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Photo by Carretto Studio
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Courtship: Molly Galen and Jared Gain’s first date was at a Red Lobster—which might not seem like the place for a special occasion, but after all, they were juniors in high school at the time. The two hung out with the same group of friends in middle school, but the first sparks of romance only flew years later, after they both made the high-school soccer team. “He wanted to date me,” Molly says, “but at first, it was definitely a chase. I think I was more interested in hanging out with my friends.”
But Jared’s persistence paid off, and eventually each one became a regular fixture at the other’s soccer games. Post-game hangouts gave way to late-night phone calls and soon, dinners with both their families. (They lived just five minutes away from each other.) When it came time to choose where they’d go for college, Molly realized her feelings for Jared had grown. She went off to school in Illinois while Jared attended Missouri State. “That year apart,” Molly says, “brought me to the reality that he was the one.” The following fall, she transferred to Missouri State.
Proposal: In the first year of their relationship, Jared had bought Molly a dog named Roxi—a Papillon just like his grandmother’s two dogs, whom she’d quickly grown to love. In August of 2015, while Molly and Jared were living together in Springfield and wrapping up their master’s programs, Jared suggested they take Roxi for a walk. Little did Molly know, an engagement ring was secured to their dog’s collar.
“I picked up the collar,” Molly says, “and was trying to chase down Roxi because she’s a bit of a spaz and meanwhile, Jared’s freaking out because the ring is dangling from it.” A moment later, the stone caught the light, and as soon as Molly spotted it, tears welled up in her eyes. Jared kneeled and proposed to his high-school sweetheart—after which the two new fiancés (finally) took Roxi on her walk.
Ceremony & Reception: Molly and Jared got married on August 12, 2017 with a ceremony at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, where Jared’s parents were married, and a reception at Neo on Locust, which they fell in love with for its top-floor views of the Gateway Arch. The date was of particular significance, too: Molly’s favorite number (and former soccer number) is 17, so they chose to wait until 2017, and August is the month both her and Jared’s parents were married.
In honor of Molly’s Japanese grandmother, tables were decorated with festive origami illuminated by tall candles. Blue-and-orange floral arrangements picked up the turquoise blue of the bridesmaids’ dresses, and hanging paper lanterns gave the whole space a romantic glow.
The Details:
Ceremony venue: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
Reception venue: Neo on Locust
Photography: Carretto Studio
Catering and cake: Russo’s Catering
Flowers: The Flower Shop
DJ: Complete Weddings + Events (DJ Chris)
Hair: Michael A’s Hair Studio
Makeup: Kirsten Coonen
Dress: Watters from Mia Grace Bridal
Shoes: Kate Spade and Keds
Jewelry: From the bride’s grandmother
Tux: Express
Bridesmaid dresses: Bari Jay from Mia Grace Bridal
Stationery: By the bride
