Imagine saying ‘I do’ in a little chapel nestled among the rolling hills and sweeping vineyards of a medieval village in Italy, followed by an intimate celebration on an outdoor terrace with unforgettable food and wine and a surprise performance by an operatic tenor. All of this actually happened at the real-life nuptials of St. Louisan Lauren Kaintz and Jason Schroeder, in the Tuscan village of Il Borro.
The fairy tale began in 2011, when the couple met through an online dating site. After meeting Lauren, Jason knew it would be something bigger than just one date. They had been together a little over a year when he planned a proposal during a family trip to Cabo San Lucas. “Jason set up a cooking competition modeled after the TV show Chopped,” Lauren says. “I found the ring in a chocolate heart when I was making dessert.”
She dreamed of having her wedding in Italy after a trip there with her family, and since she and Jason both love wine and traveling, she says it just made sense. Italian wedding planner Cindy Salgado worked with the couple to help them set up their festivities at Il Borro, a charming villa in the village of the same name. “Cindy had a network of vendors, and we trusted her opinion and judgment,” Jason says. The two planned a wine tasting, cooking class and many unforgettable meals for their 23 guests throughout the weekend. “Just the whole ambience was amazing,” Jason says. Lauren adds, “It was something out of a dream.”
The couple held a celebration at the Saint Louis Club May 24 for those guests who couldn’t make the trip. Lauren is a NICU nurse at Mercy Hospital, and Jason is a structural engineer with Jacobs Engineering. The couple resides in Ballwin.
[wedding party]
Maid of Honor | Allison Herich
Best Man | Mark Schroeder
Bride’s parents | Craig & Rose Kaintz of Chesterfield
Groom’s parents | Terry & Cindy Schroeder of Toledo, Ohio
[ resources ]
Ceremony | San Biagio Al Borro Chapel on the grounds of Il Borro
Reception | Il Borro Villa and Saint Louis Club
Gown | Custom creation by seamstress Ngoc Tran on Victor Harper base
Cake | Traditional Italian wedding cake; Sweet Divine in St. Louis
Florist | Dario Benvenuti in Italy; Festive Couture Floral in St. Louis
Music | Coordinated by Alma Project in Italy; Connexion Band in St. Louis
Honeymoon | Bali, Indonesia
Wedding Date: May 5, 2014
Photos: Julie Kanz
