Here I am, finally getting around to posting this very special wedding blog.. One of our own, the one who keeps our ship afloat, the wedding of Scott and Alyssa Ringkamp!

When I think of beautiful, genuine couples I think of Alyssa and Scott. 

Alyssa and Scott did not do a first look because they wanted the raw emotion and true shock value of meeting eyes for the first time at the aisle. “We planned for an hour and a half cocktail hour for photos and our photographer did an amazing job working through that time with us,” said Alyssa. If you want ALL the photos, a first look is a must.  

The ceremony was easily the most memorable part of the wedding day. Alyssa said, “As soon as I saw Scott, I could not stop, it's like everything else faded away. We smiled and laughed throughout the ceremony. It was the first time that day that I felt truly present, taking in every word from our priest and each other.” The ceremony can sadly become an afterthought sometimes.. Don’t let that happen! Take advantage of the quiet, take a deep breath, let yourself laugh and be present. 

One of the highlights of the evening that I’ll never get over is Alyssa surprising Scott with their dogs for the precessional. (Backstory: Scott had initially wanted the dogs in the ceremony, but Alyssa talked him out of it and devised her secret surprise plan.) Thinking of the look on his face when those pups came down the aisle is making me smile like a fool while writing this blog post!

When it comes to decoration and color schemes, I am here to tell you- no exaggeration- nothing, and I mean NOTHING looks “bad” here. You cannot go wrong. You can play off of the natural wooden textures for a more rustic feel, or you can play into the timeless, romantic Chateau features. We’ve had modern, we’ve had themes.. We’ve had it all. Making design decisions was so difficult for Alyssa because she wanted to take something from every wedding!

Silver Oaks works with some incredible pretty caterers, and Scott and Alyssa chose Sugarfire Catering for their wedding. She was determined to have an elaborate charcuterie board, which was not on their menu at the time. “I gave them some design inspiration and they totally ran with it! It was intricate, delicious, and a beautiful focal point,” said Alyssa. I am here to tell you that I think about that elegant grazing station often! 

There are SO many details when it comes to a wedding. When asked if there was anything that she would have changed Aylssa said, “In hindsight, I was a bit overly confident in my pre planning abilities and assumed all that preparedness would manifest itself into taking care of other UNplanned details that may arise. Something I’ve come to realize is that I internalize much of my “communication” of details. If this is you, I suggest either hiring additional assistance on the day of the wedding or finding a friend who is willing and able to help be your second set of eyes in making sure nothing is looked over.” When something pops up, this go-to person can speak on your behalf with your previously noted desires, comments, and taste in mind!  

This day is a reflection of the two of you. Don’t worry about what is “traditional” or what “most people do.” First of all, that is not a thing and second of all, so what? “Most people” aren’t going to celebrate your 50thanniversary with you and look back on the fact you walked down the aisle alone. If that’s how you’d like to do it, do it!  

Ceremony and Reception Location: Silver Oaks Chateau 

Caterer: Sugarfire Catering

Florist: Wildflowers 

Bride’s Dress: Hayley Paige ~ Maiden Voyage Salon 

Groom’s Attire: Vera Wang ~ Men’s Wearhouse 

Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Belleza Salon 

Bridesmaid’s Hair & Makeup: Belleza Salon 

Bridesmaid Dresses: ALL Hayley Paige ~ Maiden Voyage Salon 

Cake: Sarah’s Cake Shop 

Ceremony Music: Landolfi Quartet 

Reception DJ: COMPLETE Weddings & Events 

Specialty Lighting and Décor: Uplighting- COMPLETE Weddings & Events 

Specialty Vendors: WedPets STL for the dogs!