Sarah & Chris

November 30, 2008; Stone Chapel at Drury University, Springfield.

As seen in 417 Magazine, June 2009

Lee’s Summit native Sarah Duval met Republic native Chris Gillstrap in 2004 during their alpha seminar course at Drury University. The two became best friends and remained that way for a year and a half, and Sarah says the transition from friendship to dating blurs together. Before the two were official, they had many “friend dates,” but what she would call an official first date happened on Valentine’s Day in 2006.

In January 2008, Chris asked Sarah’s dad if he could have his daughter’s hand in marriage. After her father agreed, Chris proposed in the same spot that Sarah’s father proposed to her mother, on a hiking trail in Mount Vernon.

The wedding ceremony took place at the historic Stone Chapel at Drury University, and the reception was held at the Discovery Center. Sarah replaced the traditional groom’s cake with a stack of Chris’s favorite snack—chocolate chip cookies. Both Sarah and Chris love Memory Lane chocolate milk, so they had a chocolate milk toast rather than a champagne toast. Steve Proffitt, owner of The Potter’s House, was the officiant.
Hilary Horan was the maid-of-honor, and Mollie Duvall, Laura Bliss, Megan Blosser and Bekah Wertz were bridesmaids. The best man was Tyler Danforth, and Alex Robichaud, Andy Trossen, Jeff Horn and Aaron Witzke were the groomsmen.

The Details

Reception: The Discovery Center, Springfield
Photography: David Coleman, D Coleman Photography, Nixa
Wedding Planner: Brenda Bauer, The Bride’s Maid, Springfield
Dress: Kim’s Bridal & Tailor, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Flowers & Linens:  S.B. Bon Event Linens
Food: Catered by The Wild Fork, Nixa
Cake: Shelly LaForge, Cameo Cakes
Entertainment: DJ service: John and Dana Kimmons, Digitraxx Music 2 Go, Springfield

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