Not many couples can say they met in kindergarten. But for Laura Lebedun and Robert Kerch, their unique love story began over crayons and watercolors at Greentrails Elementary School…although it took a little while to get to the ‘happily ever after.’ After both graduated from Parkway Central High School, they went their separate ways for college and reconnected in Michigan years later.
“Robert lived there, and I posted on Facebook that I would be in town,” Laura explains. “He asked to get together and when I saw him again, I just knew.” Robert moved back to St. Louis, and the two were engaged shortly thereafter. Laura says she was entrusted with much of the planning because of her quick decision making skills (dress shopping took about a half hour). “Robert told me the most important thing to him was that at the end of the day, he was married to me, so I took charge,” she says. She credits her wedding planner, another childhood friend, for taking care of numerous details on the actual day.
“My parents and I enjoy good food, so they insisted on Meadowbrook County Club as an option,” Laura says. “We went for a taste testing and signed the contract that day.” The bride had one ‘must have’ on her list: an ice cream sundae bar. “I didn’t get more than a bite, but the guests loved it,” she jokes. Besides marrying the man of her dreams (with their kindergarten teacher present), Laura says the best part of the day was having her mom there as her ‘guest of honor.’ “She was diagnosed with leukemia when I was in high school, and doctors told her she wouldn’t live to see me graduate,” she explains. “She never thought she would see me get married.”
The couple resides in Chesterfield. Rob is in sales with The Austin Company, and Laura is an independent personal trainer with Personal Training by Laura.
[wedding party]
Matron of Honor | Kelly Giovando
Bridesmaids | Jennifer Silverman, Lauren Lipira, Emily Peterson, Heather McHugh, junior bridesmaid Samantha Peterson
Best Man | Dan Kerch
Groomsmen | Brandon Plumb, Garrett Beach, Nick Calabria, Fred Coladonato
Flower Girl | Sawyer Fair
Ring Bearer | Mason Theus
Bride’s Parents | Mark & Kathy Lebedun, Chesterfield
Groom’s Parents | Bob & Kiki Kerch, Chesterfield
[resources]
Gown | Maggie Sottero from Clarice’s Bridal
Ceremony | Meadowbrook Country Club
Reception | Meadowbrook Country Club
Caterer | Meadowbrook Country Club
Florist | Barb Wehking of Bloomin’ Buckets
Reception Music | Jimmy Hussey of A Rockin’ DJ
Wedding Planner | Shayna Laiderman of St. Louis Wedding Consultants
Honeymoon | The St. Regis New York; Turks & Caicos in 2015
Wedding Date: May 17, 2014
Photos: Suzy Gorman