JENNY & TREVOR

A cozy backyard soiree outside of St. Louis

PHOTOGRAPHY: Cindy Lee Photography

Did you have any idea how adorable miniature donkeys are? Neither did I until I had the pleasure of working with Jenny & Trevor who hosted their wedding festivities on the property of her parent's beautiful home where they also operate a rescue for the darling creatures. I was so excited thinking of how we'd incorporate these funny little guys into the celebration, but after my first visit to the property the enthusiasm skyrocketed. They are so funny & entertaining! 

It may be clear, but tented celebrations truly are my absolute favorite. They certainly require more work than any other type of event, but they also foster the ability to forge an even stronger relationship with our couples and their families. By the time we reach wedding week, it's as if we are part of the family and know the property as if we, too, grew up there. It's quite special. And because Jenny & Trevor were planning from Portland, our meetings were always virtual. Site visits were conducted with her sweet mom & we'd often bring the couple in via Facetime. Adapting is our norm, always. 

The weather was absolutely perfect on their wedding weekend which allowed guests who had traveled from afar the opportunity to experience the quintessential Midwest Fall we know and love. The ceremony happened in the front yard and still felt intimate despite having over 220 of their closest friends & family in attendance. With family at the center of the celebration, Jenny & Trevor opted to omit a formal wedding party; instead they had a parade of littles incorporating a gaggle of their nieces & nephews into the procession. After the I do's, guests enjoyed cocktails and a full charcuterie spread set among live music by our favorite, Alexander Ruwe. We later ushered everyone to the reception tent which was set adjacent to the fence where the miniature donkeys roamed allowing them to be a perfect backdrop for the affair. The donkeys were also featured in various elements of the stationery design & her father even set up a pen so guests could get up close and personal with the sweet creatures. I'm not sure who had more fun petting them - the kids or our vendor team - but the real star of the show was their pup, Myles, who had personality beyond measure. 

Having met years ago at a wedding where Jenny was a singer in the band and bonding over their shared love of music & performing, it was only fitting that they each joined the band for a song. Her aunts & uncles even performed a tune on stage while Jenny danced with her parents and siblings. Family was at the heart of every element of the celebration and witnessing the bond they share was incredibly heartwarming. 

VENDOR LOVE

Florals: Rouge Events & Designs
Rentals: Exclusive Events; The Aries Company
Restrooms: Portable Water Closet
Stationery: On Three Designs
Hair + Makeup: Eye Do STL
Transportation: JED Limousine
Bride's Attire: The White Dress, Tara Lauren
Groom's Attire: Tom James

Planning + Design: Altar'd Events
Venue: Private Residence
Tent: Traube Tent Co.
Photography: Cindy Lee Photography
Catering: Graze Catering
Dessert: Indulgence Ice Cream
Ceremony Music: Alexander Ruwe
Reception Music: The Red Jackets