Josh and Amy know how to have FUN…they arrived and left their wedding by boat! On a day full of love, laughter, and meaningful details, their playfulness and joy while celebrating with loved ones shines in every picture.

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

While shopping for her wedding gown, Amy knew she wanted one thing: for the dress to be ‘her.’ Finding the right fit led her to Wedding Wonderland and…well, Amy describes how she discovered her gown and created the wedding she and Josh imagined best!

From Amy:

“Josh and I were engaged for a year, and I might have had a little too much time to shop, browse online, and flip through every bridal magazine and blog known to man. I kept getting ideas and had to tell myself to focus on the things I’ve always wanted most and save the rest for “extras” IF I had time.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“One of the things I wouldn’t compromise on was my dress. I can’t say I dreamed of my exact dress all my life, but if you know me, you know I dreamed and hoped for something PERFECT. I wanted my dress to be “me.” I wanted it to be unique, fun, classy, and modern, but yet timeless at the same time…to find all those thing is one dress was a little difficult at first.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“When I first started shopping for my wedding dress I fell in love with two very different styles: one was the trending fit n’ flare style that hugged my curves, and the other was the classic lace dress with straps that led into the key hole back. I kept going back and forth and was genuinely torn on which way to go… I wanted the lace keyhole back SO bad, but all the lace dresses I was trying on were very conservative and too matronly looking.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“After a few weeks of dealing with this decision I went into Wedding Wonderland in Knoxville, TN. I was just browsing when Lisa asked me what I was looking for. I told her my dilemma and she said enthusiastically that almost any of Lea-Ann Belter’s dresses could be made with a key hole opening in the back. I immediately started drooling. Just to push my luck I told her this dream I had of wearing the straps for the wedding and taking them off so it could be strapless for the reception… she said it could be done.
And I was sold.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“I took 3 strapless dresses of Lea-Ann Belter’s back into the fitting room with me. I liked and them all but was left standing with one: Mallory. With the bodice all in French Alencon Lace it would easily blend with the lace straps and keyhole. That day I took 900 pictures (because my mom was out of town) and then I brought her back 2 weeks later to get her approval. Her tears were enough, and we bought the dress that same day.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“I always thought it was hokey for people to talk about “the one” with a dress, but everyone, even my photographer, told me they had never met someone who loved their dress so much. I can’t emphasis enough that is was EXACTLY what I wanted. I was even allowed draw the way I wanted the back to lie and the shape of the key-hole, so it fit perfectly.”

a title=”Amy & Josh, photographer – Lori Hensley”>

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“On top of all that, I somehow never noticed, until after I bought the dress, that all of Lea-Ann’s ads were on the water. This TOTALLY fit Josh and my personality and the “look” we were going for. I picked my colors because they were somewhat “nautical” and the reception venue because it was on the water. Josh and I love everything aquatic; we even arrived and departed from the reception by boat.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“For our wedding and reception, Josh and I knew we wanted our family and friends to be really involved and to not only share in the seriousness of the marriage covenant, but also to celebrate in the passion and fun of the lifelong commitment. We had a very God-centered wedding followed by a party of a reception. We had corn hole and ladder ball during the cocktail hour and constant dancing from the cake cutting on! We were all about the details—people close to me even brought in some of Josh and my favorite desserts; we hung some of the mad-lib RSVPs up outside as décor, hung childhood pictures from an old barn ladder, and to follow our nautical theme, even had our soft drinks on ice in a canoe. Our reception was indeed a party and we thanked our guests with a blue and green candy table (along with all the other homemade goodies)! I can’t thank everyone enough, it was such a wonderful day.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

“It was literally the most fun I have ever had and wish I could live the day over again. I was lucky enough to get to wear my dress a second time for a “post-wedding” session a few days later with our photographer, Lori Hensley, and recommend that to everyone. Not only do you get to get dressed up all over again, you have time to try different, fun, unique poses that really show your personality. I can’t thank my family and vendors enough for making everything possible.”

Amy & Josh, gown – Lea-Ann Betler Mallory, photographer – Lori Hensley

We’re so thrilled you loved your gown so much, Amy, and we’re honored you shared your day with us! Best wishes to you both!

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to share your story and pictures! Email Jessica@Lea-AnnBelter.com.