9th Street Abbey

Wedding Day Schedule

Arrival

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

On the eve of the Harvest Moon, we invite you to join us for dinner and merriment in the historic Soulard neighborhood.

Our Wedding

Carisa&nbsp;and&nbsp;Minh's&nbsp;mutual&nbsp;friend&nbsp;Kristy&nbsp;encouraged&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;to&nbsp;meet,&nbsp;thinking&nbsp;they&nbsp;would&nbsp;get&nbsp;along&nbsp;well.&nbsp;Finally,&nbsp;at&nbsp;Kristy's&nbsp;birthday&nbsp;party&nbsp;on&nbsp;October&nbsp;10th&nbsp;2021&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Heavy&nbsp;Anchor,&nbsp;the&nbsp;meet-cute&nbsp;happened!&nbsp; "I've&nbsp;been&nbsp;hearing&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;about&nbsp;you!&nbsp;I&nbsp;heard&nbsp;you&nbsp;make&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;curry&nbsp;udon!"&nbsp;exclaimed&nbsp;Minh.&nbsp;Carisa,&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;other&nbsp;hand,&nbsp;thought&nbsp;Minh&nbsp;was&nbsp;so&nbsp;handsome&nbsp;that&nbsp;she&nbsp;got&nbsp;nervous&nbsp;and&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;ignore&nbsp;him&nbsp;the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;night...

The Meeting

After&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;Minh&nbsp;again&nbsp;at&nbsp;Kristy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gilles'&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;and&nbsp;chatting&nbsp;extensively,&nbsp;she&nbsp;got&nbsp;the&nbsp;courage&nbsp;to&nbsp;add&nbsp;him&nbsp;to&nbsp;social&nbsp;media.&nbsp;The&nbsp;two&nbsp;started&nbsp;exchanging&nbsp;memes&nbsp;about&nbsp;frogs,&nbsp;which&nbsp;evolved&nbsp;into&nbsp;chatting&nbsp;about&nbsp;their&nbsp;lives,&nbsp;and&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;agreeing&nbsp;to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tower&nbsp;Grove&nbsp;Farmer's&nbsp;Market&nbsp;every&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;to&nbsp;hang&nbsp;out.

Friendship

After&nbsp;several&nbsp;long&nbsp;talks&nbsp;about&nbsp;were&nbsp;their&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;was&nbsp;headed&nbsp;(many&nbsp;of&nbsp;them&nbsp;at&nbsp;Clementine's&nbsp;Creamery),&nbsp;Carisa&nbsp;and&nbsp;Minh&nbsp;shared&nbsp;their&nbsp;first&nbsp;kiss&nbsp;on&nbsp;July&nbsp;16th,&nbsp;2022.&nbsp; A&nbsp;week&nbsp;later,&nbsp;on&nbsp;July&nbsp;23rd&nbsp;2022,&nbsp;they&nbsp;went&nbsp;on&nbsp;their&nbsp;first&nbsp;"real"&nbsp;date&nbsp;at&nbsp;Sultan&nbsp;Mediterranean&nbsp;Restaurant&nbsp;in&nbsp;The&nbsp;Grove.

First Kiss & First Date

Minh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Carisa&nbsp;took&nbsp;their&nbsp;first&nbsp;vacation&nbsp;together&nbsp;to&nbsp;Los&nbsp;Angeles,&nbsp;California,&nbsp;in&nbsp;March&nbsp;2023.&nbsp;They&nbsp;visited&nbsp;Universal&nbsp;Studios,&nbsp;The&nbsp;Broad&nbsp;Museum,&nbsp;and&nbsp;ate&nbsp;their&nbsp;way&nbsp;through&nbsp;Little&nbsp;Tokyo.&nbsp;Their&nbsp;first&nbsp;international&nbsp;vacation&nbsp;was&nbsp;November&nbsp;2023&nbsp;to&nbsp;Osaka,&nbsp;Japan.&nbsp;While&nbsp;Minh&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;several&nbsp;times&nbsp;before,&nbsp;he&nbsp;had&nbsp;never&nbsp;been&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Kansai&nbsp;Region&nbsp;where&nbsp;Carisa&nbsp;had&nbsp;previously&nbsp;lived.&nbsp;She&nbsp;was&nbsp;elated&nbsp;to&nbsp;give&nbsp;him&nbsp;a&nbsp;tour&nbsp;of&nbsp;her&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;places&nbsp;in&nbsp;Osaka&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kobe.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;more&nbsp;adventures&nbsp;to&nbsp;come!

First Trip

In&nbsp;January&nbsp;2024,&nbsp;Carisa&nbsp;and&nbsp;Minh&nbsp;went&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;journey&nbsp;to&nbsp;Springfield,&nbsp;Missouri,&nbsp;to&nbsp;adopt&nbsp;a&nbsp;bonded&nbsp;pair&nbsp;of&nbsp;kittens:&nbsp;Myla&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maple!&nbsp;Together&nbsp;with&nbsp;their&nbsp;big&nbsp;sister&nbsp;Frances,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Crittendon-Huynh&nbsp;household&nbsp;grew&nbsp;to&nbsp;5.&nbsp;The&nbsp;kittens&nbsp;are&nbsp;over&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;old&nbsp;now&nbsp;and&nbsp;still&nbsp;as&nbsp;playful&nbsp;as&nbsp;ever!

The Family Grows

Minh&nbsp;and&nbsp;Carisa&nbsp;had&nbsp;spoken&nbsp;of&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;in&nbsp;general&nbsp;terms&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;past,&nbsp;but&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;was&nbsp;ever&nbsp;set&nbsp;in&nbsp;stone.&nbsp;On&nbsp;their&nbsp;anniversary&nbsp;on&nbsp;July&nbsp;23rd&nbsp;2024,&nbsp;Minh&nbsp;came&nbsp;home&nbsp;from&nbsp;work&nbsp;apologizing&nbsp;that&nbsp;his&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;flower&nbsp;shop&nbsp;was&nbsp;closed&nbsp;and&nbsp;he&nbsp;could&nbsp;not&nbsp;get&nbsp;her&nbsp;a&nbsp;bouquet.&nbsp;Instead,&nbsp;he&nbsp;got&nbsp;down&nbsp;on&nbsp;one&nbsp;knee&nbsp;with&nbsp;what&nbsp;looked&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;lighter.&nbsp;A&nbsp;moment&nbsp;later,&nbsp;a&nbsp;slightly&nbsp;confused&nbsp;Carisa&nbsp;realized&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;not&nbsp;a&nbsp;lighter,&nbsp;but&nbsp;a&nbsp;ring&nbsp;box.&nbsp;Of&nbsp;course,&nbsp;the&nbsp;answer&nbsp;was,&nbsp;"yes! On&nbsp;the&nbsp;box,&nbsp;"You&nbsp;are&nbsp;my&nbsp;universe,"&nbsp;was&nbsp;inscribed.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;inspiration&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;celestial&nbsp;themed&nbsp;wedding.

Engagement

Our Story

Carisa met Amanda over 13 years ago at Webster University. While studying abroad together in Osaka, they became fast friends through shared adventures (and traumas). Every time Carisa was too shy to ask for more ketchup at a restaurant, Amanda was always there as her ketchup-providing knight in shining armor. 

Amanda Noonan

The Sam to Minh’s Frodo, Jose is one of Minh’s oldest friend from childhood. They met as neighbors and have been inseparable ever since. Jose is the friend you always call who is willing to join on any adventure and the one you can trust to carry you up the mountain. 

Jose Gerena

Carisa met Taylor 15 years ago in Japanese class. She thought Taylor was too cool and was shy at first, but soon became friends once she realized they were both jpop nerds. They have many fond memories of Japanese "tutoring" sessions in the library, which mostly consisted of gossip and doodling. Taylor is an artist and also a skilled web designer!

Taylor Harris

With warmth like a baguette fresh out of the oven, Gilles radiates an aura that  brings you peace. He's always a source of knowledge, from his love of history and an inspiring voice in the gym. Gilles and Minh have spent a lot of time together in the office to gaming online.

Gilles Bincaille 

Rachael and Carisa met 15 years ago as freshmen at Webster University's Japanese class. They shared the same nerdy hobbies and bonded instantly. Rachael even went to visit Carisa when she was living in Kobe, and they got up to mischief all over the Kansai area. She works in STEM on weekdays, but moonlights as a vet tech on weekends. Rumor has it she is just 3 cats in a trenchcoat.

Rachael Hammann

The one who’s always committed to the bit. Since meeting Seth at UMSL,  Seth and Minh have spent a lot of time together growing into the sane adults they are today. Seth has an academic mind and love for literature as well as a love for anime. 

Seth Huntington

The soul with a thousand colors , Lowell is the life of the party. Minh met Lowell at an anime convention in high school and never since  their friendship has burned hotter than the sun. Lowell is an artist that works with various mediums and has helped shaped Minh’s creative ideas.

Lowell Daniels

Hank has been a dear friend of both Carisa and Minh, capturing them both through the lens of his favorite camera throughout all their milestones. He has the extraordinary ability to read the mood and transform whatever situation he's in into a memorable one.  The couple wouldn't choose anyone else to be their officiant!

Hank Wiseman

Wedding Party

1808 S 9th St., St. Louis, MO 63104

The ceremony and reception will be held at 9th Street Abbey, a historic venue in the heart of Soulard — steps from Soulard Market! Originally built as St. Paul's Evangelical Church in 1850, the building was destroyed by the Great Cyclone of 1896. It was rebuilt in 1897 and continued to be used as a church until 1990, when it was converted into a banquet hall. The venue still as its stained glass from 1897 and features a beautiful courtyard with a vine-covered Victorian greenhouse. Perfect for viewing the full moon! Parking Street parking is plentiful in the area surrounding 9th Street Abbey. There are also two larger parking lots at Soulard Market down the block. Parking is free on weekends.

Venue

After the ceremony, the bar will open and guests will be able to choose from a variety of beverages. A Mediterranean mezze platter will be served with three kinds of hummus, vegetables, olives, and pita bread for dipping.

Cocktail Hour

Dinner feature a carved prime rib station and a baked potato bar, accompanied by salad, warm rolls and broccolini catered by The Franklin. In addition, there will be a selection of Vietnamese dishes catered by Mai Lee. A vegetarian menu is available upon request.

Dinner

For&nbsp;dessert,&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;a&nbsp;slice&nbsp;of&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;cake&nbsp;and&nbsp;an&nbsp;assortment&nbsp;of&nbsp;ice&nbsp;cream&nbsp;flavors&nbsp;from&nbsp;Clementine's:&nbsp;Midnight&nbsp;Pleasures&nbsp;(dark&nbsp;chocolate),&nbsp;Key&nbsp;Lime,&nbsp;Espresso,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vegan&nbsp;Vanilla&nbsp;Bean.

Dessert

Q + A

Travel

Bride and Groom

Registry

In&nbsp;2025,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Harvest&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;lands&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday,&nbsp;October&nbsp;6th.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Harvest&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;has&nbsp;significance&nbsp;in&nbsp;many&nbsp;different&nbsp;cultures,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;thought&nbsp;this&nbsp;would&nbsp;make&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;meaningful&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;date.

The Harvest Moon

In&nbsp;Japan,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Harvest&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;is&nbsp;known&nbsp;as&nbsp;Juugoya&nbsp;(十五夜)&nbsp;or&nbsp;Tsukimi&nbsp;(月見).&nbsp;It&nbsp;is&nbsp;said&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;shadows&nbsp;of&nbsp;craters&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;are&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;shape&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;rabbit&nbsp;making&nbsp;mochi,&nbsp;so&nbsp;the&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;is&nbsp;strongly&nbsp;associated&nbsp;with&nbsp;rabbits.&nbsp;Traditionally,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;thankful&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;plentiful&nbsp;harvest&nbsp;and&nbsp;decorate&nbsp;with&nbsp;pampas&nbsp;grass.&nbsp;Foods&nbsp;in&nbsp;season,&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;chestnuts,&nbsp;sweet&nbsp;potato,&nbsp;and&nbsp;pumpkin&nbsp;are&nbsp;usually&nbsp;eaten&nbsp;--&nbsp;along&nbsp;with&nbsp;mochi&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;shape&nbsp;of&nbsp;rabbits&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;sweet&nbsp;treat!

Tsukimi in Japan

In&nbsp;other&nbsp;Asian&nbsp;countries,&nbsp;the&nbsp;night&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Harvest&nbsp;Moon&nbsp;is&nbsp;known&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Mid-Autumn&nbsp;Festival&nbsp;(Tết&nbsp;Trung&nbsp;Thu&nbsp;in&nbsp;Vietnamese).&nbsp;It&nbsp;marks&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;harvest&nbsp;season,&nbsp;where&nbsp;traditionally&nbsp;farmers&nbsp;can&nbsp;come&nbsp;home&nbsp;from&nbsp;working&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;fields&nbsp;to&nbsp;spend&nbsp;time&nbsp;with&nbsp;their&nbsp;children.&nbsp;Families&nbsp;make&nbsp;homemade&nbsp;lanterns&nbsp;and&nbsp;celebrate&nbsp;with&nbsp;lion&nbsp;dance&nbsp;parades.&nbsp;Although&nbsp;celebrations&nbsp;vary&nbsp;widely&nbsp;by&nbsp;culture&nbsp;and&nbsp;country,&nbsp;one&nbsp;common&nbsp;custom&nbsp;is&nbsp;eating&nbsp;mooncakes&nbsp;-&nbsp;ornately&nbsp;decorated&nbsp;pastries&nbsp;filled&nbsp;with&nbsp;sweet&nbsp;bean&nbsp;paste&nbsp;or&nbsp;nuts.

Mid-Autumn Festival

Theme

Honeymoon Registry

In lieu of a traditional registry, we've decided to create a honeymoon fund. Should you wish to honor us with a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund will help us create unforgettable memories as we start this new chapter of our lives. <a href="https://www.honeyfund.com/site/crittendon-huynh-10-05-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit our honeymoon registry here! </a> Of course, your presence is the greatest gift of all!

Carisa & Minh

Carisa & Minh

C&M

Wedding Day Schedule

4:30 PM–5:00 PM

Arrival

5:00 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

6:30 PM–9:30 PM

Reception