Daniel Mertzlufft and Megan Shapleigh became friends in 2008. But as fate would have it, they kept bumping into each other over the next few months and their run-ins eventually led to a serious relationship. Daniel popped the question in 2010, a few days before Christmas, on a surprise carriage ride through Tilles Park. “After the proposal, I was surprised by our families, who were anxiously awaiting our arrival at Truffles Restaurant for dinner,” Megan recalls.
Every detail was attended to in the planning of the couple’s big day. Megan visited each bridesmaid and presented them with a dress-shaped sugar cookie tagged with the question, Will you be my bridesmaid? along with their actual bridesmaid dress. And out-of-town guests were welcomed with a memento bag that featured a drawing of the arch and the inscription, Welcome to St. Louis! Love, Megan and Dan. “I was surprised by the planning process—lots of time and details were involved,” Dan explains.
The couple was joined by family and friends for a ceremony officiated by The Rev. Jay Kanzler at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church. “Seeing my beautiful bride walk down the aisle was one of my most cherished moments of the day,” Dan says. After the nuptials, a bagpipe player preceded the newlywed’s procession down the aisle. A reception followed at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Through the use of lighting, the couple created an inviting environment for their guests as they enjoyed music by the Fabulous Motown Review, dinner and dancing. “Looking around our reception and being with everyone we loved— it was amazing to have everyone together celebrating our day,” Megan recalls.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where they enjoyed relaxing on the beach, boating, snorkeling and shopping. Megan works for Ballas Dental Care and Dan is a training analyst at Washington University. He also is a head coach for the men’s lacrosse team at Lindenwood University in Belleville, Ill. The couple resides in St. Louis.
Megan Barnett Shapleigh & Daniel Joseph Mertzlufft
October 22, 2011
The Bride’s Parents
Mary Kina and Stephen Stark Shapleigh
The Groom’s Parents
Thomas and Patricia Mertzlufft
The Ceremony
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church
The Reception
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
The Wedding Dress
Simply Elegant Bride, Paloma Blanca
The Ring
International Diamond Inc.
The Florist
Bloomin’ Buckets Floral Design
The Cake
Lubeley’s Bakery
The Band
Motown Revue
The Photographer
Light Source Photography
The Bridesmaid’s Dresses
Adrianna Papell
The Tux
Stallones Formal Wear
The Invitations
Gina Graphics
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