ALIVE Wedding
ALIVE weddings are unique, unconventional and celebrate a new perspective. They bring together creative couples who care deeply about crafting a beautiful day that leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved. ALIVE weddings embrace personal style, individuality and original rituals. Most importantly, ALIVE weddings honor true love, intimate ceremonies and enduring commitment above all else.
Share your special day using #ALIVEwedding for the chance to be featured on ALIVE Wedding social media.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER SILVERBERG
YOUR BIG DAY
JENNIFER KATHRYN PHOTOGRAPHY
REQUIRES PERFECT ARRANGEMENTS
314.993.1100 | 1335 South Lindbergh Boulevard | St. Louis, Missouri | 63131 www.stlouisfrontenac.hilton.com
Co-founders Elizabeth Tucker Kelly Hamilton Attilio D’Agostino Editor Rachel Brandt
Fashion Editor Sarah Stallmann
Editorial Advisor Jennifer Dulin Wiley Creative Director Amanda Dampf Business Manager Molly Fontana Office Manager Laura Runde Senior Account Executive Susie Jensen
information, call us at 314.446.4056 or email advertising@ALIVEmag.com.
Account Manager Micaela Hasenmueller
Subscriptions
Contributors Attilio D’Agostino, Kinsey Mhire, Amber Perry, Jennifer Silverberg, Carmen Troesser
Managing Editor Kelsey Waananen
Community Manager Mackenzie Taylor
Account Executive Devon Crouse
Cover & Masthead Photographer Jennifer Silverberg
Contact 2200 Gravois Ave., #201 St. Louis, MO 63104-2848 Tel: 314.446.4059 Fax: 314.446.4052 Sales: 314.446.4056 ALIVEmag.com General Inquiries
info@ALIVEmag.com
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Content in ALIVE labeled “featured partners or vendors” denotes sponsored and paid-for content. Thank you for supporting the businesses that keep ALIVE growing. For advertising rates and
Subscribe to ALIVE Magazine, view our free digital issue and purchase reprints on ALIVEmag.com. To order a subscription by phone, call us at 314.446.4059.
Contribute
ALIVE accepts freelance art, photo and story submissions. For more information, please email contribute@ALIVEmag.com. Want your wedding or engagement to be featured on ALIVEmag.com? Email weddings@ALIVEmag.com for consideration. ALIVE Wedding Volume 1, Issue 3 is published by ALIVE Media Group, L.L.C., 2200 Gravois Ave., #201 St. Louis, MO 63104-2848. Periodicals Postage paid at St. Louis, MO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ALIVE, 2200 Gravois Ave. #201 St. Louis, MO 63104-2848. © 2016 ALIVE Media Group, LLC.
Paper Perfect Cheree Berry innovates in the world of artful correspondence.
BY SARAH STALLMANN + PHOTOS BY CARMEN TROESSER
One step into the Cheree Berry Paper studio and you are transported into a world filled with creative correspondence. Vibrant color splashes across the walls; carefully chosen design tools and paper—lots and lots of paper—fill the crisp white workspaces. CBP is one of the most buzzed-about design firms in the industry, thanks in part to a stellar client list that includes celebrities like Tina Fey and a few former presidential daughers, collaborations with Lilly Pulitzer and Jonathan Adler, and a staff of industry experts who specialize in the art of creating paper that’s a cut above the rest—with unexpected details, surprises and interactive features. CBP’s owner, namesake and self-proclaimed “paper guru” Cheree Berry is the creative mastermind behind the St. Louis-based company. A native of Bonne Terre, Missouri, Berry broke into the industry fresh
out of her final year at Washington University in St. Louis. After earning her degree, she warmed up professionally with a few New York-based design firms. Her savvy landed her a role that would amplify her love of paper and design: lead designer of Kate Spade’s stationery line. But it was another love—one shared with her nowhusband, Jeff York—that brought her back to the Midwest to try her hand at entrepreneurism. Nearly 10 years—and three children—later, CBP has been featured in dozens of print and digital publications, from Martha Stewart Weddings to Southern Living, created the invitation sets for big names (like Chelsea Clinton) and is about to go retail—an original CBP line of stationery will launch at Target this fall. We sat down with Berry to learn about her daily inspiration and passion for design.
How would you describe your design style and approach to design? The team and I love surprises and will include them in a design wherever we can. We know snail mail is not as commonplace as it once was and we are also aware that you can get a nice, printed piece from large, online retailers. At CBP, we offer interactive pieces that gift the receiver an experience, whether it’s a fun format, a pop-up element, clever copywriting, or just a miniature insert card tucked inside. There is nothing templated about our work and we thrive on that. What have been some of the main challenges and highlights of starting your own design company? In the early days of CBP, I was loving design, but dreading all the “other stuff.” Things were starting to slip through the cracks—I wasn’t able to get back to people fast enough, space was tight, invoices were late, deadlines weren’t being met, etc. So, I brought on a business partner, Kristen Armstrong, who became the CBP CFO and COO. C’est la vie, invoices! As far as highlights, we’ve had so many great ones! It’s not just the high-profile jobs that we consider highlights, but since we can all relate to celebrities, I’d say it was pretty great working on Chelsea Clinton’s wedding paper. We have 8
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also done some really memorable projects for Lucy and Matt Damon as well as Ellie Kemper. And designing the birth announcements for my own little clan has been a highlight. How do you manage your work/life balance? I am a mother of three children ages five and under. My time at the office is limited, which forces me to make quicker decisions and become a better delegator. What’s the best piece of advice you have heard and repeat to others? Darcy Miller, the editorial director at Martha Stewart Weddings, has always given great advice. She says, “Don’t stress about needing to have it all as your guests will never know what you could have had. For instance, if that orange bevel edge will throw off your budget, don’t do it! You can be assured that no one will ever say, ‘Gosh, you really should have gone for that orange bevel edge.’” What gives you a rush in your design field? When new concepts come into my head while listening to a great playlist (curated by my husband) or while lying in bed (sketchbook bedside). Or when one of my designers shows me an awesome sketch or design—I work with the best designers in the industry! They inspire me daily.
We Begin Here One Kansas City couple’s love story. PHOTOS BY KINSEY MHIRE PHOTOGRAPHY
Where one ends, the other begins. This applies in many loving relationships, but the saying held true before Desiree Penn and Mike Ivers had even met. They were introduced when Mike was leaving his job at a youth ministry in Texas, and Desiree arrived to take his place. After discussing the job via Facebook over the course of a few months, a spark of affection turned into a flame. Fast-forward two years and three months, and Desiree awoke in her
Kansas City apartment to find instructions for the day taped to the bathroom mirror. She was to get ready for brunch at Succotash (the couple’s favorite spot) and bring along a change of date-night clothes. Mike was setting the stage for forever. After spending the day driving around KC’s eccentric neighborhoods, and a surprise massage for Desiree, Mike put his plan in motion. He dropped Desiree off at his place, where another ALIVE WEDDING // ISSUE 3
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note instructed her to get all dolled up and head back outside. There, Mike, a borrowed 1965 Mustang convertible and an incredible evening awaited her. Together they drove through the city and stopped off at a much-loved bakery. Here, Desiree says she knew exactly what was coming, and the nerves were starting to set in. Their day-long date ended at a datenight favorite, Blue Bird Bistro. When they arrived, the waiter led the couple upstairs to a room filled with pictures of their life. At the table, Mike opened a journal and began reading off a list of memories the two had created. Then, he dropped to one knee, looked up at Desiree and asked her to be his wife. So 12
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overcome with joy and excitement, the now-bride-tobe almost forgot to say yes. On the day of their wedding, rain unexpectedly moved their outdoor wedding indoors. With some quick thinking and coordination help from friends and family, the day played out smoothly. Surrounded by their loved ones in their romantic garden setting, the couple fondly remembers privately exchanging vows and planting a symbolic lemon tree, which is still thriving today. Find more wedding stories like Desiree and Mike’s on ALIVEmag.com
Dream On A new generation of bridalwear redefines convention.
Photographer: Attilio D’Agostino STYLIST: FASHION EDITOR SARAH STALLMANN MODEL: CATALINA OUYANG HAIR + MAKEUP: AMBER PERRY ASSISTANTS: BROOKE LOWREY, SARAH THOMPSON, CORY MILLER
Previous Left: Houghton “Contessa” gown—houghtonnyc.com. Alex Soldier teardrop ring—alexsoldier.com. Previous Right: Houghton “Amaria” gown—houghtonnyc.com. Left: Houghton “Paulina” top and “Amorena” pant— houghtonnyc.com. Platform shoes—model’s own. Right: Willowby gown—Mia Grace Bridal, Chesterfield. rag & bone leather moto jacket—Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac. By Boe earrings, necklace and rings—byboe.com.
Left: American Apparel bodysuit—americanapparel.net. Wtoo tulle skirt—Mia Grace Bridal, Chesterfield. Alex Soldier ring—alexsoldier.com. Right: Theory one-shoulder blouse—Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac. Willowby skirt—Mia Grace Bridal, Chesterfield. By Boe earrings—byboe.com.
Take the Cake Present a sweet twist on tradition with these wedding cake alternatives. BY KELSEY WAANANEN + PHOTOS BY JENNIFER SILVERBERG + STYLED BY AMANDA DAMPF
A wedding dessert by any other name is just as sweet, so why not take a break from post-dinner cakecutting? Instead, opt for something a little more playful. Local purveyors of sugary and baked goods have a bevy of options for your friends and family to enjoy, meaning you can mix and match smaller options, or stock up on one key item. No matter what wedding theme or mood you choose, there’s a sophisticated cake alternative for you.
Display a spray of delicate and understated cotton candy or satisfy your guests with substantial hand pies, all in colors that fit your day to a tee. Plus, those with food allergies need not be left out when a full spread is on hand. If there’s a wedding food tradition you must stick with, may we suggest that it’s just as delicious to lovingly smear cinnamon roll icing across your new spouse’s face as it is to smudge cake frosting across their cheek.
Left: POPtions!’s Over The Top, Poppy Chow and Saigon Cinnamon popcorn give your guests options for their afterdinner sweets. Right: For an unconventional brunch wedding, skip cake and feature Bridge Bread’s cinnamon rolls as a centerpiece.
Left: Make pies mobile with Whisk: A Sustainable Bakery’s cherry pop tartlets. Right: La Patisserie Chouquette’s Amoretti and Congolais cookies create a sophisticated spread.
Cloud Nine’s cotton candy adds whimsy to your day in caramel + vanilla, stawberry and pink vanilla, among other flavors.
weddings
corporate events
theater
music
art
celebrate at Boo Cat
WEDDINGS
|
SOCIAL
|
CORPORATE
TURN IT UP.
unique event space on the city/county line
ette
BOO•CAT CLUB revived
&
alive
A memorable event space with unexpected details.
7 1 5 0 M A N C H E S T E R R O A D | S T. L O U I S, M O 6 3 1 4 3
(314) 224-5775
HELLO@MAJORETTEEVENTS.COM
812 North Union, St. Louis, MO 63108 | (314) 224-5521 BOOCATCLUB.COM
MAJORETTEEVENTS.COM
Featured Vendors Boo Cat Club
A venue devoted to bringing together people in unexpected, extraordinary ways in a space that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. 812 Union Blvd., Academy, 314.224.5521, boocatclub.com
Casa Loma Ballroom
A unique and grand ballroom with a 5,000-square-foot “floating” dance floor. 3354 Iowa Ave., Benton Park West, 314.664.8000, casalomaballroom.com
Ces & Judy’s Catering
Catering backed by a history of providing daz26
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zling dishes and personalized events for 40 years. 10405 Clayton Road, Frontenac, 314.991.6700, cesandjudys.com
The Cheshire
Featuring unique novelty suites and beautiful British charm, this hotel can be the crown jewel of your special day. 6300 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, 314.647.7300, cheshirestl.com
Cyrano’s Café
A conveniently located venue with an interior design not seen in more traditional banquet rooms. 603 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314.963.3434, cyranos.com
Photo of Cheree Berry products by Jennifer Silverberg.
2016 Preferred Partners
Event Centers, Catering, & Special Event Design
Catering to unique St. Louis venues including: City Museum | the Foundry Art Centre
The Mahler Ballroom | The Sheldon Concert Hall Neo on Locust | The Jewel Box
World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park
See our website for additional locations.
We can help with all of the aspects of your wedding including rentals and entertainment.
City Museum
The Jewel Box
Perfect for intimate weddings, The Sheldon Concert Hall
World’s Fair Pavilion
rehearsal dinners, brunches and guestroom accomodations.
Banquet facilities for 50-800 guests Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions Rehearsal dinners - Bridal Showers
SOUTH COUNTY 314.638.6660 MARYLAND HEIGHTS 314.453.9000
www.OrlandoGardens.com
314-685-3418 or Sales@MoonriseHotel.com
MoonriseHotel.com 6177 Delmar in The Loop St. Louis, Missouri 63112
Full-service wedding, event planning and coordination fueled by the lead consultant’s passion for bringing families together. 11425 Dorsett Road, Ste. 202, Maryland Heights, 314.669.5933, mydivineevents.com
Drury Hotels
Hotels that prioritize the guests’ comfort and experience with free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast and more. Multiple locations, 800.436.1169, druryhotels.com
Goodies for Guests
tions. 811 N. 9th St., Downtown, 314.421.4000 x104, holidayinn.com/stlouisdwtn
Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
From the rehearsal dinner to the bouquet toss and everything in between, Hilton St. Louis Frontenac is dedicated to flawless coordination and unmatched personal service. 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., Frontenac, 314.993.1100, stlouisfrontenac.hilton.com
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Personalized welcome boxes for your out-oftown wedding guests filled with St. Louis goodies. Let them do the work for you! 314.422.0974, goodiesforguests.com
Celebrate your special day under the Arch with wedding venues ranging from grand ballrooms to intimate spaces and a rooftop terrace. 315 Chestnut St., Downtown, 314.342.4655, stlouisarch.regency.hyatt.com
Gregory’s Creative Cuisine
Lalo Salon
Diverse catering service with an emphasis on excellence and attention to detail for 26 years. 4700 Adkins Ave., Bevo, 314.481.4481, gregoryscreativecuisine.com
Big day hair and makeup services that celebrate you. Lalo’s experts make memories on site or in salon. 16223 Baxter Road, Chesterfield, 636.733.6996, lalosalon.com
The Heart of St. Charles Ballrooms
MAJORette!
HSC Ballrooms feature unique spaces for any taste. With 25 years of experience in the eventplanning business, their experts are ready to plan your event today. 1410 S. Fifth St., St. Charles, events@hscballrooms.com
If you’re looking to put on a show, then you’ve found the right place. Majorette is a brand-new event space in St. Louis where all your ideas are possible. 7150 Manchester Ave., Maplewood, 314.224.5775, majoretteevents.com
Holiday Inn St. Louis-Downtown at the Convention Center
Mia Grace Bridal
Offering 10,000 square feet of newly renovated event space—including a ballroom with sophisticated decor—for both ceremonies and recep28
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A bridal boutique dedicated to helping brides look their most beautiful while retaining their own individual styles. 108 Chesterfield Towne Center, Chesterfield, 636.778.3433, miagracebridal.com
Photo by Kinsey Mhire Photography.
Divine Events, LLC
Just anticipate the moment. We’ll handle the details.
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch provides the perfect setting for any wedding occasion: from dynamic grand ballrooms and the inviting Park View room to the memorable rooftop Gateway Ballroom and terrace overlooking the Gateway Arch. For more information, call 314 342 4655 or visit stlouisarch.hyatt.com. HYATT REGENCY ST. LOUIS AT THE ARCH 315 Chestnut Street St. Louis, Missouri, USA, 63102 The trademarks HYATT®, Hyatt Regency®, and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2016 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
STLRS5340_HR St Louis Alive Magazine Wedding Ad.indd 1
6/8/2016 10:56:26 AM
THE SHELDON THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOUR WEDDING
SAY I D TO A BEAUTIFUL occasion.
CES & JUDY’S CATERING at LE CHATEAU 10405 CLAYTON ROAD | ST LOUIS, MO 63131 WWW.CESANDJUDYS.COM | 314-991-6700
Call The Director of Events at 314.533.9900 or visit TheSheldon.org
The most unique and funky STL wedding spaces, including the stellar rooftop. 6177 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, 314.721.1111, moonrisehotel.com
Orlando’s Catering and Banquets
A family-owned catering and event facility that handles your wedding needs from start to finish— including rentals, food and bar. Multiple locations, morlando@orlandogardens.com
Overlook Farm
A perfectly gorgeous setting for your event. Enjoy farm-fresh fare, unwind in one of several historic inns, or the Courtyard at Overlook Farm. 901 S. Hwy. 79, 573.242.3838, overlookfarmmo.com
Paperkeet
A design and print studio that will help you tell your story through handmade, beautiful custom paper. 5301 Hampton Ave., St. Louis Hills, 314.832.3663 x106, paperkeet.com
Peabody Opera House
Celebrate the happiest day of your life at Peabody Opera House in the heart of Downtown St. Louis. 1400 Market St., Downtown, peabodyoperahouse.com
Roses & Mint Florals
Helping you tell your love story with flowers, and offering every couple a fun and personal 30
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flower experience. St. Charles, 314.502.9950, rosesandmint.com
The Sheldon
Grand, historic event spaces combined with contemporary event planning for parties from 50-500 guests. 3648 Washington Blvd., Grand Center, 314.533.9900, thesheldon.org
Silver Oaks Chateau
An enchanting and intimate venue with multiple indoor and outdoor options for your ceremony and reception. 1168 MO-100, Pacific, 314.280.8890, silveroakschateau.com
SqWires Restaurant
Celebrate, dine and dance for your wedding, rehearsal or engagement party in the SqWires Annex or SqWires Front Room. 1415 S. 18th St., Lafayette Square, 314.865.3522, sqwires.com
St. Louis Union Station
A landmark that seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern, luxurious amenities. Find amazement in the majestic Grand Hall and 3-D light show while relaxing in the AAA 4 Diamond hotel. 1820 Market St., Downtown, 314.231.1234, stlunionstationhotel.com
Syberg’s
A menu that will please the whole family, conveniently found in seven different area locations in MO and IL. Multiple locations, sybergs.com
Photo by Kinsey Mhire Photography.
Moonrise Hotel
REHEARSALS | RECEPTIONS
Food & Beverage Packages | Available for on & off site events Syberg's Catering & Family of Restaurants - STL www.sybergs.com 314.832.4856
Cyrano’s Cafe Private Banquet Room
Perfect for • Brunch • Rehearsal Dinners • Showers • Small Receptions
! Feast ! CELEBRATING 27 AWARD WINNING YEARS
Catering weddings, bat and bar mitzvahs, wine dinners, corporate catering and themed parties. We are ready to apply our considerable skill and enthusiasm to make your event a time you and your guests will remember with pride and happiness.
For more information please contact Deneva at 314-963-3434 or events.cyranos@yahoo.com 603 E. Lockwood Ave • Webster Groves • MO 63119 www.cyranos.com
314.481.4481 | gregoryscreativecuisine.com | gmchef@yahoo.com
Dancing on the Ceiling Keep your guests moving with these upbeat tunes. BY RACHEL BRANDT + PHOTO BY JENNIFER SILVERBERG
An essential element to a successful reception is the playlist. No one can argue that the minute the deejay starts spinning “Uptown Funk” or “Single Ladies,” everyone from your grandma to your sorority sister will hit the dance floor. But the question remains: Once they’re on the dance floor, how do you keep them there? Let us ease your mind and share surefire songs to get even the pickiest of listeners’ toes tapping. “Land of 1000 Dances,” Wilson Pickett “I Want You Back,” The Jackson 5 “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher,” Jackie Wilson “Valerie,” Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse “Once in a Lifetime,” Talking Heads “Hey Ya,” OutKast “Stronger,” Kanye West “Baby Likes to Rock It,” The Tractors “P.Y.T.,” Michael Jackson “Miss You,” The Rolling Stones “Turn on Your Love Light,” The Grateful Dead “Move on Up,” Curtis Mayfield “The Motto,” Drake feat. Lil Wayne
Phot