A Non-Traditional Wedding with Disco and Bowling

Why choose St. Louis as a wedding destination?

While neither of us are from St. Louis, we decided to get married in the city because it’s where we met and have made our home. 

Many of our friends and family had never been to St. Louis before the wedding, so it was fun to show off a city that often gets overlooked. 

 We hosted our welcome party at Hidden Gem, a vibrant disco dive bar with hot pink walls and over 300 disco balls. For the wedding itself, Olive + Oak was our venue of choice. Known for its incredible food and allergen-friendly menu, it was the ideal spot for celebrating with around 100 of our favorite people.

How did you create a joyful wedding atmosphere?

We wanted our wedding to feel joyful, easy, and full of personality. That meant infusing every detail with vibrant colors and creativity. 

We reached out to Charley Coldon of The Coda’s Collective, who handled the vast majority of the logistics and made everything come together beautifully. From the bold pink, orange, purple, green, and yellow floral arrangements to the playful hanging tassels and disco balls, the space was transformed into a kaleidoscope of joy. 

The whimsical energy of the decor reflected our style perfectly, and every detail – from the curated cocktails to the thoughtfully chosen playlist – was tailored to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

What were the unique wedding day outfits?

Fashion was such a fun part of our wedding journey! 

Alida knew exactly what she wanted to wear but couldn’t find anything quite like her vision. Through word-of-mouth, she connected with Winnie at The Enchanted Bride in St. Louis, who made her a custom silk jumpsuit. 

Erin embraced the spirit of the day with a fingertip-length sequin veil from Madison Chamberlain, hot pink pumps from Mavette, and a chic cream mini-dress from Saks. 

For the afterparty at Pin-Up Bowl, Erin changed into white shorts and a floral bustier, while Alida wore gold sequin pants with a cropped tank. It was all about comfort and fun! It was all about comfort and fun!

How to personalize a wedding ceremony?

Our ceremony was intimate and uniquely us. It was especially important to Erin that it felt like we were choosing each other on our wedding day rather than having someone marry us. 

We collaboratively wrote vows and privately wrote personal reflections, which we then read aloud to each other in front of our guests. 

The setting was relaxed and heartfelt, as we chose to exchange vows during dinner and cocktails. It felt incredibly special to share those moments while surrounded by the lively hum of our loved ones. 

It wasn’t just about formality; it was about celebrating our commitment in a way that felt authentic.

What Makes a Wedding Reception Unforgettable?

The reception was an absolute blast. We tasked our guests to “Outshine the Brides,” encouraging them to wear bold outfits like sequins, cowboy hats, or retro styles. 

We saw at least two cowboy hat costume changes and gave out awards for the most colorful and daring ensembles! We gave out trophies for the most colorful and daring ensembles! Highlights of the night included dancing to “This Hell” by Rina Sawayama as we exchanged rings, heartfelt toasts that had us weeping and laughing, and the afterparty at Pin-Up Bowl. 

Watching our guests bowl in formal wear was unforgettable, especially since Erin doesn’t even like bowling – but she had the best time watching everyone else have fun.

What Are the Best Wedding Planning Tips?

First, hire a planner if you can. Charley and her team were lifesavers, handling logistics and ensuring every detail was perfect. 

Second, don’t be afraid to prioritize what matters most to you. We focused on inclusivity, great food, and making the day easy for us and our guests.

Lastly, trust your vendors. Our florist, Flowers and Weeds, created stunning arrangements based on just a few keywords, and our photographer, Courtney Lee, captured every moment beautifully. Surrounding yourself with a solid team makes all the difference.

What Magical Moments Can Happen at a Wedding?

One magical moment was the brief rainstorm during dinner that culminated in a full rainbow outside the venue, making it feel like some sort of blessing on the first day of Pride month. 

Another standout was how much we laughed and cried during the toasts. Erin’s mom sneaking in a perfectly timed joke had the whole room roaring.

And we’ll never forget ending the weekend with tacos by the pool with 30 of our closest friends – it was the perfect wind-down after an unforgettable celebration.

How to Celebrate Pride and Individuality at a Wedding?

Our wedding was a true reflection of us as a couple. From non-traditional fashion to a pride-themed afterparty, every detail was filled with personality and intention. 

We created a donation-based registry that included options for local LGBTQ+ organizations, aligning with our values and making our celebration even more meaningful. 

Celebrating on the first day of Pride month was a meaningful way to honor our love and the broader LGBTQ+ community. It wasn’t just about our day; it was about embracing individuality and creating a space where everyone felt celebrated.