Jennifer and John
August 30, 2003
St. Louis, Missouri

Photography by Susan Jackson Photography

ABOUT THE BRIDE: I was born and raised in St. Louis, growing up in Hazelwood. After graduating from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice, I decided to stay home with the kids for a while. When our son was nine months old, I decided to go back to work and am currently employed by the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services as a Corrections Officer.

ABOUT THE GROOM: John was also born and raised in St. Louis, growing up in Mehlville. After high school, he attended Ranken Technical College and is currently employed by PMResources, Inc. as an industrial electrician.

HOW WE MET: We met at PMResources where I worked in the chemistry lab and John was working in his current job. We actually knew of each other for a while before we started talking but once we did there was an instant attraction and chemistry.

ENGAGEMENT: Since our courtship (as it used to be known) was not traditional in the fact that we had two kids before we decided to get married, we always knew we would be together forever. It was just a matter of making it right for us and making sure we were able to do it exactly as we wanted. We lived together for two years and the kids were two and one when we officially got engaged. We looked at rings and I chose what I liked. After the ring came in, I think John had a big "thing" planned but just couldn't wait... he proposed in our living room one night after the kids had gone to bed. I don't think I would have wanted it any other way.

PLANNING: John and I knew from the beginning that we were going to have the wedding that we wanted. We didn't want to listen to all of the "why not a small ceremony when you already have two kids"... that is why we waited until we could have the wedding that we wanted. We wanted a day surrounded by our family and friends where everyone had fun and was celebrating our happy family... of four. We knew we wanted the kids to be a big part of the day so they were with us every part of the day... and during planning. I made all of the centerpieces, place cards, favors, etc. myself and I was lucky enough to have the kids there to "help". We chose the St. Louis Zoo as our reception site because not only was it unique but it reminded me of when I was kid and my parents took us to the Zoo as well as a place that I loved to take my children.

ATTIRE: I looked through every magazine possible for a dress and had some ideas. My mom and I decided to start at David's Bridal just to get an idea of what I liked and didn't like. When I put on the first dress, I knew it was my dress... exactly what I wanted, so we bought it. (After my mom made me try on about 500 more to be sure.) The bridesmaids dresses were also from David's. The guys' tuxes were from Desmond's (I believe it is After Hours now). The groomsmen wore lavender vests and John and Zachary (our sons) wore silver vests.

THE CEREMONY: We were married at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard. It was a casual ceremony performed by Rev. Marth. He was so down to earth and open minded to our situation. When I arrived at the altar and took John's hand... I knew that it was real. The kids walked down the aisle in front of my dad and me. We said traditional vows in front of our family and closest friends.

THE RECEPTION: Our reception was at the St. Louis Zoo at the River Camp in the River's Edge. It was a beautiful location with a huge fish aquarium that kept the kids entertained. We had a sit-down dinner at tables decorated with purple rose topiaries and a candle with each individual guest's name on it. We wanted it to be elegant but casual and the River's Edge was a wonderful choice. Guests mingled both inside and outside on the patio, complete with waterfalls. Everyone loved the chocolate fountain and are still talking about it. The kids sat at their own tables and had their own kids' meals. Once the music started, we danced the night away. Our son was even pulling on our legs during our first dance. It was a night we will never forget.

VENDORS WE USED: We had the most amazing vendors and we would like to thank each and every one of them for everything they did for us to make our day amazing.

Photography - Susan Jackson Photography -->
Flowers - Don Dafoe's
Cake - Sugaree Baking Company
Reception - St. Louis Zoo, River's Edge
Chair Covers - Elegant Seating

If you have questions or comments for Jennifer and John please e-mail them.