Courtship: Kate Gresick and Nick Graf met during their sophomore year of college. Both visiting friends at Mizzou, they were introduced at a party and—in true custom for most St. Louis natives—discovered they had mutual friends back home. Weirder still, they lived mere miles from each other in St. Louis. They connected immediately through shared senses of humor, dry jokes, and a “let it ride” life outlook.
One week later, Nick asked Kate on a date. They joined friends for a World Series party and watched the Cardinals pull in another championship. As they focused on their career goals for the next six and a half years, Nick landed a job with the Webster Groves Public Works Street Department, while Kate attended nursing school. She was taken by total surprise when, before her graduation, Nick proposed.
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Proposal: As per their Thanksgiving tradition, Kate, Nick, and his family traveled to the Graf’s plantation in Georgia, including 5,000 acres of land, from farmland to forest. Nick’s plan to pop the question was thwarted by uncooperative horses they were riding, but, luckily, he bounced back with an impromptu proposal at the property’s beautiful lakefront.
Ceremony & Reception: Because Kate and Nick married on the day before New Year’s Eve at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Shrewsbury, the church featured elegant, cheerful Christmas decorations. Under sparkling white lights, guests enjoyed a simple, joyful atmosphere. The newlyweds marveled at so many family and friends together in one place, on behalf of a celebration of their commitment to love one another forever. Nick recalls the day’s most incredible moment: the reveal of his bride.
Nick selected the reception venue, Forest Park Visitor’s Center Trolley Room. Kate, inspired by the artful eyes and creative minds of her mother, sisters, and Melinda at Les Bouquets, selected white peonies and spray roses and added lights to the vase centerpieces. Warm and elegant, the space transformed into what Kate described as “low-key yet glamorous” and what their families and guests described as “so them.”
The Details:
Ceremony venue: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Reception venue: Forest Park Visitor Center
Photography: Elizabeth Lloyd Photography
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride and bridesmaid dresses: The Ultimate Bride
Flowers: Les Bouquets
Catering: Catering St. Louis
DJ: TKO DJ’s
