How to: Wedding Vows that Wow
March 3, 2025
Your wedding vows are the heart of your ceremony – a deeply personal moment where you and your partner express your love, promises, and dreams for the future. At our venue, we've seen countless beautiful ceremonies, and we know just how powerful well-crafted vows can be. To help you write vows that truly wow, we've broken it down into five simple sections.
Reflect on Your Relationship
Start by taking a moment to think about your journey together. Ask yourself:
How did you first meet, and what drew you to your partner?
What are the moments that solidified your love?
How has your relationship grown and evolved?
Jot down the memories, inside jokes, and special experiences that define your love story. These reflections will create a heartfelt foundation for your vows.
Highlight the Specifics You Love
Now, dive into the reasons you adore your soon-to-be spouse. Be specific! Instead of saying, "I love you because you're kind," try something like, "I love the way you always leave me little notes to brighten my day." Highlight their quirks, their strengths, and the little things they do that make you fall for them over and over again.
Make Meaningful Promises
Vows are, at their core, promises. Think about the commitments you want to make, both big and small. A mix of heartfelt and lighthearted promises keeps things genuine. For example:
"I promise to be there for you through thick and thin and to love you unconditionally no matter what life throws our way.”
"I vow to put you first, even if that means giving you the last slice of pizza when I really want it.”
These pledges show your partner (and your guests) the depth of your dedication while keeping it authentic.
Look Toward Your Future
Your vows should also touch on the life you're building together. Paint a picture of the dreams you share — whether it's traveling the world, raising a family, or simply growing old side by side. Let your partner know that you see them in your forever. Consider the milestones you're excited to reach together, like buying your first home, adopting a pet, or starting new traditions as a married couple. Think about how you'll support each other's ambitions and navigate life’s twists and turns as a team.
Keep It Authentic and Concise
Finally, remember that the most memorable vows come from the heart. Don’t worry about using fancy words or crafting a perfect speech. Just be yourself. Aim for about 2-3 minutes — long enough to be meaningful but short enough to keep everyone engaged.
Pro Tip: Practice reading your vows out loud. It’ll help with pacing and give you confidence for the big day!
Dreamy Wedding Color Palettes
February 26, 2025
When it comes to planning your wedding, choosing the color palette is like setting the tone for your big day — it’s kind of a big deal. There are lots to choose from, so let’s talk about four big color palettes that could be perfect for your dream wedding!
Greens and Grapevines
Inspired by vineyard charm, this palette combines dark maroons, soft greens, crisp whites, and grape accents for a rich, romantic feel. It’s a nod to nature and wine country elegance, perfect for couples tying the knot at a winery or garden venue. Picture maroon and olive green bridesmaid dresses, lush green garlands draped across tables, and delicate clusters of grapes nestled into centerpieces. The contrast of deep, velvety hues and fresh greenery creates a sophisticated yet organic ambiance that feels both timeless and enchanting.
Black Tie with a Twist
Classy never goes out of style. Add a pop of green and gold to the traditional black-and-white palette for a modern, elegant feel. It’s timeless yet fresh, perfect for a formal affair or a sleek winery wedding. Imagine white calla lily bouquets tied with ribbon, green floral centerpieces, gold flatware, and black and white signage with pops of green. These small details come together creating a sophisticated atmosphere with just a hint of contemporary flair. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and modern elegance.
Sunny Citrus and Blooms
If you want your wedding to feel like the ultimate sunny and fun summer day, this could be the palette for you. Think coral, tangerine, lemon yellow, hot pink, and pops of light blue. Perfect for summer ceremonies, these colors bring energy and a playful twist to your special day — plus, they pair beautifully with outdoor vineyard views. Picture bright floral centerpieces, citrus garlands, and sunny accents in your décor. It’s a vibrant, carefree choice that adds a splash of personality and fun to every moment.
Rose and Sage Romance
Soft, dreamy, and timeless. Blush pink paired with elegant sage green is the ultimate romantic combo. It works beautifully with floral arrangements, rustic venues (hello, vineyard weddings!), and candlelit receptions. This palette exudes a gentle charm, blending effortlessly with natural surroundings while adding just the right touch of elegance. Imagine flowing table runners, soft pink roses, and subtle greenery — pure magic.
Through the Seasons at Chandler Hill
February 18, 2025
Every season at Chandler Hill is beautiful and serene, but there’s no doubt that each one brings something unique. Whether that be blooming flowers, changing leaves, or snowy hills, there is always something charming to add to your wedding atmosphere!
Spring
Spring at Chandler Hill will have you thinking you’re no longer in Missouri. As the name suggests, our venue sits on a hill overlooking sweeping green hills, flowing trees, budding grape vines, and a glittering lake. The spring is a magical time here bringing us singing birds in the morning and the most gorgeous sunsets in the evening.
For weddings at Chandler Hill, this means a gorgeous outdoor ceremony with perfect lighting followed by an incredible sunset backdrop for photos. Springtime also makes for a perfect indoor-outdoor happy hour and a dreamy reception. Once you’re ready to hit the dance floor, you can do so under the stars and string lights on our deck. You can even add fireworks to the end of your first dance for the perfect transition to open up the dance floor!
Summer
Everything is in full bloom at Chandler Hill in the summer, the grape vines, flowers, and romance! Blue skies and sunshine paired with the vineyard and lake not only make incredible photos but also amazing memories. The sunsets just keep getting better as we move into July and August with bold colors painting the sky behind you as you say “I do”.
Even in the Missouri heat, Chandler Hill knows how to make your wedding seamless and enjoyable. Your guests will have access to an always-stocked water station as well as multiple spots to relax in the shade while still getting the full experience. Summer-themed specialty cocktails and cold appetizers can be a fun way to play into the season and keep your guests cool! By the time the sun sets, the weather is ideal for an outdoor dance floor, and don't forget those show-stopping fireworks to start the party!
Fall
If red, orange, and yellow foliage sounds like your dream wedding backdrop, Chandler Hill is the venue for you! The autumnal view stretches for miles off our back deck where some of the most picturesque ceremonies take place. This season presents the perfect opportunity to hold happy hour down in our cabanas with a satellite bar and toasty appetizers. As you watch the sun drift behind the horizon, fire up our bonfire pits to create the ultimate cozy atmosphere. Your guests will also be delighted to roam through the vines and capture some Instagram-worthy photos!
Reception allows your guests to warm up before hitting the dance floor under the night sky! To spice up your dessert experience, you can have a smores bar to really get your guests in the fall mood. In no time you’ll have everyone out of their seats, smores in hand, dancing the night away!
Winter
If a cozy wood-burning fireplace and a candle-lit dinner sounds like the perfect ambiance, a winter wedding at Chandler Hill is right for you! Our tall wooden ceiling, candle-lit bar, and indoor string lights bring warmth to the cold winter weather. A ceremony in front of the fireplace is never forgotten as it makes the moment even more magical and intimate.
Bring happy hour to life with a gingerbread martini or yule mule as your specialty cocktail! Satisfy your hunger until dinner with cocktail meatballs or cranberry brie tartlets and watch the smiles of satisfied guests spread throughout the room. Once reception comes to a close, hit the dance floor as we lower the lights and turn up the music! Add an even sweeter ending with our chocolate fountain along with dippable fruit and treats!
2025 Wedding Trends: Fresh Ideas for Unforgettable Celebrations
January 30th
This year is all about personalization, bold aesthetics, and unforgettable guest experiences. From statement color palettes to immersive entertainment, couples are embracing fresh ideas that make their big day truly unique. Whether you're envisioning small and chic or grand and luxurious, these 2025 wedding trends will inspire you to create a celebration that feels both stylish and memorable.
1. Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are growing in popularity and are a great way to add fun and distinction to your theme! To keep your bridal party cohesive, you can provide a color palette, optional patterns, and a Pinterest board for inspiration. Condence looks best on everyone, so giving your bridesmaids the freedom to choose what they wear will bring out the brightest smiles!
2. String Quartets
If elegant romance is the theme you’re striving for, you’ll want to consider incorporating this trend into your wedding. Couples are opting for instrumental versions of their favorite songs for the ceremony and reception, think Bridgerton. This allows you to enjoy the music that means the most to you while maintaining an elevated atmosphere. Even the grandparents will be dancing along to Beyoncé, or Frank Sinatra if that’s more your vibe!
3. Fruits and Veggies as Decor
That's right, your girl dinner is now a centerpiece. Heirloom tomatoes, gs, lemons, herbs, and more are becoming increasingly popular for wedding decor. These unusual props bring a natural and down-to-earth feeling that is perfect if you’re going for an effortless, comforting atmosphere. You can even tie in specialty cocktails that include the fruit and vegetables you’re also using as decor.
4. Candid Film Photography
If you want your pictures to be extremely nostalgic, this is the trend for you! Something about a candid laughing moment captured in a warm, grainy photo makes you feel like you’re reliving the moment over and over again. This photography style romanticizes blurry photos of you running through hallways, messy cake cuttings, and hectic dance floors. Each captured memory looks exactly how it felt - like a dream.
5. Unconventional Desserts
While you can’t go wrong with a traditional cake, an unconventional dessert can be just as delicious while adding a bit of personality to your wedding! Dessert can be a fun way to tie in your heritage and traditions, and maybe even entertainment for your guests. Examples of this include ice cream carts, fresh made-to-order donuts, dessert towers, French millefoglie, and Norwegian kransekake. No matter which unconventional dessert you choose, your guests will be surprised and delighted by the unique experience!