Anna and Ben
September 18, 2004
St. Louis, Missouri

Photography by Aimee Koch
Wedding coordinator: Josie Littlepage of Cosmopolitan Events

ABOUT THE BRIDE: I grew up in Collinsville, IL, attended College in Massachusetts and Chicago and am now a candidate for an MFA at Washington University in St. Louis.

ABOUT THE GROOM: Ben is originally from Effingham, IL and attended SIUC for both undergraduate and Law school. He is currently an attorney in Belleville, IL.

HOW WE MET: Ben and I met at a local bar in October 2003. We became fast friends and inseparable from that night on.

ENGAGEMENT: Ben and I picked out my engagement ring together. Ben had the ring in his possesion for two (agonizing) weeks when on a Sunday morning before going to Uncle Bill's for pancakes he asked me to share the rest of his life with him.

PLANNING: With the help of my wedding coordinator Josie Littlepage of Cosmopolitan Events, I created the best party I'd ever thrown. Josie took care of all the challenges that come with planning a completely outdoor event, allowing me to focus on being creative. Non-traditional and fun became key words when discussing plans for the ceremony and reception with vendors.

ATTIRE: I wore a Bari Jay white tea length halter dress with navy blue trim. I also wore a custom jacket made for me by Lan's Quality Alterations closed with an antique rhinestone brooch. I carried a bouquet of white mini-calla lilies and pink baby roses. Ben wore a navy blue pinstripe suit, pink shirt and navy tie.

THE CEREMONY: The Ceremony took place at my father's house located in Collinsville, Illinois on thirty acres of land. A jazz quartet played for our 200 guests as they gathered on the front lawn. I was walked from the house to the begining of the aisle by my three brothers and took the rest of the journey down the aisle to meet Ben by myself. My father performed the ten minute ceremony, then it was on to the party.

THE RECEPTION: The reception also took place at my father's house under a large tent in the side yard. Specialty cocktails along with hors d'oeuvres were served as guests mingled and dusk fell. A delicious buffet dinner was served as jazz continued to be played. After dinner the party continued with dancing and music from DJ Explorer. As the guests said their good-byes, they took with them the martini glass favors with the insignia XOXO printed on them.

VENDORS WE USED:

Photography - Aimee Koch
Flowers - Curly Willow
Cake - Kathy Tomson Cakes
Wedding Planner - Cosmopolitan Events
Catering - Metropolitan Catering
Music - Hard Bop Heritage (Quartet)
DJ - DJ Explorer (Brian Giliam)

If you have questions or comments for Anna and Ben please e-mail them.