Real Weddings: Shelley and Bryan

We love fun couples and this is a fun couple! Shelley and Bryan are sure to have a lifetime full of laughter and we wish them much happiness.  Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs.  And thanks for sharing your special day with us.

The Experts
Ceremony Music:  Stanton Strings
Photography:  Owens Photography
Reception Music:  City Limits
Flowers:  Flowerama
Cake:  Stephanie Franklin
Photo Booth:  Affinity Ballroom Photo Booth

Real Weddings: Rachel and Matthew

Lucky for the guests, Rachel and Matthew provided fans at their wedding because it was hot! Though no one seemed to mind the heat too much, just happy to be a part of this great couple's celebration. When Rachel first came to see Integrity Hills she brought her mom along via Skype.  Since Rachel's family lives in the Washington, DC area Rachel carried her laptop around the property showing her sweet mother the chapel and villa via a small camera and internet connection.  We did get to eventually meet the bride's parents when they came to see us in person and we have to say we are quite fond of this wonderful family and have enjoyed getting to know them and their stories.  

The bride chose a deep purple as her primary wedding color and the bouquets were huge arrangements of hydrangeas bound with satin ribbon. The flowers were designed by Rachel's aunt and were simply stunning.  The couple celebrated their marriage under the stars and overlooking the lake with a reception on The Villa patios.  

Congratulations Rachel and Matthew! And best wishes for your families.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, we love sneaking peeks into the ceremony from outside the big double doors. How sweet is this photo?

Rachel decorated the chapel with ribbons on the pews, greenery and garland on the candelabras, and tall vases filled with small green apples, hydrangeas and tall limbs with led lights.

The guest book was a photo of the couple and a cream matte guests signed as they entered the chapel.

Boutonnieres

How sweet are these flower girls? They did a great job.

The bride wore a classic and elegant gown, fitted and draped in lace.
The silhouette was gorgeous and this train flows so well. 

The bridal party lines up and Whitney gets them ready to walk in.

Dresses with pockets! It's a great thing.

We love the moment we gather the bride and her father and they walk to The Chapel.

Then when the father helps carry her dress....tears!

After the ceremony guests were escorted to The Villa patios for a celebration.

Guests received fans to keep cool.

Favors: Mesh bags filled with candy-coated marshmallows.

The cake was decorated with the couple's initials.

A bit of humor here with the groom's cake. We like the cake topper best -- so funny.

The Agenda

Wedding Ceremony, Saturday July 16 at 7:00 PM in The Chapel followed by an outdoor reception at The Villa.  Guests enjoyed passed hors dourves and cocktails on the patio while the bridal party took photos.  A buffet dinner was provided by Dining by Design of Springfield, Missouri.

The Experts

Flowers:  Aunt of the Bride

Photographer:  Megan Kuhn

DJ:  Gabe Cassidy

Cakes: Pastries by Carla

Real Weddings: Sandy and Levi

Sandy and Levi were married on Sunday, July 3, 2011.  We had the pleasure of meeting Sandy a few times before the wedding but the rehearsal was Levi's first time to see Integrity Hills.  He was a very laid-back groom, though like most grooms a bit nervous when the weekend came around.  The ceremony was perfect and personal and the couple enjoyed a fun, yet relaxed, reception in The Stables with their family and friends.

The Experts

Flowers:  Petals

DJ:  Hits and Grins

The Menu

Micro Arugula Salad w/ Sweet Onion Vinaigrette, Tomatoes, Cucumber and Candied Nuts

Grilled Corn and Arugula Salad w/ Smoky Tomato Vin

Lobster Bisque Soup

 Slow Roasted Prime Rib on a Carving Station

Smoke Quail w/ Raspberry Glaze

Seasoned Vegetable Medley

Twice Baked Potato w/ Bacon and Garlic Chive

Warm Dinner Rolls

Real Weddings: Katelyn and Josh

Personal touches abound in Katelyn and Josh's wedding on Saturday, July 9, 2011.  Josh impressed everyone with his talents by doing all the flowers and centerpieces himself.  They were gorgeous! He had these really long pink flowers (ginger something we believe) he had flown in from Hawaii the day before to make sure they were fresh and perfect.  The groom's grandparents officiated the wedding,  adding to the special ceremony. Katelyn wore a gorgeous gown for the wedding and changed into another fun dress for the reception while the bridesmaids wore a variety of styles all in matching pink colors.  This is a fun couple!

After the ceremony the bride and groom dismissed by row so they could personally greet each guest. Once all guests were outside the chapel they tossed rose petals upon the newly married couple as they left the chapel and headed for the reception.

A couple attending were celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary.  Cara from B# Entertainment brought the couple to the dance floor and asked them to give the newlyweds marriage advice.  Three and a half decades of marriage qualifies anyone as an expert and what better gift could a young couple receive!

Jones Soda Bottles were given as favors -- fitting since the groom's last name is Jones.  Very cute!

We are so glad Katelyn and Josh celebrated their wedding at Integrity Hills.  And we send them best wishes for many, many years to come.

The smallest guest make the best dancers!

The Experts

Flowers:  The Groom 

Photographer:  Debby Young Photography

DJ:  B# Entertainment

Ceremony Music:  Stanton Strings

Cakes: Celebrations by Sonja

Attire: Karl's Tuxedo and Bridal

The Menu

Barbecue Pork Loin and Beef Round

Potatoes Au Gratin and 

Green Beans

Pasta Salad and 

Potato Salad

Something Blue...and Purple Weddings

Shades of blue and purple are popping up in almost every wedding we've hosted this summer.  It seems brides are loving these rich colors.  Here are some photos from recent weddings and some more ideas for incorporating the popular colors.

Purple Bridesmaid Dress by Aria.

Blue Hydrangea Wreath wrapped around the couple's initial.
www.marthastewart.com 

Collection of Blue Cakes with the Couple's Monograms
www.theknot.com

Sassy Purple Wedding Shoes

Assortment of Purple Flowers Bouquet
This may include freesia, English lavender, iris, hyndrangea, larkspur, lisianthus, matsumoto asters, monte casino asters, delphinium, scabiosa and orchids.

If you like Tiffany  Blue, these Breakfast at Tiffany's boxes are adorable.
Personalize with your married name and fill with muffins for the next morning.

Real Weddings: Jon and Jen

We had the privilege of spending the 4th of July weekend with some great couples, kicking off by welcoming the families of Jon and Jennifer to Integrity Hills. This great group checked in to the Villa and Cottage on Friday, enjoying the pool and warm weather throughout the weekend while celebrating the joining of two families.  Jon and Jennifer put great care into planning their wedding weekend, making sure all their guests would be happy and entertained.  The couple hosted a barbecue dinner at The Villa Friday night, where the kids enjoyed swimming and the adults enjoyed cocktails and mingling.  On Saturday the ladies relaxed while the fellas braved the heat for a round of golf.  

The ceremony Saturday evening was kept intimate with only family and the closest friends attending, and when it was time for the reception the bride and groom greeted additional guests to The Stables for dinner and dancing.   Jon is a big fan of fireworks so it was perfectly fitting that they ended their reception with a huge display over The Villa patio.  One of our favorite things (besides the couple themselves who we adore!) was the kids corner...Jennifer planned two tables filled with crayons, craft paper, gift buckets, candy and cupcakes for the little ones.  This was a huge hit for the kids, and also for the adults who got to enjoy their adult meal while the kids enjoyed coloring and dining on hamburgers.

Congratulations to Jon, Jennifer and their wonderful families.  Thank you for sharing your special weekend with us.

A stunning bride.
Jennifer and Jon were able to enjoy some private time before the wedding,
sneaking into The Stables for photos alone.

Jennifer chose bright colors of pink, purple, and blue.  

Two different centerpieces, one tall and one short, filled the tables.
Three cylinders showcased the three individual colors and flowers Jennifer chose.

Garden Roses. 

Jennifer's bouquet was gorgeous! 

Artistry in Bloom provided extra flowers to decorate the buffet table.
This is a great idea!

As guests arrived they were greeted by the bride and groom, and offered a glass of champagne.

The couple shares a love for wine.  Jon specially ordered a few of his favorite bottles to share with guests.
We are happy to help get specific items that are meaningful to our couples. 

The Kids Corner.
We set up a seperate buffet and two tables with craft paper in one of the corners.
Everyone loved this.

Candy, Crayons and Cupcakes decorated the tables.
Each kid received a gift bucket that included glow stick bracelets, sticker books, coloring books and bubbles.

Nothing says "Let's Celebrate" like fireworks.

Our staff enjoyed the fireworks display as well.

Guests took home boxes filled with truffles and tied with sparklers.

The Agenda

Wedding Ceremony, Saturday July 2, 2011 in The Chapel at 5:00 PM with family and close friends only.  A reception followed at 7:00 PM in The Stables with dinner, dancing and fireworks from The Villa at 9:30 PM.

The Experts

Flowers:  Artistry in Bloom

Photographer:  Dawn Shields

DJ:  All That Music

Ceremony Music:  Joyful Sounds

Cakes: Pastries by Carla

Fireworks:  Encore Pyrotechnics

The Menu

We catered a breakfast buffet and provided deli service for lunch in addition to the rehearsal dinner and reception.  Options for breakfast and lunch are on our catering menu.  Contact angela@integrityhills.com.

Rehearsal Dinner - Barbecue

Chicken quarters, 

Pulled pork, and Chicken Fingers with Baked Beans, Fruit Salad, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, and French Fries.

Wedding Reception - Something for the adults and the kids

Cocktail Hour:

Guests received a glass of champagne at the entrance.  Hors Dourves with Butler Service included chef's choice canapes.

Buffet Dinner:

Chicken Breast with Spinach, Red Onions, Kalamata Olives, and Tomatoes in  Garlic and Olive Oil on Cous Cous

Hickory Smoked Prime rib on on a Carving Station with Split Top Rolls

Baby Honey Dill Carrots, Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes and Green beans with Bacon and Onions

Kids Buffet:

Macaroni and Cheese , Fries, Mini Burger Sliders, Chicken Strips