EL JanFeb 2026 Wedding Book

Wedding Book The

2026

SEVEN MARRIED TRI-STATE COUPLES SHARE HOW THEY CREATED THEIR SPECIAL DAY

YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING THE

ULTIMATE WEDDING! Venues, Catering, + Much More!

Say “I Do” with an easy wedding checklist!

Jon and Kait Maddox JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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“Where the magic begins...”

“Choosing The Black Horse Barn for our wedding made my dreams come true. Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be married in a red barn. Growing up, I was raised around farms, barns, and tractors. Getting married at The Black Horse Barn in beautiful Lynnville, Indiana, was all that I had envisioned for our special day! Being a bride and walking down the aisle on our wedding day at The Black Horse Barn was everything I’d hoped for.

Meeting Kathy Jones, owner of the venue, for the initial walk around made us feel like we were right at home. Hearing the breakdown of how and why Kathy built the barn made it feel even more perfect for our wedding.

The Black Horse Barn is beautiful inside and out. The decorations we chose enhanced the beauty of the barn. The barn itself

tells its own love story. From the handmade wood tables, beautiful crystal chandeliers, and a gorgeous bar that came out of a hotel in Chicago in the 1930s.

Kathy made us feel like family. The big day came, and when I say that Kathy saved the day multiple times, she really did.

From finding my garter to locating my veil, she was there every step of the way ensuring everything went smoothly ... offering a drink of water and a positive word when the nerves kicked in.

My wedding at The Black Horse Barn not only made my wedding dream come true, Kathy made this experience one that I will never forget, from the moment I first walked into The Black Horse Barn to the minute we walked out as husband and wife!”

Brooke + Damian Douglas

2 EVANSVILLE LIVING | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 Book A Tour: TheBlackHorseBarn.com • 812-454-7307

Celebrating Our

27th

ANNIVERSARY!

Alterations by Olivia

P E R SO N A L I Z E D S E RV I C E &

QUALITY WORK

BRIDE & GROOM • BRIDESMAIDS • MOTHER & FATHER OF BRIDE/GROOM • TUXES • FORMAL WEAR • PROM

CHECK OUT OUR SITE!

812-858-8736 • 107 Sharon Road, Newburgh, IN 47630 • alterationsbyolivia.com

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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Visit Vincennes

Stunning, historic wedding venues less than an hour away!

Apple Hill Orchard

GEORGE ROGERS CLARK MEMORIAL

401 S. Second St. Vincennes, IN • 812-882-1779 nps.gov/gero

LITTLE HILL FLOWER FARM

6643 Overhead Road Vincennes, IN • 812-890-8781 littlehillflowers.com

George Rogers Clark Memorial

PRESIDENT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON’S GROUSELAND 3 W. Scott St. Vincennes, IN • 812-882-2096 grouseland.org

The Grand Bankquet Hall

Little Hill Flower Farm

APPLE HILL ORCHARD 6235 Ford Road Bruceville, IN • 812-324-9010 facebook.com

THE GRAND BANKQUET HALL

302 Main St. Vincennes, IN • 812-881-5892 thegrandbankquethall.com

President William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland

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702 Main St. 812-886-0400 • visitvincennes.org

STORIES BY ALISON PETRASH-HALL

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• The Wedding Book •

Chase & Payton

VENUE Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science PHOTOGRAPHER Sharin Shank Photography VIDEOGRAPHER Echo Hill Productions WEDDING PLANNER DayLily Events CAKE Bea Sweet Treats CATERING Acropolis Catering and Bea Sweet Treats DJ Seniour Events FLORALS & DÉCOR J’Petals Florals & Gifts

by Jayme Floyd RENTALS TRU Event Rental Inc

P

ayton Johnson and Chase Whitler’s story began at Evansville’s North High School. At first, they were friends, but their romance sparked while both attended Indiana University in Bloomington. Their love persevered while Chase’s career moved him around the country and Payton studied abroad in Italy. After Payton lived for a time in Dallas, Texas, Chase proposed at a quiet beach near their North Carolina home.

Diving into the details of wedding planning, and especially dress shopping, was enjoyable for Payton. Chase was happy to support her vision and see it all come together. Their Sept. 27 wedding was set at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, with nearly 300 guests in attendance. The ceremony unfolded on the sunny west lawn overlooking the riverfront. “We loved the ceremony, as we were surrounded by our family and closest friends acknowledging our commitment to one another,” Payton says. 

CHANDELIERS Mistletoe & Ivy PHONE BOOTH Little Willows Wedding, Events, and Designs HAIR & MAKEUP Bri Updike and Sydney Bragg, ICON Hair Studio WEDDING BANDS Brinker’s Jewelers, Inc. WEDDING DRESS Magnolia Bridal House BRIDESMAID DRESSES Revelry SUITS Rose & Bliss INVITATIONS Places and Pine DETAILS Heather Johnson and Ginger Whitler JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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Cocktails, dinner, and dancing to live music took place inside the galleries and foyer. The sound of a baby grand piano, saxophone, cello, and violin filled the air. Decorations were in an elegant palette of white and gold, complemented by fresh roses and greenery. Their photographer captured the museum’s paintings and sculptures in the background. “We were able to use the entire museum for our celebration,” Payton says. “Our guests were able to look at the beautiful artwork during the evening.”

Guests were able to leave recorded messages for the couple in a telephone booth, and pictures of their parents and grandparents adorned the baby grand piano. It was essential for both Payton and Chase to get married in Evansville so their grandparents and extended family could be with them on their big day. “People across the United States were present for our wedding,” Payton says.

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• The Wedding Book •

Taylor & Kelsey PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Jamie Lynn Photography

B

orn and raised in Evansville, Kelsey Reker and Taylor Strange moved to Denver in 2021 but always knew they wanted to return home to get married.

After their engagement, they began planning a celebration deeply rooted in the people and place they love.

Over two years, their vision grew into an extraordinary outdoor wedding held on a family friend’s private property. Kelsey, an interior designer, spent months drawing up the perfect scaled floor plan using Google Earth and SketchUp. A runway between two fields was transformed into an unforgettable hometown celebration and Kelsey’s dream DIY wedding. “Almost every single detail — and I mean every — was handmade by someone we know and love,” Kelsey says.

Kelsey’s in-laws had spent the last four years thrifting more than 500 colored glass goblets, plus vases and candleholders, and washed 65 canvas drop cloths until they were soft enough to use as tablecloths. Her dad and grandfather 

WEDDING DRESS Rose & Bliss ALTERATIONS Katelyn’s Alterations & Design FLOWERS Rexing’s Blumenhaus LLC FLORIST Donna VanWinkle BARTENDING Carriage Inn CATERING Schnitzelbank Catering CAKE Gayla Cake SIGNAGE Celery Signs RENTALS TRU Event Rental Inc. INVITATIONS Truly Engaging CUSTOM NEON SIGN Kings of Neon JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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contributed eight hand-built farmhouse tables, a mountain backdrop reminiscent of Colorado, and an entryway of antique doors with a subtle nod to “Harry Potter.” “I’m lucky to have a dad and grandpa with a wood shop, who are both extremely talented and can build anything your heart desires,” Kelsey says.

Other special touches included an antique hutch used to display around 400 mini pies, custom signs including a “Stranger Things”-inspired LED sign developed by Kings of Neon, invitations, a cake topper featuring their dog, Whiskey, flowers grown by family friends, and a program designed like the “Daily Prophet” newspaper, another “Harry Potter” reference.

Their Oct. 5, 2024 ceremony unfolded on an 80-degree day under a blue sky. Friends provided music, transportation, parking, and even a vintage airplane for photos. The reception featured smoked ribs, a campfire, and a hayride wagon that the wedding party used as transportation to Nisbet Inn for a round of beers.

“Evansville is a pretty special place,” says Taylor, recollecting all the family and friends who made their wedding possible. “Southern Indiana has some pretty amazing people.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Discover the Perfect Venue in Gibson County for Your Unforgettable Event!

Elevate your celebrations with Gibson County, Indiana’s premier venues.

Whether you're planning a dream wedding, a corporate gathering, or a milestone celebration, Gibson County offers a diverse range of venues to suit every occasion.

EL EGA NT W EDDING VENU ES Say 'I do' surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of Gibson County. From the lush outdoor backdrop of an arboretum and botanical garden to a beautifully restored historic theatre, Gibson County can offer versatile spaces for gatherings of all sizes.

VERSATI L E EVEN T SPAC ES Host your corporate events, conferences, and business meetings in style.

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FARM TEN 63

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Facebook: bit.ly/farmten63

CONTACT US

Contact the Gibson County Visitors and Tourism Bureau to book your perfect venue and start planning the celebration of a lifetime!

702 West Broadway, Princeton, IN 47670 • 812-385-0999 info@gibsoncountyin.org • gogibson.org

14 EVANSVILLE LIVING | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SPONSORED CONTENT

GI BS ON COU NT Y FAI RGROU NDS When people gather, the Gibson County Fairgrounds is the perfect location! The fairgrounds offers ideal facilities for weddings, receptions and a wide range of social events of all sizes.

FACILITIES INCLUDE: • 4-H Exhibit Hall with a seating capacity for 350 people • Two open-air pavilions, each with a seating capacity for 275 people • Pavilion, a 32,500 square foot multi-use indoor arena or exhibit space perfect for events where protection from the weather is desirable • Toyota Events Center offers a 12,204 square foot facility, with seating for up to 700, including tables and chairs, a sound system, a large catering kitchen, icemaker, refrigerators/freezers, a four tap beer keg cooler, and much more

709 North Embree Street, Princeton, IN • 812-385-3445 events@gibsoncountyfair.com • gibsoncountyfair.com

SHIN N YV ILLE HI LL

AMENITIES: • Reception Accommodations for up to 300 Guests • Event Staff included assisting with day-of venue needs • Private caterer’s prep kitchen • ADA compliant restrooms • Private Bridal Suite and Private Groom's suite • Set up and tear down of tables and chairs included • Linens included (white/ivory/black) • Indoor or Outdoor ceremony setup options • Built-in TVs to play videos or slideshows • Climate-controlled indoor event space • Bench seating for outdoor wedding

4467 West 525 South, Owensville, IN 47665 812-677-0026 • shinnyvillehill@gmail.com shinnyvillehill.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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• The Wedding Book • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VENUE Saint Benedict Cathedral and Evansville Country Club WEDDING PLANNER Haley Piatkowski, Kelley James Events PHOTOGRAPHER Patton Photo FLOWERS & DECOR Emerald Design CATERING Evansville Country Club HAIR & MAKEUP Shannon Aleksandr’s Salon and Spa and Skylar Austin Esthetics DJ 12 South Band WEDDING DRESS House of White Bridal Boutique SUITS The Men’s Warehouse DRESS ALTERATIONS Alterations by Olivia

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Jon & Kait

hile Kait Schopmeyer attended Reitz Memorial High School, Jon Maddox lived almost 200 miles away in Lafayette, Indiana. Fortunately, they were at the same 2018 date party held by their sorority and fraternity at Purdue University. The two were paired and have been together since. After Kait finished her master’s degree, they traveled to Italy, where Jon proposed during a surprise sunset boat ride in Cinque Terre.

Leading up to their Sept. 13 wedding, details were worked out over coffee with Haley Piatkowski from Kelley James Events. Kait enjoyed visiting Alterations by Olivia to make sure her dress was perfect. “Olivia is a ray of sunshine!” Kait says.

Two hundred friends and family members saw the couple wed at Saint Benedict Cathedral. The Evansville Philharmonic’s Eykamp String Quartet performed, and Jeremy Korba, Saint Benedict’s Director of Music, played the church’s new organ.

Father Alex Zenthoefer officiated the Catholic ceremony. “He has been the priest to 

YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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• The Wedding Book • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

deliver the sacrament of matrimony to all the Schopmeyer girls,” says Kait, referring to her sisters Sarah and Joan. “It would not be a Schopmeyer wedding without him.”

Kait grew up swimming at the Evansville Country Club every summer since childhood — nostalgia that made it the perfect setting for the reception, coordinated by event director Andrew Baker with their wedding planner. After a cocktail hour outside overlooking the golf course, guests were served dinner and danced to music by the 12 South Band from Nashville, Tennessee. Those who wished to relax could enjoy a cigar bar on the porch.

The couple didn’t sit down once after cutting the cake and woke up the next morning with sore legs from hours of dancing. Kait had sung so loud that she’d lost her voice. But seeing the faces of all the people they love during the ceremony and dancing with them were their favorite recollections from the day. “I mean, how lucky are we to be so loved by some of the best people?” Kait says.

Find the

perfect accommodations for bridal parties or out of town wedding guests. both sleep up to 12

historic rooftop property deck

barn in the burgh

Downtown Evansville • near riverfront • lots of exposed brick • well-stocked kitchen • 100” TV Screen

Newburgh • large recreation room • temp. controlled garage • private bedroom/bath • bunkroom

close to Friedman Park

Providing clean and comfortable furnished short term and mid term rentals in Evansville and Newburgh • 812-508-6828

www.furnishedevansville.com

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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Joshua & Abbie VENUE New Harmony Inn Resort & Conference Center

A

bbie Mattingly and Joshua Feil first met through the Chi Alpha Campus Ministry at the University of Southern Indiana. Josh — an F.J. Reitz High School graduate serving as student president — and Abbie — a Washington, Indiana, native who joined as secretary — quickly grew close while working side by side. After about a year of dating, Josh led Abbie to the Evansville riverfront and asked her to marry him on her birthday weekend.

Wedding planning gave them the chance to turn their shared vision of a faithbased, deeply personal wedding into reality, with Josh prioritizing the food and cake and Abbie establishing vendors as early as possible. “Must-dos included involving the family in the wedding reception,” Abbie says.

At their May 17 ceremony, the pair exchanged personalized vows in front of about 110 guests outdoors at Monet Bridge behind the New Harmony Inn Resort & Conference Center. Their pastor wove personal stories and laughter into the 

CATERING New Harmony Inn Resort & Conference Center PHOTOGRAPHER Straw Photography and Media FLOWERS & DECOR Golden Rose CAKE Gayla Cake HAIR & MAKEUP Posh International Hair Studio and ARHBeautyy, LLC DJ All About You DJ WEDDING BANDS Brinker’s Jewelers, Inc. WEDDING DRESS & BRIDESMAID DRESSES David’s Bridal SUITS The Men’s Warehouse JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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The O’Day Discovery Lodge is truly a one-of-a-kind facility in Evansville. Located on the city’s west side in Burdette Park, a large recreational park and cabin site, the 16,000 square foot venue with unique architectural features and wooded setting offers an interesting option for memorable weddings, as well as corporate banquets and conferences.

Call 812-435-5602 or visit burdettepark.org/discovery-lodge to book 5301 Nurrenbern Road, Evansville, IN 47712

The Perfect Place for Your Next Event!

Burdette Park has a variety of attractive shelter houses throughout the wooded areas of the park. The rental houses range in size and will accommodate anywhere from twenty-five people up to two hundred fifty. Most buildings have central heat and air with cozy fireplaces and are available year-round.

Ideal for showers, rehearsal dinners, reception areas, and more!

Call 812-435-5602 or visit burdettepark.org/day-shelters to learn more!

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service, which included communion and prayer.

The reception inside the conference center was decorated with spring florals. A memorial table displayed photos of Josh and Abbie’s departed loved ones. “This was a great way that we were able to remember a few of our family members who had recently passed away in the last couple years,” Abbie says. During the reception, guests enjoyed a catered meal, cake from Gayla Cake, and a fun, dancingand game-filled evening led by All About You DJ. One of Abbie’s favorite moments was her and Josh’s private first touch and prayer before the ceremony. “The hectic part of the day, getting things set up and ready, came to a close during that moment, and then we were able to finally be together,” Abbie says. “It was where it all started and was a great memory.”

Reitz Home Museum Small, intimate weddings in a charming and timeless historic setting. Our Carriage House is also the perfect setting for bridal showers, baby showers, and rehearsal dinners!

Book today at:

812-426-1871 info@reitzhome.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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812-423-6744 Please visit our website trueventrental.com • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!

For all of your event needs SERVING THE TRI-STATE SINCE 1988

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Haley & Karoline F

or Haley Elpers and Karoline Chraponski, their college degrees also led them to their wife. Haley, who grew up in Evansville and graduated from Mater Dei High School, met Karoline at the University of Evansville during sorority recruitment in 2018. After one conversation, they felt drawn to each other and became best friends. “In January 2020, we decided to take the leap and explore our potential as a couple and have been together ever since,” Karoline says. After dating four-plus years, they arranged dual proposals at their home in summer 2024.

Planning their May 31 wedding was a DIY-filled process. They prioritized choosing vendors they trusted to bring their vision to life and cherished being surrounded by their bridal party and officiant. An outdoor ceremony at The Bauerhaus fulfilled their dream of a floral paradise, complete with a serpentine aisle and a meadow of blooms surrounding them. One of their best friends officiated. 

VENUE, CATERING, DJ & CAKE The Bauerhaus and Bauerhaus Catering PHOTOGRAPHER Citrus Collective Co. FLORALS & DECOR Red Daisy Floral HAIR & MAKEUP Lauren Smith-Reed and Skylar Austin Esthetics WEDDING DRESS Wild Rose Bridal Effingham, designed by Maggie Sottero, styled by Derrick-Marie BRIDESMAID DRESSES Revelry SUITS Express JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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Stephan G. Sanders

Fine Men’s Clothiers

There are plenty of big days in life, but none where you are the main attraction so much as on your wedding day.

We understand this, and we have the clothing and the experience to get you looking as good as you want to look – not just on the big day, but every time you look at the wedding album in the years to come.

See us at our new location!

104 S.E. Fourth St. | Downtown Evansville 812-480-7422 | yoursuitman.com 28 EVANSVILLE LIVING | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

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“We did personal vows at our main ceremony, but afterward, we went off during cocktail hour and said private vows to one another,” Haley says.

The day was infused with meaningful details: Haley wore a vest sewn by Karoline’s grandmother from leftover dress fabric, and their favors were matchbooks featuring their wedding monogram, just like the favors at Karoline’s parents’ wedding.

For the reception, the couple meticulously crafted a dance floor-ready playlist with input from guests. They personalized the space with flowers, photos, and neon lights. The full dance floor — complete with sunglasses, light sticks, and playful fat-head cutouts of their dogs — delivered the party atmosphere they were aiming for.

When recalling their favorite moments, Karoline described surprising Haley’s grandparents — recently celebrating their 55th anniversary — by dancing with them to the songs they wished they had danced to at their wedding. Both Haley and Karoline savored being surrounded by their loved ones and dancing all night.

Whether you’re planning a small wedding or a celebration with 500 of your closest friends and family, our Convention Services Team is ready to work with you to create the wedding of your dreams, any way you dream it! Enjoy the convenience of our two attached hotels, 24-hour casino, 3 restaurants, and free attached parking.

To schedule a site tour, request meeting space or plan your event, contact our Sales Office at (812) 433-4611.

EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER RE-OPENING SOON! BOOK YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION AT BALLY’S EVANSVILLE, AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY HOTEL ROOM FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM ON THEIR WEDDING NIGHT!

1-800-342-5386 | BALLYSEVANSVILLE.COM | 421 NW RIVERSIDE DR. | EVANSVILLE, IN See Bally Rewards Center for details. Bally’s Evansville is a registered trademark of Bally’s Corporation. BALLY’S and the BALLY’S Logo are service marks and registered service marks of Bally’s Management Group, LLC. Must be 21 or older to gamble at casinos.

Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-9 WITH IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2025 Bally’s Corporation.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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From southern cuisine to perfectly elevated chef-inspired pairings that will leave a lasting impression.

Chef Tim Flick and our team ensures that your intimate gatherings and large elegant events are seamlessly curated with perfectly appointed buffet lines, in stations or served plated.

Meticulous planning and refined selections will leave your guests speechless.

Visit us at Superbride Sunday or call us at 812•630•4096 to schedule a tasting.

Burdoc Farms offers two standout wedding venues just a one-hour drive south from Evansville, IN: Tobacco Barn Venue and Keith Glen Venue. Ideal for ceremonies and receptions; both venues deliver a scenic countryside setting, flexible layouts, and unforgettable photo backdrops–perfect for weddings with a relaxed, unique, and private experience.

270.348.1483 • burdocfarms.com 1655 Pleasant Grove Road • Crofton KY 42217 30 EVANSVILLE LIVING | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

Exquisitely Serving Casual to Elegant Events

CELEBRATE YOUR MARRIAGE WITH A WEDDING AS UNIQUE AS YOUR LOVE STORY

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John & Chelsea C

helsea Miles and John Rogers III first crossed paths online in January 2024.

A little over a year later, John surprised Chelsea with a Saturday date of dinner and art at Painting with a Twist. They wrapped up their day by playing arcade games, just as they had during their first date. Chelsea noted the similarity while walking to their car.

John responded, “You asked me if I was going to call you, and I’m sure glad I did.” At that moment, John said he had a question for her, dropping to one knee and proposing. Chelsea gave him her easiest-ever “yes.”

Their wedding planner, Nancy Bennett, guided every detail of their big day, writing the ceremony, designing save-the-dates and invitations, assembling bouquets and gift bags, and beyond. It freed the couple to savor their engagement. “We knew Nancy had the how, when, and where’s covered,” Chelsea says.

Chelsea says House of White Bridal Boutique went above and beyond in her dress search, and she found working with photographers Daniel and Shanti Knight a joy. Leading up to the wedding, she enjoyed a wonderful spa weekend with her mother and future mother-in-law at West Baden Springs Hotel, and a memorable bridal shower in a back room at Biaggi’s. 

WEDDING PLANNER Nancy Bennett VENUES Hilton Head Island; Saint Benedict Cathedral; City View at Sterling Square PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Knight, Studio B Photography; Shanti Knight FLOWERS & DECOR Emerald Design CATERING Just Rennie's Catering CAKE Piece of Cake HAIR & MAKEUP Bri Updike and Alanis Skye DJ Seniour Events WEDDING DRESS House of White Bridal Boutique, Anne Barge TUXEDO Stephan G. Sanders Fine Men’s Clothiers JEWELRY Brinker’s Jewelers Inc. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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Celebrate with history, community, and purpose in mind. Our versatile indoor event space blends modern elegance with timeless charm.

812-974-4327 • thehelmshall.com

Private Event Space • Two Patios Buffet & Plated Food Packages Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packages

7700 Eagle Crest Blvd. • 812-476-7069 barlouie.com • blevansville@barlouie.com 32 EVANSVILLE LIVING | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

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Two ceremonies were held: one Aug. 3 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa Grand Ocean Terrace in South Carolina and the other Aug. 9 at Evansville’s Saint Benedict Cathedral. Both were attended by 20 guests.

The destination wedding included a fun night of dancing and dinner featuring Chilean sea bass, filet mignon, Dom Perignon, and Opus One. The ceremony at Saint Benedict was reverent and personal, with a full Catholic mass.

An Aug. 16 City View reception welcomed two hundred guests for what Chelsea calls “the celebration and party of our lives,” deemed The Happily Ever After Party. “It was the perfect way to celebrate our destination and Catholic weddings with all our friends and family,” she says.

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SECTION •SPECIAL TheADVERTISING Wedding Book • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Braden & Ellora VENUE Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cambridge Golf Course CATERING Cambridge Golf Course PHOTOGRAPHER Chosen Creations CAKE Piece of Cake HAIR & MAKEUP Hope Brown Cosmetics DJ All About You DJ, Chris Hancock WEDDING BANDS Camelot Jewelers WEDDING DRESS & SUITS Rose & Bliss BRIDESMAID DRESSES Birdy Grey PHOTO BOOTH Just Foto Booths

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A

2022 job interview doubled as a matchmaking opportunity for Braden Taylor and Ellora Daily. When Ellora, an F.J. Reitz High School and University of Evansville graduate, ultimately turned down an offer from Braden’s employer, he turned that rejection into a green light and invited her to what became their first date, at Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar. In August 2023, Braden, a Haubstadt native, called Ellora with surprising news: a song he’d written inspired by her, “Dance, Drink, Sing, and Cruise,” was being recorded and released on Spotify. Soon after, they officially became a couple. Braden proposed in May 2024 at the Azalea Path Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Hazleton, Indiana.

Ellora once imagined eloping, but Braden preferred a traditional wedding.

“I’m so thankful we ended up choosing the path we did,” Ellora says. She found the perfect dress and later learned it was named “Decadence,” which she viewed as a nod to her late grandmother Darla, who owned the former Daily’s Bakery and described the desserts there as “decadent.”

The couple married May 24 on the 50th anniversary of Ellora’s maternal grandparents. Their union was witnessed by 325 guests at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

During a powerful moment, attendees sang “How Great Thou Art” a capella. The

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bridal bouquet was wrapped in a piece of Braden’s mother’s wedding dress. After the ceremony, the pair departed in Ellora’s grandpa’s first car, a 1953 Ford Customline.

The celebration continued at Cambridge Golf Course with Italian catering, a packed dance floor, and karaoke. Highlights included a garter removal where Braden sang “Some Kind of Wonderful” and a bridesmaid’s speech including an excited audio message she’d received from Ellora after her first date with Braden.

“Marrying him will forever remain my favorite memory,” Ellora says, “not because a wedding — big or small, cheap or expensive — is important, but because choosing to become one with him has forever altered my life for the best.”

812-499-9661 • justfotobooths.com

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Customizable Photo Templates Customizable Tap to Start Screen Customized LED Color Many Backdrops to Choose From to Coordinate with your Event • Curated Props for your Event • Attendant on Site • Unlimited Photo Sharing via Airdrop/Text/E-mail/Social Media Other packages and upgrades are available. Contact for more details.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 | EVANSVILLE LIVING

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• The Wedding Book • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEDDING CHECKLIST Use this helpful guide to plan your perfect celebration.

12-10 months prior to the ceremony, or right after getting engaged:  Create a big-picture budget for the wedding.  Choose a ceremony date and a backup date.  Compile your guest list.  Tour ceremony and reception venues and reserve the ones you love.  Book a caterer.  Pick a wedding theme or color, and book your florist.  Book an officiant, photographer, videographer, and DJ/entertainment.

 Create your gift registry and wedding website.  Book hotels for out-of-town guests.  Book honeymoon accommodations and transportation.  Book a rehearsal dinner venue and confirm your venue’s availability for the rehearsal.

6 months prior:  Purchase wedding rings.  Plan and take engagement photos.  Have your wedding attire altered.

 Shop for and order the bride’s and groom’s attire.

4-5 months prior:

 Shop for bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits.

 Order cake or desserts.

 Send out invitations.

 Hold an engagement party.

 Purchase bridal shoes, accessories, and veil.

 Select a seamstress or alterations company.

 Reserve any rental items like chairs, linens, and dinnerware.

9 months prior:

 Finalize the guest list and the dinner menu.

 Book or coordinate your wedding day transportation and hair and makeup artists.

 Book wedding night accommodations.

Save the Date!

February 22

Old National Events Plaza

 Review your wedding day playlists.  Get the groom and groomsmen fresh haircuts.  Get a final fitting of all bridal party attire.

2-3 months prior:  Do trial runs for hair and makeup.  Arrange extras like a guest book, toasting glasses, and a cake knife.  Print programs and menus.

1 week prior:

1 month prior:

 Have your rings cleaned.

 Apply for and pick up your marriage license. (Check with the clerk of the county you’re marrying in; some licenses expire if not filed in a certain number of days.)

 Pack your day-of emergency kit with items such as deodorant, hair pins, makeup, sewing kit, mints, and stain removal tools.  Pack for your honeymoon. (If traveling internationally, be sure your travel documents display the correct surname! See a travel agent for details.)

 Write your vows.  Create and finalize the reception seating chart and table numbers.  Finalize the wedding day schedule and confirm your vendor arrival times.

The day prior:  Pull together attire and accessories.

 Finalize florals, candles, and centerpieces.

 Give designated helpers items for which they’re responsible.

 Review must-have shots with the photographer.

 Steam the dresses.

 Review final RSVPs and communicate any reception changes to your venue and/or caterer.

 Relax and have fun at your rehearsal dinner!  Get plenty of sleep.

Wedding Day:

2 weeks prior:  Finalize vendor payments.

Don’t forget to tip!

 Give your rings to the best man and maid of honor before the ceremony.

 Break in your wedding shoes.

 Get your hair and makeup done.

 Delegate day-of duties to trusted loved ones.

 Enjoy your wedding, and spend time with your loved ones!

Secure your spot before

February 6th!

Register or reserve your booth now!

Missed the deadline? No problem – reach out to learn how you can be a part of our 2027 event!

36 EVANSVILLE LIVING | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

• The Wedding Book •

VENDOR LIST • AAA Travel............................................................................. 50, 51 ... travel.aaa.com • Alterations by Olivia................................................................. 49 ... alterationsbyolivia.com • Award World Trophies & Gifts................................................. 66 ... awardworldtrophies.com • Bally's Evansville.........................................................................75 ... casinos.ballys.com/evansville • Bar Louie...................................................................................... 78 ... barlouie.com • Bauerhaus/Bauerhaus Catering, The..............................63, 65 ... thebauerhaus.com • Biaggi's........................................................................................ 55 ... biaggis.com • Black Horse Barn, The............................................................. IFC ... theblackhorsebarn.com • Burdette Park.............................................................................. 68 ... burdettepark.org • Burdoc Farms...............................................................................76 ... burdocfarms.com • City View at Sterling Square Events Center..........................74 ... cityviewevv.com • Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science...................... 78 ... emuseum.org • French Lick Resort...................................................................... 58 ... frenchlick.com/weddings.htm • Friedman Park Event Center....................................................48 ... friedmanparkeventcenter.com • Furnished Evansville..................................................................64 ... furnishedevansville.com • Gibson County Visitors & Tourism Bureau....................... 60, 61 ... gogibson.org • Hadi Shrine Banquet Hall......................................................... 54 ... hadishrine.org/facility-rental • Helms Hall - Evansville Goodwill Industries, The................. 78 ... thehelmshall.com • Indiana State Museums - Angel Mounds...............................81 ... indianamuseum.org/angelmounds • Just Foto Booths.........................................................................81 ... justfotobooths.com • Just Rennie's Catering.............................................................. 79 ... justrennies.com • Little Willows............................................................................... 78 ... littlewillowswed.com • Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden........................................ 59 ... meskerparkzoo.com • Midwest Communications........................................................ 82 ... midwesttel.com • Oink Inc. Smokehouse & Catering...........................................76 ... oinkincsmokehouse.com • Premiere Tan..........................................................................70, 71 ... premieretan.com • Reitz Home Museum.................................................................. 69 ... reitzhome.com • Stephan G. Sanders - Fine Men's Clothiers...........................74 ... yoursuitman.com • Sugarholic Body Sugaring Studio........................................... 79 ... sugarholicevv.glossgenius.com • T.R.U Event Rental...................................................................... 72 ... trueventrental.com • Vault, The.................................................................................... 56 ... thevaulthenderson.com • Visit Vincennes........................................................................... 52 ... visitvincennes.org

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