page 120 X metropolitan weddings
X Summer / fall 2024
written by | meg Daniel photographed by | Gambles Photography
a glorious cry fest
Imagine the pressure . You have been dating for 5 years , you know she is “ the one ,” it is Christmas Eve and you are spending it with your family and the love of your life . Everyone is pestering you , “ when are you going to get engaged ?” “ What is taking so long ?” “ Why haven ’ t you popped the question already ?” But you have a secret , and there is something shiny in your pocket . You have been planning this moment for a while and you convince your girlfriend to take a picture in front of the Christmas tree . While she glances away , you drop to one knee and ask her to marry you . Let the family cry fest begin !
Zach and Sidney have lived this story . But once the pressure of engagement subsided , the fun of planning began ! Sidney had already picked out a photographer before they were engaged . Her best friend had used photographer Erin Gamble for her wedding a few months prior and Sidney was amazed by her work . “ Erin is just phenomenal . She is so much fun , I love her pictures . I knew I did not need to look anywhere else .”
But finding a venue was another story . Zach and Sidney did not want a barn or winery , but were looking for a space that was sleek and did not need to be overly decorated . When the couple saw Shadow Rock , they knew they found the perfect place to tie the knot . The ceremony could be outside in the amphitheater and they could have a reception inside . There were spaces for firepits and games , but the “ reveal ” door was jaw-droppingly gorgeous . Sidney could envision herself walking through that door to marry Zach .
The next task was to find the perfect dress . When Sidney went shopping for her best friend ’ s gown a few months back , she was impressed with Gracie ’ s Bridal Salon . The selection , customer service and prices had her hooked . She tried on all the dresses she thought she wanted as a little girl , but quickly realized that those were a “ hard no .” After about 12 dresses , she found one that was a v-neck with applique to her knees , a beautiful train and said “ yes to the dress .”
Zach found his suit at Men ’ s Warehouse . He was dead set on wearing a black tuxedo on his wedding day , but once Sidney convinced him that a navy blue suit would compliment his blue eyes , he relented .
Sidney , the oldest of 8 siblings , wanted both her father and stepfather to have a special part in the wedding . So her Dad , who just cried all day , walked her down the aisle and her stepfather was their officiant . While her Dad was emotional , Sidney knew Zach was not . She chose not to have a “ first look ” but wanted Erin to capture Zach ’ s expression when that gorgeous reveal door opened and there stood his bride . Sidney says it was worth every penny for that one shot - Erin captured the moment as Zach bawled his eyes out .
The cry fest continued when the couple exchanged vows . They decided to write their own and not knowing who would go first , her stepfather tapped Zach . Zach ’ s vows were , as Sidney says , “ obnoxiously emotional ” and heartfelt . His words melted her into a puddle of tears and everyone at the ceremony was weeping . She had to pull herself together to try and eke out her vows .
Instead of the traditional maid of honor and best man signing the marriage certificate , Zach and Sidney had a “ witness lottery .” Everyone who attended the wedding had their names put into a bowl and 2 names were drawn out to sign their marriage certificate with the newlyweds . This gave everyone a chance to be a part of the wedding , including the seven year old cousin and adult stepsister who were chosen for this special privilege .
After the ceremony , the party moved indoors for a reception . The guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and taco bar from Macadoodles and Hy-Vee . Live Events Missouri DJ Mike was the greatest . Sidney says , “ DJ Mike is just a whole party in himself . He was feeling us out and caught our vibe and took the party from there . He played a great variety of music and everyone danced all night !”
Zach is from the St . Louis area and loves Fitz ’ s root beer . So instead of a traditional wedding cake , the couple brought in a Fitz ’ s root beer keg and had root beer floats for dessert , complete with custom beer mugs .
So what are these newlyweds best advice for engaged couples ? First , you never realize how long three to four minutes is until it is your first dance and everyone is watching you . Second , do what YOU want , not what everyone else expects you to do . Who cares if you do not serve cake but root beer floats instead , it is your wedding ! But most importantly , have tissues and expect a glorious cry fest . Xxoxo