Moody Romance Wedding That Celebrates Love and Life

Happy bride and groom dancing at their beautiful wedding

Steph + Phil had an emotional, heartfelt wedding that’s going to give you all the feels! Their big day came together at Tower Grove Park and The Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, Missouri, and was a memorable celebration with a modern moody vibe.

They weathered a storm, and dealt with an unimaginable loss just days before their wedding. But through their grief they found meaning and were able to celebrate love + life on their wedding day. Read more about their story below, and grab a closer look in the full gallery from The Lovely Lens Photography. Congratulations you two!

Bridesmaids having a pillow fight and laughing on a bed in pajamas

Elegant wedding dress hanging in a vintage wooden closet, ready for the big day Elegant floral patterned heels on a wooden window sill

Bride putting on earrings, smiling, wearing a lace wedding dress

Groom smiles up as his bride descends the wooden staircase Bride and groom share a loving look before their wedding ceremony

Romantic wedding photo of couple kissing in front of brick building

steph + phil

From wedding planner, Danie Swick: I had the absolute honor of working with a beautiful couple, Steph + Phil, during one of the hardest times of their lives. You see, looking at these photos filled with so much happiness and love, you would never guess the hardships that Steph, Phil, and their loved ones went through to get to this point. After Steph’s mom was diagnosed with cancer, Steph and Phil decided to shorten their recent engagement to a quick 5 months in hopes that her mother could make it to the wedding. Unfortunately, her mother passed away just a few days before Steph and Phil wed, but she still definitely made it to the wedding.

Wedding welcome sign for Phillip and Stephanie with floral detail

Wooden triangle wedding arch adorned with greenery in a serene outdoor setting

Elegant floral arrangement near a wet bench for an outdoor wedding Bride and groom share a kiss at their outdoor wedding ceremony Smiling newlyweds walk down the aisle after an outdoor wedding ceremony

Wedding couple smiles by a beautiful wooden arch at outdoor ceremony

the ceremony

The day started off with a torrential downpour, but you could feel her presence in the pure joy that surrounded each of Steph and Phil’s loved ones. Minutes before Steph and Phil walked down the aisle, the skies cleared, the sun came out, and her mother smiled down upon them.

Elegant bride in lace wedding dress holding a rose outdoors

Bridesmaids and bride in elegant dresses posing for a wedding photograph

Bride in elegant gown stands before ivy covered wall

Wedding party posing in front of a green ivy wall for a group photo

Elegant bride and groom embrace on their wedding day, smiling

Old St. Louis Vibe

Although the wedding was planned in a few short months, Steph and Phil achieved their dream wedding by including many personal elements and designs. From the beer bottle centerpieces that were drank by the bride and groom themselves, to the Old St. Louis romance vibe, every piece of this wedding was curated for them.

The entire day was a giant party celebrating both love and life. There were tears of happiness during speeches as they remembered and honored her mother, drinking, and merriment during dinner, and giggles all over the dance floor throughout the night. It was beautiful.

Wedding reception table decor with wine bottles and candles Elegant table setting with Mrs Poletti menu and dark floral decor