A leap of faith: The first time Kyle and Jessica crossed paths, on a crisp winter day on Main Street, St. Charles, it just wasn’t the right time. Kyle, who’s in the Marine Corps, had recently returned from deployment, and although he was immediately attracted to Jessica, she was seeing someone else. A couple of years later they met again (both single this time), and had their first date on Valentine’s Day. The night started with tacos and margaritas, followed by a comedy show and an impromptu trip to Dave & Buster’s. Neither wanted the night to end. Soon after, Kyle was restationed to Rhode Island, and Jessica spent almost three months flying back and forth to see him. Then, on a leap of faith, she moved east to join him. “He is my other half,” Jessica says. “It didn’t take me long to figure out I was in love with him.”
An intimate moment: Over Christmas 2017, Kyle and a pregnant Jessica learned that Kyle would be restationed again—this time to California. The pair welcomed daughter, Charlotte, in March, and Kyle had to move in April. The pair went home to St. Louis, where Jessica would stay, during the move. On a friend’s porch, Kyle gave baby Charlotte a note to give to Jessica— “Will you marry my daddy?” They shared the special moment with only a few friends around, and the first person they told after was Jessica’s mom.
Get a weekly dose of home and style inspiration
Subscribe to the St. Louis Design+Home newsletter to explore the latest stories from the local interior design, fashion, and retail scene.
The ceremony: Kyle and Jessica captured their simplistic style with natural décor. Burgundy, ivory, and blush tones with snippets of eucalyptus and crowning chandeliers illuminated the old stone house at The Venue at Maison du Lac. About 140 people attended the ceremony, where Jessica, a huge country music fan, walked down the aisle to Miranda Lambert’s “Makin’ Plans.” The ceremony only lasted about 15 minutes and included less traditional readings that the couple felt were more true to them. Both Kyle and Jessica were recovering from the flu and the guests who knew how sick they’d been found the “in sickness and in health” vow particularly funny. Another highlight from the ceremony? The memorable moment when Kyle’s and Jessica’s grandmothers walked down the aisle as the flower girls.
Reception: From floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, the couple enjoyed a traditional reception with a D.J., a buffet, and an open bar. They did swap the bouquet toss for an anniversary dance highlighting the longtime couples in attendance. Guests could enjoy not just a wedding cake, but an entire dessert bar of cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats. After the reception, about 50 people piled onto a charter bus bound for Ameristar, where the celebration continued into the night. “It was like Club Luca on the bus,” Jessica says. She and Kyle sat in the back and reminisced on the perfect day.
The Details
Venue: The Venue at Maison du Lac
Photographer: Angellica Photography (Hayley Tharp)
Catering: Ces and Judy’s Catering
Wedding Dress: Clarice’s Bridal (designed by Calla Blanche)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Mia Grace
Suits: SAVVI
Florist: Lawrence Florist (Tammy Lawing)
Cake/Dessert Bar: Sarah’s Cake Shop
Officiant: Ruth Ellen Hasser
DJ: AGE Entertainment (Aaron Griffing)
Photo Booth: Fun Photo Events (Melissa List)
Hair/Make-up: Abbey Frei Artistry
Transportation: Best Transportation
