Heather Lynd Berkin
Eric Daniel Corndorf
November 2, 2002
Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, Missouri

ABOUT THE BRIDE: Grew up in St. Louis and attended Parkway Central High School. Currently live in Chicago and work at Jones, Day, Reavis, and Pogue with intention of law school in near future.

ABOUT THE GROOM: Grew up in Edina, Minnesota and attended Hopkins High School. Currently a Ph. D. student in Electrical Engineering at Northwestern University.

HOW WE MET: At a Freshman Orientation Dormitory Program at the University of Michigan. I asked if anyone wanted an extra orange that I had taken from the cafeteria and he accepted it. As he mutilated the orange, and the juice poured down his elbows, I realized that his lack of inhibition and contentment with simple things (like an orange) were refreshing; I knew that I had met my match.

ENGAGEMENT: He proposed at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco in May, 2001. It was gloomy, and cool (our favorite kind of weather) and he said that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. We had a picture taken and then walked for an hour; we were the only two people who knew we were engaged! Bonnie (Eric's mom) threw us a fabulous engagement party with an oriental theme -- she actually went to China for decorations.

PLANNING: Overwhelming at first, but easier when we established the goal: to create a fun, warm, elegant, and loving atmosphere. My mother made the entire process easy and fun for us -- she did it all and would call or e-mail us for the tiniest decisions (i.e. what color do you want the invitation ink: black satin or charcoal black?) After "An Evening in the Park" was decided, everything fell into place.

ATTIRE: Bridesmaids wore black taffeta skirts and chose their own matching top (strapless, halter, spaghetti strap) with either a matching jacket or shawl; they will definitely be able to wear it again! I went to Saks Fifth Avenue for my Carolina Herrera gown (I had requested it to be sent to St. Louis after seeing it in an advertisement).

THE CEREMONY: I felt as if we were on a hill as everyone was seated around us (in "the round") -- just like a big hug. The chuppah consisted of four white birch trunks in pots with growing calla lillies and raw ivory silk above -- simply elegant! Ficus trees with lights lined the aisle and a string quartet played music. It was meaningful to have a Rabbi who watched me grow up marry us; he also taught us our vows in Hebrew beforehand, per our request.

THE RECEPTION: We entered the room and immediately danced the hora for 45 minutes... this created the atmosphere we wanted (not stuffy, but festive). The flowers, trees, park, and centerpieces were enchanting and the band kept the energy flowing. One of the greatest compliments about the evening from various people who attended was that everyone felt the love and warmth between the bride and groom -- it spilled over to everyone.

HOW WE PERSONALIZED THE WEDDING: Ultimately, we reminded ourselves of our reason for having the wedding: we love each other and wanted to celebrate with those people who have enhanced our lives as individuals and as a couple. By keeping our hearts and minds focused, the wedding truly reflected our personalities and intentions. On each table we displayed calligraphied donation cards to the American Diabetes Association in honor of each guest, hand-made chocolate leaves, and in lieu of table numbers, names of well-known parks in different states. In addition, there was a flower cart with bundles of fall mums for each guest to take home, a frozen ice bar with fall foliage inside, and an actual park behind our table with benches, gas lights, leaves, a mural, and trees. The Ritz ballroom was truly transformed!

THINGS WE LOVED: The cake! (We placed Han Solo and Princess Leia on one of the tiers!) The centerpieces were organic and original -- like nothing we had seen before and the flowers used were our favorite: bright orchids and roses. And my wedding dress -- if possible, I would wear it every day of my life.

VENDORS: (absolute Dream Team of St. Louis)
Ceremony and Reception - Ritz-Carlton
Flowers - Jardin - Beth Foster Peterson
Photography - Robert George Studio
Cake - Julia Usher of AzucArte
Chair Covers and Table Overlays - Sitting Pretty
Programs - Westport Printing
Carolina Herrera Bridal Dress - Saks Fifth Avenue

If you have questions or comments for Heather and Eric please e-mail them at hlberkin@yahoo.com.