Tori is from Saint Louis and Jeremy hails from Minneapolis, but Texas is where their love story began after meeting in college. The couple settled in Saint Louis after graduating and Top of the Rock at Table Rock Lake, a place in the Ozarks where the couple spends much of their time, was a natural choice for their nuptials. The couple followed their romantic ceremony with a rustic reception at The Stables at Integrity Hills. A pared-down palette of neutrals feels fresh and simple, white florals are elegant and compliment the natural textures of the venue. Tori and Jeremy enlisted The Rowlands to capture all the romance and details of their day and we’re excited to share all the images with you today.
What made the wedding special and unique?
The location – Table Rock Lake. Jeremy and I met in Texas when we were attending college. I’m from St. Louis, he is from Minneapolis and we both lived abroad in college. So a big portion of our dating life was spent navigating long distance. When the time came to pick a location, we really wanted somewhere that felt special to both of us. We spent a lot of time at Table Rock Lake throughout college and it felt like the perfect place to start our marriage.
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
A couple weeks after getting engaged I went to Simply Elegant Bridal, a boutique in downtown St. Louis, with my older sister and mom. I had never tried on wedding dresses before and didn’t really know where to begin. All I knew was I wanted something timeless and romantic. I ultimately chose an ivory crepe gown with a boat neckline and cap sleeves. My favorite part of the dress is the deep-v back and chapel train.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The whole day was incredible. We felt so blessed by all the family and friends who traveled to Table Rock Lake and celebrated with us. Something that made our ceremony very special was that my dad, a pastor in St. Louis, married us. But the most intimate moment of our wedding was when everyone came forward and prayed over us. Jeremy and I were quite literally surrounded by community. It was the one moment throughout our wedding day where I felt like time slowed down.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Jeremy and I both attended Baylor University in Waco, TX. One of Baylor’s special traditions is their welcome week where students come into town a few days before classes start. It’s a week full of events and parties. It was during welcome week, freshman year, where Jeremy and I met. After that first meeting we started hanging out together and eventually became best friends. By the end of freshman year we were dating and the rest is history.
After graduation we both ended up landing in St. Louis. One of our favorite things to do together is to go on adventures and take photos. That Saturday we spent the afternoon downtown photographing the graffiti walls that face the Mississippi River. Afterwards we went to dinner at our favorite place, Olio, and ended the night in Forest Park. The St. Louis Art Museum has a beautiful view overlooking the park. That night we sat on a bench drinking coffee and trying to stay warm under our blanket. Jeremy began to reminisce about all the memories we had shared together in this park, next thing I knew he was down on one knee. On March 5, 2016, he proposed to me with the most beautiful engagement ring that he had designed around a family heirloom diamond. Afterwards we called our parents and spent the evening drinking champagne and celebrating with our family.
Photography and Videography: The Rowlands // Florals: DIY // Ceremony Venue: Top of the Rock // Reception Venue: The Stables at Integrity Hills // Wedding Dress: Simply Elegant Bridal // Groom’s Tux: The Black Tux // Bridal Shoes: Nina // Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal // Groomsmen Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse // Wedding Cake: Pastries by Carla // Grooms Cake: Solvang Bakery // Catering: Big Cedar Lodge