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