• Real Weddings

Steph + Phil had an emotional, heartfelt wedding that’s going to give you all the feels! Their big day came together at Tower Grove Park and The Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Missouri, and was a memorable celebration with a modern moody vibe.

They weathered a storm, and dealt with an unimaginable loss just days before their wedding. But through their grief they found meaning and were able to celebrate love + life on their wedding day. Read more about their story below, and grab a closer look in the full gallery from The Lovely Lens Photography. Congratulations you two!

steph + phil

From wedding planner, Danie Swick: I had the absolute honor of working with a beautiful couple, Steph + Phil, during one of the hardest times of their lives.  You see, looking at these photos filled with so much happiness and love, you would never guess the hardships that Steph, Phil, and their loved ones went through to get to this point. After Steph’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, Steph and Phil decided to shorten their recent engagement to a quick 5 months in hopes that her mother could make it to the wedding. Unfortunately, her mother passed away just a few days before Steph and Phil wed, but she still definitely made it to the wedding.

the ceremony

The day started off with a torrential downpour, but you could feel her presence in the pure joy that surrounded each of Steph and Phil’s loved ones. Minutes before Steph and Phil walked down the aisle, the skies cleared, the sun came out, and her mother smiled down upon them.

Old St. Louis Vibe

Although the wedding was planned in a few short months, Steph and Phil achieved their dream wedding by including many personal elements and designs. From the beer bottle centerpieces that were drank by the bride and groom themselves, to the Old St. Louis romance vibe, every piece of this wedding was curated for them.

The entire day was a giant party celebrating both love and life. There were tears of happiness during speeches as they remembered and honored her mother, drinking, and merriment during dinner, and giggles all over the dance floor throughout the night. It was beautiful.

• Airbnb: Meet Me In St. Louis
• Cakes & Catering: Hendri's Events
• Cakes & Catering: Cake House Design
• Ceremony Musicians: Landolfi Quartet
• Event Planning & Design: Blue Bicycle Weddings
• Flowers: Olive and Gene Weddings
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: West End Creative Co
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Emily Miller Hair and Makeup
• Photographers: The Lovely Lens Photography
• Reception Band: Galaxy Band
• Rentals: Premier Rentals
• Travel & Transportation: Champagne Limousines
• Venues: Tower Grove Park
• Venues: The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
• Wedding Dresses: Flora Bridal
• Wedding Films: Kashmir Films