Magnolia Leaves and Monograms Punctuated This Rustic Estate Wedding in Ladue, Missouri

Annie Trulaske (27 and a florist) and Scott Gurganus (44 and owner of a residential construction firm) blended their shared love of nature and home with their Ralph Lauren-meets-hunting lodge wedding aesthetic. The day melded antler motifs as a nod to Scott’s hunting pastime, magnolia leaves to celebrate their life in North Carolina and a woodsy color palette to tie in fall in St. Louis. “I felt like every little piece of our wedding was so special and sentimental,” says Annie, from the custom-made wooden pews for the ceremony to a watercolor-illustrated booklet of the couple’s story. Even though her family no longer lives there, Annie’s childhood home served as the backdrop for the ceremony. “It had been a dream of mine since I was a little girl,” Annie says of saying “I do” here. Annie’s bridesmaids carried smaller versions of her bouquet with Koko Loko roses, jasmine vine and gardenia, among other blooms.  “I am a florist so this was the most fun part for me,” says Annie of deciding on the floral décor for the wedding. KoKo Loko roses, jasmine vine, magnolia leaves and gardenias were used prominently through the celebration. picture-perfect reception “My jaw dropped when I saw our ceremony and reception. All of our vendors nailed it. So romantic, intimate and cozy,” Annie says. The wedding details had, “lots of subtle nods to our life together such as deer antlers and magnolia blooms,” Annie shares. Exposed wood beams and plaster walls at the venue added to the wedding’s hunting lodge vibe. “It is rustic and cozy but so beautiful,” Annie says. Annie and Scott shared a first dance to “Loving You is Sweeter Than Ever” by Susan Tedeschi from Tedeschi Trucks Band, before dancing to a Mo-Town-heavy playlist with guests all evening. Green getaway “Scott drove me off in an adorable forest green old Range Rover,” says Annie of the end-of-night vehicle which had a magnolia wreath and monogram-clad sign adhered to the back.