We spent months writing our ceremony. Since we asked my aunt to officiate, we wanted to incorporate her ideas and ours to create a cohesive and beautiful ceremony. There were revisions after revisions. Researching and reading. We finally nailed it down.
As guests were seated and the bridesmaids walked in, I remember looking to Jon, one of our photographers, grabbing his shoulder and saying “This is it, huh?” After nearly eight hours of preparation that day, it literally hit me two minutes before the ceremony that I was getting married. And, just around the corner was my dad. I had not seen him since the night before. Since I am an only child, I knew it was going to be emotional. That’s an understatement. We both lost it (I tried so hard not to). You can see it in our faces before I even walk down the aisle, as we walk down the aisle, and as we meet Mr. A at the end of the aisle. To be honest, I was so caught up in the moment of my dad walking me down the aisle, and looking at every single one of our guests, I do not even remember the song playing. I mean, I know what song it was, but I do not remember hearing music (for reference, I walked down to “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds).
As part of writing our own ceremony, we also decided to write our own vows. This element was an important piece for us, and it was an incredible emotional part of our ceremony (we had so many people tearing up). I remember that part of our ceremony like it was yesterday. Just so special.
We had two dear friends read during the ceremony. My sorority “big sister” read an excerpt from “I Like You” by Sandol Stoddard. Another sister read an old Native American blessing my aunt picked out. And, then we kissed and processed out to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.
All photos courtesy of Lisa Hessel Photography.
I never thought that having so much involvement in our ceremony would mean so much, but it only amplified our feelings during those 15 beautiful minutes. I even caught my aunt tearing up a few times as she listened and even as she spoke.
Did you personalize your ceremony or stick to tradition?
The Argyle Wedding:
YOur wedding was beautiful and I LOVED the venue…….
Wow it looks like you had such a beautiful and special ceremony! We are also writing our own vows as well!
What a beautiful wedding ceremony, I love those pictures with your dad, so sweet! I remember think as our officiant/friend was performing our ceremony that it sounded really familiar and then I remembered I crafted the whole thing, it just seemed surreal 
OMG!! i love the jewel box… i’m from the st.louis area too…We’re getting married at the St. louis Zoo in June….Yay for another STL bride!!
So gorgeous-both you and the ceremony! We used Here Comes the Sun in our ceremony too!
Im tearing up remembering your wedding day. Your ceremony was so emotional for everyone. I don’t remember a dry eye in the venue. You guys really pulled everyone’s heart strings.
Seriously, that might just be the most beautiful, scenic weddings/venues I’ve EVER seen. Only the ones on mountains in the Rockies might come close.
Congrats!
What a beautiful, beautiful ceremony and ceremony location! The photos of you and your father are so precious!
Absolutely beautiful Brit! I love that you didn’t just use the traditional readings and vows, but instead but a lot of thought and so much of YOU into your ceremony. And props to your photographer for really capturing the emotional moments of you and your dad. Those are memories you will treasure forever. Thanks for sharing!
Your ceremony was so beautiful!
I am so glad that you posted these because next month I am getting married at the Jewel Box as well and love looking at pictures of ceremonies that have taken place there.
Beautiful photos, such an incredible space to hold your ceremony in!
Very beautiful! I looked at the Jewel Box, but went with somewhere else. I’m sort of re-thinking that now, though
Beeeautiful!!! And you + your dad getting choked up…I cry. So sweet
Mrs. Argyle, St. Louis Age and Occupation: 24, Project Coordinator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Pilot Engagement Date: February 15, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2010 Venue: Jewel Box in Forest Park and Windows on Washington About Me: I'm a true Midwestern girl (born and raised), lover of red wine, reality TV and the entire J.Crew catalog. I love to dance regardless of who is watching, and enjoy a good laugh with my girls. I have a soft spot in my heart for planet Earth, my two dogs and my fiance. Fall is my favorite season (which is why we are marrying in September), but I love a warm summer day and the Colorado mountains in the winter. We are planning a modern soiree downtown, with lots of bold colors, and fun, eco-friendly elements.
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