EMILY MERTEN & J.D. RAINWATER
September 17, 2022 | First Baptist Church Jonesboro and Adams Estate | Leachville | Kevin Barré Photography
Emily and J.D. were set up on a blind date by their friends in December 2016. They shared the sweetheart special at Jerry’s Steakhouse and got ice cream from Andy’s afterwards.
J.D. popped the question at the top of Art Hill in Forest Park, one of Emily’s favorite spots in St. Louis.
The couple knew they wanted to tie the knot in their hometown of Jonesboro. They decided to have the ceremony at J.D.’s church followed by a reception at Adams Estate. Emily’s mom Anne Merten served as their wedding planner. With help from J.D.’s mom Valerie and their day-of coordinator Mitzi Young, the couple’s vision of a timeless wedding came together perfectly!
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Wedding dress
Jessica’s Bridal & Formal
Jeweler
Sissy’s Log Cabin
MORE VENDORS
Photographer: Kevin Barré Photography; Ceremony venue: First Baptist Church Downtown Jonesboro; Reception venue: Adam’s Estate; Wedding coordinator: Mitzi Young; Florals: Blossom Events & Florist; Decorators: Carol Kelley, Kelly Washington Kelley; Catering: Mel Fender; Wedding cakes: Mandy Cakes; DJ: Franco with Show Me Sound; Photo booth: Ilo Photo Booth Memphis; Videographer: Films by Victoria, Victoria Lawson; Invitations: ZOLA; Hair: Noel Parsons Robb & Haley Hamilton; Makeup: Jadyn Moore-Tippitt & Taylor Marie Kinsey; Transportation: Empire Luxury Transportation, Crown Limousine and C&L Executive Charters
Q & A
Q: How did you choose your wedding colors?
A: “I knew early on I wanted black and white for a timeless wedding look. It wasn’t until I fell in love with an invitation on Zola that we added a touch of terracotta to our pallet!” Emily said.
Q: How did you customize your wedding?
A: “The groom picked out a different pair of fun socks for each of his groomsmen and ushers to wear on the big day. They were also gifted a bottle of Syberg’s wing sauce and a customized sleeve of golf balls with their initials and our hashtag #makeitrainwater!” Emily said. “The bridesmaids got ready in “Rainwater” pajama shorts (raindrop fabric) sewn by my mom, wore tear/rain drop gold earrings and engraved lipstick!”
MOST WORTH-IT SPLURGE
“…We knew a party bus was a must for our wedding party transportation,” Emily said. “Getting to celebrate on the bus after being pronounced husband and wife with 24 of our nearest and dearest was one of our favorite moments from the big day!”
FIRST DANCE
Emily and Johnathan David had their first dance to “Leather and Lace” by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley.
“We spent four years of our relationship long distance…” Emily said. “So this song was very special to us!”
TRADITIONS & SUPERSTITIONS
Wedding traditions included Emily wearing a dime in her shoe, burying a bottle of bourbon to keep the rain away, fortune-telling cake charms at the bridesmaids luncheon and a rice send-off.
