Similar to a children's sermon, children age 10 and younger are welcome to join us and view the ceremony near the bride and groom. Because we have so many littles that are special to us, all the girls are flower girls and all the boys are ring security! The flower girls are encouraged to wear white or pink dresses (any shade of white or pink they may already have in their closet) and will be given a Flower Wreath for their hair. The ring security is encouraged to wear a white collared button-down shirt and will receive an official Ring Security badge. A parent is welcome to walk and sit with them. We know this may be really cute or a hilarious disaster. We will roll with it!
Wedding Ceremony Brunch attire, Similar to an Easter Sunday ~ Suggestions are dresses, skirts, pantsuits and dress slacks for the ladies. Open collar shirts and sports coat, suits, dark dress jeans, boots, and cowboy hats are welcome for the gentlemen. Please no ballcaps, lounge wear or athletic wear.
We have family and friends joining us from Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Montana. Show off where you are from! Wear your favorite state or sports team shirts and jerseys throughout the weekend!
Please arrive by 10:15 and be seated by 10:20. There are a few tables reserved for immediate family and the bridal party. All other tables are open seating. Pick up a glass of champagne, mimosa or juice on the way in to the ballroom.
For those arriving on Friday, January 30, Friends and Family may join us for a Welcome Supper Taco Bar from 5:30ish - 8:30 pm. As everyone is arriving at different times, this will be a drop in style gathering. Cash bar. Soft drinks provided. A shuttle will depart The Elms at 5:30 to transport guests and return guests back to the Elms at 8:00. You are welcome to stay longer, but the Bride and Groom will leave early to get ready for our big day! Casa Di Vite in the Bogart Room 216 Spring Street Excelsior Springs MO About an eight minute walk from the Elms hotel. After a day of travel, feel free to wear your state or favorite team shirt and let everyone know where you traveled from!
Liz Anne started collecting the patterned china dinner plates for her nieces, Ryan's, wedding several years ago. Since that wedding, they have been used at the weddings of, Ryan and Vince, Chandler and Zack, Liz Anne and Patrick and dear friends, Crystal and PJ. Included in the mix are china dinner plates from Louie and Betty McElhaney, married 70 years, and George and Melanie Wilson, married 29 years.
Yes! This is a McElhaney, Arkansas and southern staple. As children, we were always excited to visit our grandmothers as we knew we would have some chocolate gravy for our biscuits. It may not be for everyone, but there is a hint of a guilty pleasure having chocolate for breakfast. Add a pat of butter on top!
Betty, the mother of the bride, has been making the Mexican Wedding cookies at Christmas and other special occasions for over 67 years. Thank you to sisters Brenda and Julie for making the cookies. Our dear cousin, Betty Sue Carpenter, made the Strawberry Freezer Jam. Liz Anne and Patrick made the Peach Freezer Jam.
Something OLD ~ A pearl necklace given to Patrick's mother, Melanie, from his father on the day they were married. The pearls have also been worn by Patrick's sister, Paige, his daughter, Alisa, and his two nieces, Brittany and Katie. Something NEW ~ A new wedding dress and a new pearl, cross bracelet given by Brenda, Liz Anne's sister. Something BORROWED ~ The wedding veil, also worn by Liz Anne's two nieces, Ryan and Chandler. Something BLUE ~ A handkerchief from Miss Melanie's mother, Margaret Jeanette Moore known as Grams.
In Liz Anne's Bouquet and Patrick Boutonniere is greenery from the McElhaney farm in Lawrence, Kansas and from the Wilson lawn in Georgetown, Texas. The glass punch bowl belonged to Liz Anne's grandmother, Attie McElhaney, and is estimated to be 80+ years old.
If you are a part of the wedding party, related to the bride or groom by blood, marriage or significant other, then you are part of the group photos! The photos will take place about 11:45 am with exact location TBD. But will likely be near the staircase, fireplace or outside if the weather permits.
Nell Bowen Attie Faye and Chester McElhaney ~ Also married on January 31st, 101 years ago Margaret Jeanette and John Arch Moore Julie Caroline and Isaac Kay Morris Frank Dolphus and Leona May Payne Frank Donald Payne
Yes! Just mention you are with the wedding when booking for a 10% discount.
Invitation links are being sent out by email. Please view on a larger monitor to see all the details as it does not show well on a smartphone. Please do not forward your link.
To help us with our catering count due date and budget, please accept or decline by Saturday, January 3.