Wedding Trends: Wedding Party

We see some very unique and creative ideas at each wedding we host, but some of these have become trends worth sharing. We love when brides try new things to make their day special and we love how sometimes these things become new traditions or trends for other brides to use as well. 

Here are a few trends we have seen lately when it comes to wedding parties. From the bridesmaid dresses and accessories, to the way wedding parties are standing (or sitting!) at the front of the chapel, we have seen some neat ideas take shape! 

Dress style for each personality:

Something that we have found to be so unique and special is when bridesmaids wear the same color dress, but each have a different style of the dress. One might have a strapless sweetheart neckline, while another might have a one-shouldered top. We have seen skirts the same and top styles varying, or bodices the same and sashes varying. There are so many ways to tie in each lovely friend's personality. 

Hand-crafted (with love) bouquet:

We have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some of the most creative and hands on brides. We have had so many talented ladies use silk flowers or other neat objects to create their own bouquets for their wedding party and for themselves. Some have used beads, brooches, ribbons, and so much more to bring to life some FABULOUS hand crafted bouquets that they carry down the isle. 

Stunning and so impressive! 

 Look at the use of those feathers, brooches, crystals, and silk flowers! 

Wedding party placement:

Another interesting trend that we have been learning about is how wedding parties are beginning to branch out in the way they are positioned at the front of the chapel for a wedding. Some wedding parties have stood as couples with every groomsmen standing with a bridesmaid and the couples would stand on either side of the bride and groom. Another thing we have seen is a wedding party that walked down the isle in the processional and then were seated in the first or second row and did not have to stand for the duration of the ceremony. 

We are loving the new trends we are learning about and seeing take place at the chapel. Each new idea that we see always seems to reflect on the couple in some way and we so enjoy getting to know every couple better by the way they orchestrate their wedding. 

We will keep you updated on any new wedding fads that come our way! 

Staff Profile: Christian

We have some awesome people working out here at Integrity Hills and we want to show them off! We realized we can't keep their wonderfulness all to ourselves so we are going to start sharing with you some staff profiles. Some might look familiar to you because they are out and about on property, but some you might not recognize because they specialize in the ever so important behind the scenes tasks. 

We had each staff member fill out a little questionnaire so that you could get to know them better. We got some great responses so we hope you enjoy these posts! 

Introducing CHRISTIAN!

Christian is 16 years old and works as a server at Integrity Hills. 

Here are his questionnaire answers.

What are some of your favorite hobbies when you are not working?
Playing music, sports, working out.


If you were an animal what would you be, and why?
Cheetah, because they are the fastest animal.


If you were stranded on a desert island what one thing would you wish you had with you?
A smoke signal kit. 


If you were taking a dream vacation where would you go and why?
Probably to Europe because there is so much to see so close together. 


What is an interesting fact about you that not very many people know?
I can't snap my fingers.

What is something that you have witnessed at an Integrity Hills event that has been out of the ordinary?
A guy doing a back flip during a dance contest who came up short... ouch. 

What is something you have learned from working at Integrity Hills?
Endurance. Trying to keep a good attitude when exhausted. 


Do you have any future plans for the next 3-5 years of your life, and if so what are they?
Finish high school and hopefully attend College of the Ozarks. 

Christian we are so proud of you and so thankful for all your hard work! You are truly a blessing to be around. You are so diligent and so much fun! Keep it up!

FUN FACT: Christian also has quite a few family members that work at Integrity Hills as well so keep an eye out for some more staff profiles! 

Wedding Trends: The Dress

We see so many beautiful wedding gowns out here at Integrity Hills we have picked up on a few trends that we think are here to stay through this wedding season. We put a few categories together to let you in on the scoop of what we see brides wearing now! 

Sash or belt:
This has been a huge trend recently! Whether it is beaded, sequined, a different color, or a piece of another dress that is sentimental... this look is one that is sweeping the wedding world! We love how Integrity Hills bride, Kelsey, paired a sash with crystals and beads on it with her lace and tulle dress. It transforms the dress completely! 

The lace or beading edged veil:

These lovely brides each wore a beaded or lace trimmed veil that coordinated with their gown. This trend is the perfect way to add a little sparkle to a classic dress. Richelle's veil (bottom photo) had lace that matched her dress exactly, so divine! 

Lace applique on tulle:
This trend is one that we are falling head over heels for! Lace applique is when a portion of lace like a flower group or other design is adhered to another material. It can be attached to satin, silk, other laces, and our new favorite, tulle. This photo of Betsy shows her dress off so well and you can see the lace areas on her skirt. We love this design on a ball gown or gathered tulle skirt because it gives the wonderful movement and lightness of tulle with the stunning beauty of lace.

Sweetheart Neckline:
An obvious favorite perhaps, but a definite favorite! The sweetheart neckline is flattering on literally any body type. It can be worn on a lace, satin, organza, silk, or  really any material of dress. We love that is shows off collarbones and shoulders and with the center pointing down it gives the illusion of a smaller waist due to the higher outside edges appearing larger and becoming the focus of the eye.

What a treat was the Retreat!

We are proud to say that we hosted our first large retreat in the stables and chapel out here at Integrity Hills! We had an awesome experience having a couples retreat who had a few seminars in the stables and some worship in the chapel as well. They had some great fellowship time and really seemed to enjoy their somewhat extended duration here! These photos were a few taken during the event. 

If you are interested in having a retreat or conference at Integrity Hills please call us at 417-334-5248 or email us at info@integrityhills.com 

 Enjoying a lovely brunch buffet. 

Couples from all stages of life and marriage were present and all seemed to be taking everything in. 

A seminar session in the stables. 

Bridal Suite Tour

One perk of getting married in the chapel here at Integrity Hills is that you also are able to use our beautiful bridal suite. We often showcase pictures of the chapel and the stables so on this Valentine's Day we wanted to show some love to one of the most used buildings on property! 

 The bridal suite is directly to the right of the chapel as you exit the front doors and has two public restrooms, a large getting ready room, a few sitting areas, and our office. 

 Entering the building to the direct left is a lovely sitting area for guests or family to relax and prepare for the wedding to begin. 

 With big comfy chairs and warm lighting it is not a bad place to wait!

 Directly to the right of the front entrance is the office. Here our lovely general manager Kim is getting down to business :) 

 As you head down the hallway there are two rooms and a storage closet at the very end. In the middle is the storage closet where we keep refreshments for the bride and her attendants and also some cleaning supplies. 

 At the end of the hallway to the right is another small sitting area and restroom complete with a large floor to ceiling mirror. 

 At the end of the hallway to the left is the bridal suite room itself. 

 This room also has a restroom (where that open sliding door is), a couch, and some storing shelves and hanging hooks for garments. 

 There is a vanity with a warmly lit mirror and a large circular window to let in natural light as well. 

 On this table we have a "bridal survival kit" that includes bobby pins, safety pins, scissors, lotion, kleenex, a lint roller and a few other things. 

This room also has a very large mirror for the bride to use as well. 

The bridal suite has been such a special place for our brides to get ready with their families and attendants. We hope you enjoyed the tour via blog! 

Drum roll please......

THE DRAPES ARE UP!!!! 

We are so thrilled to be able to share this gorgeous new addition to the chapel with you! We LOVE how they turned out and they have already been so helpful with the glare that comes through the large front windows. We are so glad you still are able to see the beautiful view without fear of getting a headache! Here are a few photos from the day that they went up and the first photos taken in the chapel with them up and ready to go!

 The drapes all lined up and ready to be hung. 

 Jim Willer hard at work hanging all of the drapes.

We are so pleased with his work. 

 Almost finished! Just doing the final touches!

Linda with Pro Drapery and Upholstery, Janice the Interior Designer, and Jim the installation pro!! We appreciate all three of you so much!

 Ta Da!!

We are so glad they blend right in with the already established decor in the chapel. We are starting to forget what it looked like without them! 

We love them so much. Once again we are so glad to share this exciting new addition with you and so thankful that you have taken an interest in Integrity Hills. Check back soon for the next entry!

Ashley and Abel

Ashley and Abel were the most endearing couple! They were married on January 7, 2012 and had their ceremony at The Chapel and then their reception at The Stables. The entire time we interacted with them they were so sincere and sweet. They truly understood the meaning of a wedding day - to unite their lives, not worry about the details! Although, the details were nothing short of beautiful! They decorated The Stables with some STUNNING touches that we hope you will enjoy!

Ashley and Abel, it was an honor to be around both of you and get to see you join your lives together. We are so thrilled God brought you each other and we wish you a lifetime of happiness! 

 Their guest guest book was a gorgeous picture of a tree that guests signed on the leaves. 

 Spectacular arrangements of flowers on the mantle with cream colored candles on pewter candlesticks. 

The staff setting the tables and getting ready for the night!  

 We LOVED how their tall table arrangements had curly willow branches in them. It looked wonderful with the lighted trees we had in The Stables for the season. 

 Unity candle arrangement at the front of The Chapel. The center candle was a carved, textured candle and was very beautiful. 

 The sweet couple about to recite their vows. 

Saying a prayer before being announced as husband and wife.  

Ready to celebrate! We thought her dress was so beautiful and seemed to really suit her.  

Guests on the dance floor having a blast! We spy Preston's Photography getting some actions shots :) 

 Breathtaking.

Ashley dancing the night away with her bridesmaids and friends. 

Once again, we are so happy for you two! Congratulations from your friends at Integrity Hills!