ENGAGED! River Valley Issue 19 by RIVER VALLEY PUBLISHING

ISSUE 19 2022

Couture Attire

YES YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!

Inspiring

GRECIAN ELOPEMENT

SHARING THE

Refreshing Retro WEDDING INSPO

love IN OUR BEAUTIFUL River Valley

REGION

Photo by KC Captures

Inspiration

Photo by Boulder Creek Photography

Real Weddings

Photo by Rachelle Baggett Photography

Pro Tips

14 Retro Refresh

38 Hannah & Michael

4 The Never Ending List

22 Bloomin’

44 Holly & Joe

30 Chill & Chic

58 Riley & Allen

9 Leveled Up Wedding Ideas

68 Tiffany & James 78 Sadie & Tyler

51 Wedding Band Planning, Shopping and everything you need to know

Photo by Neeley Photography

Local Love 55 Beth Carter Couture Gowns 65 Beloved Flower Company 75 Lush Movement Company

84 Grecian Elopement

Photo by Daniel Notcake

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 1

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Flowers are blooming, weather is warming and the season of love is upon us. In this issue we have all kinds of personality to show off. From boho to retro and DIY to glam, you will have a wide-range of inspiring weddings and styles to get your creative juices flowing. Be swept away by a Grecian getaway elopement and know your wedding gown dreams are within reach, with a local, cutting-edge couture seamstress who can take any dress and make it uniquely yours! As always, we strive to bring you the very best our region has to offer. So, fall in love with the vendors featured on these pages and feel secure in their professional hands.

Cheers!

JoElle Knight and Nikki Davis

JOELLE KNIGHT

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CO N N E C T W I T H U S

@ENGAGEDRIVERVALLEY

2 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

@ENGAGEDRIVERVALLEY

@ENGAGEDRV

NIKKI DAVIS

MANAGING EDITOR

Meet The Team BEHIND ENGAGED! JoElle Knight Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief JoElle Knight has been in the event and wedding business for over 15 years. Whether it is coordinating and creating community events for area nonprofits, creating beauty for weddings and many of the styled shoots you see on these pages, or getting giddy over new wedding venues, she always has an eye for quality, design and new trends. Obsessed with décor, DIY projects and home renovations, she loves to overhaul houses and bring personality into her surroundings. When she is not writing, creating or designing, she is with her 3 kids and husband dreaming of new projects, summer yard sales and epic books. You can follow her on Instagram at @joelleelisehome

Bobbi Hammonds Web & Graphic Designer Bobbi has been our website guru since ENGAGED debuted, and she now handles the layout of each issue. Bobbi began her graphic career over 10 years ago, specializing in design and hand illustration. Her artistry can also be found in many of our photoshoots showcasing her 5 Pink Peonies LLC, custom stationery. A woman of many talents, she has written a children’s book, magazine articles and assisted many local businesses with their branding and marketing. Her greatest work, though, comes at home as the mother of 5 girls, one of which has special needs. She has become an advocate for local families dealing with children with special needs, and her handicap parking campaign has been featured on multiple local news sources. Bobbi’s idea of fun are home renovation projects, whimsical drawings, being with her family, and going to Disney World, her happiest place on earth. Follow her on Instagram @my_5_girls

Nikki Davis Co-founder and Managing Editor Nikki Davis has been a leader in the local wedding industry for almost 20 years. She began her wedding career as a photographer then moved into producing local wedding shows. In 2007, she founded the Evansville Wedding Networking Group to connect local wedding vendors and create friendships. Her passion for giving back has led her to be a driving force behind many local non-profit agencies and initiatives. Nikki is the organizational mind behind ENGAGED, where she uses her networking and writing skills to provide information and inspiration to local brides and connecting them to the local vendors that can bring their wedding to life. She lives in the Historic Boehne House in Evansville, where she, her husband and 2 kids take care of a menagerie of pets. Check out more about Nikki and her family's many adopted pets on Instagram at @1000milemom Julia Baker Accounts Manager Just call her Mama Bear. Julia is not only our accounts manager, she is also Editor-in-Chief, JoElle Knight’s mother. With a career in sales, education and small business management, she was the perfect fit for representing ENGAGED! For years, she witnessed the passion and hard work put into the creation of the magazine and we couldn’t be happier to have her at the helm of our partner accounts. You will find no one else who champions the ENGAGED! brand more. When she is not building relationships in our local wedding industry, she is loving on her grandchildren, traveling or doing home-reno projects.

FEATURE ARTICLE

The Never Ending List

When preparing for your wedding, there’s a

where to go. Asking your aunt to cut and serve

never ending list of things to do. It seems to

cake is fabulous, but if she has no idea how

grow longer and longer the closer you get to the

many pieces she’ll need or how big to cut them

wedding day - which doesn’t make sense!

you could end up in a pickle. You don’t have to

Whether you’re a carefree spirit who specializes

micromanage, just be clear - I promise it will

in “winging it” or a studious list maker with a list

save so much confusion later on!

of lists, here are a few reminders to consider the details that are often overlooked on wedding

Order of ceremony and reception - Your

day and have to be dealt with last-minute

wedding can be as unique as you and your fiance. Unless you’re adhering to religious traditions, why not mix it up a bit? If you’d like to

Card & Gift Table - If your ceremony and

change the order of something - go for it! Some

reception are in the same venue, it’s a good idea

of the sweetest ceremonies and receptions are

to place the Card & Gift Table near the entrance

those that are different and have been tailored

so guests may drop them off immediately

to match the couple. Some choose to enter the

instead of holding them through the ceremony.

reception and go right into the first dance. Some

If your ceremony and reception are in separate

introduce the wedding party in groups of friends

locations, having a simple card box at the

rather than the pair that walked the aisle

ceremony site and a gift table at the reception

together. Some choose to do the vows after the

allows guests attending one or the other to

rings. Some eat before their reception during

avoid the awkward “where do I put this?”

their moment alone so they don’t forget to eat

question.

later on. It’s all up to you!

Guest Book - The guest book is easy to set up

Time to Freshen Up - Take a moment sometime

prior to the ceremony, but if you don’t have

between ceremony & reception, or mid-

access to your space as early as you’d like,

reception to take a breather and freshen up.

entrust the guest book setup to the person

Reapply deodorant, lipstick, hairspray, trade

you’ve asked to stand with it. This will make sure

shoes, have a mint, anything that makes you feel

you don’t have a guest book greeter with no

recharged and ready to go again.

guest book (with no idea where it is). Storage location for decor boxes - It’s as simple Directions for you helpers (guest book, greeters,

as having a dedicated closet or room at the

cake servers, etc) - If you’ve asked someone to

venue that will house the boxes your decor

help with your wedding, PLEASE inform them of

came out of (and will go back into) during the

what you’d like for them to do, wear, say or

wedding & reception. Just keeping everything ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

together can help you and your team of friends

These are just a few things that might help your

and family stay organized.

big day go a bit smoother. If you’re doing your wedding all by yourself, stay organized and it

Destination for cards and gifts - So often at

will all come together. If you decide you need a

weddings, the bride and groom have no idea

little extra help - hire a Day-Of Wedding

where their cards and gifts ended up at the end

Coordinator like me to come and make sure all

of the night. Avoid that momentary panic by

of these details (and so much more) get taken

identifying a location, guardian and/or plan for

care of without a second thought from you. After

the cards and gifts. Tell your planner,

all, you should be enjoying your day! Visit my

coordinator, Maid of Honor, Parents or whoever

website dayoneweddings.net for pricing and

is going to be able to make that happen for you.

info or send an email to abby@dayoneweddings.net to set up a

Plan for Leftovers - One of the things you don’t always plan for is leftover food. You worry about having enough that when there’s some or tons leftover you’ve got no idea what to do with it. So go ahead and make arrangements for it pending there are leftovers. Ask your caterer to pack up a meal for you and your new spouse to munch on later that night or in the morning. Send some home with your parents. Donate it to a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Leftover fresh flowers? Send them to a local nursing home. Recruitment of Cleanup Crew - It’s never fun to clean up, and it’s even less fun to clean up when there’s only a few of you doing it. Recruit a cleanup crew to help you either after the reception or the next day. Specifically ask people to come so you know at least a few people will show up to help. Order pizza or brunch and make it a fun time! Many hands make less work.

6 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

consultation!

Just Rennie’s Catering can help make your dream wedding come true

Jesse & Gena Photography

Dreams come true Esther Bloom Photography

We cater at: Just Rennie’s Tuscan Wine Room City View at Sterling Square The Crescent Room Discovery Lodge Evansville Museum The Old Courthouse The Old Post Office The Pagoda JustRennies.com 812-401-8098

Esther Bloom Photography

FEATURE ARTICLE

Leveled Up Wedding Ideas

Call me crazy, but I have seen a lot of weddings. Hundreds, maybe thousands… So I got to thinking, what would it take to WOW me as a long time wedding vendor, photographer, and magazine editor. My best friend, business partner, and co-editor and I have done some pretty over the top inspiration shoots, and we are always trying to raise the bar in our industry. So we work to bring you some of the most outlandish ideas that you can reign in for yourselves on a big or small scale, but we can only present you so many per issue, and in the last two years, to be honest we’ve been hampered by COVID restrictions and a global pandemic that no one ever expected. So if I had to come up with a list of epic and/or fun ideas for a wedding, here are just a few: Drone shots of everything! From video to photos. Get that aerial view (without being disruptive of the actual solemn part of the

ceremony), and use that to make an over the top video or photo album… And don’t forget the group shot. It’s fun to see all of the people who were there, not just your setting, décor, and you as a couple!!! (maybe I’m spoiled from our recent video shoots, but this style of photography and videography is quickly becoming my favorite, and we have some

Photo by Silvernale Photography ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY 9

FANTASTIC local vendors who can hit the nail on the head!) Hot air balloon land at your own outdoor reception if the field is large enough… YES! That was my dream arrival (my parents ended up having me arrive in a vintage car, and I am terrified of heights, but still… this would be so over the top!!!). Our friends at Bloomington Balloon Rides (www.bloomingtonballoonrides.com) paired with us for a past photoshoot, and the results were nothing short of breathtaking and outstanding! Consult with them on proposals, rides, wedding day ideas, and/ or short rides (just up and down for guests) at your big event!!! The aesthetics are out of this world (we speak from experience, and I actually for one brief moment got to tackle my fear of heights)! Circular seating… Why put everyone in rows when a new seating pattern idea is setting it up in a circle?!?! We can’t help but think that everyone will be able to see better! p.s. We give all idea credit to this one to TikTok! A night wedding in a forest of lights… Did you know that our friends at Mistletoe & Ivy does custom lighting? Our “green/eco” shoot was just a taste of what I am envisioning, but this just screams romantic to me!!! Why not consider fireworks to cap off the night or as a mid evening entertainment? There are a handful of local PROFESSIONAL providers who can safely do presentations for you. We stress hiring a professional so that you can focus on 10 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Photo by Old Church Chapel

having fun, and so that it is safe and away from the crowds! Add color to your dress! Solid white isn’t for everyone! Make it pop with a little of your favorite color…. Or add all the colors! Have some fun with it! In hindsight, I wish I would have been more bold! What’s old is new… Whether you are incorporating something from your lineage into your big day or wearing it, or some folks are actually asking their grandparents to stand up in their wedding (I saw the cutest grandma bridesmaid proposal on TikTok the other day), there is HUGE appreciation for the generations that have came before us. I don’t know about you, but hold on to your grandparents as long as you have them. Show them all the love. Incorporate them as much as you can in your big day more than in just a token gesture. Half of them probably helped raise you, and 9 times out of 10, they probably had more fun rearing you than their own kids (aka your parents, aunts and uncles)!!! This is a big moment for them, and they are probably so proud of you. Make them feel as involved as possible, and there are an infinite amount of ways to do that! From someone who no longer has any living grandparents, you won’t appreciate them to the level you need to until they are gone. Don’t miss out on this moment to show them how much they are loved AND APPRECIATED! Lastly, the wildest idea of them all… be the epitome of class and grace. I know this is one of

Photo by Shillawna Ruffner Photography

the most stressful things you have probably ever gone through. You are preparing to start a new life with someone. You have financial pressures to pull off an event with tens if not hundreds of people. You probably have family pressures to do and say the right thing at all times, but just remember this is about you as a couple who loves each other and who plans to make a lifetime of memories together. I just recently celebrated 25 years together and 21 years married with my husband. Marriage isn’t easy, and my wedding was crazy to plan and execute (remember the balloon story… Martha Stewart Weddings was also big at the time, so believe me when I say I had my binder of magazine clippings, too). But I survived the big day. It was beautiful, fun, and amazing. It had its hiccups, but I would like to think that in hindsight that I conducted myself in such a way that I will be remembered as a beautiful bride inside and out. No meltdowns, and I just went with the flow. I was able to do that because even though I had wild and crazy (Martha Stewart fueled) ideas, I planned ahead and worked with professionals and family members to put together a dream wedding that was damn near perfect in my eyes. So we (JoElle and I) hope that you take our Engaged! ideas and do the same! From the simple to the extraordinary, run with it with style, class and grace, and happy wedding planning from our creative brains to yours!!! -Nikki Davis Engaged River Valley Managing Editor

12 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Photo by Rachelle Baggett Photography Lighting by Mistletoe & Ivy

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATION

Retro Refresh Produced by JoElle Knight & Nikki Davis

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

16 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

18 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Get this Look

DESIGNER @CHICFROMCHICAGO VENUE @THEJOINERYCHICAGO FLORIST @STEMMINGFROMLOVE HAIR @TAMARAHOLDENHAIR MAKEUP @ALYSSALYNNMAKEUP BRIDE @COLE.B.MOORE GROOM @DIGGYMORELAND CAKE @UNCOMMONCONFECTIONS PAPER GOODS @PAPERLOVECLUB BRIDAL GOWN @GRACE_LOVES_LACE SUIT @THEBLACKTUX RENTALS @CHICFROMCHICAGO @THEFESTIVEFROG PHOTOGRAPHER KC CAPTURES ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATION

Bloomin’

Produced by JoElle Knight & Nikki Davis

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

24 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

26 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Get this Look VENUE @MATILDASEVENTBARN FLORALS @BELOVEDFLOWERCOMPANY @JUSTICEDAWN25 WEDDING DRESS @BETHCARTERBRIDAL CAKE @LILTATESCUPCAKES PHOTOGRAPHER @BHPHOTOGRAPHY_21

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY EXCLUSIVE INSPIRATION

Chill & Chic

Produced by JoElle Knight & Nikki Davis

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

32 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

34 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Get this Look CAKE

BEA SWEET TREATS

CHARCUTERIE DRESS

AGAPE GRAZE

MAGNOLIA BRIDAL HOUSE

PHOTOGRAPHY HALEY RAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY + KASEY FANTON PHOTOGRAPHY PICNIC

ONCE WILD DESIGNS

FLORALS

KATIE ANN FLORALS

OUTFIT STYLIST MODELS

JORDYN SALLEE

SYDNEY FULKERSON + DF VISUALS

RING

BRINKERS JEWELERS

NAILS

MANGOANDNAILS ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Historic Newburgh’s Newest Private Events Venue!

REHEARSAL DINNERS, RECEPTIONS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES FUNDR AISERS, MEETINGS & MORE

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY REAL WEDDING

Hannah & Michael

HANNAH & MICHAEL We wanted to have an outdoor wedding that was accessible to both families and that highlighted the fall colors that Southern Illinois had to offer. The Dragonfly Wedding Venue offered everything we were looking for in our vision as well as accommodations for guests. The venue is located near multiple hotel options, AirBNB/VRBO’s, and cabins near local lakes and attractions. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor locations for the rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. It also had a house for us to stay in for our special weekend. The venue’s location surrounded by woods provided a very relaxed and rustic atmosphere. The site also offered a large stone fireplace, a pond with a waterfall and fountain, and beach with a fire-pit area. Michael and I went on a weekend trip to the Ozarks. We rented a secluded cabin in the woods and he prepared my favorite meal, crab legs. Prior to eating, Michael gave me a “birthday gift” that was accompanied by a card. While I read the card, Michael dropped to one knee and proposed. We would definitely describe the vibe we were going for as rustic, warm, and simple. We chose a very earthy color pattern that complemented the fall colors. All of the flowers and decorations that Lindsay created were a combination of dried florals tied with fresh accents. Decoratively speaking, it had to be the fireplace! We had a fire rolling all afternoon and evening. Our sweetheart style table was set in front for the reception. It also gave so many opportunities for photos and it served as the centerpiece to the reception. Because our menu was BBQ, we provided our guests with small

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

individual jars of Michael’s homemade BBQ rub. Since the wedding, we still have people asking if we have any extras! Most memorable moment for Michael For me, it was watching my bride walk down the wooded aisle at sunset to “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Yo Yo Ma. Most memorable moment for Hannah - For me, it had to be our “first look.” I am so thankful that Courtney gave us this idea. Michael and I had been so distracted with making sure every detail was perfect... Our first look gave us a private, quiet moment just to ourselves before saying “I do.” Best unexpected moment...Due to some unexpected circumstances, one of Michael’s groomsmen had to step in and officiate the wedding at the last minute. He did a great job and we are forever grateful. *The most unexpected moment leading up to the wedding was Michael having a medical emergency causing him to be hospitalized for a week and only being released days prior to the wedding...we weren’t even sure if we were still going to have a wedding. In the end, everything turned out perfect. Sunset ceremony, southern Illinois fall colors, nighttime reception with a roaring fireplace, bbq smoker trailer, s’mores food truck.... we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

40 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

42 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Making Magic PHOTOGRAPHER BOULDER CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE THE DRAGONFLY WEDDING VENUE IN HERRIN FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN DELICIOUSLY ORDINARY MUSIC MILLENNIUM MUSIC HAIR & MAKEUP THE AVENUE BARBERSHOP AND SALON (HERRIN) FOOD & APPS GREAT BOARS OF FIRE DESSERT SPREAD S’MORE LOVE FOOD TRUCK DONUTS KRISPY KREME

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY REAL WEDDING

Holly & Joe

HOLLY & JOE Why did you choose your wedding location? We really wanted something that spoke to our style. The greenhouse was perfect for that outdoor/indoor feel.

How long have you two been together? We got married on our 12 year anniversary. How was the proposal done? In a very intimate setting with our family. How would you describe your wedding style? Classic elegance. Best detail of your wedding day? We had originally planned for an outdoor ceremony, but had to move indoors due to the weather. The best detail would have to be the moment the rain clouds opened up to sunlight while reading our self-written vows.

Best unexpected moment? The immediate feeling of comfort and serenity we both felt during the first look. The day before the wedding was full of excitement, stress, and emotions. We did not feel like ourselves and felt a lot of pressure with everything that still had to get done. It was grounding to know that in that moment nothing else mattered. We were ready to skip the reception all together and just be with one another. ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

46 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

48 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Making Magic WEDDING GOWN REBECCAS'S WEDDING BOUTIQUE TUXES GENERATION TUX BRIDESMAID DRESSES REVELRY VENUE/DECOR/OPEN BAR GREENHOUSE TWO RIVERS FLOWERS MOTHER OF THE GROOM FOOD CATERING CREATIONS CAKE BETH'S BAKE SHOPPE & TEA ROOM DESSERTS THE PIE BOX DJ LIVE EVENTS MISSOURI DJS & PHOTO BOOTHS PHOTOGRAPHER RACHELLE BAGGETT PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR STUDIO 417 INVITATIONS ETSY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

FEATURE ARTICLE

Wedding Band Planning, Shopping AND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

So much planning, saving, and preparation

couples both chip in, some choose to buy

goes into picking out an engagement ring and

the other’s band or bands (more on that later).

proposing. There’s so much excitement in showing the ring and announcing the incredible news to family and friends. After ALL of that, couples often take a breath to pause, and big questions come to mind: What about our bands?! When should we get them? Do I pick it out, or does my partner? As a mom and small business owner that has been married for almost 10 years and has helped thousands of couples pick out their bands, I’m your girl for these answers! In short, I firmly believe it’s always best to do what works for you and your specific situation. If you value a nice quality band, you may budget to spend a little more. If your band is just a smaller compliment to your engagement ring, the band for you may require a smaller budget. Regardless of your budget, you can usually take advantage of payment plans like Camelot’s free in-store layaway, or the fact that we offer 50% off bands when your engagement ring was purchased from us. It’s always wise and acceptable to ask what offers are available to you. We often get asked, “Who pays for whose ring?” I always reply that it’s whatever works best for you! With differing situations and while some

In most situations, both partners will come in together to pick out their wedding bands. It is important to remember, however, that each individual will personally be wearing their band every single day, so they can’t just like it, they have to love it. If you work different schedules or cannot find a time to come in together, you can always schedule a time after hours that works for you and your fiancé. You can also come in and take pictures of styles you like and share the pictures with your future spouse, family and friends before you finalize your decision. Another important thing to keep in mind when thinking about bands is time. Custom wedding bands or made to order bands can take up to 8 weeks to design. With that being said, I always recommend that the sooner the better when it comes to looking at bands to make sure you are able to get exactly what you want, whether it is in stock, if it needs to be special ordered, and if you choose to customize the band. Now, that the logistics are answered, the fun part pops into mind: What kind of band do I want? Good news - you have endless options!! ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Bands for Him

Gold, Silver, Platinum options come in a variety of widths and sizes. These metals can easily be cleaned and sized. We size rings for free when they are purchased from us. These metals also accommodate stones from diamonds and sapphires to birthstones and everything in between. We can also add different finishes and textures to these metals. Sterling Silver and Platinum are silver color, while Gold comes in white, yellow or rose tone options. Alternative metal rings including tungsten, titanium, cobalt, chrome, etc. are popular with men because of their commonly darker tones which range from a deep gray to black, but also because they are incredibly strong. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that these rings cannot easily be sized or cut off fingers. Depending on your job, life style and hobbies, many men that opt for an alternative metal ring will also invest in a silicone band, which tend to cost around $20, to wear when they are doing activities or jobs that could damage their ring or injure their finger, thereby making it difficult to get the ring off.

Mix & Match

Bands for Her

Many Engagement rings have a matching band that can be ordered or custom made to fit exactly with the engagement ring. Many brides choose to come in and try on different styles with their engagement ring and often choose one that goes well with their engagement ring, but isn’t necessarily the “matching one.” Some brides will get a band for each side of their engagement ring or choose

Matching Sets

a wrap. A wrap looks like a band on each side of the engagement ring, which is inserted into the middle of the wrap. Whichever option you choose, many bride’s will also choose a silicone band to wear when working out, boating, or other activities that aren’t conducive for your regular wedding set. Once your bands are purchased, it’s always important to try them on the week before the wedding, in case any last minute sizing needs are necessary. Even if the bands fit, I recommend you bring them in for a thorough and professional cleaning, so they look perfect for your big day and beautiful for your wedding

Wraps

pictures. While all of this is a lot of information to take in, just remember to enjoy the journey!

Natalie Lewis, MPSA, GIA GG, Owner Camelot Jewelers

Bob Davis, Agent 1209 Lincoln Ave Evansville, IN 47714 Bus: 812-491-7888 www.evansvillesf.com

BRIDAL FASHION

Beth Carter Couture Gowns It’s a classic tale ending in frustration: A bride

types of high-quality fabrics to create a large

falls in love with the top of one dress and the

volume without the weight. The corset is finished

bottom of another, only to walk away empty-

off with a limited-edition sequin embroidered

handed. At Beth Carter Exquisite Bridal and

overlay. This couture gown is reminiscent of the

Formal Wear, we now have the solution.

1950’s mirroring the European style of high end Paris.

Hailing from Chicago, Cuban-America designer Leandro Mulet fell in love with the atmosphere

At Beth Carter Exquisite Bridal, we are able to

of Huntingburg, Indiana, and has since made

offer different price points for unique couture

himself a resident. Leo has over ten years of

gowns starting at $2,000. As Leo says, “You

experience in the fashion world including

dream it, we make it.”

personal designs, magazines, and fashion blogs. He was featured in Vogue and was a finalist in the 2015 Driehaus Award for Fashion Excellence. Leo is excited to be a part of the Beth Carter team offering couture dresses to fit the modern woman made of only the finest one-of-a-kind materials imported from Europe. Everything he creates is sewn by hand and tailor-designed to fit the bride’s personal style. His unique skills allow any bride to create her dream dress from scratch, or to take parts of multiple dresses and create what she envisions in her imagination. Leo’s latest creation for the Beth Carter floor features a ruffled skirt constructed of over one hundred and twenty yards of fabrics in the ruffles alone. The skirt in its entirety is made of three ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

56 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY REAL WEDDING

Riley & Allen

RILEY & ALLEN Our favorite details we included during the day were our memorial portrait we made for our family members that had passed, our unique guest book After the Tone where guests left us a voice message that the company had turned into a vinyl record for us to have for the years to come, our personal vows we exchanged, and our private final dance to Lady May by Tyler Childers.

My favorite part of our wedding day was that night towards the end my Maid of Honor requested the song Linger by The Cranberries- it was the one song that everyone danced to but it truly felt that there was no one else in the room but us. Allan said, “My favorite part of the day was finally seeing her walk down the aisle.” ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

60 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

62 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Making Magic PHOTOGRAPHER BEKAH LASKOWSKI VIDEOGRAPHERS EZELL FILM COMPANY VENUE FARMER AND FRENCHMAN CAKE BEA SWEET TREATS MAKEUP ARTIST KAYLEIGH FERRELL WEDDING DRESS OPULENCE BRIDAL ALTERATIONS KATELYN'S ALTERATIONS & DESIGN GUEST BOOK AFTER THE TONE

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Wondering WHAT TO DO after you say

“I do” Talk to

NIKKI DAVIS for ALL your Real Estate Needs!

Scan the QR code to get started with Nikki! Or visit ListWithNikkiEVV.com

Nikki Davis 812.449.4118 • NikkiDavis@FCTE.com ListWithNikkiEVV.com F.C. TUCKER EMGE, REALTORS®

VENDOR FEATURE

Beloved Flower Company For as long as I can remember, I have been unexplainably drawn to the beauty of flowers. The scents, the colors, the way they danced with the breeze, every delicate detail created ever so lovingly by God Himself leaves me more breathless than the last. As a little girl I spent summers arranging wildflowers for my friends and family especially my mother who graciously accepted no matter how badly it flared her allergies. The unexpected smiles on their faces filled my soul over and over. Over the years I put small arrangements together for family and friends, and even did some larger showers for a select few. Ultimately, my hopes and dreams at the time took me down a different career path and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be wildlife biologist turned florist. Funny how God laughs at our best laid plans. Fast forward twenty something years, and I found myself and family in the middle of a pandemic. Fear, darkness and turmoil overshadowed most during this time. It was then I felt led to shed some light in some small way. I began growing a cut flower garden and selling bouquets at a local farmers market. I was the only “florist” present, and even then I never considered myself a florist. The brightly colored florals and heavenly smells drifting on the wind

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

drew people in droves to the stand. My booth was packed and the smiles and laughter from my new customers was intoxicating. It was as if all the darkness melted away. It wasn’t long before I was asked to design a wedding. I will be honest I felt completely inadequate to take on such a task, but I have always loved a challenge. So I accepted a few smaller weddings, plain and simple, I was HOOKED. I have been doing florals professionally ever since. Each event I booked became larger, and I eventually ventured into styled shoots which I also fell in love with. My creativity blossomed and I began to create a brand. My style is much different than most of the other florist I had been exposed to and I specialize in “outside” the box. There is nothing more rewarding than taking all the aspirations of a giddy bride (or photographer) and bringing them to life, far exceeding their expectations. Designing florals for such a special day is an emotional experience on so many levels and I desperately wish I had a snapshot of each bride’s face the moment I reveal her bouquet. It is pure heaven. I believe Idalina Bertone said it best, “The beauty of flowers is forever captured in the way floral designers make them apart of life’s memories.” I am three years deep in my new endeavor and I have learned so much through this process. I have made so many wonderful friends and continue to grow as a professional with each event. I am excited to see where the future takes my small business and looking forward to creating something beautiful for you soon. -Whitney McGrew Owner of Beloved Flower Company 66 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Photos By: BH Photography

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY REAL WEDDING

Tiffany & James

TIFFANY & JAMES Most of me and James's families live in southern Indiana, and you literally cannot beat the view on top of the hill at Pete Dye. We had a short engagement while I was finishing up with veterinary school, and we were preparing to move back to southern Indiana so it was a very busy time for us. The French Lick Resorts event coordinator Janna made everything so easy for us in the planning process and was very easy to work with. We started dating when we were both in high school and had been together over 10 years before we got married this past October. Me and James took our dog Fiona on a walk in one of our favorite parks in West Lafayette (Celery Bog Nature Area). It was a very windy day in January and freezing cold. We were watching wildlife on one of the docks overlooking the water and James told me he got Fiona a new bandana, and I should put it on her. I unfolded the bandana that said "Will you marry me?". I responded with "I'm wearing gloves!" but obviously ended up saying yes. I wanted a rustic style which the Pete Dye Pavilion provided but was pleasantly surprised with the glamorous aspect of the French Lick Hotel itself. Our cake topper featured our dog Fiona and our 2 cats, Lionel and Priscilla. When I was getting pictures with my bridesmaids before the ceremony there was a small band playing live music in front of the hotel for the guests staying there. When we all walked out they started playing "Going to the Chapel.” It was definitely unexpected but such a neat surprise!

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

70 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

72 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Making Magic FOOD, CAKE, FLOWERS, VENUE THE PETE DYE PAVILION AT THE FRENCH LICK RESORT PHOTOGRAPHER NEELEY PHOTOGRAPHY DJ STACY BUSH HAIR APRIL MULLIS FROM BEAUTY ON MAIN MAKE UP MAKEUP BY TAYLOR STARRS AND BLUSH AND BEAUTY BY LEANN KNIERIEM BRIDAL GOWN HOUSE OF WHITE

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

yes

SAY

to the

ADDRESS Talk to JoElle Knight

for ALL your Real Estate Needs!

Scan the QR code

to get started with JoElle! Or visit JoElleKnightRealEstate.com

Contact JoElle Knight! 812.568.9646 JoElleKnight@FCTE.com JoElleKnightRealEstate.com F. C . T U C K E R E M G E , R E A LT O R S ®

VENDOR FEATURE

Lush Movement Company

Lush Movement Company, located on First

movement as a gateway to improved physical,

Avenue in Evansville, Indiana, is the Tri-State’s

mental, and spiritual health, the team and

premier pole fitness and dance studio. Opened

instructors at Lush combine fitness with creativity

in October 2021, the 1,600 sq foot studio is a

in a way unique to the Tri-State area.

site to behold, featuring an engineered dance floor, ten foot wrap around mirrors, eight 12

The curriculum at Lush includes classes such as

foot poles, chrome and brass, silks, and a lyra.

Intro to Pole, Exotic Skills, Flexibility and Mobility,

“We really wanted to create an incredible space

and even a one of a kind Tik Tok Takeover class,

where people can feel comfortable and

where students learn the latest and trendiest Tik

confident in themselves, while they move their

Tok dances. “We get a lot of questions about

body” says co-owner and operator Kerby

who can pole or what experience you need to

Newcomb. Founded with the mission of using

dance, but we truly spend a lot of time on our ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

curriculum and with our instructors to make sure we have options for everybody” says Kerby. And the results speak for themselves. With students ranging from professional body builders to working moms to even a recent recipient of a bone marrow transplant, they all share one thing in common: improved health, wellness, and confidence at the end of each class. At Lush, students also find themselves part of a community of motivated and supportive women from a variety of backgrounds and at different stages of their fitness journey. In addition to group classes and private lessons, Lush also hosts a variety of private parties, including bachelorette parties, birthday parties, or girl’s night out. To book your party or find out more about Lush, you can reach them on social media @lushmovementco, call, or text at (812) 777-0013. 76 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY REAL WEDDING

Sadie & Tyler

SADIE & TYLER We chose our wedding reception location based upon how beautiful the infrastructure was inside. It seemed to fit well with our wedding vision. When we toured the venue we both knew right away that we were going to have our reception there. Tyler and I have been together for four years. Tyler surprised me by taking me to a sunflower field to capture a few photos on a summer day, and he decided to pop the question. Sunflowers have a special place in our relationship, because he is from Kansas and he says that sunflowers remind him of a little piece of Kansas in Illinois. Our wedding style would be described as rustic garden. I wanted to include lots of greenery with gold and wood accents. The best detail of our wedding day was the little details that we incorporated of our loved ones who are no longer with us. I had a charm on my bouquet of my mom, and we had pictures throughout the wedding. The most unexpected moment of our wedding day was probably the rain. We were so worried about the chance of rain during the day, because having pictures outdoors was important to the both of us. Our photographer did such a great job of capturing photos of us in the rain that we just adore. ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

80 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

82 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Making Magic PHOTOGRAPHER BOULDER CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION SPRUCE ST STUDIOS SHELBYVILLE, IL FLORIST BLOOMS ON SPRUCE DECOR SPRUCE ST RENTALS CAKE SIMPLY SWEET CAKERY HAIR AND MAKEUP FRINGE SALON

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY DESTINATION WEDDING

Grecian Elopement

RYAN & TRISTEN We wanted a unique style destination wedding because we are both avid travelers and what better way to spend a wedding day on another continent— with the person you love most We are going on 5 years being together coming up this March! June, 2018. Ryan planned a candle lit dinner inside the infamous cliff side called The Caves in the heart of Negril, Jamaica. He said he got so nervous that he completely forgot his lines so he decided to wait at the end of the dinner to propose. As we descended the stairs I realized they were covered in real rose petals. It was a stunning and intimate dinner, but the 5 course meal came to an end and we begun the trek out of the cave. We came to a landing near the top of the cliff when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I immediately started balling and said yes. The ring he surprised me with was the ring I had shopped for myself (had even tried on myself ) 2 months prior to which I was told was going to be an upgraded wedding ring for his mother in law. Didn’t even realize I had picked out my own ring Our wedding style is very much a timeless vintage boho vibe. There is quite an unexpected detail I can’t go without mentioning. The day of our wedding we woke up at 4 am to get ready. Daniel requested we take pictures from Sunrise to Sunset with mini breaks

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

throughout the day on the island of Santorini. As we are getting ready in the AirBNB, I plug in my curling iron and the lights start to flicker then it goes completely dark.. After trying to figure out how to work their electrical unit, we started calling the people who owned the AirBNB to no avail. We finished getting ready in the complete dark. Makeup, hair, beard— all in the dark and without the proper tools. We ended up laughing about it over the brunch break with Daniel. We, then, spent the ENTIRE day climbing to the tops of buildings in our wedding attire so Daniel could take pictures of us. This was a new feeling of exhaustion we both had never felt, yet we would do it all over again, and again, and again. The best detail and second most unexpected moment are actually a two for one. Daniel Notcake, our photographer made us write down wedding vows 30 minutes before our wedding saying we would regret it if we didn’t. I most definitely agree with that piece of advice now but then in the moment it was another story. Now if you know anything about Ryan the pressure. Was. ON. It was the most heartfelt, unrehearsed, and simple yet hilarious paragraph of words we have ever written. His was on the back of a Greek grocery receipt and mine was on the back of an welcome to Greece torn open envelope. Ryan was so perturbed during this race of 30 minutes he asked me multiple times to see my vows and I absolutely did not allow it. The best part of my wedding day by far!

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

88 ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Making Magic PHOTOGRAPHER DANIEL NOTCAKE VENUE GREECE CATERING LYCABETTUS RESTAURANT AT ANDRONIS LUXURY SUITES IN OÍA, GREECE FLORALS FORGET ME NOT FLOWERS FLORIST WEDDING DRESS MAGNOLIA BRIDAL HOUSE DRESS ALTERATIONS WITCHES OF SUB

ENGAGED! RIVER VALLEY

Advertiser Directory 5 Pink Peonies

Elope at the Old Courthouse

812.217.0992 FB

5pinkpeonies.com

IDoattheOCH.com

@NeeleyPhotography

bobbihammonds@gmail.com

Historic Boehne House

Old Vanderburgh Courthouse

FB @5PinkPeonies

FB @historicboehnehouse

oldvanderburghcourthouse.com

812.483.4193

info@idoattheoch.com Beth Carter Exquisite Bridal &

JoElle Elise Design

Formal Wear

FB @JoElleEliseDesigns

Piece of Cake

324 E. 4th Street

IG @JoElleEliseDesign

20 Main Street

Huntigburg, IN 47542

joelleelisedesign.com

Evansville, IN 47708

bethcarter.us FB @BCBridal

812.424.CAKE (2253) Just Rennie’s

pieceofcakebakery.com

100 SE 4th Street Bob Davis State Farm

Evansville, IN 47708

R’z Cafe and Catering Company

2727 N First Avenue

812.401.8098

Venues

Evansville, IN 47710

justrennies.com

104 N Main Street

812.491.7888

FB @justrennies

Fort Branch, IN 47648

evansvillesf.com FB @agentbobdavis Cambridge Golf Course and

rzcafeandcatering.com Just Your Style Event Rentals

812.615.0039

812.453.5841

IG @RzVenues

FB @justyourstyleeventrentals

IG @rzcafe

Banquet Room

FB @RzVenues

FB @rzcafeandcateringcompany

1034 Beacon Hill

Knob Hill House

Evansville, IN 47725

812.205.7039

Talk to Tucker List With Nikki EVV

812.868.1270

1024 Hwy 662

812.449.4118

cambrigegc.com

Newburgh, IN 47630

nikkidavis@fctuckeremge.com

FB @Cambridgegc

knobhillhouse.com

listitwithnikkievv.com

knobhillhouse@gmail.com Day 1 Wedding Coordination

United Fidelity Bank

dayoneweddings.net

Lush Esthetics and Boutique

Various locations in Evansville,

abby@dayoneweddings.net

506 E. 4th Street

Mt. Vernon, and Newburgh

FB @dayoneweddingcoordination

Huntingburg, IN 47542

812.424.0921 (main office)

812.684.0018

unitedfidelity.com

Emily Fife Harpist

FB @thelush506

207.860.9354

Zeidler’s Flowers

mrs.EmilyFife11@gmail.com

Neeley Photography

812.421.1234

emilyfifeharpist.com

neeleyphotography.com

zeidlersweddings.com

FB @EmilyFifeHarpist

neeleyphotography@sbcglobal.net

FB @zeidlersflowers

ISSUE 17 2021

Covid Honeymoon WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pandemic Weddings

REAL COUPLES AND THEIR COVID WEDDINGS SHARING THE

Honey Bee

THE SWEETEST INSPO SHOOT EVER

love IN OUR BEAUTIFUL River Valley

REGION

ISSUE 13 2020

Wedding Planning

DURING COVID

Bonfetti

EPIC CREATIVITY AND FUN

Editors’ Picks

THE BEST OF 2019 WEDDINGS!

SHARING THE

love

IN OUR BEAUTIFUL

River Valley

REGION

CHECK OUT ALL OUR GORGEOUS ISSUES

ENGAGED-RIVERVALLEY.COM

Check out

HOMERIVERVALLEY.COM

@ENGAGEDRIVERVALLEY

@ENGAGEDRV

ENGAGED! River Valley Issue 19

Articles inside

Beloved Flower Company

Lush Movement Company

Beth Carter Couture Gowns

Leveled Up Wedding Ideas

The Never Ending List