By Terri Williams
Wedding vendors rose to the challenge and continue to do their best to deliver services that ensure couples can have their dream wedding, in spite of a pandemic that has affected every aspect of the wedding industry.
As the owner of Moonstone: Meaningful Marriage Ceremonies, I have had the privilege of delivering personalized and meaningful ceremonies for my couples as their wedding officiant, while also assisting with essential aspects of their wedding day as their day-of coordinator. This added service affords a relative and/or close friend the luxury of enjoying the entire day, unencumbered by all of the small details that are integral to a successful and joyous event.
It is imperative that couples have peace of mind on their big day. In both of these roles, I have had the opportunity to work with a myriad of venues that go above and beyond to deliver an experience that is professional and responsive as well as memorable and fun! That all-important wedding site is often the very first aspect a couple secures when planning their wedding and luckily, there are wonderful wedding venues in the St. Louis region and throughout Missouri. For those couples looking for a bucolic setting, the following venues provided just what they envisioned.
Little Piney Lodge
Located in Hermann, Missouri, Little Piney Lodge is owned by gracious and attentive hosts Julie and John Moss. Their gorgeous setting offers a variety of ceremony spots, including a gazebo that overlooks a beautiful lake. Brides and their attendants can stay in the lovely, spacious lodge, while the groom and his men utilize the cozy log cabin. There are several B&Bs in the Hermann area available as well for additional family and friends. The grounds also feature a fairytale bridge and waterfall. The reception (as well as the wedding) can be held under the large airy pavilion nestled near the woods or inside the Fest Room, which features beamed ceilings, twinkle lights, and large barn doors that offer a pretty view. The Mosses will recommend several local catering companies for both the rehearsal and reception.
Sunset Bluffs
At the stunning Sunset Bluffs in Washington, Missouri, Fred Long and his team (which often includes his mother) provide a wedding experience centered around an eight-acre quarry lake surrounded by towering bluffs. Ceremony areas include a white sand beach with the lake fountain splashing in the background and a courtyard with a large white stone fireplace. Couples and their bridal parties stay in a luxurious 5,500 square-foot home with many amenities. Lodging is available off-site in Washington as well. The spacious Reception Hall has floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an amazing view. Fred provides couples with a list of vendors for their catering needs.
The Stone House of St. Charles
The Stone House of St. Charles has architectural features that wow couples and guests alike. Dating back to the early 19th century, the charming two-story Stone House is where brides and their attendants get dressed in the high ceiling, well-appointed bedrooms and are often photographed in front of the large rock fireplace. Grooms and their guys hang out in the chill Grooms Quarters and enjoy playing pool or relaxing in one of the many leather chairs or couches. Ceremonies are conducted in the truly awesome 21st century Sycamore Hall or outside under a pretty arbor framed by lovely foliage. A true family business, Ruth Choate and her husband Mike are the fun and gregarious owners who are often assisted by their adult children as well as their adorable grandkids. They provide couples with a list of caterers they work with (as well as other vendors).
MEET
To learn more about Moonstone: Meaningful Marriage Ceremonies, visit moonstonemeaningfulmarriageceremonies.com.
