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Photography by Lisa Meyer Photography
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Photography by Lisa Meyer Photography
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Photography by Lisa Meyer Photography
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Photography by Lisa Meyer Photography
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Photography by Lisa Meyer Photography
Courtship: Karli Richter and Andrew Davis say, “it is what it is.” When they met in July of 2015, “it” was the discovery that she was a Cubs fan, and, he, a lover of the Cardinals. By fall, “it” was a cancer diagnosis.
Karli, a Carbondale, Illinois native, worked as a recreation therapist at Barnes Jewish Extended Care. Andrew’s father, Mike, who brought his dog regularly to visit with residents, played matchmaker. When he said she’d hit it off with his son, Karli expressed reluctance. “You think too much,” Mike said. Two weeks later, Andrew asked her to dinner and a movie. Five months later, they moved in together.
It was important to expose Andrew to new microorganisms, including her plant collection, dog, and Karli herself, before treatment started, the oncologist explained. The plan for the life they were building together moved forward quickly, and they built a home together.
The couple currently lives in Charlack. She is now a recreation therapist at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Maryland Heights. He manages a Sherman-Williams product finishes division.
Proposal: If she could, Karli would run barefoot everywhere. She grew up on 64 acres as a student of the woods (especially the Shawnee National Forest) and has since passed on her passion to Andrew. His treatment for aggressive soft tissue sarcoma put their hikes on hold for the better part of two years. In January of 2017, Andrew went into remission. They hit the trail again.
While exploring Castlewood State Park with their dog, Karli became irritated at Andrew’s frequent stops. Convinced he needed some motivation and coaching because of the long hiatus, she pushed them hastily to the riverfront. Unbeknownst to her, those stops were proposal attempts. Karli cursed visitors who had littered the picturesque beach as Andrew genuflected. “Will you marry me?” Andrew asked, abruptly ending her rant. She responded, “Are you sure?” But that was never really a question.
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Photography by Katy Corea
Karli and Andrew's engagement photos.
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Photography by Katy Corea
Karli and Andrew's engagement photos.
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Photography by Katy Corea
Karli and Andrew's engagement photos.
Ceremony: Karli suggested either a courthouse ceremony or a small wedding at her grandparents’ property in Illinois, but Andrew hoped for something bigger. When they found Kuhs Farm and Estate, the first and only venue they toured, she quickly hopped on board with the idea.
The first look kicked off the whirlwind of unforgettable moments. On a windy fall day—so windy the bride stomped on her blowing veil to keep it in place—surrounded by 150 guests, the couple exchanged vows beneath a massive tree.
Andrew, accompanied by their dog, and Karli walked down the aisle to eclectic songs including the Pixies’ “Here Comes Your Man” (his) and a quartet version of “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (hers).
A dear friend officiated the non traditional ceremony. Karli collected poetic readings that created the beautiful, intimate moment, they had always imagined, including, from Shel Silverstein: “Endings are the saddest part/so give me a very happy middle and a happy start.”
Reception: At the reception, held in a white tent on the farm’s bluff, family and friends enjoyed a sit down dinner of elegant comfort classics like brisket, as well as salmon sourced from a friend’s farm in Alaska. The smorgasbord of desserts stole the show. A candy bar packed with Andrew’s favorite, Sour Patch Kids, including a three-foot Sour Patch model. Cupcakes, mini pies, and St. Louis favorite, gooey butter cake. Centerpieces of lanterns, colored glass vases, and roses adorned the tables. Behind the bride’s and groom’s table hung a five-foot macramé art piece Karli created. Karli spent most of the evening on the dance floor and managed to pull a shy Andrew out there for one song.
They postponed the honeymoon while Andrew participates in a clinical trial at the Barnes Hospital Siteman Cancer Center. (His cancer returned in September of 2017.)
Andrew insists that “he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t Karli,” while she insists that “he’d be fine no matter what.” There is no challenge Karli and Andrew haven’t met with acceptance, resolve, and humor.
The Details
Engagement Photographer: Katy Corea
Wedding Photographer: Lisa Meyer Photography
Bridal Shop: Juno Bridal
Dress: Daalarna Couture
Cowl: Mother of bride
Bow Tie: Jenny Hill of Lonesome Traveler
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Kuhs Estate and Farm
Flowers and Decorations: Elizabeth Fichter of Kuhs Estate and Farm
Hair/Makeup/Officiant: Lyndsey Garavaglia
Caterer: Conway's Catering Company
