Professional Photos of Wedding

We have a glimpse of the photography skills of Laura Ann... Awaiting all the photographs.

The Wedding Dance (Part 4 of 4)

The party truly began with the wedding dance. Megan let her hair down and added a Kate Spade necklace for the celebration. I can't tell you which song was played during their first dance, because I was too distracted watching their fancy footwork (dance lessons paid off), and I was thinking of all the happy times that lay ahead. I smiled as Dale did a great job with "My Girl" during the Father-Daughter Dance.

The Spectrum Band was amazing with a wide repertoire of oldies and classic rock-and-roll hits. The 9-piece ensemble filled the stage with sax, trombone, trumpet, bass, keyboard, drums, percussion, plus male and female vocalists. We were impressed, and the crowd was obviously pleased as the dance floor stayed full all evening (even Melanie danced from her wheelchair).

Guests could linger by the full bar in the lounge by the fireplace or watch from the loft, which also had an open bar. The hot drinks table was also getting a lot of attention with hot cocoa, cider, coffee, marshmallows, chocolate stirring sticks, gold straws, and six flavors of creamer. Not to mention the monogrammed coffee sleeves. I told you that Megan thought of everything.
The photo booth was busy all night, too. Its gold backdrop added glitz to the crazy props.

About 10 pm, a doughnut truck arrived. This was a nod to the AGD doughnut tradition, but with a twist, because the man makes gourmet-flavored frostings for his glazed doughnuts. A foodie's dream!
About 11 pm, there was a delivery of Imo's Pizza (Spencer's favorite local shop). Hot and tasty "midnight snack" to end the perfect evening.

The Wedding Dinner (Part 3 of 4)

Megan made sure all the reception details were charming. The "Boo Cat Club" at the renovated Artists Guild Building has Art Deco features, a loft, two fireplaces, and glass ceilings. First, the cocktail hour began in the lower level, where jazz music from an instrumental duo gave it an even cozier feeling. 
Butlered hors d'oeuvres made their way around: brie cheese and cranberries in phyllo triangles, petite grilled asiago cheese and pear sandwiches, and mini lamb chops with panko coating. The guest book was a signable album of engagement photos. On display were three wedding gowns (Gr Judy's, Gr. Elizabeth's, and mine) as well as a dozen wedding photos from both family's ancestors.
Next, guests found their table assignments from a tall mirror in the foyer. The plated dinner was served in three courses: spinach salad with bleu cheese and walnuts, beef tenderloin with bacon-wrapped shrimp on a "MRS" skewer alongside roasted asparagus and potatoes, and of course, the red velvet cake with blush ruffled frosting.
I sat by Alison, who was Megan's confirmation sponsor. She did the second reading at mass and her two boys were altar servers. Megan began babysitting for the Schiebers when Edmund was born, and he always promised to marry Megan, so it was cute that he was here that day. Dale sat by Kenny, who was best man at our wedding just 25 years ago.
Dale gave a welcome speech and advised the newlyweds to remember that God gave us two ears and one mouth so we should listen more than we talk. Reid gave a bridal toast saying how he was close to Megan since the twins had each other, and how she always set a fine example for him and everyone around her. Spencer's older brother and best man Jason gave a salute to his boyhood buddy. The prayer was led by Father Chuck, who reiterated the earlier homily and emphasized the strong bonds of family life.

With three years in the wedding business, Megan knew the right vendors who would go above and beyond. We adored the place cards hand-lettered in gold ink, black hemstitched napkins on gold-edged china, gold chargers on burgundy tablecloths, and gold-embossed bottles of Coppola wine next to the table numbers in gold vintage frames. But we were utterly amazed at the flowers: dark-wine peonies plus red and blush roses topped each and every candle stick with an overflowing cascade of soft greenery. The head table featured an enormous eucalyptus garland dotted with gold mercury glass votives. Sweet elegance filled the room!



Sweet elegance filled the room!

The Wedding Ceremony (Part 2 of 4)

The morning rain turned into snow as we watched through the window from the Seven Gables Inn, where all the bridesmaids had their hair and make-up done. When the veil was finally added to Megan’s updo, we both got a little teary eyed! The first look was for Dale—meeting her at the bottom of the stairway. 

Then Spencer got his “First Look” on the patio, with all the bridal party peeking through the windows to see them exchange gifts (a hockey jersey is sentimental?! she wanted a Kate Spade "Mrs." bracelet?!).
The wedding began inside the chapel of Sts. Mary and Joseph with beautiful prelude music by a violin and cello duo. The four bridesmaids (AGD sisters) wore long black gowns, and the ushers (her brothers) and groomsmen (Spencer’s childhood buddies) didn’t miss a cue. The interns from "Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Events" brought programs with velvet ribbons, gold pew bows, and a basket of vintage handkerchiefs for tears of joy.

Here comes the Bride! Her dress by Vera Wang was complimented perfectly by a custom-made lace top and cathedral length veil. The readings and homily seemed especially meaningful for the couple, given the challenges of the past year. Their vows were sealed with a kiss and confirmed in the Eucharist with many Catholic relatives and friends.

Instead of rice or confetti, the exit was an exhilarating send-off with “Team Rusch” rally towels.

The Wedding Rehearsal (Part 1 of 4)

From last year's engagement on Nov. 21 until this year's wedding on Nov. 21, we have watched Megan's excitement and Pinterest boards expand. Her vision was classically styled and sophisticated in every detail. 

She designed a vintage-looking monogram, which ironically spells "MRS". The monogram appeared prominently on her cream-colored invitation suite, which was tied up with a black velvet ribbon. 
We regret that we couldn't invite all our friends, nor could they all travel to St. Louis (Rusch's home parish), but we cherish the prayers and email messages which arrived from far and near.
Megan came to the rehearsal on Thursday in a stylish cocktail dress--its sparkles picked up the happiness in Spencer's eyes! Father Benjamin arrived to "run the show," but infected all of us with his holy sense of humor. Both grandmothers from the bride's side were guests of honor at the delicious dinner at LoRusso's on the Hill.
Joe Rusch gave a moving toast and Michelle Rusch read a poem that touched our hearts. A slide show of family memories reminded us of the blessings since 1990 & 1992.