Beth + Chris’s Hotel St. Louis Wedding and Reception by documentary wedding photographer Jaimie Nicole Krause Photography
How would you describe your wedding experience?
My mind was racing with planning details and what ifs the week of. Once I got the to rehearsal I turned all of that off as best I could and just let the weekend unfold. My wedding experience was fantastic! I was much more relaxed once I was surrounded by my closest friends who came in from all over the country. I wasn’t worried about the details anymore. The day really did fly by.
What things were most important to you when wedding planning? What were your wishes for your wedding day?
The ceremony was the most important thing to both of us about the wedding. Including both of our faiths (Judaism and Christianity) was important to both us and we feel so lucky to have found Deacon Donna and Rabbi Randy to make our dream a reality! It turned out perfect! We got so many compliments on the ceremony afterward. We think we succeeded in making the ceremony, and the rest of the wedding, feel like “us.”
What advice would you give to other couples for their wedding day?
Try your best to let go once the wedding comes. You’ve done all the planning you can, now it’s time to enjoy it. Stop thinking about logistics, let other people take care of anything that comes up and manage the timeline. Don’t second guess the choices you’ve made.
Was there anything that surprised you on the wedding day?
My younger brother gave a bonus toast to Chris and I. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was glad he spoke. He did a great job and didn’t roast me too hard!
What was your first thought when you woke up the morning of the wedding?
I woke up at around 4:30am and did not fall back asleep. My first thought was to hope the adrenaline would take over so I wouldn’t be yawning through the day or crabby! Chris’s first thought was, “I’ve got to get going!”
Tell me about how you each felt when you saw each other for the first time.
Beth: First looks seem to be all about how the bride looks, but I was happy to see my groom looking so good. It did feel kind of surreal to be together with him on our wedding day. I didn’t really know what to say.
Chris: I felt the suspense from the way the photographer and videographer set it up. I thought Beth looked great.
What was your first dance song and how did you choose it?
Our first dance song was a version of “Dream a Little Dream” by Robbie Williams and Lily Allen. This was one of, if not the most difficult decision to make together. We really had trouble finding a song both of us liked and that felt suitable for a first dance. We both thought this song was sweet and easy to dance for people with no dancing experience.
Tell me how you felt during the reception.
I was much more emotional than I anticipated. I didn’t think I would cry on my wedding day. I knew if anything got me it would be the toasts though, and I was right.
What was your favorite part of the day?
Beth: This is the hardest question! Anytime I was with my friends, because they kept me from getting too serious or anxious. I also loved our ceremony and then getting to see our guests at cocktail hour.
Chris: Cocktail hour. I liked mingling with a lot of people.
What were you most anxious/nervous/fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?
The first dance. We’re both not people who usually seek out the spotlight. I was definitely nervous to slow dance in front of everyone. It went fine though, we actually did a little bit better than when we had practiced! Chris did not seem anxious about anything. When asked how he felt before the wedding he said, “chill.”
When planning your wedding, what photos were most important to you and why?
We love nice portraits and cool artistic shots, but we also really wanted photos that genuinely told the story of our wedding day to help us remember the little moments and details in years to come. Pictures with our parents and each other were important.
BETH + CHRIS’S VENDORS
Planning: Wendy with The Savvy Bride
Florals: Joanna with Wildflowers
Videographer: Elijah with Divinity Films
Photographer: Jaimie Nicole Krause Photography
Venue: Hotel St. Louis
Cake: The Cakery Bakery
Dress: Essence of Australia from White Traditions Bridal House
Rentals: The Aries Company
Officiants: Randy Fleisher from Central Reform Congregation and Donna Nachefski from St. Stanislaus
