Rehearsal Dinner

Church Rehearsal

Wedding Day

Trinity Lutheran Church

Ceremony

The Franklin of Soulard

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

In summer of 2021, Rachel took a term off of school and moved to St. Louis. She lived with three WashU engineering students. They spent the summer gardening, hosting backyard parties, baking, and playing poker. Luke was doing the exact opposite; he was deep in his studies for the bar. Luckily, they shared a common interest in Bumble swiping. The pair matched early in June. Rachel impressed Luke with her use of semicolons and Luke impressed Rachel with his having of a college degree. Luke, looking for any excuse to avoid studying the day of his mom's birthday party, asked Rachel to plan a quick date to the St. Louis Art Museum. Rachel agreed. On a 90 degree June mid-morning, the pair set out, separately, to Forest Park. The separately is important, because Rachel would arrive 45 minutes late to their outdoor meeting place. Luke, standing in his own sweat, worried this may become a trend (it would). That first date was filled with walking through the Art Museum, pointing out every bowl they saw, most helpfully labeled "Bowl." The two became a fast couple that summer, and spent lots of time together. Rachel often reading nearby while Luke studied. As July ended, Luke moved out of St. Louis to spend a month traveling to weddings before starting his job in Springfield, IL. He made sure to visit Rachel in St. Louis whenever he got the chance. Mid-August, Rachel returned to Grinnell College to finish her degree. This would be the start of a long distance relationship. Luke worried this may become a trend (it would). The happy couple made not-so-happy six hour drives most weekends that fall, visiting each other and meeting respective friends. Rachel graduated from Grinnell in December 2021 and temporarily moved to Springfield with Luke. They both searched for jobs, securing them quickly - Luke in St. Louis and Rachel in Los Angeles. The long distance would resume. Rachel moved to LA and Luke to STL in February and March of 2022. Luke didn't move alone, as he took all of Rachels possessions with him; Luke's place made a wonderful storage unit. They still made regular 6 hour trips to each other, but this time planes were involved. While Rachel was a seasoned traveler, Luke had only flown three times in his life. That number grew exponentially. Rachel has a wonderful habit of pushing Luke to expand his horizons. The long distance was harder this time. Unlike last time, they couldn't just decide on a whim to go see the other person; plane tickets are expensive. Plus, Rachel's job required her to travel. Luckily, Luke's job allowed him to travel, so sometimes their trips to each other were trips with each other to a new city. Chicago (ok, maybe not all new), San Francisco, and Seattle. On the trip to Seattle, Rachel took Luke out of the country for the first time - Vancouver was only a 4 hour drive after all. But, everything had to be planned, including getting Rachel back to St. Louis. And planned it was, for a whole year, until finally Washington University offered Rachel a fundraising job set to start in April of 2023. The move was in motion! Luke flew to LA and the couple drove back to St. Louis, making several stops along the way. They stopped at the Grand Canyon and fell in love with Santa Fe and its amazing art scene. They spray painted cars in Amarillo, TX, before stopping in Oklahoma City for the night and partaking in Luke's childhood hobby, watching live rodeo. Finally, they arrived back in St. Louis on, no joke, April 1, 2023. On April 2, they went across the river to pick up a new family member, Marzipan, a chocolate labradoodle . Word to the wise: maybe don't get a new puppy AND move in with a significant other in a 24 hour span. Not great. But, like everything else, Luke and Rachel persevered, and now, they can't imagine life without Marzi. On February 25, 2024, Luke finally asked Rachel to marry him next to a sewer duct in Forest Park. She said yes.

Our Story

Though Rachel and Jessica met the most recently of all the bridesmaids, they became fast friends. Jessica's husband, Noah Daum, is a childhood friend of Luke's and all four were elated to find out they lived just a short walk away when Luke moved to St. Louis. Jessica is special to Rachel for her relentless positivity, her creative flair, and her unwavering support in the wedding planning process. Jessica makes anyone she talks to more excited about the environment around them and Rachel is blessed to have her as her Matron of Honor.

Jessica Loves: Your grandma's hard candies, musicals, renaissance fairs, and DIY projects.

Jessica Daum

A friend almost by accident. They hardly knew each other before high school and when they did meet, Luke accidentally tackled Connor. They recovered though and both were managers of the Carrollton High School basketball team their freshman year, as well as members of the Scholastic Bowl team. Bonding over a love of sports and similar senses of humor, Connor and Luke have been friends since.

Connor Goetten

Katelyn and Rachel first met in their Intro to Education class their 1st and 2nd year of college respectively. Beyond their first class project together, they were destined to spend lots of time in each others' company as they shared a room on the Singers tour and spent many hours working together at PhoneAThon. Living with Katelyn and Alexa during the pandemic was full of Longboarding/Roller-skating around town at 1am and listening to Katelyn practice banjo. Our resident traveling minstrel, Katelyn is always up for a new adventure. Ask Katelyn about her time in the Czech Republic or Norway! Katelyn Loves: Jet Lagged the Game, art museums, and musicals.

Katelyn Mehlhaus

A friend from Luke's Illinois State days and one of the fastest friends Luke has ever made. They bonded over a shared, unsaid joke in the lounge of their dorm's floor and became inseparable after, playing video games, losing in online Rocket League, almost dying on multiple road trips, and not regretting single second.

Nick Murphy

Bethany is a childhood best friend of Rachel's. They bonded over sleepovers, many long nights in community theater rehearsals, and their older siblings. When she wants to talk about theology, personal growth, or to feel loved, Rachel knows Bethany is always there. Rachel was a bridesmaid in Bethany's October, 2023 wedding and she is excited to have Bethany return the role.

Bethany Loves: Singing, musicals, baking, and the environment.

Bethany Ozolins

Luke's longest friend - but that's cheating, he's also Luke's cousin. Obviously they have a family in common but they also shared a love of YuGiOh, Pokemon, and video games growing up. These shared passions continued into adulthood and resulted in a friendship stronger than family.

Zachary Tepen

Though they worked together for a full year before, Alexa and Rachel did not become friends until the fateful weekend they were forced to leave college due to the COVID 19 pandemic. They talked for hours to fill the time on Rachel's long drive home to New York. They would chat about books, dating, the isolation, and the stretch the pandemic made them take in their personal lives. Rachel admires Alexa's commitment to challenging how she looks at the world and how to hone in on the things important to you in life. She is also incredibly proud of Alexa's recent MSW graduation from UChicago.

Alexa loves: the Chicago Museum of Art, Cassandra Clare Books, and beans (includes the Chicago Bean).

Alexa Dolinko

A friendship made via law school admissions forums chat (we don't talk about Scott) and solidified when Luke ran a red light the first time he drove Chris somewhere (listen, that's just how you drive in St. Louis), these two attended law school together and became fast friends, bonding over the St. Louis Cardinals and law school trauma.

Chris Collum

Scott (or Scotty as he's known to a lot of his friends): Photographer extraordinaire and Rachel's college hairstylist. In the class year below Rachel, Scotty came into her life via his brother, Bryce, another Grinnell friend. Rachel and Scotty would room together for an ill-fated two months before returning home due to Covid.

Scotty Loves: Photography, Would You Rather Questions, and King's Hawaiian Rolls.

Scott Lew

Ryan and Luke met in law school. The two of them were in the same first year section, sharing every class. They bonded over baseball (despite being fans of different teams), Bud Select, and four horsemen shots, becoming friends as law school progressed.

Ryan Deal

Brigid Rose Collum

Wedding Party

For those of you flying, the St. Louis Airport (STL) is a quick, 23 minute (14-17 mile) drive from the neighborhood where both venues are located. It may be helpful to rent a car, which can be done at the airport, or to use Lyft for your time in town. We highly recommend going in with other guests on Airbnbs in the Soulard or Lafayette Square neighborhoods of St. Louis, especially if you will be staying for more than the night of the wedding. Some nearby hotels (all will require you either uber/lyft or drive yourself to the venues) include:

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Residence Inn St. Louis Downtown

Travel

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Enjoy some of our favorite places/activities in STL. Photos included are memories from exploring these places with our friends.

Visit the only national park open during the government shutdown! Tram: $15 for adults and $11 for children 15 and under All museums on site are Free.99 Note: Purchase your desired tram tickets before coming to STL or the time you want may be sold out. Visit the smallest national park in the US! This national park includes The Old Courthouse (Site of infamous U.S. Supreme Court Dred Scott decision) which was under renovation for several years. We were able to attend the summer 2025 reopening with our friends Jack and Bridget. Take advantage of this opportunity to see the newly updated site and galleries!

Gateway Arch National Park

Friday: 8AM-5PM (35% Vendor Participation) Saturday: 8AM-5PM (100% Vendor Participation) Vendor participation is highest in the hours between 9AM and 1PM.

Soulard Farmers Market

Paddle boats: 1hr for $25 or 2hr for $40Canoe: 1hr for $20 or 2hr for $35Kayak: 1hr for $15 or 2hr for $30Double Kayak: 1hr for $20 or 2hr for $35Stand Up Paddleboard: 1hr for $15 or 2hr for $30 Monday 11:00-7:30Tuesday 11:00-7:30Wednesday&nbsp;11:00-7:30Thursday 11:00-7:30Friday 9:00-7:30Saturday 9:00-7:30Sunday 9:00-7:30 Take in the fall colors by boating around the Grand Basin in Forest Park. Highly recommend a sunset experience. Sunset on Friday, October 24th is at 6:10pm.

The Boathouse - Forest Park

Free .99! Hours: Sunday through Thursday 8AM-5PM and Friday and Saturday 8AM-6PM. With over 10 miles of walking trails, the St. Louis Zoo is one of our favorite local attractions. As longtime members and patrons of the Zoo, the Grooms family might be able to give you special tips for your visit! Lukes favorite STL Zoo animal: LionsRachels favorite STL Zoo animal: Lemurs and Puffins

Saint Louis Zoo

Missouri History Museum

FREE .99Its the place we first met on that hot summer day! Luckily, the art museum has AC and gorgeous views.Handy Floor Map Here - https://www.slam.org/floorplan/ On Friday, October 24, 2025 from 1pm-2pm there is a drop-in tour on Architectural Wonders in art. Tours begin at the welcome desk in Sculpture Hall and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out some our favorite works in the galleries: From Rachel... Gallery 332Show Window: https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/9380/ Gallery 334Landscape with a Horse: https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/64443/ From Luke... Gallery 259 - All of this gallery, generally.https://www.slam.org/collection/objects/3415/

Saint Louis Art Museum

Find Bigfoot in Forest Park

Ticket Costs: $16 General Entry, FREE for kids 12 and under, $8 for military, and $6 for St. Louis City & County residents. Hours: Everyday 9AM-5PM The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, historic architecture, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered flora.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Tower Grove Park is the second largest park in St. Louis known for beautiful landscaping (was once a part of the same property as the Missouri Botanical Garden) and pavilions. The outdoor farmers market (celebrating 20 years this year!) happens here on Saturday mornings between the hours of 8am and 12:30pm. For Rachel’s bachelorette, they geocached throughout the park (Kristen and Caroline pictured above with one of the logs). To geocache, we recommend the app "Geocaching," which has a green icon in the app store.

Tower Grove Park

$55/person for full tea. You can also just get a pot of tea for $9 or a pot of tea and scones for $24. The scones and clotted cream are NOT to be missed. - Open Thursday through Sunday 11AM to 5PM Near Tower Grove Park, you will find Rachel’s favorite tea room in the city. Fleur hosts traditional Windsor Tea, a Versailles French Tea, a Cape Town South African Tea, and an Indian Tea. Rachel recommends the Windsor and the Indian Tea packages.

Fleur de Thé

Free .99 - Open 8am to Official Sunset Everyday An 18 mile (25 minute) drive from the wedding venues, there are great opportunities to view elk, bison, and deer year-round. The animals roam freely throughout the park. Best viewings are between 8am and 9am or just before sunset.

Lone Elk Park

1904 Olympic Site

The WashU Arbor Walk is a self-guided tour highlighting 157 trees on campus which can be taken at any time during the year. The complete walk is about 3 hours long consisting of around 9,800 steps or 4.90 miles.

WashU Arboretum Walking Tour

Free .99 Sunday:&nbsp;NOON-5PMMonday:&nbsp;10AM-5PMTuesday:&nbsp;10AM-5PMWednesday:&nbsp;10AM-9PMThursday:&nbsp;10AM-9PMFriday:&nbsp;10AM-9PMSaturday:&nbsp;10AM-5PM

World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries

Please, we beg you, its a very busy weekend for us and Marzi craves attention. Besides, if you've gotten this far on the page, you clearly are looking for something else to fill your STL days!

Play with Marzipan

Things to Do

This wouldn't be a website about our love without a section dedicated to food. It is common to hear us say that 70% of our waking hours at home are spent in the kitchen. Luke loves cooking and Rachel is a baker. Their love of both is spurred on by the great food you will have access to in STL. Happy exploring! This webpage is a list of <a href="https://www.saintlouisfoodtours.com/blog/8-classic-st-louis-foods-and-where-to-find-them/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Iconic STL Foods</a>

Expect to find the best at these local spots Those in the vacinity of the wedding and reception venues:<a href="https://www.bogartssmokehouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bogart's Smokehouse</a> - St. Louis Style Ribs Half Slab w/ sides $19.74<a href="https://parkavenuecoffee.com/pages/lafayette-square" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Park Avenue Coffee Shop</a> - Gooey Butter Cake<a href="https://www.bakedboiled.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baked &amp; Boiled</a> - The Best Breakfast Bagels (Arrive Early) $9 for 4<a href="https://www.protagonistcafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Protagonist Café</a> - Coffee and Pastries (we recommend the parmesan and leek croissant, the blood orange olive oil cake, or the Samoa cookie) in a bookshop café<a href="https://fleurstl5.godaddysites.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fleur STL</a> - Upscale Classic Diner Breakfast (we recommend their chili, iced tea, crispy brussels sprouts, and St. Louis slinger) Those elsewhere in St. Louis:<a href="https://www.saltandsmokebbq.com/location/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salt and Smoke BBQ</a> - Burnt Ends Toasted Raviolis $12.99 <a href="https://www.felixspizzapub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Felix's</a> or <a href="https://seamusmcdaniels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Seamus McDaniels</a> - STL Trashed Wings<a href="https://anthoninos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anthonino's</a> - Lasagna<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/1x9FF6gucxn4tGQx9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Southwest Diner</a> - Southwestern breakfast (Luke's: Firey Grits Rachel's: Cornmeal Pancakes with their homemade berry compote)<a href="https://explorestlouis.com/partner/thai-country-cafe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thai Country Café</a> - Thai Food (we recommend the #58 Ba Mee Geaw Moo Dang (Soup or Dried) or #42 Pad Peanut Sauce Sen Chan)<a href="https://share.google/OtVSq3dIFwCjY7pvQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thai Kitchen</a> - More Thai Food (we recommend the Curry Potstickers and Musaman Curry here)<a href="https://www.chaobaanstl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chao Baan</a> - Yet More Thai Food (we recommend the Khao Soi here) Your guide to the classic coffee shops of St. Louis:<a href="https://share.google/yyZRBEERnWQvayhyy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shaw's Coffee </a>- Drink your coffee in this unique ex-bank café. Even explore the old vault!<a href="https://www.fiddleheadferncafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fiddlehead Fern</a> - Live music on Saturdays. If you are planning a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden, this stop is for you. Fiddlehead is just a 3 minute drive or 13 minute walk away.<a href="https://share.google/AyPzhAnGlFGSo2bL4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kaldi's Coffee</a> - A St. Louis local chain. This location is the (subjective) best with a cozy atmosphere, especially on fall mornings/afternoons.<a href="https://share.google/OQ5e72KbQKzAVmxZ1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goshen Coffee Roasters</a> - Great upstairs patio (narrow stairs, not accessible) for sipping your coffee or enjoying a full out brunch. Their eggs benedicts and paninis are particularly nice.<a href="https://share.google/O5Hh4pDtB9S3yTTwX" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Antagonist Café </a>- Antagonist is the sister to Protagonist down the street. Antagonist takes its name inspo from the building, a historic police precinct with jail cells still intact, repurposed as seating areas/laptop work stations. Attached to the local board game bar, this is the perfect place to congregate for some quality time with friends. Antagonist is caddy corner from Anheuser Busch. If you go on a tour of the facility, this is a great place to stop before or after to unwind.<a href="https://www.livingroomstl.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Living Room Coffee &amp; Kitchen </a>- They roast their own coffee in-house (light blends only) and the space is, per their name, a home-y vibe. Grab one of their free postcards at the register and fill it out while you sip. They will mail your postcard for free!

Rachel & Luke

Rachel & Luke

Registry

If you would like to send items directly to the couple, their address is 2317 Hickory Street Apartment A St. Louis, MO 63104. If you would like to contribute to the couple’s fund to purchase remaining items, please direct the funds to @RayRayHinks on Venmo or $LukeATepen on CashApp.