Real Wedding: Hailey and Ward's Reception

Fun fact of the day: Hailey and Ward's reception was the FIRST to have been held in the atrium of the Branson Convention Center. If you would like to get a sneak peek of how this celebration all came together, check out or time lapse video! We had so much fun creating an even in this space and the colors Hailey and Ward chose fit it perfectly!

What’s the one décor aspect that you most loved and will remember? 

I loved everything about the reception venue. The ambience was perfect; the tall glass walls were so gorgeous! I loved the location, the décor (especially the flowers), and the chairs and linens. It was perfect.

What was your first dance song, and why?

Ward actually chose our song, which made it really special to me. We have never had “a song” so this was an area I was stressing in. Luckily Ward went exploring and found Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath and it was perfect.

How did you portray your personal styles into your wedding day?

Our wedding was simple, traditional and elegant. I am a very simple person and we both wanted a traditional and elegant wedding.

Photography: Defined Image Photography

Wedding Planning and Design: Abby Mitchell Events and Design 

Venue: Branson Convention Center

Band: The Galaxy Band 

Florist: Artistry In Bloom

Chair/Linen Rental: SB Bon

Cocktail Table/Linen Rental: Branson Party Rentals 

Bridal Fashion Week Favorites!!

So I am probably WAAAAAAAAYYYY more excited about this post than anyone else in the world because I have been waiting to share it all week and because it is all my own personal favorites. Nevertheless, I think it is fabulous. Enjoy! 

That tulle on tulle action is literally killing me. Neckline - Gorgeous. Color - Gorgeous. Material - Gorgeous. Detailing - Gorgeous. I am officially planning my vow renewal. 

 Amsale

Can't say I would be brave enough to wear this one myself, but I am in awe of the construction elements and overall look. Nicely played Anne Bowan, nicely played. 

 Anee Bowan

This will be the second party dress I don for my vow renewal I am now planning. I mean seriously!? Perfection. 

 Della Giovanna

No one can do lace like Ines Di Santo.

 Ines Di Santo

  Ines Di Santo

In love with this sweet silhouette and that bow! Oh and that sparkle! 

Naeem Khan

What were some of your favorites from the fashion week lines? Any brides out there find their dream dress on the runway!? 

The heart of the matter...

I know that you have probably heard it a HUNDRED times by now from your parents, grandparents, friends, co-workers, neighbors... etc. but it's true. It isn't all about the wedding - it's all about the marriage. 

Does that mean you should settle for styles you don't like or forfeit any fun in your ceremony for more praying and more reading - of course not. It does mean though, that you should take a serious look at your relationship in all of its beautiful, messy entirety and talk about some stuff. It doesn't matter if you have been together for 123439856 years. It doesn't matter if you think you know all the dark and dirty secrets the two of you have. 

Engagement is one of the most incredible time periods in life that you will ever experience. You are literally growing from one single person, to a two for one special. Let that sink in. You will never be in this state of life again (God willing). 

In my personal experience, I didn't really think I "needed" pre-marital counseling. That was for troubled and unsure couples, right? FALSE. I can honestly say that I gained so much more from the discussions brought up, the topics covered, and the simple things shared than I ever thought I would. I grew closer to my now husband than ever before in the 2 previous years that we had been dating. 

It wasn't because we had kept secrets, or not had meaningful talks. It was because we were actively pursuing a purposeful and meaningful marriage and engagement together. I can't say enough about the positive effects of walking though pre-marital counseling together. The peace, closeness, excitement, and joy are things that I deeply desire for every bride and every couple. 

Because of that I am PUMPED to announce that we will be offering a $200 discount for every couple that is going through Christian pre-marital counseling and meets our guidelines for it. YES! That is HALF OFF two of our most popular packages! This is for real! 

If you are interested in getting a copy of our guidelines or viewing our packages and pricing, then email me directly at abby@abbymitchellevents.com. I would love to work something out with you.