Metropolitan Weddings Metropolitan Weddings Fashion & Design SUM/FALL 20 | Page 126

page 124 X metropolitan weddings X summer/fall 2020 written by | mary sue hoban photographed by | Jessica Yahn Photography �an unlikely trio� The World Series, the capital of Iceland and Niangua, Missouri. An unlikely trio, but are three critical elements in the story of Jennifer Alexander and Matthew Gravelin. The couple met through friends while they were students at Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) in Springfield, Missouri. Shortly after meeting, Matt made his move and it was a big one: a first date at Game 2 of the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. Even though the Cardinals lost, the date was a win for Jennifer and Matt, launching them into years of romance and adventure. (Baseball fans know that the Cardinals also went on to win — knocking off the Rangers five games to four.) Five years into their dating relationship, they combined several passions — music, travel, being together — and decided to go see the band Foo Fighters at the Secret Solstice Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland. While having fun in the world’s northernmost capital, Matt proposed and Jennifer accepted! With joy they moved to the next chapter of their story: marriage. For Jennifer and Matt, it was important to get married on a meaningful date. They chose October 19, 2019, almost exactly eight years to the day since their World Series outing. They both love the outdoors and knew they wanted a wedding venue that would allow them to share that feeling with family and friends. An online search took them to Affinity Riverside Estate outside Springfield, Missouri, and it was an easy decision to choose this site overlooking the James River and surrounding countryside. It was breathtaking. On the big day, 80 guests were delighted to be welcomed to the venue by unique signs and cards celebrating important moments in Jennifer and Matt’s life together. Art and text joined together to tell the couple’s story. These personal touches — along with the unique “library card” save-the-date notices and book-inspired invitations — were designed by Jennifer, with inspiration from Pinterest and Etsy. The wedding ceremony was simple and elegant, with harp music setting the mood. The bride was accompanied down the aisle by her twin sons, Nathan and Ryan. Next to the aisle, Jennifer placed a remembrance of her son Gavin. A memory chair decorated with favorite books and a butterfly brought his spirit to the service. The butterfly in Jennifer’s bouquet, too, helped keep Gavin close to her heart on this special day. There also were humorous moments throughout the evening. Jennifer and Matt had decided to personalize their service. Instead of lighting a candle or mingling sand as a Unity ritual, they wanted to combine soil into the container of a braided Chinese Money Tree destined for their home symbolizing good fortune. The only wrinkle in their plan was that the officiant called for the groom to “kiss your bride” without having the Unity ritual. After his kiss, Matt reminded the officiant that something was missing. To the delight of their friends and family, the newlyweds then added their Unity rite ... and a second kiss. The bride and groom each had three attendants. They were joined by two flower girls and a special attendant who accompanied the ringbearer — Floyd the Boxer. The family pet brought another personal touch to the happy day. At the reception, the fun continued with cocktails, food, music and a magician! There was more humor when the bride switched places with her new brother-in-law just as the blindfolded groom was ready to remove the bride’s garter. As they say, much laughter ensued. At the end of a lovely day, the couple departed the venue in style in a 1930’s Packard convertible. Back in Springfield, Jennifer and Matt tucked away at the luxurious Vandivort Hotel. From there, they flew off to Europe and then spent two weeks of adventures on a cruise around the Adriatic Sea. That brings us to the third of our unlikely trio — Niangua, Missouri. That’s where the Gravelins’ story continues to unfold. Their next chapter is as country farmers. Together on 80 acres, they’re learning how to make the most of the land, animals, their family and each other. XmW