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Ladue News – Elegant Living
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Ladue News – Elegant Living

Jennifer Betz & Christopher Kuhn

From the moment Christopher (Chris) Kuhn proposed to Jennifer Betz in a paradisiacal setting along a beach in Naples, Florida, it was clear to any and all witnesses that the wedding surely would be as unforgettable as the couple before them. So began a true affair to remember, decadent in its details, where guests learned to savor every moment.

Creating a fête to match the exquisiteness of their love affair proved no easy feat. Yet Jennifer and Chris pulled together an incredible team whose members decidedly were up to the task. It started with choosing an unforgettable venue. From the gorgeous mosaic cathedral found at the Shrine of Saint Joseph to the gilded halls of The Coronado, the couple found their ideal locations. While a student at Saint Louis University School of Law, Jennifer snuck across the street to peek inside The Coronado. On discovering the famed terrazzo floor built in the 1920s for Charles Lindbergh, she told the gentleman setting up inside the space, “One day, I am going to have my wedding here – and you are going to help.” Almost 10 years later, she returned to the venue with her future groom and found that same man, Rob Schaeffer, ready to assist her with her big day.

Touches of tradition played an important part throughout the couple’s celebration. For something old, Jennifer carried her grandmother’s locket, containing photos of both her grandfathers; for something new, she donned glitzy stilettos by Christian Louboutin; for something borrowed, the bride and groom drank from chalices previously used by Chris’ parents at their wedding ceremony; and for something blue, Jennifer’s monogram appeared in that hue along the hem of her wedding gown. Guests also admired a table inside the reception, which paid homage to the weddings of Chris’ and Jennifer’s families. “Every bride should do a wedding portrait,” Jennifer gushes. “Not only was it the perfect trial run two weeks before the wedding, but I was able to wear my dress twice! I hope to pass the cherished photo down to my children and grandchildren one day.”

The couple thoughtfully selected menu items to design a culinary experience for their guests. “I love fine food and wine,” Jennifer says. “I also have a passion for details. We enjoyed creating our menu with chef Chuck Friedhoff.” Hors d’oeuvres, featuring seared ahi tuna tacos and mini Patrón margaritas, led into a decadent five-course meal, with a pork-belly and seared-scallop amuse-bouche, grilled Caesar salad, lobster pot pie and filet mignon topped with truffle butter. Family and friends alike dipped into the signature punch, “For Better or for Bourbon,” before sampling the pumpkin spice cake covered in cascading flowers made of vanilla buttercream.

As if the gastronomy weren’t enough to impress guests, they certainly were wowed on stepping into the reception area. Dripping in gold with infusions of fuchsia, The Coronado brought extravagance to a whole new showstopping level. “We’ll always cherish our first dance to Otis Redding’s ‘I’ve Been Loving You for Too Long,’” Chris says. “Everyone joined us on the floor afterwards and danced to ‘Get Up’ by James Brown, who is one of my favorite artists.” Jennifer recalls one of her favorite moments occurring much earlier in the day, when her husband surprised her in the morning with a Tiffany bracelet bearing the engraving Tu sei il mio tutto, which translates to “You are my everything” in honor of his bride’s Italian heritage.

After a sparkling exit, the newlyweds flew to Italy, where they honeymooned for two weeks in Tuscany and along the Amalfi Coast. “It was the perfect combination of relaxation, history and cultural experiences,” Jennifer says. “We just relaxed and enjoyed each other.” The couple now resides in St. Louis.

THE DETAILS

The Date

October 3, 2015

The Bride

Jennifer Anne Betz

The Groom

Christopher Thomas Kuhn

The Bride’s Parents

Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Karen Betz of St. Louis

The Bride’s Grandparents

Mrs. Marie Colombo and the late Mr. Mario Colombo; and Mrs. Virginia Betz and the late Mr. William Betz, all of St. Louis

The Groom’s Parents

Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Mickey Kuhn of St. Louis and Naples, Florida

The Groom’s Grandparents

The late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fitzgerald; and the late Mrs. and Mrs. Anthony Kuhn, all of St. Louis

Matron and Maid of Honor

Melissa Dominguez and Rachel Raterman

Best Man

Kurt Kuhn

Bridesmaids

Laura Cherre, Amy Fehr, Yvette Boutaugh, Ashley Smith, Mary Kertz, Maureen Bulgrin and Lauren Bruning

Groomsmen

Michael Betz, John Mayes, Adam Michael Stack, Nicholas Liuzza, Timothy Convy, Carson Menges, Matthew Prewitt, Ryan Schultz and Nicholas Frey

The Officiant

The Rev. Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B., at Saint Louis Priory School

The Ceremony

The Shrine of Saint Joseph

The Reception

The Coronado

The Wedding Dress

Vera Wang, the Leda gown and veil, from the Vera Wang Boutique in Chicago

The Makeup

Anna Hederman

The Hair

Emily Miller

The Day-of Dresser

Connie Simpson of R&M Design

The Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Adrianna Papell from Bella Bridesmaid in Chicago

The Rings

Genovese Jewelers

The Florist

Festive Couture Floral

The Cake

Simone Faure of La Patisserie Chouquette

The Band

The Rosewood Ensemble at the ceremony; Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes during the cocktail hour; and Arvell at the reception

The Photographer

Josephine Havlak

The Videographer

Gaadt Productions

The Invitations

Cheree Berry Paper

The Wedding Planner

Alix-Ann O’Brien of Simcha Events

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