Courtship: Josh Hart, Amber Peterson, and her entire family hit it off on their first date. Both O’Fallon natives, despite having known of each other for several years, Amber and Josh did not become friends until well after high school in 2013. She regularly nudged her mother into his checkout lane at Schnucks, made small talk, and eventually worked up the courage to message him about the store’s beer selection. Speaking of beer, why didn’t they grab one some time?, he messaged back. Their first official date, Josh joined Amber’s family at the Collinsville Italian Fest. The newlyweds currently live in St. Peters with their dog, Jack. Amber is an events coordinator at St. Charles Community College. Josh is a project manager at Hussman Corporation.
Proposal: As per their annual tradition, the couple celebrated their fourth anniversary over lunch at the Boathouse in Forest Park, followed by a stroll through the zoo. Josh suggested they relax at a nearby bench. When Amber sat, he knelt. To her surprise, the ring she was told would take several months to customize was in his hand. After she said yes, they commemorated the engagement with ice cream at Jenny’s in the Central West End.
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Ceremony: The morning of their wedding, Amber and Josh made breakfast, walked Jack, and read each other letters expressing love, gratitude, and joy for one another, the day ahead, and the many to come. Seventy-five guests joined them for an intimate waterfront ceremony and reception at the Lake St. Louis Community Association. Accompanied by Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Amber strode down the grassy aisle, thankfully dry, despite the previous day’s rain. A bow tie—clad Jack escorted the mother of the bride. Amber’s childhood friend officiated, and the couple exchanged vows beneath an archway that she and a friend adorned with white rose garlands.
Reception: For Amber and Josh, there was not a structured theme or vibe to the festivities, only, a chance to come together with people who mean the world to them. For the first time in 10 years, Josh’s group of high school friends, now scattered throughout the country, had reunited. The Best Man, Maid of Honor, and Mother of the Bride delivered toasts that left the couple speechless, laughing, and humbled. Bright, simple greenery and white candles served as centerpieces, while the ceremony’s rose archway provided a romantic backdrop for the bride’s and groom’s table. Friends and family took home snacks for their own pups from the treat station and custom napkins with Jack’s face. They struck poses for a caricature artist and signed a portrait of Amber and Josh. The first few notes of Toto’s “Africa” brought the entire room to their feet and kept a packed floor all night long.
The Details
Photos: Benandbeccalee, Photographers
Ceremony, Reception, Catering: Lake St. Louis Community Association
Event Styling: Details Party Staging
Hair: Uptown Looks Salon & Spa
Makeup: Sarah Beauchamp, Makeup Artist
Donuts: Old Town Donuts-Cottleville
Floral: Schnucks Floral
Dress: David’s Bridal
Suits: Savvi Formalwear
Custom Dog Napkins: On Three Designs
