New theme alert: All the places we’ve been – All the places we’ll go

Holland Performing Arts Center wedding

Some love stories are written in the most unexpected places, and for Tess and Pat, their story began abroad. Although they both attended Saint Louis University, they didn’t cross paths until the spring of their sophomore year while studying in Madrid. As Tess fondly recalled, "He lived a floor below me, and the rest was history!" When it came to designing their wedding day, Tess shared that her favorite thing about Patrick was that "whenever he is around, I always feel at ease, at home, and safe." To honor that sentiment, Unfolding Events focused on keeping the couple together and present with each other throughout the day, which was all captured on camera by Leah Pieper Photography.

formal black and white wedding invitations

Classic and calligraphed

Classic and calligraphed white invitations from Minted with black cursive font set the stage perfectly for the monochromatic event.

pearl wedding jewelry

couture lace wedding ballgown half up half down wedding hairstyle

Black and white bridal portraits

In line with the black and white monochromatic color palette of the day, Leah Pieper Photography captured numerous portraits in timeless black and white.

forest green bridesmaid dresses

Classic groomsmen style

The groom and his wedding party all donned classic black suits with black bow ties and white boutonnieres.

English royal wedding inspired ceremony

white and green bouquet cathedral wedding dress

cathedral wedding

Keeping it simple: Cathedral ceremony style

The couple kept it simple as they styled the cathedral where they exchanged vows. They relied on the grandeur of the space and designed their attire to complement the otherwise grand white and gold venue.

outside church doors wedding portrait

Classic post-ceremony portrait

The newlyweds of course paused outside of the church for a quintessential city portrait in front of the open doors.

high neck long sleeve lace wedding dress

velvet furniture rentals bar wedding portraits

Portraits: Highlighting architecture and design

Portraits around The Holland Performing Arts Center gave the couple a chance to highlight the architecture of the city, as well as the unique design elements of the venue.

all the places we'll go seating chart

Seating chart theme: All the places we'll go

A key design element of the wedding was incorporating the places that had shaped the couple's journey together. Their seating chart, titled "All the places we've been, and all the places we'll go," showcased meaningful locations, including Saint Louis University, Madrid, the church they were married in that day, the Holland Performing Arts Center, and their current home city. It was a beautiful way to honor their past while celebrating their future.

white bud vase centerpieces

wedding menus with bows bow wedding details

black and white reception

Reception design: A monochromatic dream

Tess had a clear vision for her wedding—a classic black and white aesthetic. Every detail was intentionally curated to bring that vision to life. The sweetheart table was adorned with a breathtaking sea of white anemones from Lavish Flower Design. Each menu featured meticulously hand-tied black bows, and the reception tablescapes were a perfect monochrome dream, from the florals and candles to the flatware. The result was an atmosphere that felt timeless, sophisticated, and deeply personal to the couple.

black and white checkered dance floor

First dance: Go with the flow

Pat expressed that he loved "how we can be comfortable being fun and goofy with each other," which was on full display during their choreographed first dance. Even with a few missteps, they simply laughed and kept dancing—perfectly capturing the joy of their relationship.

after party photoshoot white wedding cake