People say some of the best relationships begin with friendship, and St. Louisans Lauren Miller and Taylor Mason would agree. They met at a backyard barbecue and were friends for two years before they started dating. When the time came for a proposal, Taylor had to work extra hard to keep it a surprise since Lauren is a sales consultant at Elleard Heffern. He met secretly with her boss in the evening to create the perfect ring and proposed during a moonlit paddle boat ride in Forest Park.
“I planned the wedding in seven months because we didn’t want to wait,” Lauren says, joking that she now understands why it takes most couples a year. The venue was an easy choice; the couple has spent a lot of time over the years at Chandler Hill Vineyards. “One of the ushers, Andrew Gillentine, is a childhood friend of Taylor’s, and his father is the CEO and managing partner there,” she says. “We knew it was a place that would always be in our lives.” Another of Taylor’s childhood friends, Rob Soper, officiated the ceremony.
Lauren’s vision for a romantic setting could be seen in the swirling rosettes on the cake, made to match her dress, and the abundance of candlelight and glowing lanterns. “Andrew’s mom used lanterns and candleholders made out of wine bottles to style the fireplace, which was the backdrop during the ceremony and later for the dance floor,” Lauren says. The reception delivered a fun party atmosphere, and the band, Accolade, was a large part of that. One of Lauren’s favorite memories, however, was a peaceful moment prior to the festivities. “I came up behind Taylor and surprised him, and he got a first look at me in my dress; that was really special,” Lauren recalls. “All the stress went away at that point. I just thought, Everything is fine because now we’re together.”
The couple resides in Rock Hill. Taylor works at David Mason & Associates. Lauren works at Elleard Heffern and Laura McCarthy Real Estate.
[resources]
Baker | J. Noto Bakery
Reception Music | Accolade
Caterer | Chandler Hill Vineyards
Wedding planner | Absolutely IN!
Ceremony | Chandler Hill Vineyards
Reception | Chandler Hill Vineyards
Rings | Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers
Honeymoon | Riviera Maya, Mexico
Gown | Maggie Sottero from Clarice’s Bridal
Florist | Tina Barerra of The Special Event Florist
[wedding party]
Parents | Karen & Jack Miller, Christine Buck & David Mason
Maid of Honor | Maura Schnoebelen
Bridesmaids | Angela Bellon, Allison Miller and Meghan Miller
Best Man | Spencer Mason
Groomsmen | Jonathan Dowd, Nicholas Brennan and Tyler Kotiza
Ushers | Andrew Gillentine and Cory Block
Flower Girl | Amaya Bellon
Ring Bearer | Lyoto Bellon
Wedding Date: March 29, 2014
Photos: Michelle Huesgen of Untamed Heart Photography
