1. Real Weddings

A Formal Black, White and Blush Wedding at World's Fair Pavilion at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri

Wanting to toss tradition on the classic ballroom, Kathleen Brown (24 and an accountant) and Alan Brandt (27 and a financial adv

Wanting to toss tradition on the classic ballroom, Kathleen Brown (24 and an accountant) and Alan Brandt (27 and a financial adviser) had their gorgeous nuptials at World's Fair Pavilion at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. “When it came to selecting the venue we looked at several traditional options, but when we saw the World's Fair Pavilion we were blown away by its beauty,” Kathleen says. “We loved the atmosphere and the beautiful views of Forest Park.” With the help of wedding planner Ashley Rath from Dishy Events, the couple chose a black, white and blush palette with pops of champagne and gold throughout for a romantic, elegant aura. One of our favorite parts was how Kathleen and Alan incorporated their adorable yellow lab, Beaureagrd, into the day’s events. “Alan built a special box for him to sit on during the reception, and we trained for months to make sure he knew his wedding pose command,” Kathleen says. “It was also his third birthday, so it was extra-special for us to have him be a part of the celebration.” As if the furry friend weren't enough entertainment, the couple also had dueling pianos at the reception. There are so many details we love—see them all, beautifully captured by Ashley Fisher Photography, below. A tip from Kathleen: “My best advice for couples planning their wedding would be to enjoy their engagement and wedding planning process. Always remember that at the end of this adventure is an even more exciting and rewarding one: marriage.”

Kathleen and Alan wanted to set the tone for their wedding early with simple, elegant stationery. The invitations were printed on champagne card stock with sparkly gold accents and cursive typography.
Kathleen carried peonies, roses and sweet peas in shades of ivory, blush and lavender. She wanted her look to be soft and romantic, and Les Bouquets nailed it. The steams were wrapped in a piece of Kathleen’s mother’s wedding dress.
Alan and his groomsmen wore blush rose blooms accented with red hypericum berries for their boutonnieres. They loved the classic look and how they matched the other classic floral arrangements.
Badgley Mischka Champange Shoes With Crystals
Kathleen and Alan planned to exchange vows outside, but they had to move inside because of the weather. They decorated the venue with white drapery on the ceiling to create a more intimate, chic aura. The linens were lit with a warm candlelight hue that got brighter as the night progressed.
“Our yellow lab, Beaureagrd, was the ring bearer,” Kathleen says. “Alan built a special box for him to sit on during the reception, and we trained for months to make sure he knew his wedding pose command. It was also his third birthday, so it was extra-special for us to have him be a part of the celebration."
The bridesmaids wore one-shouldered, floor-length blush Watters dresses. The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos with suspenders and black bow ties. Kathleen and Alan loved how formal the wedding party looked and how their attire matched the black, white and blush palette.
Kathleen and Alan had their ceremony and reception at World's Fair Pavilion at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. They loved the alternative venue and its atmosphere and gorgeous views. The head table was framed by the wedding arbor from the ceremony for a little added romance.
The reception tables were decorated with classic gold vases filled with garden-inspired arrangements including blush roses, blush sweet peas, pink tulips and white hydrangeas along with greenery. The centerpieces were accented with small votives candle for some added romance.
Square 'Love' Coaster Glass Wedding Favors
For dessert Kathleen and Alan enjoyed a five-tier white cake. Two tiers were decorated with handcrafted flowers on the buttercream frosting. Inside, the cake alternated between French vanilla and red velvet.
Kathleen wore an ivory Lazaro ball gown with a silk sweetheart neckline, tulle skirt and beaded belt. She loved the full silhouette and how it flowed around her. She completed her look with her hair in a half-up hairstyle and a necklace from Alan.