St. Francis Xavier (College) Church

Rehearsal + Dinner

Rehearsal

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Dinner

Order of Events

Traditional American Catholic Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

A Beninese Ethnic Celebration

Order of Events (Main)

Labor Day + Thank You BBQ

Our Wedding

A West (and East) Side Story

In the bustling room that is Saint Louis University's (SLU) Commuter Lounge, amidst the roars of laughter over video games and napping students, it was only a matter of time until Blaine and Ornella (Nelly) would bump into each other. When that happened, Blaine would be met with a resounding, "Ew" from Nelly. She did not like the high school that he attended (they were rivals). It was after discussing that, it was discovered that they were pursuing the same major Both immersed in the world of psychology, they found themselves drawn to the same lectures, the same study groups, and the same intellectual pursuits. Yet, as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, their interactions deepened. Conversations evolved from academic discussions to personal anecdotes, from shared experiences to shared dreams. They discovered a kinship, a resonance in each other's thoughts and aspirations that transcended the confines of mere friendship. Slowly but surely, their bond blossomed into something more. What began as friendly banter turned into hours of evening conversations. They found solace in each other's company, comfort in each other's presence, and laughter in each other's jokes. As they navigated the ups and downs of university life together, their connection only grew stronger. They celebrated each other's successes and provided support through the challenges they faced. They became each other's confidants, their friendship serving as the foundation upon which something deeper was built. And then, one day, they decided to just "see what happens" and start dating. In that moment, amidst the echoes of their shared laughter and the memories they had shared together on their first date, they knew that they had found something truly special. From that day forward, their journey took on a new trajectory. They embarked hand in hand, navigating the complexities of love with the same determination and passion they had brought to their academic pursuits. As they walked side by side, they knew that their story—of how they met and fell in love amidst the "SLUlips" of SLU - was just the beginning of a lifetime of adventures yet to come. As their love continued to flourish, it was only fitting that their story came full circle in a place that held so much meaning for both of them. Thus, amidst the grandeur of College Church, where they had once shared fleeting glances and exchanged shy smiles, they returned to seal their commitment to one another in the most profound way possible. Surrounded by the timeless beauty of the church's architecture and the warmth of their loved ones' embrace, they exchanged vows that echoed the depth of their connection. In that sacred space where their journey had begun, they pledged their love and devotion to each other, promising to navigate life's joys and challenges hand in hand.

Our Story

Photos

Crucifer

(Cross-bearer)

Kaeden D’ALMEIDA

Lecturers

Steven "Steve" PETER

The bride's "big" sister. Meet my sassy, world-traveling sister, a statuesque beauty who effortlessly commands attention with her cosmopolitan charm. With a radiant smile and a wardrobe that reflects her globe-trotting adventures, she brings an air of sophistication to any occasion. Her boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm make her the life of the party, while her unwavering support and worldly wisdom make her the perfect bridesmaid and cherished friend. to others

Austrella "Beverly" BALLEY

Gift Bringers

Kevyn (bride’s cousin), Tamar, Angelica, and Tatum

The GANDAHO’s

Wedding Party

Bridesmaids/people

Meet my vibrant modelesque friend, a lover of anime whose infectious energy brought my fiancé and me together. We bond over our shared passion for colorful characters and captivating storylines, often spending time together getting our nails done. With her vivacious personality and zest for life, she adds an extra dose of joy to every moment we share.

Fatoumata "Nanding" CEESAY

Meet Nidhya, my stunningly beautiful and fashion-forward friend, whose unwavering support and stylish flair have illuminated our journey from college struggles to wedding celebrations. Through late-night study sessions and challenging exams, Nidhya stood by my side through her boundless encouragement and infectious laughter. Despite the distance and demands of life, she made sure to keep our friendship alive, reminding me that true connections transcend time and distance. Now, as we embark on this new chapter of my life, I am grateful to have Nidhya as not just a bridesmaid but as a cherished sister whose friendship has withstood the test of time.

Nidhya CHANDRAMOHAN

My cousin, who I've grown up with and shared countless sleepovers, is an incredible and passionate person. She is wonderfully artsy, always infusing creativity into everything she does. As a host, she's unparalleled, making everyone feel welcome and cherished. I am so grateful she will be there to see me walk down the aisle, sharing in this special moment just as we've shared so many beautiful memories together.

Imelda EDORH

Meet my fiery Aries bridesmaid, a talented Latinx artist whose vibrant spirit and no-nonsense attitude light up any room. With a passion for creativity as fierce as her determination, they fearlessly pursues their artistic dreams, never shying away from speaking their mind or standing up for what she believes in. Despite her bold exterior, she holds their Catholic faith close to their heart, finding solace and strength in their beliefs, and cherishing the bonds of family with unwavering devotion. As my bridesperson, they bring their unique blend of passion, authenticity, and loyalty to our journey, reminding me to embrace life with courage and conviction.

Andi GABALDÓN

Meet my brilliant bridesmaid, Krishna! A paragon of intellect and charm, with whom I navigated the academic rigors of college and cultivated a profound friendship.As our friendship blossomed, I had the privilege of witnessing her love story unfold, and now, as I embark on my own journey into matrimony, she stands by my side, a steadfast supporter and cherished friend, ready to celebrate this new chapter together.

Krishna NEELAM-KUMAR

Meet my devoted bridesmaid, a cherished friend who shares my unwavering faith in God and has been a steadfast companion through the ebbs and flows of multiple relationships. Together, we find solace and strength in our shared spiritual journey, supporting each other with prayers and encouragement. As we celebrate holidays together, our families have seamlessly blended into one, creating a bond that transcends friendship and feels like kinship. With her by my side, I am reminded of the power of love, faith, and enduring friendship as we embark on this new chapter together.

Glenda NELSON

Meet my lively bridesmaid, my partner in fun-loving escapades, affectionately known as the "tornado" duo among our friends. Together, we've embarked on countless adventures filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. Despite our spirited antics, our friendship remains strong, a testament to the bond we share. While we've had our fair share of excitement, it's all been in good fun, and I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.

Deanne SLEET

Meet my dear friend and bridesmaid, a character straight out of a Dickens novel, with whom I forged a tale of friendship on that fateful summer night in college. Through our shared trials and tribulations, we navigated the rough seas of relationships, our friendship serving as a beacon of hope in the tempest. We've shed tears worthy of Shakespearean tragedy and laughed until our sides ached, like characters in a Wilde comedy. Our bond is as strong as the sturdy spine of a well-loved book, and our adventures have woven a narrative so rich and complex, it rivals the finest of Brontë novels. And amidst the plot twists and turns of romance, I had the pleasure of playing matchmaker, a twist worthy of Austen herself. With her by my side, our friendship is a literary masterpiece, penned with love, laughter, and the occasional pun.

Bailey TRIPP

Groomsmen

Adam AMANN

Colton GEBBEN

Nick GUIDRY

Joshua "Josh" HARTMAN

Hadie ISLAM

Nathaniel "Nate" MORELAND

Ryan MORELAND

Miloš VUKADINOVIĆ

Junior Attendants 

Ring Bearer

Erick Jr. “E.J.” D’ALMEIDA

Flower Girls

Evie REINWART

Grace REINWART

Travel

Once you land, you can take a taxi or rideshare app (Uber, Lyft) to your selected hotel.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

You can take the Metrolink (Red or Blue Line) to Grand Station while staying downtown near the festivities. Otherwise, you must take a rideshare app (Uber, Lyft) to your destination.

Amtrak St. Louis

Accommodations

Near the Festivities

Hotel Ignacio

Near Busch StadiumMake yourself at home in one of the 165 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and complimentary week

Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Downtown / Convention Center

Residence Inn by Marriott St. Louis Downtown

Near Busch StadiumStay in one of 255 guestrooms featuring LCD televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Cable programming and video-game consoles are provided for your entertainment, with wired and wireless internet access available for a surcharge. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and designer toiletries.The W

The Westin St. Louis

Near the Couple

Residence Inn St. Louis O'Fallon

The couple mainly loves to go around the metro area and eating the multitudes of cuisines St. Louis has to offer, working off the great food through hiking, and then enjoying the best drinks in the area.

Food

Couple's Favorite Patio Come to this relaxed bar where the couple brings Biggie to their very dog-friendly patio that overlooks the Missouri River. Try the Reuben or the Impossible burger!

Llywelyn's Pub

Favorite Irish Pub Located near Six Flags St. Louis, this is a lively bar with a live band. No one is a stranger here and yu are always welcome! Try the colcannon or the chicken wrap!

O'Dell's Irish Pub & Ale House

Favorite Steakhouse This is where the couple celebrated their 5th anniversary of being together. You can come in dressed to the nines or come in wearing your best polo to relax at the bar. We recommend trying the ribeye or the prime rib with their award-winning sauce.

Sam's Steakhouse

Favorite Korean (To Go) This is the couple's favorite fast-food Korean spot serving huge burritos full of flavor. The couple's go-to order is a spicy pork burrito with added Gochiuchang (GZC) sauce and double meat.

Seoul Taco- Chesterfield

Favorite Fried Fish &amp; Chicken A staple for the couple since their college days that provided some of the best fried chicken St. Louis has to offer. Make sure you order their whole wings with extra, extra, EXTRA seasoning.

Pop's Steak, Fish & Chicken

Favorite Korean (Sit Down) This place has the best overall experience for a nice sitdown Korean BBQ experience. The couple loves the all you can eat and their fun cocktails.

Seoul Garden

Favorite Pizza The couple loves going to the OG spot for a fun easy relaxed atmosphere. Some of our faves are Stef's House Salad, wings, Hawaiian pizza, Stef's pizza, and the meat lover's pizza!

Stefanina's Pizzeria & Restaurant O'Fallon

Favorite Barbecue The couple loves the juicy meat and the generous portions that are given at this BBQ joint. They always have a rotating menu of new creations to try. We recommend trying either the pulled pork or brisket plates.

Sugarfire Smoke House

Hiking

This 160 acre park is between the Katy Trail and the Missouri River just south of downtown St. Charles. 4.2 miles of singletrack, with some sandy areas, have been squeezed onto the island. The main loop is a figure 8 designed to be accessible to the beginning rider with minimal elevation change. The Sandy Loop weaves in and out of the drainage troughs alongside the river edge, offering a change of pace from the flats on the main loops.&nbsp;

Bangert Island

In the early 1900s, the area that’s now Castlewood State Park was a popular retreat for partying St. Louisans. The dance clubs are gone, but the winding Meramec River and the lush valley that surrounds it remain. The park has hiking and mountain biking&nbsp;<a href="https://mostateparks.com/page/89611/castlewood-state-park-trails" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trails&nbsp;</a>that range from those great for first-time riders to ones that even the most experienced will return to time after time.&nbsp;The park is considered&nbsp;one of the best mountain biking locations in the St. Louis area. Good&nbsp;<a href="https://mostateparks.com/page/54131/fishing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fishing</a>, broad meadows filled with wildlife, and plenty of recreational facilities make the park a favorite for people who want an adventure or just to get away.

Castlewood State Park

Drinks

Located&nbsp;almost 400 feet above the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, Three Sixty grants our guests sweeping views in every direction, with a bird’s eye view of Busch Stadium and unobstructed views of the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi RIver and the whole of downtown St. Louis. The 6,000 square-foot space features indoor and outdoor seating, a large outdoor bar, multiple indoor bars, an open kitchen, flat-screen TVs, fire pits and a first-class menu.

360 Rooftop Bar

A huge outdoor patio was built adding 500 more chairs and two large bars. The patio is cool in the summer and warm in the winter making it a perfect setting all year round! A giant stage offers live music and even had a visit by the Stanley Cup! What started almost a Century ago as a small-town bar has become a destination place for people all over the world, some even say the #1 volume bar in the country! It now has A half Million customers per year enjoying over 50,000 cases of beer and an average of 1000 burgers sold per day! With nearly 7000 21st birthdays being celebrated yearly; it has become a rite of passage for the newly of age to come in and receive a coveted 21st birthday t-shirt! Fast Eddie’s has a fun party atmosphere for all alike, so if your 21 and in the mood visit the world-famous Fast Eddie’s Bon Air and see what it’s all about!

Fast Eddie's Bon Air

If you are looking for mouthwatering food, great value, and amazing drinks, come visit Humprey's. We have a wide selection of different delicious dishes for you to enjoy, so there is always something for everyone. Come visit us today and we guarantee you will leave satisfied every time! Make us your go-to family restaurant.

Humphrey's Restaurant & Tavern

Come get lost on the largest terraced patio in STL. Explore our 6 bars while you enjoy delicious new American cuisine for lunch or dinner.

Molly's In Soulard

There's no pressure to be anything other than yourself at Rehab Bar &amp; Grill! This is a lively and laid-back Grove bar that's all about laughter, frivolity, and fun. A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and a whole lot of soul infuses this spot that's a home away from home for so many. Tasty eats and drink specials are also available.

Rehab Bar And Grill

St. Louis' only waterfront entertainment destination featuring stunning river views, outdoor dining, monthly flea markets, &amp; seasonal ice skating.

The Loading Dock

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Museum of Contemporary Religious Art

One of the bride's favorite museums as it is one of three museums in the world that keeps one of Monet's Waterlillies panels.

Saint Louis Art Museum

St. Louis Muny Theater in Forest Park

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

The Saint Louis University Museum of Art

The Tower Grove Farmers' Market

Things to Do

Parking & Handicap Access / Parking et accès handicapés

Please refer to the map below for the layout of the venues and parking. Veuillez vous référer au plan ci-dessous pour la disposition des salles et du parking.

Ceremonial Questions | Questions Cérémonielles

As the bride and groom are both Catholic, a Catholic wedding will take place. To learn more, please see the below responses to our frequently asked questions. Les mariés étant tous deux catholiques, un mariage catholique aura lieu. Pour en savoir plus, veuillez consulter les réponses ci-dessous à nos questions fréquemment posées.

The Beninese Reception (Ethnic Celebration Portion)

As the bride is a first-generation Beninese-American, the couple wants to display that portion of her heritage! Comme la mariée est une béninoise-américaine de première génération, le couple souhaite afficher cette partie de son héritage !

General 

Q + A

Before the Wedding

If you have any additional questions before the big day, please reach out to the bride and groom via Facebook Messenger or by texting them. If you do not possess either method of communication, please email their joint account at <a href="mailto:MorelandOB1@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MorelandOB1@gmail.com</a>

Wedding Day

On the wedding day, the couple will be preparing the holy sacrament and must remain focused. We ask that you please refrain from reaching out to them directly if you have a question. Instead, we ask that you ask the bride's sister, Austrella, or the groom's brother, Nathaniel.

Ornella & Blaine

Ornella & Blaine

Photos