WEDDING DATE: November 20, 2021
CEREMONY: Jewel Box at Forest Park
RECEPTION: Busch Stadium
ABOUT THE COUPLE:
He is in facility operations for the St. Louis Cardinals. She is a pediatric occupational therapist. The couple lives in Sunset Hills.
HOW DID YOU MEET?
After years of knowing of each other, 2018 brought us together with a nudge from Shannon’s best friend from occupational therapy school and Hosei’s former neighbor. For two transplants, our story began immersed in all things St. Louis: Our first date was at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where we enjoyed Garden Glow and spiked hot chocolate. That same week, we went to the bottom and top of the Gateway Arch for a work holiday party.
HOW DID HE PROPOSE?
Hosei proposed in 2020 on his birthday at the Missouri Botanical Garden on the zigzag (yatsuhashi) bridge in the Japanese Garden. Not only was it at the location of our first date, it had additional meaning because of Hosei’s Japanese heritage. Being in the middle of the week, during the pandemic, we practically had the garden to ourselves and it was a perfect, joyful moment in such a crazy year. Hosei arranged for a photographer to secretly capture the moment and take our engagement photos immediately afterward.
WHAT WAS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?
Our wedding day was very St. Louis: We had stops at iconic landmarks, including the Jewel Box, Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Shannon surprised Hosei with a Busch Stadium replica groom’s cake. Shannon’s parents were also married at the Jewel Box, and Shannon gave unique gifts to her mom and dad that included photos of her as a little girl.
Our wedding favors were chopsticks that had our wedding date, names and last name, Maruyama, in Japanese characters. Our wedding cake had Japanese details, including a seigaiha pattern, which literally means “blue sea and waves,” symbolizing power and resistance, key elements of Japanese culture. The top tier of the cake had the Japanese characters of our last name inscribed.
We had our cocktail hour before the reception on the field warning track of Busch Stadium. Our guests had the opportunity to enjoy parts of the stadium, including the dugout and clubhouse, while we finished up taking our wedding photos.
One more unique thing: Shannon was a cheerleader at Mizzou (University of Missouri), and a tradition for alumni is to lift the bride in the air.
FAVORITE MOMENT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?
HOSEI: We love spending time with our dogs, Koda and Barley. They are a big part of our family and we were fortunate to have a great team from WedPets bring them to our wedding photos, which turned out to be some of our favorites.
SHANNON: After nearly a year and half of living through the pandemic, it was wonderful having so many of our friends and family together to celebrate our wedding. One special moment included my grandparents, who were celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary the week after our wedding. Instead of a bouquet toss, I chose to do an anniversary dance and I was able to gift my grandmother a bouquet after they were the last ones on the dance floor.
WHAT DO YOU CHERISH MOST ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
HOSEI: Shannon is the perfect partner. She is very loving, supportive and gives with her whole heart. I love her ideas for new activities and adventures to keep our relationship interesting. We make a great team and she motivates me to be the best version of myself.
SHANNON: Hosei is the most patient, caring person I’ve ever met. Everyone who has met him loves him and always has wonderful things to say. We enjoy each other’s company and the time we had together during the pandemic only brought us closer together. I feel proud to be his wife.
WHAT WAS MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT PLANNING A WEDDING DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Not being able to experience tours or tastings in person and having limited guests for dress fittings were somewhat disappointing. The upside to technology was that my mom, from Jefferson City, was able to participate in floral consultations; and my bridesmaids who were not local were able to FaceTime for my dress appointments. We missed family and friends who were not able to attend due to the pandemic.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Ben and Beccalee, Photographers
VIDEO: A2B Weddings
DRESS: Town & Country Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: David’s Bridal
TUXEDO: Men’s Wearhouse
RINGS: Diamonds Direct
HAIR & MAKEUP: Looks by Lisa & Co.
FLOWERS: Bloomin’ Buckets
ENTERTAINMENT: Rockstar DJs
CATERER: Delaware North at Busch Stadium
CAKE: Celebrating Life Cake Boutique
WEDDING COORDINATOR: Your Perfect Wedding Day (ceremony); Busch Stadium Special Events (reception)
PET SERVICE: WedPets
