1. Real Weddings

Kerri & Doug: A Traditional Wedding in St. Joseph, MO

After dating for eight months, Kerri and Doug were already looking at rings. The couple had met at work more than two years earlier, but didn't offici

After dating for eight months, Kerri and Doug were already looking at rings. The couple had met at work more than two years earlier, but didn't officially get introduced until a work outing. They started exchanging emails, then texts and finally phone calls. The Bride Kerri Guenther, 31, microbiologist The Groom Doug Lockard, 27, facilities engineer The Date October 18 The connection was clear, so even if it seemed early to ring shop, they couldn't help themselves. About a month after they started looking, Kerri found the one—an antique diamond and sapphire ring. She texted Doug to tell him and expected him to be surprised, but he played it cool. Days later, Doug broke the news to Kerri that he called the store but they already sold the ring. He was shocked when Kerri started crying! I seriously underestimated how much she liked this ring, he says. He hated to see her upset, so he told her that he had, in fact, bought the ring—but she'd have to wait for the proposal! The next night, he held out his hands with two wedding bands in them. Kerri started jumping up and down already knowing what was next. Sure enough, Doug popped the question -- saving the perfect ring for last. The couple held their formal reception under the crystal chandeliers and marble columns of the United Ballroom after a traditional Catholic ceremony.

The five bridesmaids wore chocolate brown satin tea-length dresses by Alfred Angelo.
Doug was raised Catholic and wanted to raise his children in the same religion, so Kerri converted before the couple even got engaged. The priest who officiated their ceremony had also confirmed Kerri, giving the ceremony even more of a personal touch.
Kerri and Doug had their first dance to Bless this Broken Road, by Rascall Flatts. Afterward, Kerri danced with her father and then had another dance with her stepfather.
Kerri carried a packed nosegay of pale and dark pink ranunculus and stems of sweet pea held together with brown ribbon. The different shades of the single color added depth to the bouquet.
Doug's bout was made up of a frayed tulip and two miniature roses. The edges of the tulip give the pale pink style a sharper style -- something to keep in mind if you want your groom to go pink, too!
The couple cut into a four-tiered buttercream cake with robin's egg blue icing decorated with chocolate swirls. Since they had so many guests, they served a sheet cake in the same flavors as well.