Jessica Johnston
Tim Runnalls
December, 2002
St. Louis Cathedral Basilica

ABOUT THE BRIDE: I grew up in Collinsville, Illinois and graduated from Washington University with a B.S.B.A. I have since become a C.P.A. and am employed as a tax specialist. For fun, I shop, read, write, and spend time with my husband and our recently adopted dog, Teddy.

ABOUT THE GROOM: Tim grew up in St. Louis and graduated from De Smet Jesuit High School before attending Washington University. At Washington University, he was an All-American football player. He was also a member of Phi Delta Theta. Tim graduated with a B.S.B.A. For fun, he exercises, spends time with family, enjoys Play Station, and plays softball and football. Tim is in investment banking and works as an assistant vice president.

HOW WE MET: We had an early morning English class together during our freshman year of college. Although Tim struck up conversations with me, I thought he was just being friendly. We didn't start dating until almost a year later when he invited me to a fraternity formal. I was incredibly surprised, but I knew immediately what my answer would be!

ENGAGEMENT: Like always, Christmas of 2000 was busy, fun and filled with family. The only time we had alone together was in the car between get-togethers, so that's where Tim proposed. The moment's quiet intimacy was wonderful. According to Tim, I said "yes" before he actually popped the question -- I'd like to remember differently, but I suspect he's right.

PLANNING: For the most part, we really enjoyed organizing the details of our wedding. Time-management was key as we both work a lot of hours and I was also studying for the CPA exam at the time. Cake testing was definitely Tim's favorite part.

ATTIRE: I had all but given up on finding my dress anywhere in the area and was looking into expanding my search to different cities (and states) when I found my dress right here in St. Louis. I wasn't ready to commit to it when I first saw it, but deep down, I realized it was "the one." Finding the dress was definitely the most meaningful and personal part of planning the wedding. The bridesmaids wore deep mocha satin dresses with a gold organza asymmetrical bodice. We each wore full-length dress coats.

THE CEREMONY: We had a full-mass, evening ceremony at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica. The focus was very strongly on the sacrament of marriage rather than us as a couple. It was very traditional and spiritual.

THE RECEPTION: Immediately after our wedding, we enjoyed a reception at Hendri's. We loved its classic black and white checkered floor, wooden bar, cozy fireplace, and wonderful food. Like many couples, we took ballroom dancing lessons together, which caught the eyes of our guests during our first dance and allowed us to have a blast dancing the night away.

HOW WE PERSONALIZED THE WEDDING: Embossing our ivory invitations, programs, and menus with our monogram created a simple theme. We also named the tables after emotions, such as adoration, beloved, cherish, etc. One of the most challenging aspects of the wedding was sewing 200 seat covers from ivory linen, an endeavor which enlisted help from all members of my family.

THINGS WE LOVED: Our favorite aspects of the wedding and reception include the choir and the organ of the Cathedral. It was incredible to be able to choose the religious hymns that meant the most to us, and then to hear them rendered so beautifully on our wedding day. Other favorites were the marzipan cake, of which we enjoyed both taste and appearance, and the flowers that brought the bouquets and table decorations alive with a rich, earthy appeal. We were also surprised and delighted by Mother Nature. I can't describe how it felt as we walked from the church and were greeted by soft, beautiful snowflakes. All in all, the blend of formality and intimacy evoked by a winter evening wedding was splendid.

VENDORS:
Photography - Chris Croy Photography
Cake - Pastries of Denmark
Attire - Reem Acra from Saks Fifth Avenue
Flowers - The Flower Basket (Collinsville, IL)

If you have questions or comments for Jessica and Tim please e-mail them at jessrun2002@yahoo.com.