1. Real Weddings

A Pastel, Vintage, Owl-Inspired Wedding at Belleville First Assembly of God Church in Belleville, Illinois

Joel (28 and a bank teller) and Jessica (29 and a pediatric nurse) McCullough met on Facebook through a mutual friend while they were living in two se

Joel (28 and a bank teller) and Jessica (29 and a pediatric nurse) McCullough met on Facebook through a mutual friend while they were living in two separate states. "We started our friendship over the phone and would spend many long nights talking and sharing secrets," Jessica says. Eventually, they had the opportunity to meet in person when Jessica moved back home to St. Louis, and they instantly realized that their connection ran deep. When it came to the proposal, Joel wanted a gorgeous backdrop, so he proposed at the Missouri Botanical Gardens with a little help from his family who jumped out from behind the foliage to congratulate the newly engaged couple. They got married in the same church in which they were both baptized, Belleville First Assembly of God in Belleville, Illinois, with a reception at the historic Bellecourt Manor. Inspired by vintage elegance, Jessica wore a lace dress with a pair of lavender lace gloves, pearls, Mary Jane pumps, and a birdcage veil. The wedding party also dressed in a vintage-inspired assortment of lace, pearls, suspenders, and oxfords, and the girls further accessorized their pastel dresses with feather fans and parasols. Even the ring bearer wore a newsboy hat, and the flower girl wore a birdcage headpiece, gloves, and pearls to match the bride. In memory of Jessica's late grandmother, owl's featured prominently throughout the ceremony and decor. A barn owl flew the rings down the aisle, a vintage-inspired typewriter and ceramic owl decorated the escort table, and a lavender owl cake topper sat atop the simple white buttercream wedding cake. As an extra personal touch, Jessica and Joel invited the mascot of the St. Louis Blues, Louie, to liven up the dance floor as a nod to the couple's first date at a Blues game.

Vintage Lace Wedding Dress and Flower Girl with Birdcage Headpiece
Jessica carried an elegant bouquet of white cabbage roses (similar to peonies), coral garden roses, dahlias, lamb's ear, baby's breath, and lavender, which was arranged by her aunt. She accessorized her vintage look with a pair of lavender lace gloves with large white bows, which she found on Etsy.
Bride Getting Ready in Vintage Lace Cap-Sleeve Wedding Dress and Blusher Veil
Vintage-Inspired Flower Girls with Pearls and Fans
In keeping with the vintage theme, Jessica accented her wavy updo with a silver headband and classic blusher veil. She carried a lace parasol to accentuate her lace, cap-sleeve wedding dress.
Jessica wanted to showcase barn owls at the wedding in memory of her late grandmother, so she had a live owl, Minerva, fly the wedding rings down the aisle as a special tribute. It even matched her tattoo!
Whimsical Silver Superman Cufflinks
Joel wore a sophisticated beige three-piece suit with a patterned, lavender tie and matching pocket square. His boutonniere was a small basket of lavender to match the color scheme and bridesmaid bouquets.
Vintage Groom and Bride with Blusher Veil and Lavender Lace Gloves
While Jessica carried a white cabbage rose bouquet with pops of coral garden roses and lamb's ear for texture, her bridesmaids had lavender bouquets with baby's breath and the same coral roses and lamb's ear. The bouquets were tied with long lace ribbon for extra vintage detail.
In keeping with the vintage aesthetic, Jessica's bridesmaids wore long pastel chiffon dresses and accessorized with strings of pearls, feather fans, and parasols. The groomsmen wore different suits with classic bow ties, suspenders, and oxfords.
First Kiss at Belleville First Assembly of God Church
Jessica wore a lace, cap-sleeve wedding dress with scalloped edges, a V-neck, and an empire waist, which she accessorized with pearl earrings and a blusher veil. She also matched the color scheme with lavender lace gloves and a pair of lavender Mary Jane pumps.
Since Jessica and Joel had their first date at a Blues game (which was also where they met in person for the first time), they invited the team's mascot, Louie, to the reception. "He really got the party started!" Jessica says.
Vintage-Inspired Decor with Typewriter and Owl
Jessica loved the reception venue at Bellecourt Manor, saying, "you'll find the high archways, French doors, extravagant chandeliers, and an old world baby grand piano take you back 100 years." Because the venue had such a natural vintage elegance, Jessica decorated modestly with glass lanterns, rose and baby's breath arrangements, chalk board table numbers, and accents of lace and pearls.
Jessica and Joel served a simple white wedding cake with buttercream frosting and amaretto cake. The classic design featured sprigs of lavender and a purple owl cake topper to complement the wedding theme.