October 30th Wedding

Sometimes I start writing a blog and realize about halfway through that it has a theme. It normally doesn’t start with one…but when I sat down to write this blog the theme was simple and clear: family.

If you’ve been married, are to be married, or have even stepped foot inside of Silver Oaks there’s probably a point in time we’ve referred to you as “family.” At this point, most of you know that Silver Oaks Chateau was built from the ground up by husband and wife team Ron and Sandi Tate. Their vision was a space and customer service that felt like a second home for your family for the day. Their daughter, Andrea, works here part time. Ron and Sandi make a point to treat the two full timers, Todd and myself, like family too.

When Ron and Sandi’s niece Kaitlyn was engaged, the entire day was a no brainer. It was finally time to have real family spend the day at Silver Oaks Chateau.

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Last year had its rough points for many and our Silver Oaks family was no exception. You all know that brides and grooms, I’m sure Kaitlyn as no exception, had added stressors associated with the pandemic during their wedding planning. You may also know that venue owners and other small business owners shared their most challenging year. What you do not know, is that this particular family experienced the passing of several loved family members amidst everything else. Ron and Sandi each dealt with the passing of a parent through the year. Through it, they held family a little tighter and celebrated every moment they had with family. Kaitlyn’s grandma, and Sandi’s mother, was actually able to make it to Kaitlyn’s wedding and I am sure the entire family will treasure the memories of Kaitlyn and Blake’s wedding a little extra because of it.

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There are so many more details I want to go into about Kaitlyn and Blake’s perfect - literally perfect - day, but I could write for hours and I’m afraid I’ll lose you. Unsurprisingly, Ashley Fisher does it again and captures more in these photos than I could possibly put into words, so maybe I’ll let her tell the whole story. Just make sure you scroll ALL the way through to catch the fun Chiefs details, cozy cocktail hour, greenery galore, and endless treats on treats on treats!

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I will say, you have to take note of the backdrop. The leaves dropped earlier than normal this year so we were almost worried the color wouldn’t be perfect. Of course, Silver Oaks property showed up for Kaitlyn and Blake. Pro tip for you Missouri brides: if you want COLOR, the very end of October and first week or two of November is when to book your wedding. You cannot go wrong!

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Caterer: Ces and Judy’s Catering

Photographer: Ashley Fisher Photographer

Florist: Walter Knoll

DJ (Ceremony and reception): Millennium Productions

Chalkboard: Jenna Jordan

August 24th Wedding

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!



April 28th Wedding

I know I recently posted a blog from an April wedding… but I cannot help it. All of these spring wedding galleries are ready and we are overjoyed! The new leaves and fresh blooms make the most exciting backdrop as the landscape finally readies itself for a new season. This particular morning was pretty brisk.. and I think we could all use more April posts after the recent heat!

We have more and more inquiries for Sunday brunch weddings and we understand why! If a long, fast paced wedding day isn’t your style, why not opt for a truly relaxing alternative? We’ve been hearing it more and more - everyone is choosing a Sunday wedding! It’s a vibe all its own and this wedding is a great example.

An outdoor reception, live music, great food, and close family. Even the catering staff got in on the fun! Check out this gorgeous wedding, complete with these perfect vendors:

23 City Blocks

Les Bouquets

Kelly Park Photography

Silo Coffee Co

Ezekiel and Stearns

New Day Cafe

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September 15th Wedding

Does this weather have anyone else dreaming of warmer days? Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing like a winter wedding…though we hear we may have 50+ degree weather on Saturday? We’ll take it!

An Affair to Remember will be setting up on Saturday and after the beauty that was Ally and Nick’s September 15th wedding, I cannot wait!

Ally and Nick’s amazing wedding day and An Affair to Remember… WOW. Holy floral halo! You’ve seen them on Pinterest, ladies, but this one takes the cake. Speaking of cake… this couple chose to have a small cake centerpiece from Pint Sized Bakery at EVERY table. Pair that with adorable personalized doggy picture napkins made by On Three Designs, and you can see how this was a fun gallery to steal blog pictures from.

Beauty. Laughter. Class. Sentiment. Some incredible vendors came together to create the most picture perfect day…and for such a fun couple! (Oh, and just when you think the dogs Zoe and Tod have stolen the show… check out Nick’s expression when he sees Ally!)

Alright, I’m done. I think Hannah Shea’s photography will speak for itself.