Romantic & Timeless Wedding at Stifel Theatre: Katie & Garrett’s Elegant St. Louis Celebration
Images by Shannon Duggan Photography
When your love story begins in Saint Louis University and unfolds through years of shared adventures, hometown pride, and unwavering support, it deserves a wedding day that feels just as meaningful. For Katie and Garrett, that meant celebrating their marriage surrounded by the grandeur and history of Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis.
Their wedding was the perfect blend of timeless romance, classic elegance, and deeply personal touches — all brought to life with lush floral designs by the Belli Fiori Team.
A St. Louis Love Story Years in the Making
Katie and Garrett first met in 2017 while attending Saint Louis University, where both played club volleyball. What started as summer dates around St. Louis quickly turned into something much deeper. From their very first date at Moolah Theatre & Lounge to long walks through Forest Park, the city became woven into the fabric of their relationship.
Even when Katie studied abroad in Madrid for a semester, the two stayed connected daily despite the seven-hour time difference. The night Katie returned home to St. Louis, Garrett officially asked her to be his girlfriend — a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
Through physical therapy school, life in Indianapolis, raising their beloved puppy Poppy, and eventually returning to St. Louis to buy their first home together, their relationship continued to grow stronger. Fittingly, Garrett proposed at one of their original date spots in Forest Park — bringing their story full circle.
Why Katie & Garrett Chose Stifel Theatre for Their Wedding Venue
For Katie and Garrett, selecting Stifel Theatre as their wedding venue was an easy decision.
The moment they stepped into the grand lobby, they were instantly captivated by the ornate architecture, dramatic interiors, and timeless beauty of the historic theatre. They loved that the venue felt incredibly unique — a hidden gem many people don’t even realize hosts weddings.
The location also carried emotional significance for Katie, whose deep St. Louis roots made the venue feel especially meaningful. Having spent years passing the theatre on the way to St. Louis Blues games with her father, celebrating their marriage in such an iconic piece of St. Louis history felt incredibly personal.
Romantic Wedding Flowers for a Historic St. Louis Theatre Wedding
Katie described their wedding style as “romantic and timeless,” and every floral detail reflected that vision beautifully.
While the Grand Lobby of Stifel Theatre already provided a breathtaking backdrop, the couple’s biggest floral priority was transforming the ceremony space located in the theatre’s ticket lobby. Because the area felt more understated compared to the rest of the venue, they wanted the florals to elevate the space and create an atmosphere that felt just as grand and immersive as the rest of the evening.
The result was a ceremony design that felt elegant, cohesive, and deeply reflective of who they are as a couple. Soft romantic blooms, candlelight, and thoughtfully layered floral details transformed the space into an unforgettable setting for the beginning of their marriage.
Katie’s favorite floral elements of the day were her lush bridal bouquet and the stunning head table installation — both of which perfectly embodied the timeless, romantic aesthetic they envisioned from the beginning.
A Custom Escort Card Wall Inspired by Stifel Theatre
One of the most memorable design elements of the wedding was the custom escort card wall inspired by authentic theatre ticket stubs.
Because the wedding took place at Stifel Theatre, Katie and Garrett loved the idea of incorporating realistic-looking theatre tickets as escort cards that guests could keep as meaningful mementos from the evening.
The display itself became a true statement piece. Inspired by the floral pattern featured in the couple’s invitation suite, the escort wall tied together the entire design aesthetic while perfectly complementing the moody, classic ambiance of the Budweiser Kiel Club cocktail hour space.
The final result was personal, creative, and seamlessly integrated into the overall wedding design — exactly the kind of intentional detail that makes a wedding unforgettable.
Creating an Unforgettable Guest Experience in St. Louis
Katie and Garrett wanted their wedding to feel less like a performance and more like a celebration shared with every guest in attendance.
Because many friends and family members traveled from Indianapolis, Texas, and beyond, they thoughtfully curated an entire wedding weekend experience centered around the city they love most: St. Louis.
Their invitations featured watercolor illustrations of the Gateway Arch and classic St. Louis trolleys. Guests stayed at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel and even had the opportunity to explore the city through a trolley tour before the wedding day festivities began.
The reception itself was filled with interactive details designed to create connection and fun — from an espresso martini luge to custom “Poppy” drink stirrers honoring their beloved dog, plus a personalized photo booth experience guests absolutely loved.
Every detail reflected not only the couple’s personalities, but also their desire to make guests feel welcomed, celebrated, and genuinely part of their story.
A Rainy Wedding Day That Turned Out Absolutely Perfect
Although rain fell throughout the entire wedding day, Katie and Garrett hardly noticed.
Thanks to a dream vendor team they trusted completely, the couple felt calm, present, and fully able to enjoy every moment together. When they finally saw the transformed reception space during their room reveal, they were completely overwhelmed in the best possible way.
The already breathtaking Grand Lobby somehow became even more magical once layered with candlelight, florals, and romantic design details. Guests audibly gasped as they entered the reception, amazed by the atmosphere created inside the historic venue.
For Katie and Garrett, the day surpassed every expectation they had imagined.
Advice for Couples Planning a Wedding at Stifel Theatre
One of the biggest lessons Katie and Garrett shared for future couples is the importance of finding wedding vendors you fully trust.
Having confidence in your vendor team allows you to relax, stay present, and focus on what truly matters most: celebrating with your favorite people and soaking in the joy of beginning your marriage together.
At Belli Fiori, creating meaningful floral experiences that feel deeply personal to each couple is always the goal — and Katie and Garrett’s wedding was a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform an already stunning venue into something completely unforgettable.
Katie & Garrett’s St. Louis Wedding Vendor Team:
Images: Shannon Duggan Photography
Planning: Big Designs Wedding Coordination
Venue: Stifel Theatre
Stationery: On Three Designs
Band: The Dirty Muggs
Bakery: De La Creme
Video: Millennium Productions
Monogram Ice & Espresso Martini Luge: Good Ice STL
Photo Booth: Fete Booth
Rehearsal Dinner: Olive and Oak
Wedding Transportation: St. Louis Trolley Co.
Late Night Snack: Biggies Restaurant & Donut Drive In
Hotel: Union Station