Olive + Oak

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Reception

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

It all began for us in 2014 in the most romantic place imaginable: the basement pharmacy at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.&nbsp;This was the first time where we were introduced as co-workers – Gabrielle starting her new career in St. Louis as a critical care pharmacy specialist in the Surgical/Trauma ICU, Kent working as an inpatient pharmacist at the time. While the only sparks on first introductions was the static electricity from Gabrielle's strong handshake, a solid friendship was born.&nbsp;For years, our friendship grew stronger over a love of travel (experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich for the first time as well as long weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks), trying new restaurants (always on the lookout for the next best pretzel app), breweries (while usually debating Michigan vs St. Louis craft beer scene), and coffee shops (was always agreed – Northwest Coffee Roasting is the best!), but it was our mutual “I’m down” attitude and desire to try new things that found us spending more and more time together.&nbsp;Somewhere along the way, the friendship turned into something more (really, we don’t know when we started actually dating)!&nbsp;In our 7 years of (known) being a couple, we’ve been inseparable.&nbsp;We’ve moved twice (and bought a house), traveled to 23 states, 8 countries, and made countless memories, many alongside our wonderful family and friends (that's you!).&nbsp;We couldn’t be happier or more grateful for our partnership and are looking forward to all the adventures ahead!&nbsp;Together, we have discovered the best adventures are those that we create with each other and get to share with our loved ones. That is why it means so much to us that you join us this fall as we say "I do" and start this next phase of life. We are SO excited to share this day with those who have been part of our journey and can’t think of a better way to start what we are sure to be our greatest adventure of all – a long, loving, happy life together as husband and wife.&nbsp;

Our Story 

Photos

If you know Gabrielle, then chances are you've heard about Jordyn—the original partner-in-crime, lifelong confidante, and the only person who knows every embarrassing story. As Gabrielle’s younger sister, Jordyn has been by her side through thick, thin, and every questionable fashion phase in between.

Jordyn is the kind of person who can organize a party, dry happy tears, and xxx—all while cracking a perfectly timed joke. She's smart, loyal, fiercely protective, and has a sixth sense for when someone needs a snack or a pep talk. In short: she's the matron of honor every bride dreams of having.

Gabrielle wouldn’t be the woman she is today without Jordyn's love and (occasional tough) guidance—and she couldn't imagine saying “I do” without her sister standing proudly at her side.



Jordyn Dittenber

Chris is Kent's older brother by three years and has been a constant presence in his life since the very beginning. Growing up, they spent countless hours building forts out of wooden crates, racing around the yard on riding lawn mowers they treated like go-karts, and exploring every inch of the lake from sun up to sun down — as long as we stayed within walkie-talkie distance of their parents.  Through every childhood adventure and every chapter since, Chris has been a source of strength, laughter, food (mostly barbeque), and support. Kent is honored to have him standing by his side as best man — not only because he’s family, but because he’s been one of his greatest friends throughout his life.

Chris Botkin

Gabrielle and Melissa go way back--like "matching butterfly clips and Babysitter's Club" back. They have been friends since the elementary school where they first bonded over Titanic and all things elementary girls liked.  Through awkward teen phases, bad hair decisions (some documented, some not), college days at University of Michigan, and every other plot twist life threw at them, they have stuck together like glitter glue on construction paper.

Now, Melissa is adding "officiant" to her friendship title, because who better to marry us then the girl who has known Gabrielle longer than she has known how to pronounce "charcuterie" and has been our number one fan? From recess to altar, it has been the best journey.

Melissa Maye

Wedding Party

Q + A

For guests traveling from out of town, here is helpful information regarding local accommodations to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.

Hotel Block/Group Rate

To book your room at the special group rate, please us the link labeled "WEBSITE" below or call the hotel directly and mention the Gibson - Botkin wedding. To ensure the group rate, please book by October 14th.

Residence Inn St. Louis Clayton

Recommended Accommodations Beyond The Room Block

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

AC Hotel St. Louis Clayton

Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood

Courtyard St. Louis Brentwood

What about alternative hotels or vacation rentals not listed on our website?

There are certainly many hotels and vacation rentals across the St. Louis Metro area that are conveniently located, across a range of budgets, and even beautiful and historic. As much as we love our city for it's diverse neighborhoods and downtown area, please consider reading reviews carefully about the accommodation and area before booking. If you have any questions if an option is right for you, please feel reach out directly to either one of us to help you with the decision making process.

Travel

The Gateway Arch

City Museum

Saint Louis Zoo

Grant's Farm

Missouri Botanical Garden

Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery

Rockwell Beer Company

The Side Project Cellar

Dewey's Pizza - Webster Groves

Little Fox

Half & Half

The Original Pancake House Ladue

First Watch

City Coffee & Creperie

Louie's Wine Dive & Clayton Kitchen

On of our favorites near the hotel

Sauce on the Side

Nice place for dinner/drinks near hotel

Cafe Napoli

Herbie's

Shaw Park

Things to Do

Registry

We find that great food complements quality time with loved ones in ways few other things can. As such, one of the many reasons we decided to get married at Olive + Oak, is their reputation for high quality, seasonally selected, chef curated meals, as we want to ensure your bellies are as full as our hearts! Please see below for the description of each meal option, specifically created by the chef's at Olive + Oak for this event, that we are excited to share with you. As we want to make sure everyone is happy, full, and healthy, we have also listed common dietary and allergy considerations.

Ribeye

Seared ribeye, cooked medium rare, with roasted crispy potatoes and green beans with blue cheese and mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions. (Crispy fried onions contain gluten; however can be made gluten free)

Seasonal Fresh Fish

(Gabrielle's favorite from the tasting and she's typically not a curry fan!) Pan seared halibut with a coconut curry, served with butternut squash and red peppers, over a bed of rice,&nbsp;drizzled with chili oil. (Gluten free)

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables 

(Kent's favorite from the tasting and he's typically a ribeye guy!) Roasted sweet potato and cauliflower with a white bean purée, pepitas, and pickled red onions garnished with fresh radish shavings. (Gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan)

Dietary/Allergy Considerations

Olive + Oak is a completely peanut free facility and no dishes contain shellfish. We have options noted above that are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. If you are concerned about any meal options, please reach out to either of us or note on the RSVP response and we will be in touch to see how we can best accommodate.

Gabrielle & Kent

Gabrielle & Kent

Q + A

Can I RSVP online or do I have to main in a RSVP card?

What date should I RSVP by?

What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues?

Is there parking available near your wedding venue?

What is the easiest way to get to and from the wedding venue?

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

What is the best airport to use?

What's the dress code for your wedding?

Will there be an open bar?

Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?

Are children allowed?

What's the weather in St. Louis like in November?

Is there public transportation available in St. Louis?