When Alexa King and David Hackett envisioned their perfect wedding venue, they didn’t picture a grand ballroom or a serene garden. Instead, their hearts were set on a place that held a unique significance in their relationship: Left Bank Books, the beloved independent bookstore in St. Louis’ Central West End. This wasn’t just any bookstore; it was where their love story truly began to unfold.
For King and Hackett, Left Bank Books St. Louis was more than just a shop; it was a symbol of their shared passions and connection. Their second date at this literary haven solidified their bond over a mutual love for books and reading. Returning to Left Bank Books to exchange vows felt as natural as choosing a church for others, emphasizing the sacred space local bookstores hold within communities.
Owner Kris Kleindienst and the team at Left Bank Books embraced the couple’s vision, showcasing the bookstore’s role as a vital community hub. While Left Bank Books St. Louis had only hosted one previous wedding, the team recognized the special connection King and Hackett had with their store. “Bookstores are important community spaces,” Kleindienst noted, highlighting the unique significance of Left Bank Books beyond a typical retail establishment. This willingness to host such a personal event underscores Left Bank Books’ commitment to the St. Louis community and its role in fostering meaningful connections.
To celebrate their literary setting, King and Hackett thoughtfully incorporated the bookstore theme into their wedding. Each guest received a Left Bank Books gift card, encouraging them to explore the shelves after the ceremony and discover their own literary treasures. Adding a personal touch, Left Bank Books curated a special display titled “Alexa and David’s picks,” featuring books that reflected the couple’s individual tastes, from Pride and Prejudice to Tenth of December. The chuppah, a symbol of Jewish weddings, was beautifully positioned in the heart of the sales floor, surrounded by the comforting presence of books. The couple opted for minimal decorations, wanting to immerse themselves and their guests in the inherent “energy of the store,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with their relationship.
Their journey to the aisle began in 2019 after King’s move from Dallas to St. Louis for her studies at WashU’s Brown School. Hackett, a St. Louis native and data scientist, connected with King, and their first date at MoKaBe’s coffee shop paved the way for a pivotal second date at Left Bank Books. Following dinner, a spontaneous visit to Left Bank Books turned into an hour of shared exploration and discovery. “We took the whole store,” King reminisced, emphasizing the ease and joy of connecting over their shared love of literature. This visit to Left Bank Books became a defining moment, revealing a rare connection where comfortable silence and shared passion spoke volumes.
The basement of Left Bank Books, among the used books, held a silent anticipation for King. “I really hope he makes a move now,” she recalled thinking, envisioning a romantic first kiss amidst the books. While the kiss ultimately happened later at Up-Down STL, the bookstore remained etched as the romantic backdrop of their burgeoning relationship. This shared experience at Left Bank Books solidified a bond that continued even after their move to Chicago and Hackett’s bookstore proposal. For them, getting married at Left Bank Books St. Louis was a deeply meaningful choice, reflecting their values and shared history.
The wedding ceremony took place on the main sales floor of Left Bank Books, a testament to the store’s accommodating spirit. While the children’s room might have offered a simpler setup, Left Bank Books rearranged shelves to create the perfect ceremony space amidst the literary ambiance. King’s walk “down the aisle” was a unique descent from the basement stairs, a charmingly imperfect detail in her wedding dress. Finally, at the heart of Left Bank Books, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, fulfilling the bookstore romance that began on their second date.
Both King and Hackett expressed immense joy with their unconventional and deeply personal wedding at Left Bank Books. Kleindienst, while delighted, humorously acknowledged the need for careful consideration of future store closures for events. Hackett emphasized the significance of “doing something different that was just very us and very meaningful,” celebrating their relationship’s foundation and shared identity. King’s takeaway encourages others to “find something that is meaningful and not being afraid to try to make your dreams happen,” and passionately recommends a visit to Left Bank Books, “because they’re the best.” This unique wedding story not only celebrates a couple’s love but also shines a light on the enduring importance of independent bookstores like Left Bank Books St. Louis as vital community spaces that foster connection and create lasting memories.
