ANSLEY WIXSON & AVERY FELTS
May 20, 2023 | Stan Jones Mallard Lodge | Lawrence County | Ryanne O’Donnell Photography
Ansley and Avery had mutual friends in junior high, so they spent a lot of their childhood hanging out together. One night, Ansley asked Avery to hang out outside of their friend group and he just so happened to come over the same night her family was throwing a Thanksgiving party. He’s been a part of the family ever since, and the rest is history!
“I realized Avery was the one when we both cherished the same things in life,” Ansley said. “We both love the Lord, we both adore time with our families, and we both just want to live a simple happy life with kids of our own one day! We truly bring the best out in each other and are each other's best friends!”
While on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Avery popped the question along the shoreline to Ansley. His family helped him set up the proposal by telling Ansley they were going to take family portraits on the beach, and the color scheme was blue and white. His sister was tasked with finding the “perfect spot” for the photos, but was actually setting up the proposal spot!
“Avery and I had been together 5 years at this point so I was definitely expecting something to happen soon, so I may have been a little prepared for this moment,” Ansley said. “It was absolutely beautiful. Strangers cheered, we cried, it was one of those movie moment proposals that every girl dreams of!”
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Photographer
Ryanne O’Donnell Photography
Gown
Unveiled Bridal Collection
Jewelry
Sissy’s Log Cabin
MORE VENDORS
Florals: Blossom Events & Florist; Venue: Stan Jones Mallard Lodge; Videography: Black House Studios; Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse; Bridesmaid: David’s Bridal; Makeup: Cassandra Bastian; Hair: Vanstone Salon & Medspa (Amber Stone & Lesli Jones); Food: Bistro on The Ridge (Greg Vance); Cake: Sheryl Puckett; Light up letters: Alpha Lit NEA SEMO; Music: DJ Ice Tre (Ryan Beavers); Stationary: Canva & Truly Engaging; Napkins & Champagne Tower: Elegant Party Rentals; Preacher: John Miles
Q & A
Q: Was there a detail you knew you couldn't live without while planning?
A: “I have always loved the champagne tower pictures that I have seen from other’s weddings so I knew I for sure had to have that,” Ansley said “It was a fun little moment we got to share together and it made for the cutest pictures!”
Q: What inspired your color palette?
A: “I wanted our wedding to be bright and happy,” Ansley said. “My favorite color combo is pink and orange, so that’s what I wanted. A part of me was worried I would lose the “elegance” factor by having hot pink and orange colors [while wearing] an all-white look, but I truly couldn’t have been happier with the results!”
Q: Tell us about your wedding gown.
A: “I knew I wanted a timeless look,” Ansley said. “When I put on my dress I immediately loved how I looked. It even brought me to tears which I would’ve never expected to happen. After purchasing the dress I figured out I had the exact one saved on my Pinterest board, so it was meant to be! I’ve never felt more beautiful than I did on my wedding day! I had pearl jewelry, pearl shoes, and pearls in my veil to tie it all together!”
Q: Tell us about your florals!
A: “David from Blossom Events and Florist just blew me away with the work he and his team did,” Ansley said. “I told him I wanted hot pink & bright orange with lots of greenery & he made the most beautiful flower arrangements I have ever seen! They went so well with the landscaping that the venue already had.”
Q: What is a compliment you've heard from guests about your wedding day?
A: “Everyone just raved about how it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever been to, which made my heart so happy,” Ansley said. “I think it had a lot to do with the venue, florals, table decor and having the perfect weather. Everyone said they enjoyed themselves so much and the dancing was so fun! DJ Ice Tre knows how to get a party started!”
Q: Tell us about the venue. Why did you decide to get married here?
A: “Stan Jones Mallard Lodge is a gorgeous hunting lodge with the most beautiful landscaping I have ever seen,” Ansley said. “I had been to my cousin’s wedding here a while back and I just knew I wanted my wedding here one day. It had plenty of room for people to spread out and enjoy themselves. Golden Hour [at the venue] is just insanely beautiful. I wanted the perfect outdoor wedding where we got to dance in the sunset and that’s exactly what I got!”
WEDDING PLANNING ADVICE
“Don’t stress and have fun with it,” Ansley said. “Listen to advice from others but ultimately go with what you want!”
WORTH-IT WEDDING DAY SPLURGES
Ansley is so glad she splurged on florals and her photographer and videographer!
OUR FAVES
- Ansley’s gorgeous Unveiled Bridal Collection gown paired with a pearl veil.
- The bridesmaid’s adorable hot pink silky pajama sets for getting ready the morning of.
- Ansley and Avery’s champagne tower!
