Real Weddings: Melinda and Bob

We're a little biased here because we've been working with Melinda and Bob on their wedding for quite some time, but we love this couple!  Melinda was a very laid-back bride who really just wanted someone else to take care of details, like the cake and flowers.  So, we agreed and some of our favorite partners stepped up to make sure Melinda got a cake and flowers she'd love.  Instead of bridesmaids, there were bridesmen. Melinda's sons stood up with her.  When she passed her bouquet to the eldest son, serving as "Man of Honor" he passed the bouquet down the line until the youngest son was stuck holding the flowers.  Hilarious and adorable!

Tip
Melinda really wanted peonies but the flowers are out of season and expensive on the Dutch market, so we kept peonies in her bouquet and used open garden roses for her centerpieces.  The gorgeous silver plateau for the cake was provided by the florist, Petals in Branson.

The Experts
Cake:  Pastries by Carla
Flowers:  Petals in Branson
DJ:  Hits and Grins

The Menu
Barbecue with pork ribs and pulled beef sandwiches

Baked beans, Potatoes au Gratin, Pasta Salad, and Cole Slaw.
Garlic roasted red potatoes, garden salad, Fruit Kabobs, and Vegetable Crudites.

The Bar
Beer and wine
Champagne Toast for everyone
Punch at the Cake Table

Real Weddings: Jeremy and Sara

It may have been one of the hottest July weekends on record but that didn't phase Jeremy, Sara and their guests.  The couple rented the Villa for the weekend and invited their closest family and friends to witness their vows, taken casually on the Villa patio, and celebrate with a fireworks display.  It was a perfect occasion for enjoying such a special and intimate moment with those closest to them.

Other than lighting the fire places and opening the doors, we had very little involvement with this wedding.  Jeremy and Sara planned and organized everything flawlessly.  We did sneak in for a few photos to share with you.

Congratulations Jeremy and Sara! What a great outdoor wedding above Table Rock Lake.

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