Elizabeth Clote and Steve Lillis envisioned a classic, elegant wedding that focused on family and included personal touches. It came to life in May, when Elizabeth walked down the aisle of St. Francis Xavier College Church on Saint Louis University’s campus, where she and Steve met in law school. “We knew of each other but didn’t start dating until our second year,” Elizabeth says.
About a year and a half later, she was in for a night of surprises after coming home from class. “Steve took me to all these places that were meaningful to us: the old law school building on SLU’s campus, where it all started; Eleven Eleven Mississippi, our first date; and Vin de Set, where he met my parents. He proposed back at his apartment, and my sister was hiding to capture it all on camera!”
She says the Friday night ceremony was very traditional, and the neutral color scheme perfectly accented the beauty of the Starlight Room at The Chase. “My grandma and grandpa, who have been married 65 years, had their first date at The Chase and have been going there forever,” Elizabeth says. “We celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary there, and I loved having our reception at the same place.” The couple’s first look in the stairwell of The Residences at Chase Park Plaza is her favorite memory.
Since they had numerous out-of-town guests (Steve is from Chicago), they planned an entire wedding weekend to spend time with everyone. “Steve’s dad passed away while we were engaged, so all the guys played golf in honor of him on Saturday morning,” Elizabeth says. “And his mom, sister and I all carried pictures of him on our bouquets.” The “action-packed weekend” ended with a Kentucky Derby party hosted by Elizabeth’s parents Saturday night and Mother’s Day celebrations Sunday.
wedding party
maid of Honor | Emily Clote
bridesmaids | Mary Lillis, Meghan Luebbert, Beth Kinamore, Molly FitzGerald, Jamie Ratusznik, Brittany Barklage
best Man | Michael Lillis
groomsmen | John Clote, Matt Dambach, Danny DeBartolo, Matt Greco, Chuck Podczerwinski, Nick Perrino
flower girls | Ellie, Caroline and Lucy Glarner
ring bearer | Thomas Glarner
bride’s parents | Mike & Susie Clote of Kirkwood
groom’s parents | Laurie Lillis of Long Beach, Indiana, and the late Steve Lillis
resources
ceremony | St. Francis Xavier College Church
reception | The Chase Park Plaza
gown | Jim Hjelm
cake | Sarah’s Cake Shop
florist | Bloomin’ Buckets
music| Downtime Band
honeymoon | Napa Valley
Wedding Date: May 6, 2016
Photos: Cary Klein Photography