. After dining across the street at a lovely, gourmet restaurant, the couple returned to the Victorian mansion and sat on a second-story screened-in porch with rattan furniture. As they sipped champagne, Jeff left the room to grab a present he bought. After asking Jennifer to close her eyes, Jeff bent down on his knee, touched Jennifer's knees, and asked her to marry him. After regaining composure, the couple topped off the night by going to Gruene Dance Hall and listening to Two Tons of Steel - a true Texas engagement!

PLANNING: Living in Houston and planning a wedding in St. Louis in six months was a challenge! Luckily, Jennifer's mother wanted to devote time and energy to doing the legwork of planning in St. Louis. Jennifer came home about once a month over the six-month period and chose vendors quickly, with no time to change her mind.

ATTIRE: Jennifer only had to try on a few dresses before finding one that she did not want to take off. Her talented seamstress Renate Haun helped Jennifer design the wedding dress with the Givenchy pattern in mind, but customized to fit Jennifer's style. As Jennifer and her mom watched the dress emerge over the months of planning, it turned from pieces of fabric into a stylish, unique, personalized gown. Though she didn't see the finished product until four days before the wedding, it was well worth the wait! The maid of honor wore a navy, floor-length, elegant satin gown with cap sleeves. The groom, best man, ushers, and two fathers wore Ralph Lauren tuxedos.

THE CEREMONY: Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard served as the stunning setting for the autumnal evening ceremony. Rebecca Boillat decorated the iron gates of the entrance to the church with garland and luminaries. Guests were escorted to their seats by the ushers with the gorgeous strains of the Laclede Quartet playing in the front balcony. Friends of the couple read the scripture passages and Pastor David Marth presided over the ceremony.

THE RECEPTION: After the ceremony, the couple and guests were ready to eat and have a good time! The first floor of Windows on Washington turned out to be a fabulous room - plenty of space for the 175 guests and plenty of room on the floor to dance to the upbeat sounds of Soulard Blues Band. The tall bunches of calla lilies with assorted foliage on half of the tables, and low candle arrangements with scattered rose petals on the others, made for an artistic look. After a seated dinner, the bride's father, the best man, and the groom gave toasts while the cake was served. Rebecca tied the cake decoration into the theme by placing calla lilies on the sides and top of the Cravings white and raspberry cake. Jennifer and Jeff reluctantly departed around 11:45 through a shower of rose petals thrown by the guests. They wanted that night to last forever!

HOW WE PERSONALIZED THE WEDDING: Taking an idea from a friend's wedding, Jennifer's attendants took Polaroids of all the guests at the reception. The guests then wrote messages in a keepsake book beside the photographs. The bride's family also made welcome bags with St. Louis sightseeing information and goodies for the out-of-town guests.

Wedding Consultant: Arina Lanis of Wedding-Club.com
Flowers by The Flower Girl
Reception: Windows On Washington

If you have questions or comments for Jennifer and Jeff, please e-mail them to jennifer_n_wilson@hotmail.com.