Jane Mackey thought the biggest surprise of the evening of Nov. 12, 2010, was the sparkling engagement ring that was placed on her finger by her then-boyfriend, Zach Foster. But while the couple celebrated at Hotel Drisco in San Francisco, she was floored over and over again as one by one, members their family walked in to join the festivities. “It was beyond anything I could have imagined,” Jane says. “It’s all about family and friends for us, and it was really special to have everyone be a part of that moment.”
The couple began dating at Middlebury College, drawn to each other by their similar values. “Jane just has an incredible balance of characteristics —she’s simultaneously sensitive and easygoing, while also very strong and driven,” Zach says. In turn, Jane admires her husband’s ability to stay motivated while not taking life too seriously. “He’s such a warm person, and if he’s there, everything is good,” she says.
Zach and Jane’s dedication to their family and friends helped to shape their September wedding. While they live in San Francisco, they chose to have their nuptials in St. Louis at Jane’s mother’s house. “We wanted to have the wedding in a place where people felt like they were home,” Jane explains. “We both felt so at ease the whole time.”
That day, the couple got to see each other before the ceremony, during a private moment. “It was very overwhelming and emotional,” Zach says. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget.” Wedded by a rabbi and a reverend in a co-officiated interfaith ceremony, the couple honored relatives who had passed away through small, meaningful details. Zach’s grandfather’s prayer shawls were placed on the chuppah, along with Jane’s family’s bridal veil. The groom also carried a pocket watch that once belonged to Jane’s grandfather and father.
The wedding party then led all guests along a short procession to the reception at the Saint Louis Country Club. There, carefree dancing dominated the evening and evoked the celebratory atmosphere. Jane’s 91-year-old grandmother even showed off some moves. “The energy was just incredible,” Zach says. “The lead singer said she had never seen a sweatier dance floor at a wedding.”
The weekend’s festivities continued on Sunday, when 40 friends and family attended a Cardinals game before Jane and Zach left for their honeymoon on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and to start their new married life. “I think the whole experience brought us even closer,” Jane says. “Even after seven years and lots of adventures, it feels like a new chapter in our lives.”
The Date – September 24, 2011
The Bride – Jane Shapleigh Mackey
The Groom – Zachary William Foster
The Bride’s Parent – Mrs. John Mackey
The Groom’s Parents – Mr. & Mrs. James Foster
The Ceremony – Home of the Bride’s Mother
The Reception – Saint Louis Country Club
The Wedding Dress – Carolina Herrera
The Engagement Ring – Shreve & Co., San Francisco
The Wedding Bands – Elleard Heffern
The Florist – Wildflowers, Jane Winter
The Cake – Encore Baking Company
The Band – The Hudson Project, New York City
The Photographer – Stephen Seebeck Photography
The Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Monique Lhuillier
The Groom’s Suit – Ermenegildo Zegna
The Invitations – Cheree Berry
The Wedding Planner – Mary Fox
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