Fairytale wedding with paper cranes at Forest Park in St Louis, MI

Jun 20, 2024 | Weddings

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There's something so sweet and sentimental about returning to your hometown to get married. While Sarah and Russell met in college and moved to Boston together to begin their careers, they came back to Sarah’s hometown of St Louis to tie the knot in a beautiful fairytale wedding full of pastel flowers, twinkle lights and paper cranes.

"The wedding was a perfect blend of their two families," explains St Louis wedding photographer, Alyssa Reine. "Over a thousand folded paper cranes decorated the reception space to honor the groom’s Japanese heritage, and the bride’s brother-in-law officiated the wedding. Guests flew in from all over the world to see these two tie the knot, and it couldn’t have been a more special day for everyone involved."

Sarah and Russell's ceremony took place at The Jewel Box, followed by the reception at World's Fair Pavilion - two historic buildings with roots in the 1904 World’s Fair, located in scenic Forest Park. Bride Sarah’s lifelong dream of a floral fairytale wedding came to life, with her favorite colors (yellow, peach, and pink) and flowers (dogwood blooms) taking center stage on their invitation suite. She showcased her love for fashion with two stunning gowns, wearing Pronovias for the ceremony and Jolie Bridal for the reception.

"The couple’s personal touch was evident in every aspect, from their rescue greyhound Bean’s presence in portraits to the late-night St Louis classic, Imo’s Pizza, served to their guests," adds Alyssa. "The design was focused on florals, with an emphasis on soft, flirty shades of pink and yellow sprinkled among the white and green. The overall wedding design was warm and welcoming, much like the couple themselves!"