It was supposed to be a quick meet-and-greet over drinks at Robust Wine Bar, but when St. Louisan Krista Mallette met Richmond, Va., native John Ronston for a blind date arranged by a mutual friend, the evening lasted hours. A year later, John proposed on an anniversary trip to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
This past autumn, the couple wed at Washington University’s Graham Chapel. Unbeknownst to the wedding guests, scattered throughout the church was the student a capella group The Mosaic Whispers, who burst out in ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars as the wedding party walked down the aisle. “We kept it absolutely secret, even from the bridesmaids and groomsmen,” Krista says.
Inspired by a family love story, Krista and John chose a vintage theme for their wedding day. “My great-grandparents were madly in love with each other,” Krista says. “They met when they were young and their devotion was endless. My great-grandmother embroidered handkerchiefs for my great-grandfather’s suits, so John took one down the aisle, and I carried one she embroidered for herself.” Additionally, Krista’s bouquet was made of vintage brooches from her great-grandmother and other beloved relatives.
Following the ceremony, guests dined on comfort food and danced to DJ Raven Fox at the Hilton Ballpark ballroom, with views of the sun setting over the arch.
The Ronstons live in St. Louis, where Krista is the development director for Logos School and John is a trader at Wells Fargo.
[resources]
Gown | Paloma Blanca from Bridal Connections
Ceremony | Graham Chapel, Washington University
Reception | Arch View Ballroom, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
Caterer | Ballpark Hilton Catering
Baker | Wedding Wonderland
Florist | Karen Mallette
Reception Music & Lighting | DJ Raven Fox
Rings | David Kodner Personal Jeweler
Honeymoon | St. Kitts
[wedding party]
Matron of Honor | Lauren Versemen
Bridesmaids | Melanie Moon, Michelle Mallette-Bannatyne, Elizabeth Ronston
Best Man | Brent Nelson
Groomsmen | Richard Ronston Jr., James Brandon, Michael Atalla
Brides’s Parents | Karen & Philip Mallette, St. Louis
Groom’s Parents | Sarajane Ronston and the late Richard Ronston, Richmond, Va.
Ushers | Brandon Mallette, Jeff Loshe
Flower Girls | Emily Mallette, Electra Bannatyne, Brynn Ronston, Kate Ronston
Ring Bearers | Dylan Mallette, Blake Bannatyne, Pierce Bannatyne
By Stephanie Zeilenga
Photos by Kurt Hutchinson
