Courtship: Paige Beckman and Kory Lorts met in a snowstorm. Each had braved the weather and headed to OB Clark’s, the only bar either of them could manage to reach. Introduced by her best friend’s brother four years ago, the two felt connected before they even spoke. After a few drinks and laughs, the idea of sledding at Art Hill was set in motion, so Paige and Kory picked up plastic sleds and hit Forest Park. Kory asked Paige out for pancakes the next morning, and though she doesn’t like pancakes, she said yes immediately.
Proposal: Paige’s gullibility meant she never knew what hit her. After asking permission from her parents and grandparents, Kory recruited Paige’s mom. She canceled a cookie-baking get together so Kory could take Paige to browse Christmas lights, followed by a stop at Art Hill. At -10 degrees, armed with hot chocolate, Paige spotted a familiar setup: a wooden sled surrounded by candles. They clinked champagne glasses—the first of many toasts that night—and suddenly her mom, sister, and best friend leapt out from behind the bushes shouting “Congratulations!” They returned to Paige’s parents’ house for a surprise engagement party Kory had planned.
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Ceremony: The couple held a traditional Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes on an unseasonably beautiful January day. The vaulted wooden ceilings; hanging lights; gleaming altar; classic music; and greenery like seeded eucalyptus, burgundy dahlias, and quicksand roses, created a dreamy, romantic space within the church’s stone walls. Escorted by her mom and stepdad, Paige’s walk down the aisle, their first look, is a moment they will always cherish. After the ceremony, they took photos and toasted the day at the top of Art Hill.
Reception: The St. Louis Union Station Grand Hall is, according to Paige, a “space of pure magic.” She and Kory peeked into the hall before guests arrived, awestruck by the spectacular transformation. They loved the venue’s extravagance, which was reflected in decor like centerpieces of tall gold candelabras adorned with eucalyptus and compotes of peach, champagne, and burgundy flowers. The color scheme and white candles throughout the hall added warmth and intimacy to the large venue. The Union Station lights show kicked off the party. Guests signed in (literally) on the sled from Kory’s proposal. More than any feeling on their wedding day, Paige and Kory were overwhelmed by love, gratitude, and appreciation for family, friends, and each other.
The Details:
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes
Reception Venue: St. Louis Union Station Grand Hall
Photography: Lauren Muckler Photography
Music: Groove Thang
Videography: Ever After Films
Bride’s Dress: Rivini by Rita Vinieris
Jewelry: Genovese Jewelers
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Tux: The Black Tux
Makeup: Beauty By Broxie
Hair: Deby Sansone, Salon Marosie
Flowers: Bloomin’ Buckets
Cake & Desserts: The Cakery and Nothing Bundt Cakes
Stationery/Calligraphy: RSVPeas
Linens: Weinhardt Party Rentals
