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Photo credits: Tina Halturin Photography
Laura and Jeff
July 1, 2000
HOW WE MET: We met through a mutual friend on July 8, 1999 at Parties at the Plaza. Jeff and Laura
began talking and flirting and when she stepped on his foot kiddingly, they both knew that it was the beginning
of a wonderful relationship.
ABOUT THE BRIDE: Bride Laura is a native St. Louisian. She graduated from college at the University of Missouri
in Columbia. She has a bachelor's in science in occupational therapy. She has practiced as a therapist at major hospitals
in St. Louis and in Chicago. She loved living in Chicago and moved back to St. Louis one year prior to meeting Jeff.
Laura loves spending time with Jeff's family and friends. She enjoys sports such as swimming, running, aerobics, tennis,
golf, and roller blading. She also enjoys art and walking, sporting, or theatrical events.
ABOUT THE GROOM: Jeffrey is a native St. Louisian also. He grew up in Kirkwood and graduated in finance from
St. Louis University. Jeffrey is presently an insurance broker employed with C. J. Thomas Company. Jeff moved back to
St. Louis from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in April 1999. He is an avid deep sea fisherman which he continues to enjoy when
he visits friends in Florida. Jeff also enjoys playing baseball, hockey, scuba diving, and watching sporting events.
ENGAGEMENT: Jeff arranged a vacation to Lake Tahoe and planned a perfect engagement. He booked flights, bought
the ring, and took care of all the details. They stayed at Caesar's Palace and everything was in place. The morning after
they arrived, they skied to the perfect spot on the mountain named "heavenly". Jeff removed his skis, got on his
knees, and, with ring in hand, popped the question. Laura was so overwhelmed all she could say was yes and "O My God, I
can't believe this is happening!!!" As Laura gazed down at the brilliantly sparkling huge diamond ring that Jeff had just
placed on her hand, a ski patrol officer skied up to her inquiring if she had "hurt her hand". Laura turned to him, with
tears of joy in her eyes, and said, "No, I'm wonderful. We just became engaged." By the time they got to the bottom of the
mountain, the lift operators and ski patrol already knew the news. When we returned to the hotel, Jeff had a dozen red
roses in the room with a full body massage waiting for both of them. Later that night they enjoyed a candle-lit dinner.
PLANNING: Laura and Jeff had their work cut out for them because they did not want a long engagement. So in five
months they pulled it all together. Laura and Jeff were lucky to be able to schedule the Shrine of St. Joseph Church
(thanks to special friends of Jeff's parents), along with Windows Off Washington for the reception. The wedding was personalized
by Jeff and Laura in that they both liked modern eclectic things. They also chose the color scheme to be blue and platinum
as part of the millennium year 2000 theme.
ATTIRE FOR THE BRIDE AND BRIDESMAIDS: Laura's wedding dress came from Neiman-Marcus and it was simple elegance.
It was a white satin Scassi dress which was ornamented with pearls and crystal beads in a vine-like design. The dress was
sleeveless with a scooped neckline. It had a church-length train that added to the simple elegance Laura had always
dreamed of.
The bridesmaid dress was a two-piece pearl gray satin beaded tank bodice with a straight satin skirt. The junior
bridesmaid wore a similar dress, but without the beading. Both wore silver shoes and blue crystal earrings. The flower girl
wore a white organdy dress trimmed with satin ribbon at the hemline and satin roses at the waist. It had a sweetheart neckline.
She wore white Mary Jane shoes and a clear crystal heart necklace.
ATTIRE FOR THE GROOM AND GROOMSMEN: The groom wore a three-button suit-length black tuxedo with white square
textured vest, and a white bow tie. The groomsmen wore the same tuxes and gray vests with black ties.
THE CEREMONY: A full Catholic mass was celebrated at the Shrine of St. Josephs in downtown St. Louis, MO.
Mass started at 4pm by Father John Brannell of St. Peters Parish in Kirkwood. The traditions included lighting the unity
candle, giving roses to the mothers, and presenting roses to the blessed Virgin Mary. One of Jeff's best friends,
Javier Rodriquex, who traveled from Paris, France, read the first reading. The second reading was presented by a longtime
friend, Paul Joseph. Laura's aunts, uncle, and Jeff's sister and brother-in-law brought up the offertory gifts.
Laura's aunts were Eucharistic ministers.
Jeff's cousin, Katie Fechter, was the key in coordinating the pinning of the flowers and organizing the correct procession
of bridesmaids. Without Katie's quick pinning the ceremony would have been delayed. (The flowers arrived only 15 minutes
before the ceremony began.) Katie does own her own wedding consulting firm in St. Louis, Details Event Coordinators.
CONTINUED
If you have questions or comments for Laura & Jeff, please e-mail them to
jeffyoung@cjthomas.com.
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