Melissa Savage & Stephen Luebbert

The Details

Date: Nov. 12, 2011

Ceremony: Saint Francis Xavier College Church

Reception: Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis

Photographer: Jon Koch Photography

Flowers: Caroline Kelsey Designs

Cake: Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis

Band: Galaxy Red

Gown: Christos, Town and Country Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses: JS Boutique, Nordstrom

Invitations: Two Blue Doors

Wedding Planner: Ellen Gutierrez of Bride’s Vision

Officiate: The Rev. Richard Hadel

The Bridal Party

Maid of Honor: Julie Savage

Best Man: Alex Luebbert

Bridesmaids: Tiffany Sallemi, Danielle Larned, Jessica Nemeth, Lynn Kelly, Lindsay Donnelly, Julie Brandt

Groomsmen: Matt Birke, Kevin St. Cin, Tom Milford, Brian Savage, Mark Chipello, Ed Rhee

Their Story:

Stephen Luebbert and Melissa Savage met at a mutual friend’s wedding. He was an usher; she was a bridesmaid. “When we passed each other while taking pictures, I was immediately struck by how beautiful she was.” recalls Steve. Despite the fact that they lived on opposite sides of the country: Steve in California and Melissa in New Jersey, the couple stayed in touch. “After several phone calls and a few trips across the country, we decided we wanted to make it work…” recalls Melissa.

Under the pretense of attending a surprise birthday party for his grandmother Steve popped the question by taking Melissa to the park where they met and giving her several pieces of memorabilia from their past, one of which was a postcard from their meeting place with the current date on it. When she questioned the date’s meaning, he replied, This is the day I ask you to marry me!

The couple was joined by family and friends on Nov. 12 at Saint Francis Xavier College Church in a wedding ceremony officiated by the Rev. Richard Hadel. In honor of their late grandparents’ memory, a recording of a performance by the groom’s grandfather (a musician) was played during the processional, and the bride carried a ring from her grandmother. A reception followed at the Four Seasons Hotel, St. Louis where the groom surprised his bride by having a group of friends and family sing to her. “I’ll never forget the tears of joy streaming down her face.” Steve says. The event concluded with a bang—literally—thanks to a surprise fireworks display planned by the groom’s parents. “It was a complete surprise, and the perfect ending to a beautiful day.” recalls Melissa.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Costa Rica, where they stayed in a villa overlooking the ocean. They reside in Webster Groves.

Melissa Savage is the daughter of Mary Ellen and William Savage and the granddaughter of Rudolph Daniels and the late Helen Daniels, all of Hazelton, Pa. The groom is the son of Andrea and Steve Luebbert of St. Louis and the grandson of Francis and Margie Luebbert of Meta, Mo.