St. Louis Hotel Photos - by Sandra O'Claire with Eau Photo

hollybee92

Hi girls! I always loved looking at pictures - here is my photog's facebook album of us: http://tinyurl.com/12112010eauphoto

meredith9

Beautiful. Thanks!

alyss21mom

So pretty and I love your flowers!

Chelsey504

Hi Holly!

Thanks so much for posting the pics! Beautiful! I'm getting married at the St Louis in March w/ Sandra as my photog, so this was a great preview. 

Would you mind answering a few questions? (I think there are a lot of St Louis Hotel bides on this board who might appreciate the inside scoop on some of these Qs too!)

-I really like the pics of you and groom up on the balcony... was that your first look? Is it at the Saint Louis? If so, off of which room? 

-The pic of you two w/ the wedding party is great. Where is that alley?

- I think we are also going to have our florist decorate the fountain. Was it still on (running water) with all the arrangements in it? How did that work? 

Thanks so much!

Chelsey504

Oh one more question!

The lighting in the dance space -- did your DJ bring that? Was it necessary or could you get by w/o it?

Thanks again!

hollybee92

Would you mind answering a few questions? (I think there are a lot of St Louis Hotel bides on this board who might appreciate the inside scoop on some of these Qs too!)

-I really like the pics of you and groom up on the balcony... was that your first look? Is it at the Saint Louis? If so, off of which room? 
That is the fleur de lis suite at the St. Louis - it is actually two guest rooms, two baths, a full kitchen, and living room.

-The pic of you two w/ the wedding party is great. Where is that alley?
That is Exchange Place, that runs between Conti & Bienville.

- I think we are also going to have our florist decorate the fountain. Was it still on (running water) with all the arrangements in it? How did that work? 
Christina O'Malley was my florist, she used green floral blocks and yes the water was still running.

The lighting was provided by the band, CuisinetheBand.com, and I think it def. made it better! I actually didn't know they were bringing lights until that night.

Let me know if there are any other STL questions girls!

Thanks!
xoxo

nhm0506

Hey! I am also getting married and have a question (and might have more as time goes on).  Who did the fabric backdrop for you?

hollybee92

I bought it from another St. Louis Hotel bride for around $100. My planner, Get Polished Events, bought it from me afterwards. Most florists can make some sort of swag or backdrop. I priced out the amount I would need to make one and it would have been close to $300 for a cheap fabric. Good luck!

Chelsey504

Hey Holly,

Tried to PM you, but don't know if you got it...

Just had a few more questions...

Do you have any recommendations for the menu? We're doing a buffet and need to settle on dishes soon. It would be helpful to hear about some of the food you and guests really did/not like since they don't do a tasting.  

Also, would you be willing to share your timeline with me if you used one? From your pics, it looks like I am going to follow the same general schedule as you (getting ready in the suite, formal pics before the ceremony, ceremony, 2d line, reception), so it would be great to know how all that worked for you in the same location.  

Thanks!

hollybee92

BMs started hair/makeup around noon.

I started dressing around 3, first look with husband at 4, 4:30 husband & I went to Exchange Place for formals, wedding party met us there at 5:00. got back at 5:45 to take family pictures at 6, and we were done at 6:30 for everyone to start taking their seats. Ceremony started at 7, ended up 7:30, second lined until reception started at 8. Some of the older guests stayed in the lobby if they didn't want to second line!

Chelsey504

Thanks, that's really helpful!

hollybee92

this was our menu:

Fig & Goat Cheese Flat Bread
Balsamic Marinated Portobello Crostini
Mushroom Profiterole

Shrimp Creole

Louis XVI Oysters

Shrimp & Grits

Chicken Breast Creole Style

Domestic Cheese & Fruit Display

Carving Station  - Top Round of Beef

Banana's Foster

Everything was delicious! We used Haydel's for our cake. I wouldn't have changed anything! They had a TON of food in our room after the wedding. I also had a wonderful attendant all night that literally would do anything for me. I think she even helped me use the bathroom once! I wouldn't change anything!