A Classic, DIY Wedding at American Legion Hall in Marthasville, Missouri

Ryan Autenrieth (25 and a teacher) and Steven Bommarito (29 and a teacher and minister) grew up together. “He has been best friends with my brother for as long as I can remember so he has always been around,” Ryan says. They were friends for years, but both being in relationships at different times, it seemed like it would never work out between them. However, once they were both single at the same time, Steven asked Ryan to give them a shot, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Steven proposed after a wonderful dinner at SkyCity at the Needle in Seattle. For their simple, intimate wedding, the couple only used three vendors: Sonya Lalla Photography, Weinhardt Party Rentals for the glasses and napkins and Zach Lewis, from Illinois, for the music. Everything else they did themselves. They ordered all the flowers from Sam’s Club and put them together the night before, Ryan’s mother made all of the food, Ryan’s students helped them set up and tear down, Ryan’s cousin helped set up all of the bars and do all of the signs, and Steven’s childhood neighbor did all of the desserts. Ryan and Steven wanted their day to be simple and classic. Everything was black, white or gold for a timeless color palette. Instead of traditional wedding favors, the couple chose to set up several food stations for guests to enjoy throughout the night. They had a s’mores bar, a coffee bar (complete with chocolate-covered spoons, which guests loved!), a dessert bar, a chocolate-covered strawberry station and a gourmet popcorn bar.