We’re thrilled to share Strother and Sarah’s Bonhomme Presbyterian Church wedding with you!
The Wedding Story
Whenever our couples face stressful times during or leading up to their wedding day, we always want them to think about the story they’ll have to share with the kids and grandkids. Strother and Sarah certainly have a story to tell!
We knew there was ice heading to St. Louis on the weekend of Strother and Sarah’s wedding. Our parents actually heard the Weather Channel say, “If you’re traveling to St. Louis this weekend, change your plans.” So we prepared for the worst. I traveled a day early and decided I’d wait out the ice storm in the hotel room. I felt better knowing that, at the very least, I’d be there to photograph their day. I was set. I had a cooler filled with vegetables, a case of water, extra blankets, and flashlights. I made certain our equipment was all charged and ready to go before I left home in case we were without electricity. I had clear umbrellas in case it was drizzling ice, a sheet for Sarah to stand on in case it was slippery, and extra boots if needed. You can never be overprepared for a wedding, right?!
On Friday, the day before the wedding, St. Louis shut down– schools were closed, city hall was closed, even Panera and Starbucks attached to the hotel were closed! So I lied in bed all day and watched the news (sidenote: I’ve never been so well rested for a wedding 🙂 ) I heard on the news about a reception venue that cancelled on a bride and groom because their employees couldn’t make it to work. Oh boy. I knew there would be some disappointments with this extreme weather, and I knew there would be the added stress of contingency plans, but I would look out my hotel window and it was beautiful. I prayed for the best case scenario– that the roads would be clear by the wedding day and the ice would remain on the trees!
And guess what? That’s exactly what happened. It was a beautiful day. The temperature rose, the roads were clear, it didn’t rain, the ice stayed on the trees, Strother and Sarah had a fabulous wedding day, and now they have quite the story to tell!
Here’s a few of our favorites!.jpg)
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The First Look
Strother and Sarah had their first look at the Old Stone Church, which was actually the original Bonhomme Presbyterian Church when the first settlers came to Missouri in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The small church itself was built in the early 1800s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Sarah’s late grandfather was one of the people who discovered and organized the history of the Old Stone Church as well as using his woodworking and painting talents to restore the very old church building. The Old Stone Church is very special to their family so it was a meaningful location for their first look!
Of course we noticed the beautiful trees next to the Old Stone Church and needed to document the beauty of the ice with this gorgeous couple!
We traveled to Washington University for bridal party pictures.
Bonhomme Presbyterian Church Wedding
I love the tradition with this church. Not only is it beautiful, but Sarah’s grandparents have attended the church for 40+ years, and it’s the church where her parents were married.
Windows on Washington Wedding Reception
Strother and Sarah, what a FUN and GREAT day. Congratulations! Thanks for trusting us!
Vendors
Dress Designer: Wtoo by Watters
Floral Designer: Belli Fiori
Ceremony Venue: Bonhomme Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue: Windows on Washington
Videographer: Stuart Poulson with Christi Lee Photography
Cake: The Cakery Bakery
Bridesmaid Dresses: Misusol
Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Jos. A. Bank. Traveler Collection Slim Fit Sharkskin Suit
Invitations: Carlson Craft