1. Real Weddings

Alaynne & Gardiner: An Outdoor Wedding in St. Louis, MO

Once Gardiner Allen, a “big” college senior, discovered Alaynne Wallin, a “little” freshman, in geology lab, he continued to sit next to her for weeks

Once Gardiner Allen, a “big” college senior, discovered Alaynne Wallin, a “little” freshman, in geology lab, he continued to sit next to her for weeks. At first, Alaynne admits, she wanted nothing to do with Gardiner but slowly, a friendship began to develop. Then one day Alaynne realized Gardiner had something special to offer -- he was a computer science major and Alaynne was practically failing her computer science class. One night, Gardiner offered a private tutoring session, and, as Alaynne puts it, “things developed from there.” The Bride Alaynne Wallin, 25, graphic designer The Groom Gardiner Allen, 28, application architect The Date April 14 Four years later, just before Alaynne took off on a year-long trip to Japan to teach English, Gardiner surprised her with a romantic proposal on his rooftop overlooking downtown St. Louis.

For their first dance, Alaynne and Gardiner danced to Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” before opening up the dance floor to the rest of their guests.
The invitations and programs set the stage for the day. Using her graphic design background, Alaynne designed the chic hand-sewn invitations and the fan-shaped programs.
Although rain didn’t allow them to hold their ceremony in the Japanese Garden, Alaynne and Gardiner still opted for an outdoor ceremony. The two exchanged vows in front of their reception site as their guests looked on, surrounding them in a half circle.
Alaynne’s strappy sandals coordinated with her champagne veil and gown, adding a little glitz to her look.
The reception space was decked out with one hundred white paper lanterns and white linen-draped tables with fuchsia, silk dupioni overlays. Instead of traditional table numbers, Alaynne and Gardiner used pictures of themselves representing milestones in their relationship.
In lieu of bouquets, each maid carried a Japanese wooden fan.
During the cocktail hour, guests were greeted with assorted sushi, pot stickers with Asian sauce, and grilled shrimp with wasabi sauce.
Alaynne looked stunning in a strapless champagne-colored gown with simple draping at the waist. Gardiner wore a black tux with a white tie and vest.
Alaynne’s six bridesmaids wore strapless, silk dupioni, tea-length dresses in varying shades of pink. Alaynne gave each of her bridesmaids a white parasol to hold for their post-ceremony photo shoot. Her bridesmaids also donned pink orchids in their hair to match their dresses.
The cake was a delectable, three-tiered, square cake frosted with ivory buttercream. The base of each tier was lined with a fuchsia ribbon, and two handmade, white chocolate cranes served as cake toppers.
Guests were invited to write special wishes for the newlyweds on fun, patterned paper.
Orchids were the bloom of the day. Alaynne held a monobotanic cascade of pink and white orchids.
Gardiner wore a white orchid boutonniere on his lapel.