YES WE DID!
Sherlock Holmes Inspiration Shoot DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Bridesmaids 
 with Puppy BOUQUETS
FOOD TRUCKS
For Your Wedding! SHARING THE
love IN OUR BEAUTIFUL River Valley
REGION
Photo by John Myers
Photo by Jessica Mitchell
Inspiration
Real Weddings
9 Let Love Grow 15 Love is a Mystery 21 Fresh in Love
45 At Last 54 For A Lifetime 60 Love Will Build A Bridge 67 Adventurous Souls 86 Destination Wedding
Photo by Shillawna Ruffner. Photography
Pro Tips 3 Eloping & Destination Weddings 40 Destinations & Honeymoons 42 Bridal Fashion
Photo by Shillawna Ruffner Photography
Love Local 26 Jewelry with Meaning 28 On Our Radar, White Chateau 31 Bridesmaids & Puppy Bouquets
75 Dancing Lessons 36 Stationery Suite of the Summer 50 Florist Spotlight 65 Rehearsal Dinner 72 Venue Illustrations 77 Food Trucks for Your Wedding 81 Venue Spotlight: The Azalea Path 84 Vendor Spotlight: Randi Gehlhausen
Photo by Sharin Shank Photography ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 1
LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS Organizing a magazine is much like planning a wedding and jumping into your married life. You have to be in sync, have a high level of communication and most of all, respect one another. As partners, we are lucky to share an-almost eerie sense of connection that has us completing the other’s ideas and sparking creativity in a way that neither one of us would achieve alone. This level of partnership allows us to bring you inspiration shoots like our Sherlock Holmes feature, our German festival shoot at the Bauerhaus, and our Garden Party shoot at the Azalea Path in full bloom. These ideas usually start with a fleeting vision of a dress, or a cake, or a piece of fabric, and collectively, we piece together what you as the reader ultimately see. So much goes on behind the scenes to create the elaborate inspiration shoots showcasing our local talent, but it is so worth it to share it with YOU our readers. We feel blessed to have such passionate fans. So thank you for making us strive, thank you for making us create and most of all thank you for sharing the love!
Cheers!
JoElle Knight and Nikki Davis
JOELLE KNIGHT
FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
NIKKI DAVIS
MANAGING EDITOR
CO N N E C T W I T H U S
@ENGAGEDRIVERVALLEY
ON OUR
Cover
@ENGAGEDRIVERVALLEY
Our cover photo almost didn’t happen. Shooting at the Azalea Path in Hazelton, Indiana, has been a longtime dream of Editor-in-Chief, JoElle Knight, but with Mother Nature, you never know when the Azaleas will be in bloom. Most photoshoots take months of planning to coordinate, but miracle-of-all-miracles, for the first time, we were able to pull this one together in a week and a half! That day, it called for 85% chance of storms, our photographer Shillawna Ruffner got stalled by washed out roads and our model Sarah had to reroute for an hour to avoid the floods. We almost thought we should call it quits, but the rain held off in our Azalea Path bubble, and we were able to bring this Garden Party look to life complete with a satin tea-length dress, birdcage veil and gardens galore. So thank you to our small but mighty team for making this gorgeous inspiration shoot happen, against all odds!
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@ENGAGEDRV


Eloping & Destination Weddings
Photo3 by EquinoxRIVER Photography ENGAGED! VALLEY
Not everyone is into a big wedding. 
 So why not make it small and personal to you whether that means eloping at a local venue such as our beautiful Vanderburgh County Courthouse or traveling to a destination wedding with just you as the bride and groom... or including a minimal entourage of family and/or close friends in tow. Whether you like the spontaneity of it, or you plan it out as long as you would a large wedding, there are some cost benefits to not putting all of your funds into an elaborate, large local wedding. You need to weigh the pros and cons to make sure the decision is right for you, your family, and anyone who is helping pay for the wedding before making any decisions, though!
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Is all of the wedding planning stressing you out, and cutting back the guest list and getting away the answer? Then a destination wedding or elopement may be right for you. A lot of what you need can still be purchased locally from dress to shoes and jewelry, and tuxes can oftentimes be rented at the destination location. Cake/desserts, flowers, photographer, and videographer could then be arranged onsite through the facility. If you are working with a travel agent, he or she can also help iron out the details or point you in the right direction! If you choose to include other family members or friends, your local travel agent can help you make block arrangements to get everyone together at the best prices. Want to stay local? Consider your area courthouse or have a private ceremony at a home or at an outside location. Start by making sure that you have all of the legal details covered. Go to your city hall and have a conversation with their experts. The location of your wedding, and whether or not it is international will determine what all paperwork you will need and requirements for witnesses. And DO NOT FORGET to take all documents with you when if you travel! Make a plan for how you plan to tell friends and family. Are you eloping in secret? Is the cat already out of the bag that most friends and family already know you are heading off to get married? If it’s a well kept secret, prepare yourself that some friends and family may be disappointed that they were not included in your big day. Photo by Esther Bloom Photography
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Consider letting your nearest and dearest know before you head off so that they can be a part of at least part of the  wedding planning (maybe help go look for the dress), or consider a post elopement/destination wedding local reception. Having a small local reception after the elopement/ destination wedding gives you the chance to show off those beautiful wedding pics and/or video, and it also is an opportunity to possibly receive wedding gifts that may make a difference as you build your new home together. In this age of technology, there are mixed opinions of how an elopement should be announced. Some believe that it is not appropriate to formally announce it on social media and that mailed announcements are the way to go. However, there is no wrong answer, and either way lets you showcase your beautiful photos and be proud of your amazing day! Preparing some of your closest family members by word of mouth first is probably best to avoid hurt feelings; however, using a mass tool like social media to spread the word in the long run does help share the good news fast with lots of pretty pictures!

Whatever your plan is, have fun with it, and just make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row before diving in. This is you starting your new life together, and it should be one of the happiest Photos by Goad Photography 6 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY
days ever! Actualize whatever your vision is for it by taking care of the little details ahead of time!


Photos by Shillawna Ruffner Photography
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ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATION
Let Love Grow
Produced By JoElle Knight ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 9


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Get this Look PHOTOGRAPHER SHILLAWNA RUFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE AZALEA PATH BOTANICAL GARDEN & ARBORETUM – HAZELTON, IN FLORAL JOELLE ELISE DESIGN DRESS & HEADPIECE MADLOVE BY PAPARAZZI DESSERTS R’Z CAFÉ & CATERING COMPANY PRESSED FLORAL ART JOELLE ELISE DESIGN DESIGN & STYLING JOELLE ELISE DESIGN PLATES & NAPKINS DILLARD’S EVANSVILLE JEWELRY MADLOVE BY PAPARAZZI HAIR TIFFANY SHARPE MAKEUP SARAH SMITH
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ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATION
Love is a Mystery Produced By JoElle Knight & Nikki Davis
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Get this Look PHOTOGRAPHER ESTHER BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE PRIVATE RESIDENCE FLORAL JOELLE ELISE DESIGN DRESS ANNALE’S TWICE CHOSEN BRIDAL MENSWARE DILLARD’S EVANSVILLE JEWELRY H.D. BEAN JEWELERS CAKE PIECE OF CAKE BAKERY STATIONERY BASIC INVITE DESIGN & RENTALS JOELLE ELISE DESIGN HAIR MICHEAL MURRAY – JUST STYLIN SALON MAKEUP TONI WADDELL – MARY KAY
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ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATION
FRESH IN Love
Produced By JoElle Knight
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Get thisLook
PHOTOGRAPHER SHILLAWNA RUFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE THE BAUERHAUS FLORAL EMERALD DESIGN DRESS BETH CARTER EXQUISITE BRIDAL
MENSWARE BETH CARTER EXQUISITE BRIDAL CAKES & DESSERTS BAUERHAUS PASTRY
FOOD & COCKTAILS BAUERHAUS CATERING STATIONERY 5PINK PEONIES
RIBBON BACKDROP & DETAILS JUST YOUR STYLE EVENTS
STYLING JOELLE ELISE DESIGN HAIR MICHELE HAYCOCK - MOXIE HOUSE SALON MAKEUP ALLISON MERRIS - DAY SALON VIDEOGRAPHER STELLAR MEDIA
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MEMORY JEWELRY
BUSY
Beedz
Busy Beedz is owned by a local mother-
started using different types of bezels
daughter duo Mari Jost and Alex Bittner
and creating new jewelry styles. As
who have owned the store for eight
Mother's Day was approaching, I made it
years. At the store, you can come in and
my mission to create a jewelry piece from
create a custom piece for your wedding
the flowers in Donder’s own garden as a
or special occasion. They also offer
gift for my mom and sisters. From all of
classes if you would like to learn how to
this, our memory flower jewelry line was
make jewelry or have a fun girls’ night
created. Once perfected, the line then
with your bridesmaids
was offered in our store. We now offer a large selection of memory items made
They also have a line called memory
from flowers, your loved one's
jewelry! In it, they use flowers from
handwriting, clothing, and much more!”
weddings, funerals, or any sentimental occasions! Alex Bittner shares, “In
To learn more about Busy Beedz, visit
December 2014 Mari's mother passed
their shop at 2809 Lincoln Ave,
away. Donder, as she was affectionately
Evansville, IN 47714
called, was an avid gardener and had a
or find them online at
great love of flowers. While we had
WWW.BUSYBEEDZDESIGN.COM
already been experimenting with the memory flowers, it was then that we
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ON OUR RADAR
White Chateau at Cecil Farms
Owensboro Kentucky’s Newest Event Venue
Nestled in hundreds of acres of
WHERE IT ALL STARTED
Kentucky rolling hills, flooded with
White Chateau at Cecil Farms is an
natural light, and overlooking beautiful
exclusive wedding venue house on Cecil
vistas, White Chateau at Cecil Farms is
Farms, a working family farm owned and
the perfect location for weddings and
operated by Gary & Imelda Cecil, along
events. Combining timeless countryside
with their children, Ryan, Suzanne, and
charm with all the amenities of the
Katie … not to mention lots of extended
modern world, endless options await as
family! For over 40 years, Cecil Farms
you plan the wedding of your dreams
has produced some of Kentucky’s
and create lifelong memories. Visit
highest-quality fruits and vegetables,
White Chateau at Cecil Farms today and
providing delicious and nutritious food
discover your perfect event.
for major grocery chains, local farmers markets, and family food co-ops. White Chateau at Cecil Farms is an expansion of the farm, established by Suzanne Cecil White and her husband, Mack as a way to bring the beauty of the outside world, not just to your table, but to the wedding of your dreams.
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PHOTOGRAPHY JULIE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP SHINA DEAN
8753 MULLIGAN ROAD
CAKE MISSION CATERING
OWENSBORO, KY 42301
HAIR SAMANTHA BURCHAM & RED DOOR FLORAL WELBORN FLORAL & EVENT
EVENTS@WHITECHATEAU.COM
INVITATIONS RENMADE
270.929.1445
DRESSES & JEWELRY HOUSE OF WHITE
WWW.WHITECHATEAU.COM
BRIDAL SUITE GREENRIVER APPLIANCE INTERIOR DESIGN LAURA RUTH
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EXTRAORDINARY FUN
Puppy Love passion for helping reducing the euthanasia
Yes, we did. Puppy Bouquets!!! Is there
rate at kill shelters in the area. Brie and Susan
anything else in the world as sweet as puppies?
became quick friends and dreamed of forming
We think not.
a no-kill rescue in Evansville. In the beginning, ITV was a foster-based rescue
For this issue, we collaborated with our friends
without a facility. However, at the end of 2011,
from It Takes a Village to showcase our love of
they were awarded a $25,000 grant as part of
rescue pups. It’s not unheard of to choose a bouquet alternative, and working with one of our area rescues to incorporate adoptable pups increases their organizational awareness as well as might actually help them adopt a pup (or a few) the day of your actual wedding. Either way, we were honored to pair with such a great cause for this issue’s photoshoot as they play a vital role in our area rescue community. And the best part – all the puppies were adopted shortly after the shoot was posted on our ENGAGED social media pages, giving us, you guessed it - all the warm fuzzies.
the Pepsi Refresh Project. Today, ITV averages over 120 animals at a time relying on them to provide food, housing, veterinary care and, ultimately, find them a home. The rescue center houses 40-50 dogs. Further, they average an additional 70 animals in private foster homes. ITV is the first, and currently only, no-kill rescue center in Evansville. Their live release rate is 99.98%. Animals are rescued from government shelters, guardian surrenders and strays. They are
In 2010, a group of volunteers saw a dire need to help unwanted animals in Evansville and beyond. The group, led by Brie Stafford, started working out of Evansville Animal Control to help prevent homeless animals from being euthanized. In the summer of 2010, Brie met Susan Gainey Odoyo, JD. They both shared a
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primarily a dog rescue, but sometimes help
for the “Best Place to Adopt A Pet” for six years
cats if they have foster homes available. They
in a row! They are proud that they did this on a
also periodically help other animals such as
“shoestring” budget, continuing to rely heavily
pigs, geese and small animals. Although they
on volunteers to help. They do not receive
do not discriminate based on breed, size or
government funding and most of our donation
color, they have a particular interest in helping
come from individual community members.
bully breeds, black dogs, animals with medical
needs and other “hard-to-place” pets.
To learn more about It Take a Village or to
check out their adoptable pets, visit their Since they formed, they have rescued over
website at:
4000 homeless animals, and their efforts have
HTTPS://ITVRESCUE.ORG
been recognized with a Reader’s Choice Award
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PLANNER AND STYLING RIVER TOP EVENT COORDINATING PHOTOGRAPHER EMILEE KERNER PHOTOGRAPHY PUPPIES IT TAKES A VILLAGE DRESSES ELLA PARK BRIDAL HAIR AND MAKEUP THE GLAM BAR EVANSVILLE COOKIES PIECE OF CAKE BAKERY GRAPHICS 5 PINKPEONIES LOCATION INDIAN HILL OVERLOOK PARK AT NEWBURGH LOCK & DAM
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STATIONERY
STATIONERY
Suite OF SUMMER
My favorite part of starting a stationery suite
and printed everything on a cream linen
is getting to know the couple and their story
stock with floral banding to match.
and find inspiration in that, rather than
rushing in and creating something
For more information on Howl Creative
derivative. I consider the significance of the
Co.’s stationery and branding,
venue location (Ashley’s parents were
visit howlcreativeco.com or follow
married there over 25 years before!), the
@howlcreativeco on Instagram.
couple’s vision and typefaces that match the style of the day.
Jessica Mitchell Owner, Designer Howl Creative Co.
I visited Ashley and Trey’s wedding venue in the winter, after we had our initial consultation, and did a sketch of what it might look like when everything was in bloom later that June when they planned to marry. I always find inspiration in the hope of warmer weather during the winter, and working on this suite was no different. We played up the timeless beauty of New Harmony with garden roses and greenery to match the location and time of the year 36 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY
www.howlcreativeco.com


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DESTINATIONS & HONEYMOONS
Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding has all the fun of planning a local wedding, but with added travel excitement!
Of course, the travel agent handles all of the travel arrangements for each traveler. The fee for this service varies on the amount of guests attending.
One of the questions that I receive most often is: how do couples work with a travel agent for a destination wedding?
Planning a Destination Wedding at an Off-Site Venue What is an off-site venue? An off-site venue is a restaurant, private beach, private home or estate, or a venue that is not at a hotel or all-inclusive resort. In this situation, hiring a local wedding planner or a wedding planner that is very familiar with the destination is highly suggested. The wedding planner will work directly with the couple in all the wedding details. The travel agent arranges only the travel portion, but talks with the wedding planner often in regards to details of the wedding. This type of planning is more complex and having local knowledge and "ears on the ground" is extremely helpful.
Here are the details that you need to know in how I work with engaged couples on their destination wedding: Consultation The first step is to have a consultation. I work with couples from all around the United States, so even if you don't live near Southern Indiana, your consultation can be done via phone or Skype. Destination weddings can be a great way to turn a “oneMany questions revolve around your ideas and day event” into multiple days of celebration and getting to your anticipated budget. This will give both parties a better understanding of expectations. Leah Dugan - Travel Agent at Haynie Travel Contracts Charter Member of the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Planning a wedding of a large size requires a Specialists Association contract between the engaged couple and the hotel. There are a lot of moving parts to a destination wedding, and that requires the couple to be mindful of their financial commitment to their vendors. A travel agent can be helpful in going over the fine details so the couple knows when deposits, subsequent payments, final payments, etc. are due. Planning a Destination Wedding at an All-Inclusive Resort All-inclusive resorts have on-site wedding planners. The on-site wedding planner and the travel agent work as a team in organizing the package that the couple chooses. The travel agent blocks out the rooms needed for the wedding party (as applicable) and can act as an intermediary for the couple with the resort. Some couples prefer to talk directly with the on-site wedding planner, and that is perfectly fine.
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BRIDAL FASHION
Market of Dreams
Bridal market is to the boutique owner as
“What makes it so great?” some ignorant
Christmas morning is to an overly-sugared
friend of mine asked, (kidding of course,
five year old girl the year the hatchimal
we’re not friends anymore). Well, let me just
came out. I LIVE FOR THESE FEW SHORT
break this down for y’all… more than
DAYS. Luckily, I get to indulge twice per
200,000 square feet of gorgeous attire,
year, and it just keeps getting better and
direct contact with the designers, viewing of
better! Having just attended the Chicago
the latest in bridal fashion, education series,
Bridal Market in March and anxiously
and copious amounts of being spoiled with
awaiting Atlanta’s rendition in September, I
decadent food and drink. I promise it isn’t
am currently dead middle in equal parts
the mimosa that causes me to exclaim “I
reflection and anticipation while I try to
LOOOOVE THAT!” five thousand times
weasel the Dallas Market into my itinerary
during my trip- you would be hard pressed
this season to tide me over.
to remain complacent when you see the
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model walk down the runway in what you know in your heart of hearts will be trending on every bride’s Pinterest board once the
public takes hold of these masterpieces!
Aside from getting a chance to see and touch all the couture eye-candy, as a respected buyer *clears throat,* I also get the chance to make suggestions to the designers and share my experience as someone who works one on one with the queens who will ultimately purchase these gorgeous goods. The designers really do listen when you tell them “my brides would love a corset here, or a lace sleeve on this body would cause me to pass out,” and they will make it happen! Market is the ideal time for buyer opinion since the designers have only made samples at this point. I’ve
even had the opportunity to help some of
choose to bring home to my store. I can see the
them completely remake some designs
venue, the cake, the colors, and most
using my fantastic ideas (yeah, I’ve got the
importantly the smitten grin on her soulmate’s
juice)! At the most recent Chicago market, one designer asked me “Kassy, how do you order?”, meaning what method of selection do I use (apparently some people get real mathematical with it). Although my answer
face when they see her in it for the first time. I get the chills in that moment just like my bride does when she sees herself in that big mirror in her dream dress- and that’s how I know. It’s part of my dream too, and I am so proud to bring it all home from the most enthralling events of the year to share with Tri-State brides! Until the next market!
caused him to erupt in laughter, it was the truest thing I’ve ever said, “with my heart.” I can earnestly see a bride in each gown that
Kassy Lauer of MADLOVE BY PAPARAZZI GLAMOUR & GOWNS
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 REAL WEDDING
At Last
Jessica and Dustin met through a family friend while at a wedding in
Tennessee over 11 years ago. At that time, Jessica lived in Evansville and Dustin in Las Vegas. Little did they know that a year later they would see each other again and after a trip out to Vegas to visit him with her cousin. Sparks flew, and they embarked on a long-distance romance. Within a couple months, Jessica moved to Nashville, and she and Dustin began to date. It would take over 10 years of being together before Dustin finally got down on one knee to pop the question, but when he did, she of course said yes, and they embarked on a whirlwind engagement, deciding that as they had already been together for over a decade, there was no reason to wait long to be married. Six weeks later they were married in a beautiful backyard wedding full of all the color, patterns and exotic details Jessica always loved. For Dustin it was an unpretentious ceremony and reception full of laughter, family, games and as he calls her “his queen” by his side.
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Making Magic PHOTOGRAPHER SHILLAWNA RUFFNER PHOTOGRAPHY
VENUE PRIVATE RESIDENCE FLORAL AND DECOR JOELLE ELISE DESIGN BRIDAL GOWN DISTRICT 7 - EVANSVILLE IN CAKE DEBBIE BAKER DESIGN & STYLING JOELLE ELISE DESIGN BRIDAL FLORAL RING EMERALD DESIGN FLOWER GIRL FLORAL CROWNS EMERALD DESIGN RENTALS JOELLE ELISE DESIGN HAIR LORI BOYETT MAKEUP KELSY MILLER
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FLORIST SPOTLIGHT
WELBORN
Floral & Events
WELBORN FLORAL AND EVENTS 1000 East 4th Street Owensboro, Kentucky 42303 (270) 852-0407 Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest @welbornevents WWW.WELBORNEVENTS.COM
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Photos by Two Arrows Photography
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HAND ILLUSTRATED CUSTOM WEDDING STATIONERY, SIGNAGE, SEATING CHARTS & MORE
5PinkPEONIES.COM ETSY.COM/5PINKPEONIES
812.479.8687 | MyAmbassadorTravel.com
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For a Lifetime
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LACHELLE & MICHAEL Work can be a magical place... at least it was for Lachelle and Michael who worked together for 2 years before Michael finally got up the nerve to ask Lachelle on a date. They have been inseparable ever since, and Lachelle had no doubts as she said “Yes!” to Michael when he got down on one knee while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. It was important to both of them to bring in many special details to their wedding, including having a heart cut from one of Michael’s mother’s skirts that Lachelle had sewn onto the back of his tie to honor her as she had passed away from cancer in 2012. Lachelle’s aunts decorated the reception, and they used a cake cutting set of her grandmother’s. The day also would not have been complete without having their beloved furbaby, Pagaso, a part of their ceremony, a decision they are so glad they made as he recently passed away. The photos of their day will be cherished for a lifetime. ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 55


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Making Magic
PHOTOGRAPHER SHARIN SHANK PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE KINGSMEN’S EVENT FACILITY FLORAL I DO FLORAL DESIGNS BRIDAL GOWN ELLA PARK BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES DAVID’S BRIDAL MENSWEAR MEN’S WAREHOUSE CAKE & CUPCAKES JENNIFER ESTEP INVITATIONS 5 PINK PEONIES RINGS BRINKERS JEWELRY HAIR LAKIA BUTLER OF BROWN’ ELITE HAIR SALON MAKEUP ALVINA FLOWERS DECOR BRIDE’S AUNTS MAKEUP ALVINA FLOWER DJ ALL ABOUT YOU DJ
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Love Will Build a Bridge
LAUREN & JARROD While neither Lauren or Jarrod lived on the Westside of Evansville, their love journey is rooted there. They met unexpectedly as both were standing in line for a ride at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. Lauren’s friends played “matchmakers” by pushing Lauren into Jarrod to get his attention, and they have been inseparable ever since. October was again a special month as Jarrod popped the question after a family trip up to Brown County Indiana. It was fitting that they chose to also be married in October, and on the 20th, which is dubbed the “sweetest day of the year.” To celebrate this, they incorporated sweet treats for all their guests. They chose to have their reception at the Discovery Lodge at Burdette Park, also a Westside favorite, as it was centrally located between Jarrod’s family in Henderson and Lauren’s family in Haubstadt. For their décor, Lauren wanted a gorgeous floral and copper filled reception. Special details included miniature golden carriages, copper cups and plates and a greenery wall. But, the most special detail was their favorite line printed on their koozies and written on a sign, “I’ll cross the bridge a thousand times, just to be with you,” in honor of the thousands of trips they took across the Twin Bridges between Henderson and Evansville to be with each other.
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Making Magic
PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN MYER’S - NASHVILLE TN CEREMONY STS PETER AND PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH RECEPTION VENUE THE DISCOVERY LODGE AT BURDETTE PARK BOUQUETS J’PETALS
DESIGN & DÉCOR OBJ DESIGN
CAKE FRESH BAKED BY TRACY CUPCAKES DAILY’S BAKERY BRIDAL GOWN THE WEDDING STUDIO - INDIANAPOLIS, IN BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES REGISS BRIDAL MENSWEAR THE GRACEFUL LADY GLAM CATERING SANDER CATERING
STATIONERY MILLER LANE CREATIVE
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REHEARSAL DINNER
R’z Cafe and Catering Company
The restaurant was established in 2012,
Their newly renovated upstairs space is
and they are located in the historic
absolutely perfect for rehearsal dinners or
Swinney Printing Company Building,
private events of up to 75 people. It has a
which is over 100 years old in Fort Branch.
very rustic and industrial vibe. They love
The restaurant was born from a desire to
serving the community and love their
create a place where creativity is
small town. Menus can be customized to
celebrated, passion is promoted, and
guests specific tastes and themes. From
service shines. They are an American
casual to elegant. For booking inquiry
casual restaurant that offers a little
info, call (812)615-0039. All info is
something for everyone.
available on their website as well. ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 65
104 N Main St Fort Branch, Indiana (812) 615-0039 WWW.RZCAFEANDCATERING.COM
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Adventurous Souls
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ALEXA & ANDREW Neither Alexa nor Andrew were looking for love when they met on a two week work training conference. Both lived in separate cities, Andrew in Nashville and Alexa in Philadelphia, and they thought it would be crazy to try to make a relationship work. But, a soul wants what a soul wants, and those two weeks together cemented their budding love and convinced them they could make it work. Alexa and Andrew have their adventurous natures in common and spent the next couple years traveling the world together. It was on a cruise of the Mediterranean that Andrew proposed. Even though they are world travelers, when it came time for their wedding, they wanted a small-town wedding weekend choosing New Harmony, Indiana, near Evansville, where Andrew grew up. They selected the New Harmony Inn Conference Center for their reception, draping the ceiling in fabric to create a secluded tentlike atmosphere. Having their friends and family come together to experience the charm of New Harmony and their wedding day made their wedding even more special.
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Making Magic PHOTOGRAPHER ESTHER BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY
CEREMONY VENUE THE ROOFLESS CHURCH RECEPTION VENUE THE NEW HARMONY INN & CONFERENCE CENTER FLORAL I DO FLORAL DESIGNS BED & BREAKFAST A.C. THOMAS HOUSE CAKE GAYLA CAKES DECOR EVENTS OF HARMONY BRIDAL GOWN PHILLY BRIDE - PHILADELPHIA, PA BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES BHLDN - PHILADELPHIA, PA MENSWEAR MEN’S WEARHOUSE
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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
VENUE
Illustrations
Think of your save the dates and wedding invitations as your first impression to your guests, a fun way to set the tone. When deciding what that first peek of your style will entail, think about what best embodies your look and feel– with custom hand-drawn illustrations. Personalized just for you. One of the hottest trends in wedding stationery is hand illustrated location save the dates, wedding invitations and detailed location maps. These trendy, Evansville area location inspired, pieces of stationery truly show off and feature your wedding venue in a fun new way. Bobbi Hammonds Owner of 5 Pink Peonies 5PinkPeonies.com
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Photos & Illustration by 5 Pink Peonies
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DANCING
Wedding Dances First Kiss as newlyweds. First Toast. First Dance.
Enlist Your Bridal Party
Does one of these strike fear in your heart? Most often I hear it's the first dance! Dancing has been a
Ask them to join you for a couple of lessons. Often, group rates are available. Make it your gift to them,
tradition for centuries, infusing joy into special occasions and celebrations. Most cultures
instead of another trinket that may rarely get used much after your wedding day. This really could be “a
incorporate specific ritual dances in their wedding day. However, the majority of weddings I have
gift of their lifetime.”
attended feature The First Dance as a box to check on their wedding reception list.
Flash Mob If you and your fiancée are super comfortable with putting on a bit of a production,
work with an instructor to create a flash mob. You could enlist local dancers, your bridal party, or
I remember my wedding day some twenty years ago, walking out to the middle of the dance floor with my new darling husband in-hand and awkwardly swaying back and forth to the song we chose. Looking back, my one regret in the wedding planning process is we didn’t learn how to dance for our most special and memorable day, even though we knew all eyes would be upon us. Years later, my husband and I chatted about something new we could learn to do together and his answer was “Let’s learn to dance!” This was positively the best thing we did for our marriage. So, if you're thinking about incorporating dance into your life together, what better time to roll it out than on your special day. Here are tips we wish we had received “back in the day.” Take Lessons Together There are great dance organizations in the area that offer them. Check-out a few and experience a mix of styles (waltz, fox trot, swing). You'll find a style that best fits your personality as a couple. Take at least four lessons to learn the basics, either in a group setting or private lessons.
wedding guests! Kiss No, not THAT kiss. I mean “Keep It Simple Sweetie.” Practice dancing with your loved one to the song you picked ahead of time. You may prefer to dance slowly and let your groom lead you through a few dazzling turns. Lovely! Dress to Impress Not to Stress If you're learning a choreographed routine, be certain to take the shoes you’ll be wearing at your wedding reception to practice! Then lose the three inch stilettos before your First Dance. They could kill you, or injure your brand new husband. And bustle your dress if possible. Some brides change into a darling “movable dress” for their special dance, and to wear it during the rest of the reception. Most importantly, have fun and make Your First Dance special and memorable for the two of you and for your guests! Carrie Newman Co-Founder Evansville Swing Cats ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 75
“I asked my brother to step in for the Father/Daughter dance at my wedding in memory of our late dad. Instead of doing a traditional slow dance we opted for a Charleston (which was perfect for our 1920's themed wedding)! We reached out to Carrie and Jamie for their expertise, and they were so excited to help us out! They worked with us for 6 weeks before the big day making sure we were confident in the routine, and even invited us to join the Evansville Swing Cats for a night to perform our dance in front of an audience. If you're looking to incorporate a choreographed dance into your wedding day, look no further. Carrie and Jamie were absolutely amazing to work with and made our wedding day incredibly memorable!� --Randi Conrad-Bogard
Photos by Simply Savvy Photography
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FOOD TRUCKS
Food Truck Fun Mobile food on the go and adding a food truck can be a fun alternative to add to your wedding for your entire meal, the cocktail hour, or the after hours snack. Check out some of our area favorites and what they have to offer! Sassy Sweets Confections has been in business for over 4 years with Sprinkle their food truck. They share, “We make everything with the freshest ingredients and can provide any type of dessert for your event including the wedding cake. Cupcakes and fun desserts are the specialty, but the menu is endless. Sprinkle has been a part of many showers, rehearsal dinners, and receptions. If your event is at a location where a food truck isn’t feasible, we can also cater your desserts inside your venue.” There are many ways book a tasting and/or reserve your date with Sassy Sweets and owner Christy Gibson.
River City Dawgs has been providing a welcome late-night snack to wedding guests in the tri-state
Contact them at sassysweetsconfections@gmail.com,
area for several years. They say, “Our delicious
message Sassy Sweets Confections on Facebook,
dawgs are nestled on steaming buns, using unique
fill out a request on their website:
toppings and condiments. Our specialty dawgs
sassysweetconfections.com, call or text
include the Classic, Slaw, Chicago-Style, Carolina,
(812)760-8824.
West Sider, Chili, and Build-Your-Own Dawgs. Your guests may choose any of the following topping: mustard, ketchup, brown mustard, relish, chili, cheese sauce, creamy cole slaw, sauerkraut, celery salt, tomato wedges, pickle spears, chopped onions, and sport and jalapeño peppers!” To add that special something to your special day, call River City Dawgs at 812-306-1487. ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 77
Miller's BBQ describes themselves as “more of a
guests inside if there is a 5' entryway available. If
Mobile Smoke House. We focus on big cooperate
not we can accommodate you by setting up right
catering events as well as high end weddings. We
outside the door.” For more information contact
also do a ton of fundraisers for our community. We
Papa T (Tom Martin) at 812-589-8496.
frequent Franklin Street Bazaar to get our product out there! We really enjoy what we do and we hope it shows with our gratitude toward our customers and the quality of our products.” Call 812-454-2744 for more details, or find them online at http:// millersbarbecue.com Uncle Ted's Just Dang Good Food truck is available for weddings and events. Contact them via their Facebook page or by calling 812-270-3260. Availability and menu can be discussed. The $150 set up fee is waved if over 75 guests attend. People have found that it is more cost effective to book a food truck/trailer and makes their event different and fun! Every week during lunch, you can also find them at: Main Street in Mt Vernon on Tuesdays, Sabic Plastic on Wednesdays, Main Street in Mt Vernon on Thursdays, and Sabic Plastics on Fridays. You can also find them out and about in the community at events as well! Papa T's Tamales shares that they, “not only [offer] our Signature tamales for your special day or rehearsal dinner, but you can also select burritos, tacos and nachos to add to your menu. We have several toppings such as Queso, Chili, Sour Cream, Nacho Cheese, Hot Sauce, Jalapenos, Sweet Corn Salsa and Guacamole Salsa available that you and your guest's can choose from to satisfy everyone's
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The Pizza Revolution loves weddings! They go on to tell us that, “With either the Double Decker Bus or trailer oven you’re getting a unique intimate atmosphere. With your help, we create a menu perfect for your guests and cooked continuously so every person gets the freshest food! Your guests will enjoy being part of the cooking experience as our pizziolos turn out a delicious wood fired dinner!” Contact Stephanie to book your wedding, rehearsal dinner or bridal events at 812-760-0186 or stephanie@thepizzarevolution.com Fresh. By Gene’s says that their Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese is a fan favorite and definitely one of their offerings that helped them become two time winner of the Evansville Food Truck Festival and voted Best of 2019 for Owensboro Living magazine. The Fresh team lovingly refers to their menu as “healthy drunk food, ”stuff that you crave after having a few libations but don’t have to worry about the ingredients. All of Fresh. By Gene’s food is prepared fresh daily with no dyes or preservatives and is organic when possible and naturally sourced when not. For booking please email Supafreshtruck@gmail.com
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At Lollys Pops, you're being treated to ice pops at a whole new level of delicious. They share that “Each pop is hand crafted to elevate this frozen treat to gourmet status. Just what kind of flavors you'll get depends on the season, with a menu that's constantly rotating depending on the availability of produce and farm fresh dairy products. Visit in spring, and get the refreshing flavors of Strawberry Lemonade, Chocolate Pudding Pops and even Vegan Creamy Avocado Pops to tantalize your taste buds. When summer rolls around, you'll find Blueberries and Cream and Key Lime Pie. Fall brings with it the exotic taste of Vietnamese coffee and Pumpkin Pie, and even though it's cold in winter, you should definitely treat yourself to Lolly's specialty Cookies and Cream or Banana Puddin’ to warm you up. Or cool you down. Either way, this is a sweet treat that's good for you and good to eat, so why wait?” Find Lollys Pop Bar roaming the streets of Evansville and beyond. They specialize in catering with their Vintage Food Truck or one of their retro branded umbrella pop-carts. They even have a cart available in white for weddings and formal events. Full size pops, and Mini Pop sizes are available to order. Custom flavors and colors can also be created to compliment any event theme or menu. For more information or to book your event visit www.lollyspops.com or call 812-205-0828. colors can also be created to compliment any event theme or menu. For more information or to book your event visit www.lollyspops.com or call 812-205-0828.
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Photo By Alisha White Photography
VENUE SPOTLIGHT
Azalea Path
BOTANICAL GARDEN & ARBORETUM
Beverly Knight has always been interested in
landscaped gardens. There are over 4,000 azaleas
gardening, inspired by Victorian style nurseries and
and flowering trees and plants. Along with her
hidden gardens that she encountered during her
husband, Steve, Beverly has been adding garden
routes as a UPS driver. This is where she met Dr.
features, such as waterfalls, Koi ponds, sculptures,
Henry Schroeder, an Evansville OBGYN, and his
and hidden gardens.

family who were hybridizers of azaleas. Azalea Path now has the largest collection of Schroeder Azaleas and is often a test site for many hybridizers of Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Beverly started planting azaleas on her property on the Pike/Gibson line. This is where she took an overgrown forest and magically created a gardener’s piece of art. Azalea Path sits on approximately 80 acres, with 30 acres of and
As her garden grew, she would have people drive up to take a peak. What started out as just a group of ladies or garden clubs once a week became 1000 people touring during peak bloom days. Requests starting coming in for weddings, so Steve built a venue to have an outdoor reception area. The venue holds about 200 people. The bar now provides wine, beer, and wine slushies. Now a family business, Azalea Path continues to grow. Look for an indoor venue in the years to come.
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FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE AZALEA PATH, YOU MAY CALL BEVERLY AT 812-354-3039 FOR WEDDING OR EVENT INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL ANDRA AT 812-354-6007. FOR OTHER QUESTIONS, CONTACT JAMIE THROUGH THE AZALEA PATH FACEBOOK PAGE.
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INTRODUCING
Randi Gehlhausen
If you have received a beautiful bouquet or floral design from Zeidler’s, chances are Randi Gehlhausen is the woman behind the flowers. After all, she has been a valued member of our team for 40 years!
It would be hard to find a more dedicated employee than Randi – Zeidler’s Flowers is the only place she has ever worked. As a freshman at FJ Reitz High School, she took a floral design class and was offered a part-time holiday job at Christmas. Randi began working at the florist during each holiday season, and upon high school graduation, was hired to work in the plant department full time. Over the years, she has held a number of positions in design and worked her way up through management – eventually earning her current position as Vice President of Zeidler’s Flowers Retail Division. With so much rich experience, you would expect Randi to enjoy designing some flowers more than others. Randi shares, “I love all flowers, but my
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favorites are tropicals- birds of paradise, ginger, and protea. I find it fun to design something unique that people are mesmerized by.” Randi’s enjoys projects that require custom artistic designs, such as when someone brings in a photo of an item they wish to be recreated in flowers. She says, “We’ve designed items as diverse as a guitar, a football helmet, and even a school bus.” But her very favorite project was turning an indoor ballroom into a lush, blooming city park for a wedding in French Lick, Indiana. The luxurious setting provided the backdrop for the orchestra which performed throughout the whole evening. After working at Zeidler’s for four decades, Randi still loves her job for the impact she can have on her customers. “I love to make people happy with something that I have created, no matter the occasion. But I think the most rewarding thing is creating something special for a family when a loved one has passed away because the design often helps to reflect a life history.”
Photo By Simply Savvy Photography
Please join all of us at Zeidler’s Flowers in thanking Randi for her dedicated passion for making Evansville a more beautiful place to live for 40 years. -Debbie Clark, Zeidler’s Flowers
Photo By Progressive Image
Photo By Shillawna Ruffner Photography
Photo By Sharin Shank Photography
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ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY REAL DESTINATION ELOPEMENT
LOCAL CELEBRITY ELOPEMENT
Rockin' Vegas with Kat Mykals
Kat and Shawn met through a group chat online. Shortly after exchanging a couple messages, Shawn asked Kat on a date, but both were so excited to meet that they ended up getting together the night before their scheduled date and talked for hours. Both instantly knew they were meant to be together, and in 2016 Shawn proposed. When it came time to seal the deal, they knew they wanted an intimate elopement wedding and finally settled on the glitz and glam of Las Vegas. Kat found the perfect elopement one-stop-shop – New Romantix on Instagram. They handled the photography, videography, wedding planning and officiant. For their ceremony they said their vows in Fergusons Downtown, a neighborhood market square that features a number of amazing murals. Kat wanted to go all-out glam and stunned in a thrifted bridal gown, a faux leather jacket from Evansville, and sporting neon pink hair. In lieu of cake, the couple bought donuts at the World Famous Donut Bar and fed them to each other on the spot after their ceremony. The atmosphere, fun and glitz of Las Vegas was the perfect setting for Kat and Shawn’s cutting edge nuptials! ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 87
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Making Magic
PHOTOGRAPHER NEW ROMANTIX VENUE FERGUSONS DOWNTOWN CEREMONY NEW ROMANTIX VIDEOGRAPHY NEW ROMANTIX FLOWERS FLOURISH LAS VEGA HAIR ATOMIC STYLE LOUNGE - BECKY MAKEUP ATOMIC STYLE LOUNGE - NOELLE BRIDAL GOWN & LEATHER JACKET ABYSS CO. EVANSVILLE TUXEDO MEN’S WAREHOUSE CUSTOM VINYL ON JACKET DESIGNED BY GROOM SHAWN
Advertiser Directory 5 Pink Peonies Facebook @5PinkPeonies www.5pinkpeonies.com 812.483.4193 bobbihammonds@gmail.com
Esther Bloom Photography Laura Rush/ Owner 618.559.7134 laura@estherbloom.com www.estherbloom.com
Rapp-Owen Granary 413 Granary Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812.682.3050 www.rappowengranary.com
Ambassador Travel 5236 Vogel Rd Evansville, IN 47715 812.479.8687 www.MyAmbassadorTravel.com
Haynie Travel 812.477.8833 800.422.0335 info@haynietravel.com www.haynietravel.com
Bauerhaus 13605 Darmstadt Road Evansville, IN 47725 812.867.3169 www.thebauerhaus.com
Historic Bohene House Facebook @historicbohenehouse
Ribeyre Gymnasium 603 Main Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812.682.3050 Facebook - Ribeyre Gymnasium Restoration Group Roofless Church 420 North Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812.862.3050 www.robertleeblafferfoundation.org
Bauerhaus Catering 13605 Darmstadt Road Evansville, IN 47725 812.759.9000 www.bauerhauscatering.com Bauerhaus Pastry 13605 Darmstadt Road Evansville, IN 47725 812.867.3588 www.bauerhauspastry.com Bauer's Tents and Party Rentals 13607 Darmstadt Rd Evansville, IN 47725 812.867.1040 www.bauerstents.com Bob Davis State Farm 2727 N First Avenue Evansville, IN 47710 812.491.7888 www.evansvillesf.com Facebook @agentbobdavis Catering by Meyer 6655 S Old Rd. 162 Huntingburg, IN 47542 812.367.1690 www.cateringbymeyer.com bbrown@cateringbymeyer.com jfeltner@cateringbymeyer.com Contemporary Bride Ecpo 812.449.4118 Facebook @contemporarybrideexpo Elope at the Old Courthouse www.IDoattheOCH.com
Impulse Salon & Spa 428 W Jennings Street Newburgh, IN 47630 812.858.5554 www.impulsehair.com Facebook @ImpulseNewburgh JoElle Elise Design Facebook @JoElleEliseDesigns Instagram @JoElleEliseDesign www.joelleelisedesign.com Just Rennie’s Catering & Cookie Co. 100 SE 4th St Evansville, IN 47708 812.401.8098 www.justrennies.com Just Your Style Event Rentals 812.453.5841 Facebook @justyourstyleeventrentals Knob Hill House 812.499.8880 1024 Hwy 662 Newburgh, IN www.knobhillhouse.com knobhillhouse@gmail.com Lush Esthetics and Boutique 506 E. 4th St. Huntingburg, IN 47542 812.684.0018 Facebook @thelush506 Piece of Cake 20 Main Street Evansville, IN 47708 812.424.CAKE (2253) www.pieceofcakebakery.com
Sander Catering 812.634.1018 www.sandercatering.net Shillawna Ruffner Photography 619.947.9561 shillawna@yahoo.com www.shillawnaruffner.com Facebook @shillawnaruffnerphotography Stellar Media 812.602.9733 www.stellarmediacreative.com Touch of Home Catering 510 Main St. New Harmony, IN 812.480.0310 www.touchofhomecatering.com Travel Smart 812.867.0022 www.choosetravelsmart.com Talk to Tucker List It With Nikki EVV 812.449.4118 nikkidavis@fctuckeremge.com listitwithnikkievv.com United Fidelity Bank Various locations in Evansville, Mt. Vernon, and Newburgh 812.424.0921 (main office) www.unitedfidelity.com Zeidler’s Flowers 812.421.1234 www.zeidlersweddings.com Facebook @zeidlersflowers


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