• Real Weddings

Alison always envisioned having an outdoor wedding surrounded by natural light and the beauty of being outside. Finding that perfect outdoor venue presented a challenge and having a ballroom wedding was definitely not in her plans. That was, until she saw the Crystal Ballroom at the Renaissance Grand.
The hotel ballroom is set on the 20th floor and built in the early 1900s. Floor to ceiling windows, gorgeous chandeliers, tall embleshed pillars, just a breath taking space that overlooked the city. This ballroom venue ended up being her dream spot. A perfect example that you should never rule out anything and weigh all your options. See more of this elegant St. Louis downtown ballroom wedding in the full gallery. captured beautifully by Clary Photo.

From The Bride-"Welcome to St. Louis" was the theme of our hotel gift bags. The bags, handmade by Alison's sister Lianne and mother, featured all things made in St. Louis, such as Fitz's Rootbeer, Bissingers Chocolates, and even a pack of Tums!

A week before the wedding, we learned that our Church's air conditioning had broke, and with 100 degree heat in St Louis during the month of July we knew we had to find another church quickly. This turned out to be an amazing blessing.

Somehow the The Old Cathedral in St. Louis was available, the church built in 1834 had the perfect look for our day. Small and simple, with wall to wall windows where the light shown in on the white and blue walls and hanging chandeliers. The Old Cathedral allowed us to stand out as we stood at the alter, hand in hand, smiling and laughing. Locking hands with Jim as we exchanged vows, was definitely the most meaningful moment of the day.

Finding our reception venue proved challenging, as I had dreamed of an outside wedding, and a ballroom wasn't in my plans. That was, until I saw the Crystal Ballroom at the Renaissance Grand. The hotel ballroom, set on the 20th floor was built in the early 1900s and had the perfect look I was searching for. Floor to ceiling windows, gorgeous chandeliers, tall embellished pillars, just a breath taking space that overlooked the city. As we were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Bachman and entered the room, seeing it all put together for the first time was a great feeling! Out of the entire day, our venue was what people continued to complement us on the most.

For the tables, Alison and Jim decided to name each one for a special neighborhood or landmark in St. Louis and New York. Each table had a main photo of the place with the table's name, and then on each persons plate was a different smaller picture as a keepsake. The pictures were taken and edited by Alison's cousin, sister, and best friend, and was quite a big undertaking, but it turned out great. Guests went from table to table, Brooklyn Bridge to the St. Louis Arch, from Central Park to Forest Park, searching for their seat.

The best part of our day was in the evening, as we were able to enjoy our time with our guests, its not often you have a collection of your favorite people from all parts of your life, from different cities, all in one room. We were blessed to have everyone there to share and make our day amazing.

https://vimeo.com/47774739

Photographer: Clary Photo Cinematography: Sweet Tea Media Coordinator: Proposing Dreams Flowers: Sisters Flowers Venue & Caterer: Renaissance Grand Makeup & Hair: Danielle Erb Cake: The Cakery Bakery DJ: Rockstar DJ's Dress Designer: Lazaro Stationery: Ten-Four Paper Officiant: Father Kenneth York |