Haylie and Chris's Graystone Valley Wedding | Branson, MO

real wedding
Written By Haylie Scherr

If you had told me in June of 2022—when Chris surprised me by proposing—that our wedding day at Graystone Valley would end up shaping not just our marriage, but also inspiring the start of an event planning comapny, I wouldn’t have believed you. Fast forward to October 15, 2022, and there I was, living out the dream wedding day I’d imagined in pieces for years.

The Proposal That Started It All

Chris and I were both 28 at the time, and we were still finding our rhythm. Careers were taking off and house hunting starting to feel like a real conversation. The idea of building a life together felt exciting, but somehow I was still completely caught off guard when he proposed.

Chris proposed in June on a quiet, unassuming day—no over-the-top planning, no extravagant setup, just him and me and a question that changed everything. I loved the simplicity of it. It was so Chris.

From the moment he asked question, I was ready to say yes—to him and to planning the wedding of my dreams. For someone like me, who thrives on crafting meaningful celebrations for others, this was an chance to create something uniquely personal, loving, and us.

I was all in. I’ve always been the event planner in my family, so getting to plan my own felt surreal. Everything about the process felt personal—stitching together pieces of what matters most to me and building a day that celebrated not just our future but also the family, friends, and memories that brought us to this point.

Falling in Love with Graystone Valley

I’ll admit, choosing a wedding venue felt daunting at first—Branson, MO, my small hometown, doesn’t have endless options. But the moment I stepped onto the property at Graystone Valley, I knew. It was perfect. With the rolling hills of the Ozarks, everything felt warm, romantic, and timeless. The views from the reception windows looking out over the deep valley were stunning. 

The versatility of the space stood out immediately. We loved that guests could sip cocktails on the lawn, cozy up by the firepit, or soak in the scenery from the massive windows in the reception hall.

The planning process was a complete joy for me (and yes, I was very sad when it was all over).


The Day That Took My Breath Away

When our wedding day arrived, it was everything I dreamed of. Emotional, beautiful, deeply personal, and filled with the people we love most.

The air was crisp, the Ozarks were glowing in their fall best, and I could feel this indescribable stillness in my heart as I slipped into my dress.

Standing at the end of the aisle with the valley behind him, Chris looked like he’d stepped out of a dream. The ceremony felt cinematic—in the best way. Our florist, Rosewood Floral, created arrangements so naturally stunning that it felt like the blooms were plucked straight from the surrounding hills.

When we exchanged vows, I remember looking at him and thinking, This is it. This is the beginning of everything. I’ll never forget how perfectly everything fell into place in that moment.

A Reception with Heart

The reception was a cozy, joyful celebration that felt more like a gathering of all our favorite people rather than a traditional event. The tables, set with rentals from Vintage Furniture Rental, paired timeless elegance with warm, personal touches like hand-lettered signage from Shop Reverie Décor.

Dinner was catered by Sugar Leaf, and each dish felt lovingly prepared—just as much for the out-of-town guests enjoying a taste of Branson as for my family, who already loved their creations.

But the firepit, hands down, might have been the highlight of the evening. It drew guests in for late-night talks, as the perfect backdrop for conversations that lingered after the DJ’s final set. Speaking of the DJ, DJ Zane brought the house down all night.

And as someone who treasures visual storytelling, having Shae Brianne Photo and RoseGold Films capture the day was the best decision I could have made. Every time I look back at those photos and videos, it’s like stepping back into the moments—my dad walking me down the aisle, Chris and I feeling the love fill the room, and all the people we love celebrating with us.

A Touch of Timeless Art

Can we talk about one of the most magical details? Lucile Studio painted our ceremony in real time. Watching her bring the moment to life on canvas was unforgettable, and the finished portrait is now one of my most cherished heirlooms. There’s something about the blend of artistry and memory that makes this kind of keepsake so unique. It’s a living memory.

From This Day Forward

Looking back now, it’s wild to realize how much my wedding shaped my life. Chris and I have grown in the most wonderful ways—we’ve purchased a couple of homes, started the family conversations, reached new career milestones, and even pivoted into building something of our own.

What began as one wedding turned into Heirloom Event Company, a full-time passion and business I now get to pour my heart into every day. We’ve expanded to new cities, hired incredible planners, and continue helping couples create unforgettable moments, just like I had.

My wedding was so much more than a beginning for us—it was the start of a passion that keeps growing. It gave me fresh perspective as a planner, a deep understanding of the emotions and decisions couples face, and a renewed love for creating those once-in-a-lifetime days for others.

I’ll always be grateful for October 15, 2022—it’s the day that started it all.

xoxo,

Haylie

Vendor Dream Team

Planning a wedding is never a solo effort! These incredible vendors helped turn my dream into reality, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their passion and talent.

Your Turn

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels exactly like you—whether it’s cozy, elegant, or somewhere in between—my team at Heirloom Event Company is ready to help. From the Ozarks to the city and anywhere in between, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to start planning a day that celebrates every piece of your story.

Haylie Scherr
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