Drew & Avera’s Luxury St. Louis Wedding at the Four Seasons and Jewel Box
Drew and Avera’s St. Louis wedding at the Four Seasons was the perfect mix of elegant details, meaningful moments, and a really good party! From their first look with their dogs to their ceremony at the Jewel Box and reception overlooking the Gateway Arch, everything about their day felt so intentional. I especially loved how they incorporated so many personal touches while still creating an elevated experience for their guests. And can we talk about their stationery?! The St. Louis-inspired designs, soft colors, and floral details were so good!
Getting Ready and a First Look at the Four Seasons St. Louis
Drew and Avera started their wedding day getting ready at the Four Seasons St. Louis. Avera spent the morning with her bridesmaids before getting into her gorgeous off-the-shoulder gown, while Drew got ready with his groomsmen. One of my favorite things about this venue is the view of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch, which made such a beautiful backdrop for their getting-ready photos!
They also had the cutest first look on the rooftop, and their dogs got to be part of it! I actually met their pups during their engagement session in Chicago, so getting to see them again on the wedding day was so fun. We took some photos with the dogs before heading out for portraits, and I love that Drew and Avera found a way to include them in such a special part of their day.
Wedding Portraits Around Forest Park
One thing Drew and Avera did that I absolutely recommend was getting all their portraits done before the ceremony, including family photos! We started with their first look at the Four Seasons and then headed to Forest Park for photos with their wedding party and some portraits of just the two of them. Between the classic architecture, greenery, and beautiful spots around the park, we had so many great backdrops to work with.
Getting these photos done early made the rest of their day so much easier, especially with their ceremony taking place at the Jewel Box. They didn’t have to worry about squeezing in a long list of family photos afterward, which gave us more flexibility to focus on photos of just the two of them. It’s such a simple timeline decision, but it can make a huge difference!
A Meaningful Wedding Ceremony at the Jewel Box
Drew and Avera’s ceremony at the Jewel Box in Forest Park was one of my favorite parts of their wedding day. The space is already so beautiful with its tall windows, natural light, and greenery, so it doesn’t need much to make it feel special. What made their ceremony even more meaningful was that Avera’s mom and Drew’s dad officiated together! They did such a great job sharing the moment, and hearing their personal words made the ceremony feel even more special.
One thing to know if you’re planning a Jewel Box wedding is that the venue has a pretty strict rental timeline. Couples typically have around 1.5 hours in the space, so planning ahead is really important. For example, you might arrive at 4:00, have your ceremony at 4:30, take family photos at 5:00, squeeze in a few couples portraits at 5:20, and be out by 5:30. This is exactly why I loved Drew and Avera’s approach! Since they had already finished their family photos, we could use that extra time for portraits without feeling rushed. Just make sure to confirm your specific rental window and timing with the venue.
An Elegant Wedding Reception at the Four Seasons St. Louis
After the ceremony, everyone headed back to the Four Seasons St. Louis for cocktail hour and the reception. Guests enjoyed an indoor-outdoor cocktail hour with an incredible view of the Gateway Arch before moving into the reception space. And the details were seriously stunning! The tables were filled with lush purple, pink, and white florals, candles, and beautiful place settings that made the entire room feel so elegant. Everything worked together without feeling overdone.
Drew and Avera also made sure their guests had an amazing experience, from the food and drinks to the live band that brought so much energy to the celebration! What I loved most about their wedding was how they balanced all these elevated details with moments that were genuinely personal to them. They weren’t afraid to do things their own way, and it showed throughout the entire day. Their wedding was beautiful, but it was also relaxed, fun, and full of the people (and dogs!) they love.
Planning Your Own St. Louis Wedding at the Four Seasons? Would Love To Chat!
Sarah Kellie | St. Louis Wedding Photographer & Videographer
If you’re planning a wedding at the Four Seasons St. Louis, the Jewel Box, or another venue around the city, I’d love to help you document it! Whether you’re envisioning an elegant celebration with all the details or want to incorporate a few fun, personal touches like Drew and Avera did, I’m here for all of it. Let’s chat about your wedding plans and create photos that feel like you! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
Planner: Kat Gaines; Kat@katgainesevents.com
Caterer: Four Seasons St. Louis, Dylan is is contact person (Dylan.Becker@fourseasons.com)
Florist: Les Bouquets
Hair & Makeup: Mariah DeShaye
DJ or Band: The LustreLights
Videographer: I Heart Creative Films
Cake/dessert provider: Four Seasons St. Louis
Dress Shop & Designer: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture
Rentals: The Aries Company, Exclusive Events Inc, BBJ La Tovala
Suits: SuitSupply (groom) MensWearhouse (groomsmen)
Live Painter: Studio Cloud Agency, Jessica
Ceremony Musicians: Innocenti Strings
Stationery: Nora O’Brien Studio
Trolley Rental: JED Transportation
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