Stewart Farms CO-OP

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Carter and Haley met briefly in May of 2023 while training for the Christ in Youth MIX event staff internship. Carter and Haley then reconnected the following January while training for SuperStart!, another internship at Christ in Youth. During the summer of 2024, Haley and Carter were placed on the same team during yet another internship at Christ in Youth (Haley and Carter really liked doing these internships, if you couldn't tell). Through a series of events, Haley and Carter took turns driving a van without A/C across the country, providing them lots of time to get to know each other well. Haley enjoyed Carter's general shenanigans (which is not a common trait) and Carter enjoyed getting to know Haley and her story. Both of them quickly realized that they had feelings for each other, and planned to start dating when the internship ended. After returning to Joplin, Haley and Carter started officially dating on August 5th, 2024 (Yay!). Then Haley returned to her home in New Albany, IN where she would live until she traveled to Hawaii for a 10 week long internship. The two had to date long distance for a while (boo!). Carter and Haley called each other pretty much every day, sometimes more, as well as many Marco Polo's to one another. When Haley traveled to Hawaii, the two struggled with the 5 hour time difference between them. However, Haley got to see some awesome sights and participate in a great ministry in Hawaii! Haley returned to New Albany after her internship ended shortly before Christmas. Carter then traveled to New Albany to spend New Years with Haley and meet Haley's friends and family. On New Year's Day, 2025, Haley packed all of her things into Carter's dad's truck (thanks Tom) and moved to Joplin. After 5 months of long distance, Haley and Carter finally lived in the same state! Carter and Haley both decided to do another internship with Christ in Youth SuperStart! in the spring of 2025 (this is the last one, I promise). During this time, Haley got her dream job as the lead recreation programmer for Christ in Youth (they can't get rid of us now). Meanwhile, Carter was saved up for an engagement ring and began plotting a proposal that would completely take Haley by surprise. Carter received the ring while Haley was in San Diego for a wedding. While discussing the ring with some of his co-workers, Carter had an epiphany (aided by Mallory Jenkins): He should propose when he flew out to San Diego to meet Haley. Carter was quickly connected with a photographer through a connection at Christ in Youth (thanks, Kevin). Carter proposed to Haley on the beach on Coronado Island outside of San Diego on April 14th, 2025. Haley was completely taken by surprise, (which may have been because the proposal was planned 3 days prior). Carter was extremely nervous the whole day, so much so that he forgot to pop the question when he got down on one knee until Haley reminded him that he did indeed need to speak words in order to propose. The newly engaged couple then settled in for a long (long, long, long) engagement, and began planning the big day with lots of anticipation. Hopefully, after reading all of that, you can join us for the celebration of our story, of our love for one another, and of the next chapter of our lives together!

Carter and Haley

Our Story

Photos

Paula was Haley’s roommate and closest friend at Indiana Wesleyan. They were sort of a package deal at IWU and Haley loves anytime they can have a sleepover!

Paula Fitch

Gracie and Haley met in 2014 at CIY MIX and have been friends ever since. One of Haley’s favorite memories with Gracie was from a camping trip they took together.

Gracie Lodwick

Haley also met Claire that same week of MIX in 2014. One of Haley’s favorite things about their relationship is when they worked at Springhill camps together in 2021.

Claire Elmore

Once again, Haley met Josie in 2014 at CIY MIX. Josie will forever be Haley's #1 roller skating friend. 

Josie Carroll

Grace was Haley’s roommate sophomore year and one of her closest friends at IWU. One of Haley’s favorite memories with Grace is when they would go to movie theaters to watch a Marvel movie and sneak in Jimmy John's

Grace Degenhart

Kaylee was one of Haley's closest friends at IWU. One of her favorite memories was when they spent the day together in CA (the same day Haley got engaged)!

Kaylee Good

Claire is Haley's longest friend, meeting in 5th grade. Haley's favorite memories with Claire were boating with her in the summer. 

Claire Graf

Gracie was on Haley's 2023 CIY MIX Event Staff team (Team Alpha 4L). Her favorite memories with Gracie are anytime they can get a good latte together!

Gracie Bursack

Millie was also on Haley's Event Staff Team in 2023. Millie has always been a good friend and quickly became Haley's closest friend upon moving to Joplin! 

Millie Martin

Adam is one of Carter's best friends since high school, where they also worked together at the Lebanon B&B Theater and still share a strong love of movies.

Adam Walters

One of Carter's best friends at MIZZOU. Sneller and Carter were heavily involved in the Salt ministry together while in college. 

Nathan Sneller

Clay and Carter grew close by attending the same church camp together. Carter and Clay also went to MIZZOU together. 

Clay Atterbury

Carter and Kolton also went to the same church camp. They have known each other since high school, and now both live in Joplin and have worked doing CIY SuperStart together.

Kolton York

Carter and Riley met through CIY Event Staff summer of 2023. They both moved to Joplin and became roommates beginning of 2024. 

Riley Mitchell

Carter also met Cam through doing CIY Event Staff in 2024, where they have remained friends and grown closer upon both living in Joplin.

Cam Levin

Carter and Michael also met through CIY in 2023. Michael has become one of Carter's closest friends in Joplin, as they often see a movie together or grab a meal.

Michael Hester

Carter also met Avery through Ciy in 2023. Avery is one of Carter's great friends, and they also lead a group of high school boys together at Christ Church of Oronogo.  

Avery Oldfield

Wedding Party

Is There a Dress Code?Semi-Formal Attire. As well as with our wildflower theme, we will have a color palette for all decorations and the bridal party. While you are not required to dress to the color palette, you are welcome to!

Can I Bring My Kids?If you’re family and we’ve let you know that kids are invited, then absolutely! If your children aren’t listed on your invitation, it simply means we don’t have the same personal connection with them. That said, we truly want you there—so if finding childcare would keep you from joining us, please reach out. We’re happy to talk through it.

Do I Get a Plus One?We’ve carefully considered our guest list and have included a plus one for those whose invitation lists an additional guest by name or says “and guest.” If your invitation does not include this, we’ve chosen to keep the celebration more intimate. We truly wish we could invite everyone, but we’re working within space and budget limits—if you have any questions let us know!

What if it rains?While our wedding is "backyard wedding vibes". Our lovely venue has a covered pavilion that will hold our reception. If it rains, we will move the ceremony under that pavilion as well. If the weather is unsafe, we will send updates as soon as possible about a game plan. Please check back to the wedding website day of for any updates. As we anticipate our day, please pray for good weather.

What time can I expect the wedding to officially end?Our scheduled exit send-off is at 9:15! However, we know some may work the next day, so if the numbers start dying down sooner, we may exit earlier! We would love for you to be there for our send-off and to party on the dance floor with us, but if you need to leave sooner, we totally understand and appreciate you taking the time to celebrate us!

What are some additional things I can expect?For our reception, we are planning on having dinner (hot dogs and hamburgers!). We will end the reception on the dance floor! For those who dont want to dance, we encourage you to bring your own games!

Will there be alcohol?We won’t be providing alcohol at the wedding, but guests are welcome to enjoy responsibly on their own time. We kindly ask everyone to be mindful and help us keep the celebration safe and enjoyable for all.

Details to Know

If you're flying in, this is the closest airport to our venue (30 minutes)! If you're looking for other options, you have XNA (2 hours) or JLN (1 hour).

Springfield-Branson National Airport

Driving from Indiana? Stop at Haley and Carter's favorite halfway stop gas station WALLYS, located right outside of St.Louis. In their professional opinion, its better than Buccees!

Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites - Springfield North by IHG is located in Springfield. Featuring a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The hotel features an indoor pool and an ATM. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Guests at Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites - Springfield North by IHG can enjoy an American breakfast. Guests will find a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge and a business center at the property. Springfield–Branson National Airport is 7.5 miles away.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Springfield North by IHG

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springfield North provides accommodations in Springfield. With free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, rooms come with a desk. The rooms in SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springfield North are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. An American breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. A business center and a gym are available at the property as well as free private parking. Springfield–Branson National Airport is 8.1 miles from the property.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springfield North

Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Springfield-I-44 by IHG is located in Springfield and features a shared lounge, a restaurant and a bar. With a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has an indoor pool and free shuttle service. At the hotel, every room has a closet. All guest rooms in Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Springfield-I-44 by IHG are equipped with a TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Staff at Holiday Inn &amp; Suites Springfield-I-44 by IHG are always available to provide guidance at the reception. Springfield–Branson National Airport is 7.5 miles away.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Springfield - I-44 by IHG

Travel

Located in nearby Branson (about 50 minutes from Springfield), this award-winning theme park blends old-time charm with modern thrills. Guests can enjoy roller coasters, live shows, artisan crafts, and amazing food — all with an 1880s Ozark Mountain twist.

Silver Dollar City

&nbsp;The Alamo is one of Carter and Haley's favorite spots. It is a stylish movie theater chain that offers a unique dine-in experience. You can watch a mix of new releases and classic films while enjoying food and creative cocktails served directly to your seat.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Springfield

Known as “America’s Ride-Through Cave,” Fantastic Caverns is a unique experience where guests sit back in a tram pulled by a Jeep and explore incredible underground formations. Perfect for all ages and an easy way to enjoy Missouri’s natural beauty.

Fantastic Caverns

Bass Pro Shops in Springfield sprawls across approximately 500,000 square feet—making it not just a store, but an immersive attraction and Missouri's top tourist draw with over 4 million visitors annually

Bass Pro Shops

Dive into a breathtaking fusion of nature, conservation, and discovery at Wonders of Wildlife—right next to Bass Pro Shops HQ. Featuring over a mile of immersive galleries, a massive live-animal aquarium, penguin encounters, touch pools, and even a shark cage dive

Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

A&nbsp;must for car lovers! This museum showcases more than 70 rare and classic automobiles, celebrating Springfield’s history along the famous Route 66.

Route 66 Museum

Step into the legendary “Home of the Throwed Rolls”, just a hop south of Springfield. At Lambert’s, dinner is a delicious adventure—servers fling piping-hot rolls across the room for you to catch, while pass-around sides like fried potatoes &amp; onions, mac &amp; tomatoes, and okra make their way to your table. Southern comfort food classics—think chicken-fried steak, catfish, BBQ ribs, or hog jowl—come in hearty portions, all served in a lively, quirky atmosphere that's pure fun. You’ll leave with a full belly, a smile on your face, and maybe a story about catching your dinner!

Lambert's Café

Carter and Haley's favorite antique store in Springfield! With dozens of booths filled with antiques, relics, décor, and one-of-a-kind finds. Haley and Carter have discovered many unique pieces for their future home here, and it is a must when in town!

Freakin' Antiquin' Vintage Market

Branson, Missouri, often called the "Heart of the Ozarks," is conveniently located just 50 minutes from Springfield. Nestled in the rolling Ozark Mountains, this vibrant city offers a spectacular blend of high-energy shows, pristine natural beauty, and classic family fun—providing the perfect variety of activities for guests of all ages.

Explore Branson Missouri

Haley and Carter have spent a lot of time and dates in Downtown Springfield some of their favorite spots are: - Kingdom Coffee- The Coffee Ethic- Black Sheep

Downtown Springfield

El Cafecito offers authentic Latin cuisine that will transport your taste buds to a whole new world. Their menu is filled with traditional dishes made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients. They take pride in providing an authentic experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culture of Latin America. It is one of Haley and Carter's favorite coffee spots in Springfield

El Cafecito - The Little Coffee Shop

Things to Do

Pros Dish on What to Wear to a Wedding

40 Affordable Guest Dresses to Save Money

Affordable Suits? They're a Click Away

Please visit our details to see more information about our venue and wedding colors

Haley & Carter

Haley & Carter

H&C

Wedding Day

Reception