CEREMONY: May 21, 2021 at Forest Park
RECEPTION: September 11, 2021 at Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
ABOUT THE COUPLE:
The Parkers’ wedding celebration spanned several months and endured a few glitches when it came to setting a date amid the pandemic. But as they say, love conquers all, and the couple’s happily-ever-after adventure has officially begun. Kimi, a speech language pathologist, and Nick, a systems engineer, reside in Rock Hill, Missouri.
HOW DID YOU MEET?
Kimi: We matched on a dating app in 2017 and exchanged a few messages, but we never actually went on a date. Then, in 2018, Nick messaged me on Facebook claiming that I popped up randomly in his “People You May Know” list. Little did I know that his cousin, Sarah, knew me from a book club I belong to and was our actual matchmaker.
HOW HE PROPOSED
Kimi: On Christmas morning 2019, after we were done opening presents, Nick said, “Oh! I forgot that there are presents in the stockings.” He had filled mine with little knick-knacks and treats, and at the bottom, he had hidden the ring. The best part was that he had a camera hidden in the Christmas tree, so my surprised reaction (and, of course, when I said yes!) was captured on film!
WHAT WAS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?
Because of the pandemic, we had a mini ceremony in May, which allowed us to have an intimate celebration with our closest family and friends in a less-formal setting. Then, we had the big, fancy reception that we had always dreamed of in September. Not many people get to have two weddings in one year!
FAVORITE MOMENT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Nick: It was looking out and seeing all of our closest friends and family there to celebrate with us. There won’t be any other day where all of our favorite people will be together with us. It was a very special and emotional moment.
Kimi: After our first dance was over, the D.J. invited all the guests to the dance floor. Within seconds, the floor was packed with everyone we loved, ready to party. It was like a scene from a movie.
WHAT DO YOU CHERISH MOST ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
Nick: The fact that I have my best friend by my side to experience all of life’s ups and downs together. Whether good or bad, she’s right there with me.
Kimi: I love how supportive he is and how he brings out the best in me. We keep each other laughing and always have each other’s backs.
WHAT WAS MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT PLANNING A WEDDING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Kimi: It was emotionally draining to have to schedule and reschedule – we had to do it three times. Constantly making changes and reworking decisions was exhausting. But looking back, I think it made our relationship that much stronger to work through it all together.
VENUE: Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
PHOTOGRAPHY: Keith Lee Studios
VIDEO: David Skaggs / Coterie Creative
DRESS: David’s Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: Birdy Grey
TUXEDO: Suits 4 Men
RINGS: Shane Co.
HAIR & MAKEUP: Ali Lee / Keith Lee Studios
FLOWERS: Snapdragon Studio
ENTERTAINMENT: Elite Pro DJ
CAKE: Sarah Macaraeg / Smacaroons
