Katie & Eric | A Spring Wedding at Bellerive Country Club

Eleven years, one golf course, and a love that grew up together.

Some love stories begin with a single dramatic moment. Katie and Eric's began slowly —through grade school hallways, swim meets, and years of quietly growing up side by side. They both had crushes on each other for a while before they finally started dating in 8th grade, and from there, the years just kept stacking up: high school dances, cheering each other on at sporting events, family vacations, holidays, and more than a few drives to go get a sweet treat together.

By the time their wedding day at Bellerive Country Club arrived, eleven years later, it felt less like the start of something new and more like the celebration of a life they'd already built together.

We Grew Up Together

After a move to Fort Worth, the two of them found their spot: the Drover Hotel. It quickly became their go-to for cocktails, country music, and time with friends — so when Eric started thinking about how to propose, he already knew exactly where. He proposed right in front of the Drover, and the two of them gathered with family afterward for a celebratory brunch.

Ask them to describe each other, and it's clear how deep this one runs. Eric calls Katie loving, beautiful, and endlessly supportive — his best friend for so long that her smile still gives him butterflies. Katie describes Eric as thoughtful, funny, loyal, and hardworking, the kind of person who's always there for the people he loves and kind to everyone he meets. "Having him by my side these last 12 years," she says, "has been the greatest blessing."

These days, a normal weekend for them looks like morning coffee, walking their dog Goldie at the dog park, church on Sundays, and soaking up as much time outside as the weather allows — with the occasional weekend trip home to St. Louis to see family and friends.

Full of Spring Energy

When it came to choosing a venue, Katie and Eric knew the feeling they were after: bright, airy, beautiful, and unmistakably spring. Bellerive Country Club had all of it — plus an outdoor happy hour patio, exceptional service, and food they loved. The golf course setting sealed it. Eric loves to play, Katie grew up living on a golf course, and it gave them a gorgeous backdrop for photos with their families and bridal parties. It just felt right.

They landed on a guest count of around 200 — a medium-sized crowd that kept the reception feeling intimate while still giving everyone room to mingle. Dinner was a formal seated affair indoors, and then they reopened the patio doors so guests could drift outside and enjoy the perfect spring evening.

Letting the Florals Do the Talking

Katie and Eric kept their decor intentionally simple, choosing to splurge where it mattered most: florals, the venue, and the band. With very little signage or extra styling, the florals became the main event — the thread tying the entire day together.

One of the only true non-negotiables? Gold chairs. "I chose to have gold chairs to lighten the room up," Katie says. The goal was a space that felt light and happy rather than dark and moody — exactly the vibe they wanted for the day.

They also felt free leaving a few traditions out. No garter, no bouquet toss, no dessert table. Instead, they sent guests off with a late-night spread of St. Louis staples: Ted Drewes, Imo's pizza, and Fitz's root beer. It was a hit.

A Timeless Ballgown and a Pearl Reception Dress

Katie wore two looks, and both deserve a moment. For the ceremony, she chose a gown from Mia Grace Bridal — classy, feminine, and true to herself, with a ballgown silhouette and a draped, detailed bodice. 

The original didn't have a bow on the back; that was Katie's own addition to complete the look.

For the reception, she changed into a Jenny Yoo mini dress scattered with pearls, with a boat neckline and an open back. Slipping into it when it was time to dance made for such a fun transition into the night.

Fireworks, Late-Night Treats, and a Packed Dance Floor

For the band, they went all in on Lustre Lights — they wanted live music with great energy that actually engaged the crowd, and it delivered. The energy all day, in their words, was "excitement, happiness, and love."

And then there was the surprise. As Katie and Eric exited their reception, Katie's parents surprised them with fireworks. "It felt like we were in a movie when they went off," they said. "It was so surreal!!"

When they look back now, they don't point to one single moment so much as a whole collection of them — the little details they get to relive every time they revisit their photos and film.

Their Advice to Couples Just Starting Out

"Take it one step at a time and don't overcomplicate it. Focus on what actually matters to y'all, communicate, and try to enjoy the process instead of stressing over every little thing."

For Katie and Eric, communication wasn't just day-of advice — it was the foundation of the entire planning process. Making it their top priority kept them on the same page, on budget, and far less stressed through it all.

When people look through their photos and film, the couple hopes they feel exactly what the day held: happiness, joy, and great energy, captured authentically to who they are. "We will treasure them forever."

The Vendor Team

Planning: Before I Do STL

Venue & Catering: Bellerive Country Club

Florals: The Special Event Florist

Photography: Graceful Moments Media

Videography: Graceful Moments Media

Makeup: Hannah Change Beauty Co

Hair: Bailey Hager MUA

Music: Lustre Lights & Landolfi Quartet

Rentals: Weinhardt & BBJ La Tavola

Paper Goods: Iron Leaf Press

Transportation: JED Transportation

Read Their Wedding Interview (here)