Kris + Neil are really big on family and wanted to exchange their vows in a setting that would celebrate that sentiment as well as have loads of personal meaning. Luckily for these two, Kris’ family just so happened to have the perfect plot of land, about 40 minutes outside of their hometown of St. Louis! The picturesque wooded property featured a pretty, open meadow which was perfect for their ceremony and a charming, early 20th century one-room schoolhouse that was just the right fit for their intimate reception. I’m just a little bit jealous – it sounds like the absolute sweetest place!
The day was filled with fun, homespun details that truly helped bring Kris + Neil’s love story to life. But their friends + family were really the backbone of the entire celebration. Everyone pitched in to make the day perfect and help prepare the schoolhouse for Kris + Neil’s big day!
Big thanks to Cassidy Parker Smith Photography for the lovely photos + congratulations to the Kris + Neil. We wish you all the best!
How great is their circular ceremony site?! The beaches were handmade from trees from the property + the market buckets overflowing with wild flowers were gifted from a neighbor + artfully arranged by Kris’ aunt.
The most memorable part of the wedding for me was probably just after I got out of the car that brought my dad and I to the ceremony site - a meadow just beyond the schoolhouse. Neil's dad is a judge and also the officiant, so he was keeping everyone entertained while they waited. Neil's dad wasn't facing us - and didn't notice us for what felt like quite some time. I just remember standing there with my dad having so many thoughts at once, that I remember thinking how can I think so much?
That, and the fact that I flubbed some of the vows and instead of repeating them, I just had had to say, "what he said..."
To keep with the schoolhouse vibe, Kris made the centerpieces herself, from old books hollowed out with plants!
Don't feel obligated to follow the "rules" - make your own! I feel like some of the stress around weddings comes from trying to go by the etiquette books. In reality (at least for us) guests find it refreshing when things are less scripted, especially if it makes it easy for you - everybody has more fun.
photography: Cassidy Parker Smith Photography // venue name: The Old Becker Schoolhouse on the Schwetye Family property in Labadie, Missouri // event design: Ann + Thom Schwetye, bride + bride's parents // wedding dress: Erin Fetherston // hairpiece: Avigail Adam // bride's shoes: Philip Lim 3.1 // hair stylist: My sister and cousins helped me // makeup artist: My sister and cousins helped me // groom attire: Brooks Brothers // paper goods: self designed, ordered online // catering: Engine 51 Barbeque // cake: bride // floral design: Kay Genovese, bride's aunt
this is the cutest thing!!! so much inspiration!!! love those zinias!!! ukuleles!!! congrats kris and neil!!! great photos, cassidy parker smith!!!
Picture perfect wedding! Love it!
Absolutely the most adorable couple!! Precious…all of it. Congrats!
http://www.rings4love.com/wedding-bands.php
It’s a gorgeous day captured in a way that will make your heart leap,love this wedding!
What a great Missouri wedding venue! This is a very sweet wedding.
Such a beautiful, organic bouquet that the bride carried!
That is pretty cool to have a circular ceremony. Lovely wedding day!
Ohhh the tree stump centerpiecesssss beautiful! Love your photos as always, Cassidy!
This wedding is stunning. I love the book details and the simplicity of the whole thing. So beautiful!
Thanks so much GWS for sharing this lovely wedding with the world! It is truly an honor to be featured on your site and I can’t say enough how excited I am since I’ve followed your site since I was a bride myself. Kris and Neil are the best and their wedding truly speaks to what awesome people they are!
Love the simple flowers!
I love the Pink and Red color wedding bouquet. Creeping plant planted in Books is a neat idea!!