TAYLOR + ETHAN

The two met on a dating app called Bumble. On this particular app, the girl must make the first move or initiate the conversation within 24 hours of becoming a “match” (both swiping right). If the girl does not initiate the conversation, the match is lost forever. Taylor received a notification from the app that someone had used their 1 time, 24-hour extension on her. So very curiously, she opened the app and began a conversation with Ethan. She’ll say to this day she was just busy and had not had time to check the app, but Ethan will tell you that she just wanted to make him sweat!
Other than obviously finding each other very attractive from the dating profiles, the two found conversation came easy and always felt geniune. For Taylor, Ethan’s sense of humor was an instant attraction. The two had been talking and getting to know each other for a couple of weeks, and Ethan’s witty way to ask Taylor out on an official date was: “On a scale of 1 to America, how free are you this Friday night?” While Taylor found this very funny and cute, she turned him down because she would be out of town. BUT, they were able to settle on a time for the following week.  Their first date was at Mission Taco in the Central West End. Ethan let Taylor choose and it continues to be one of their favorites in the city. As soon as they met for the first time, it was very easy and natural for the rest of the evening.
She instantly thought he was genuine.
He instantly thought she was sweet.
The two dated from that first date on April 2, 2019 to beginning of August 2020 (16 months). They enjoyed exploring Saint Louis together – trying new restaurants and breweries, taking in many Cardinals and Blues games, cooking, spending time with each others friends and family and doing competitive things together like playing tennis and bowling. They’ve spent nearly every day together since their first date. The two both feel like they knew each other was “the one” from the moment they saw each other and met for the first time. It felt extremely genuine and special, like nothing either had ever experienced before. They both truly believe that the “nudge” on the dating app was the work of God.
Ethan had been planning to ask Taylor to be his wife for many months. On August 1 2020 the two were preparing for an ordinary Saturday to spend the day together, and had lunch plans with Ethan’s parents and an “out-of-town relative” (or so she thought). They were on their way to the restaurant when they got a call from Ethan’s mom explaining that they were running late and that the two would need to kill some time. Taylor didn’t think much of it, even when Ethan took the exit off the interstate to Forest Park – Taylor’s favorite place. They arrived at Art Hill and Ethan suggested they get out and sit for a while. He grabbed a blanket from the car, and insisted on walking to the center of Art Hill “to get the best view.” It had just finished lightly raining and Taylor had on a brand new pair of white wedges, so she was reluctant but didn’t complain. The two sat for a while and talked like usual, reminiscing over all the times they had spent in Forest Park in the past. There was really no one else around in that area, which is highly unusual for a Saturday. When the two got up to leave, Ethan got down on one knee and said the most beautiful things. Taylor exclaimed “yes, of course!” and jumped into him upon which she saw there were about 50 of their immediate family members cheering in the background. Taylor’s sister had been documenting it all on her camera! They all enjoyed a nice lunch/afternoon at a pavilion nearby that Ethan had rented out to celebrate.
While planning a wedding during a pandemic, their ultimate goal above all was to just get married and be married! Neither had big or specific visions or expectations.  They simply wanted a day to start their forever surrounded with family and close friends.  And on APril 17, 2021 that is exactly what they did.

Enjoy Taylor and Ethan’s wedding day!!

Taylor is SUCH a doll. From the first email we received I knew she would be one of those brides that we’d love always.  After meeting Ethan, we saw right away why Taylor loved him. He’s so thoughtful and kind, and the fact that he refrenced the love of Kip and Lawfaunda during the ceremony we know we’d love him forever as well. For Taylor, the moment she looked the most forward to was The First Look. “I knew it would be special! It absolutely lived up to my expectations because my groom was truly happy and we were able to have an uninterruped hour to ourselves before our ceremony to take pictures and enjoy the best day of our lives!”Spring weddings are such magic!Ethan’s mom got me teared up several times that day. She’s so proud of her son and it shows in every way.“My favorite moment of the day was the notes that we had written to one another (without each other knowing) before we recited our traditional vows. We had sent the personal notes to our Pastor, Wes, and he read them aloud prior to us reciting those very important words to each other! Our ceremony was very lighthearted and heartfelt and truly spoke to who we are as people as well as a couple.” ~ TaylorFor Ethan, the ceremony was the moment he looked most forward to the ceremony, specifically the announcement of being pronounced husband and wife. “After all of the planning, you can’t expect for how raw and how emotional it will feel.” “The theme of our wedding was perfect for the two of us: an urban setting in downtown Edwardsville, an industrial rustic venue/decor, and an intimate feel with close family members and friends. We fell in love with the unique and beautiful look of The Ink House.”Ethan’s favorite moment of the day was the entrance into the reception and their first dance. “We did our first dance immediately upon entering the reception, which is a bit different. Prior to our first dance, our DJ had written a love story (with love story questionnaires that we had filled out beforehand) that was recited in front of all guests. Then, we went into our first dance. The song, “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole is significant for both of us and something we had chosen together in a very special way. It gives us “all of the feels!”My favorite photo of the day courtesy of Roger.  Peep Ethan’s mom and Taylor’s dad in the background smiling at them.  And the way Ethan looks at her.  That’s the real deal right there.again, Ethan’s mom making me cry…

From the couple…

Advice for future bride/grooms? The day is about you both and only you! Don’t let the many minor details, the opinions of family members, or the uncertainties of life get in the way or bring stress….at the end of the day, you being pronounced husband and wife is the most important thing of all!

In hindsight, what were the blessings/unforeseen gifts that covid restrictions provided? The timing of the COVID vaccines were a blessing for us and allowed many family members and friends to be in attendance that otherwise would not have been.

SONGS:
“From The Ground Up”-Dan and Shay for family entrance
“Here Comes The Sun”-The Beatles for wedding party entrance
“All of Me”- John Legend Bridal Processional
“When I Say I Do”-Matthew West for unity ceremony
“You Make my Dreams Come True”-Hall and Oates
Reception Entrance: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I ‘m Yours” by Stevie Wonder
First Dance: “When I Fall in Love” by Nat King Cole
Father-Daughter Dance: “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
Mother Son Dance: “You’ll be in my Heart” by Phil Collins
Anniversary Dance: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, honored Ethan’s grandparents Gene and Helen Cobbel who have been married for 67 years!

Honeymoon Location: Sandals Grande Antigua 

Vendor Shout-Outs:
TenSixteen: (obviously amazing!) Karin and Roger were so genuine and easy from the beginning…throughout engagement photos and when planning our day. They are so talented, sweet and truly couldn’t ask for anything better! Karin was my biggest hype woman!!!! (Love you Taylor! Also if you eve need someone to spend time in your armpit I’m your girl. xo, Karin)
The Ink House: made all of our wedding day dreams come true!
Captured in Frames: videoed our day flawlessly and perfectly captured “us”!
The Secret Gardeners: provided all florals and decor for The Ink House and Amy was an absolute pleasure to work with! She made the place look gorgeous and exactly as we wanted!
Epic Entertainment DJ: Provided music for ceremony and reception. Helped coordinate all details in a super professional manner and brought unique aspects into our reception as far as introducing the wedding party with bios from information that we had submitted (That made for a fun twist for guests), as well as our love story as written by the DJ according to information we had submitted.
The Brass Door: catered a delicious meal!
Ginger Bean Bakery: delicious cupcakes! Guests are still raving about how good they were.

Taylor and Ethan, we could not adore you more.  Your day was the epitome of what a great couple, family, and wedding day is!  You two and your families and guests treated us with such kindness, and it’s just so visible how much you two are loved and cherished.  Roger and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing us, and gifting us with the honor of capturing your day. xoxo

The couple call St.Louis (South City) home.