The Piper Palm House

Wedding Rehearsal

Ceremony Rehearsal

Pappy's Smokehouse

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Wedding Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

If You Ask Brian

It was August 2015, and I remember sitting in my car, outside Kyle’s apartment waiting for our first date. The time was 6:20; our date was set for 6 p.m. I was worried I was being stood up. Kyle says the delay was due to a door not opening, so he drove his car to meet me (little did I know that being late is a habit with Kyle, no matter the circumstances). Being unfamiliar with the city, I remember thinking that he was so cool, introducing me to all these new places. After tacos, margaritas and endless conversations, we knew we wanted to keep seeing each other, but also to take things slow. But things don’t always go how you plan.   My mom never had the chance to meet Kyle, but I think she would have loved him. Before one of our earlier dates, she looked at me and said, “he makes you happy. Something’s different about this one.” About a month into dating, my mom went into the hospital for what my family and I thought would be something minor. After a couple of weeks, my worst nightmare happened: my mother died. I was 23, Kyle was 25, so I told him that I understood if he wanted to break this off, because we were about to jump several milestones in this relationship. But he refused to leave. That first year was rough. He was patient and put up with me at my worst.   That year, I lost a crucial part of my life, but I was fortunate enough to have just found someone who I cannot imagine life without. I know my mom is happy for me, because all she wanted for me was to be happy. (Charlie’s a fan too.)

If You Ask Kyle

After several days of great conversation over text, I wanted my first date with Brian to be perfect, but it did not start off that way. I was running a little late and Brian was waiting—a preview of our future together. When I got to the lobby of my apartment building, the foyer was blocked, and you couldn’t get out the front door. I was panicking a little and decided that I would have to leave out the back parking lot and pick Brian up from his car, instead of him driving that night. But when we got to the Central West End, and before getting out of my car to go to the restaurant, I turned to him and said, “let’s just kiss now and break the tension.” From there, it was the best first date I’d ever been on. I was pretty sure I found someone very special. Our first year together was difficult, with Brian’s mom passing and both of us trying to navigate that grief at much too young an age to be ready for it. Four years later, my dad died unexpectedly and my family was shaken to its core. With all the pain Brian experienced losing his mom, there was a tiniest of silver linings: Brian was able to help me navigate the pain of losing my dad. Some people say that one day, you’ll meet someone who feels like home. They will break down your walls and, in turn, they will bring down theirs. They will introduce you to new things, things you didn’t know you wanted or needed. Brian feels like home. Brian also brought our dog, Charlie, into my life—for which I’ll be forever grateful.

Our Story

The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is 17 miles (approximately 30-minute drive) from the wedding venue and 15 miles (approximately 25-minute drive) from the hotels we recommend to our guests. For convenient transport, we suggest renting a car while in St. Louis; but rideshare options are available and affordable.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

We have arranged a room block and discount rate with the DoubleTree St. Louis Forest Park. The hotel has also included complementary breakfast buffet for guests in the group block. The block and discount rate will expire on September 25, 2025. The DoubleTree St. Louis Forest Park is located in the Central West End neighborhood and is three miles (about 12-minute drive) from the wedding venue. The Central West End offers amazing dining options, fun shopping and great nightlife. The hotel is situated near Forest Park, allowing for easy access to the attractions and cultural institutions that call the park home. <a href="https://group.doubletree.com/rlllb2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://group.doubletree.com/rlllb2</a>

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

The AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End is three miles (about 13-minute drive) from the wedding venue. The hotel features modern, minimalist touches and prioritizes experiencing the lively and walkable Central West End neighborhood over more “traditional” hotel amenities. Being in the CWE puts you in the middle of great restaurants and bars, while also having convenient access to Forest Park.

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

The historic and iconic Chase Park Plaza Hotel sits just next to Forest Park and offers beautiful views of the park and the Central West End neighborhood. Enjoy luxurious amenities including three on-site restaurants, a historic movie theater (one of Kyle and Brian’s favorites), a fitness center, and a Mediterranean-style seasonal outdoor pool.

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

For easy access to the wedding venue, we recommend accommodations in St. Louis City, either in the Central West End or Midtown. More budget-friendly hotels can be found in the Hill neighborhood (near Hampton Avenue). For guests that prefer a bed and breakfast experience, there are several BnBs to choose from near the city's great urban parks, like Tower Grove Park, Benton Park and Lafayette Park.

Travel & Accommodations

Registry

WHERE IS THE WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE?Our wedding ceremony and reception will take place in the heart of Tower Grove Park at the Piper Palm House, a historic greenhouse that overlooks lily ponds.The venue's address is 4271 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Piper+Palm+House/@38.6077933,-90.257155,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xbca75ede5c4f356b!8m2!3d38.6077933!4d-90.257155" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">View the location in Google Maps.</a>

CAN I RSVP ONLINE OR DO I HAVE TO MAIL IN AN RSVP CARD?We invite you to RSVP online or, if you have trouble with technology, give one of us a call!

AM I ALLOWED TO BRING MY CHILDREN/A PLUS-ONE?The name of every guest invited to attend is listed individually on your invitation. Due to space restrictions, we unfortunately cannot accommodate additional guests.Select children will be in attendance on an invitation-only basis.

WILL YOUR WEDDING BE INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?﻿Our ceremony and reception will be indoors, while the cocktail hour before the reception will take place under a tent in the plaza just outside the Piper Palm House.&nbsp;

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE NEAR YOUR WEDDING VENUE?There is free, public parking within Tower Grove Park near the Piper Palm House. We recommend our guests park to the east of the venue, along Northeast Drive (near the Music Stand).

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE AT YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY?We recommend arriving at Tower Grove Park approximately 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony start time to ensure you have enough time to park, walk to the ceremony space and find a seat. The ceremony will begin at 6:15 p.m.

WHAT'S THE DRESS CODE FOR YOUR WEDDING?We ask that you wear cocktail attire. For men, we suggest a suit and tie or blazer with dress pants. For women, cocktail dresses (mid-length or longer), dressy separates or jumpsuits.

WHERE IS THE COUPLE REGISTERED?You can find our complete wedding registry here on our website under the "<a href="https://www.kyleandbrian.wedding/registry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Registry</a>" tab.

HAVE YOU RESERVED A BLOCK OF ROOMS AT A HOTEL? We have arranged a room block at the DoubleTree St. Louis Forest Park. Please book your stay by September 25 to guarantee a room in our block. Use <a href="https://group.doubletree.com/rlllb2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our booking link</a> or mention the “Group Gunning/Garrison Wedding” while booking (314-256-7777) to receive our reduced rate and complementary breakfast buffet.

WILL THERE BE AN OPEN BAR?There will be an open bar for guests to enjoy throughout cocktail hour and the reception. If you plan to&nbsp;continue celebrating after the reception officially ends, we do recommend bringing cash or a credit card.

WHAT TIME WILL YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION END? IS THERE AN AFTER-PARTY?Our reception will end at 11 p.m. While there won’t be an official after-party, our guests are welcome to continue the festivities at the pub, nightclub, dive bar, or cocktail lounge of their choice. (The couple will likely be heading for the Grove, which is nearby.)

WILL THERE BE MEAL OPTIONS FOR GUESTS WITH DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OR ALLERGIES?﻿If you have restrictions or allergies, please let us know in the designated section of your digital RSVP. We want you to feel comfortable and well fed!

AM I ALLOWED TO TAKE PHOTOS AT THE CEREMONY?We kindly request that you keep our wedding "unplugged” and refrain from taking any photos or videos at our ceremony. Our professional photographer will capture all the highlights so that you can be fully present and so that all our guests can experience our ceremony without distraction.

Q + A

There are endless things to do in St. Louis, but here are some favorites

One of the great art museums in the nation, the Saint Louis Art Museum is home to a comprehensive&nbsp;collection spanning 5,000 years of cultures and genres. Constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1904 World's Fair, the museum was the exposition's only permanent building. Like most institutions in Forest Park, admission to the art museum is free every day. The Saint Louis Art Museum is one of our favorite places in the city!

Saint Louis Art Museum

One of the largest urban parks in the United States, Forest Park offers 1,326 acres of outdoor enjoyment and cultural institutions. In addition to the art museum, Forest Park is home to the <a href="https://stlzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint Louis Zoo</a>, the <a href="https://mohistory.org/museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Missouri History Museum</a>, and the <a href="https://www.slsc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saint Louis Science Center</a> (all with free admission).

Forest Park

The second largest botanical garden in North America and one of the oldest in continuous operation, the Missouri Botanical Garden is an oasis in the urban landscape of St. Louis. While admission isn't free, with 79 acres of beautiful display, the Garden is worth the $16 for entry.

Missouri Botanical Garden

While cliché, it is worth visiting St. Louis's most recognized landmark (and symbol) if you've never been. A trip to the top of the Arch gives the best views of the city and the Mighty Mississippi, while the newly renovated museum and park offers a great experience for all visitors. (And Kyle's mom helped with universal design of the renovations as a disabilities expert!)

The Gateway Arch

Other great things to do:

• Play at the City Museum, an all-ages architectural playground in Downtown St. Louis• Visit the St. Louis Aquarium and Ferris wheel at Union Station• Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery• Stroll around Tower Grove Park, one of St. Louis's other great public parks (and home to the Piper Palm House)• Go on a tour of the history and architecture of the city • Enjoy bars and nightlife in the Central West End or in the Grove (both historically significant neighborhoods for the LGBTQ community)

Things to Do

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”—A.A. Milne In loving memory of those who are no longer with us in person but are always here in spirit and heart.

January 21, 2008–January 29, 2025

Charlie

October 3, 1948–March 26, 2019

Thomas Gunning

June 24, 1960–September 19, 2015

Donna Garrison

We also remember: Kyle’s paternal grandparentsFrederick and Rosemary Gunning Kyle’s maternal grandparentsDonald GarnerDorothy Garner Kyle’s auntsElizabeth Speichinger, née GunningJudith Sloan, née Gunning Brian’s paternal grandparentsGlenn GarrisonKatherine Garrison Brian’s maternal grandparentsEdmond and Charlotte Bobes Brian’s unclesDale BobesGregg GarrisonGlenn "Rocky" Garrison

Kyle & Brian

Kyle & Brian

K&B