Theresa + Patrick
Tess & Pat's Black and White Fall Wedding at the Holland Performing Arts Center
Some love stories are written in the most unexpected places, and for Tess and Pat, their story began abroad. Although they both attended Saint Louis University, they didn’t cross paths until the spring of their sophomore year while studying in Madrid. As Tess fondly recalls, "He lived a floor below me, and the rest is history!"
When it came to designing their wedding day, I wanted to reflect what they loved most about each other. Tess shared that her favorite thing about Patrick was that "whenever he is around, I always feel at ease, at home, and safe. He just makes every situation and occasion better by being around!" To honor that sentiment, we focused on keeping the couple together and present with each other throughout the day. By doing so, Tess remained stress-free, knowing her favorite person was always nearby. Pat expressed that he loved "how we can be comfortable being fun and goofy with each other," which was on full display during their choreographed first dance. Even with a few missteps, they simply laughed and kept dancing—perfectly capturing the joy of their relationship. The fun didn’t stop there; with an interactive band and a grand black and white dance floor, the energy never waned, culminating in the groom’s epic crowd-surfing moment!
A key design element of the wedding was incorporating the places that had shaped their journey together. Their seating chart, titled "All the places we've been, and all the places we'll go," showcased meaningful locations—Saint Louis University, Madrid, the church they were married in that day, the Holland Performing Arts Center, and their current home city. It was a beautiful way to honor their past while celebrating their future.
Tess had a clear vision for her wedding—a classic black and white aesthetic. Every detail was intentionally curated to bring that vision to life. The sweetheart table was adorned with a breathtaking sea of white anemones. Each menu featured meticulously hand-tied black bows, and the reception tablescapes were a perfect monochrome dream, from the florals and candles to the flatware. The result was an atmosphere that felt timeless, sophisticated, and deeply personal to the couple.
Tess and Pat’s wedding was a night to remember—filled with love, laughter, and the undeniable magic of their story. It was an honor to bring their vision to life and to witness a love that is as classic and enduring as the colors they chose to celebrate it with.
