A Love Story by the River: AJ & Korben's Wedding at the Historic Rose Hotel
An unforgettable September wedding filled with Ohio River views, sunset moments, and a little Southern Illinois charm.
SHAWNEE STAYS • REAL WEDDINGS • SEPTEMBER 12, 2026
Some places become part of our stories in ways we never could have imagined.
For AJ and Korben, the Historic Rose Hotel in Elizabethtown, Illinois, became more than a beautiful riverside destination. It became the place where they celebrated their love, surrounded by family, friends, and the breathtaking scenery of the Ohio River. On September 12, 2026, after nearly two years together, the couple said "I do" during a celebration filled with navy blue, greenery, golden-hour photographs, and memories they'll carry for a lifetime.
And like every good love story, theirs started long before the wedding day.
From a Fishing Pond to Forever
Every couple has a proposal story, but AJ and Korben's might be one of our favorites. Korben chose a place that already held special meaning to them: the pond where they enjoyed spending time fishing together. For weeks, he'd been joking with AJ about proposing. So when the moment finally arrived, she didn't quite believe him. "He had been joking with me for weeks that he was going to propose, so I thought he was kidding," AJ recalled. She was even getting frustrated because Korben wouldn't let her get her fishing pole. That is, until she realized he wasn't joking this time.
He had a ring.
What began as an ordinary day at their favorite fishing spot turned into the beginning of their next chapter together.
Falling in Love with the Historic Rose Hotel
When it came time to choose a wedding venue, AJ hadn't originally envisioned getting married at the Historic Rose Hotel. In fact, she had never visited the property before getting engaged. But when Stephanie suggested it as a possible location, everything changed.
"I just loved the view," AJ shared.
And it's easy to understand why. Nestled along the Ohio River in the charming town of Elizabethtown, Illinois, the Historic Rose Hotel offers something truly special: historic character, beautiful outdoor spaces, and a riverfront setting that creates a naturally romantic backdrop. For AJ, it wasn't about elaborate decorations or an extravagant venue. It was about finding a place where the surroundings could speak for themselves.
"Everything about it is just so stunning, and you can't beat the river view."
A Riverside Wedding in Navy, Greenery, and Gold
AJ knew from the beginning that she wanted the Ohio River to be the centerpiece of their wedding. Her vision was timeless and elegant, with a beautiful combination of navy blue, greenery, white, and touches of gold. Rather than competing with the natural beauty of the property, the decorations complemented the scenery. The ceremony took place in front of the gazebo, with approximately 70 to 80 loved ones gathered to celebrate AJ and Korben. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception behind the hotel, allowing the celebration to continue in the same beautiful riverside setting.
AJ spent the morning getting ready inside the Historic Rose Hotel, while the property's outdoor spaces provided the backdrop for much of the day's photography. The photographs capture something especially beautiful about the hotel: its historic rooms, vintage furnishings, floral wallpaper, and timeless details create a romantic atmosphere even before the ceremony begins. And although September in Southern Illinois can still bring a little summer warmth, AJ wouldn't have changed the setting. When asked about her favorite part of getting married at the hotel, her answer was immediate.
"THE VIEW!!! It might have been slightly hot, but it was soooo pretty!"
Sometimes the simplest details are the ones that make a wedding unforgettable.
A Sunset They'll Never Forget
Of all the beautiful moments throughout their wedding day, one stands out most for AJ. Taking photographs with Korben at sunset. As the evening light settled over the Ohio River, the newlyweds stepped away for a few quiet moments together. For AJ, those photographs became some of her most treasured memories of the day.
"Taking our pictures at sunset. It was such a special moment."
Her favorite photography location was the hotel's front yard, where the river created a beautiful natural backdrop. It's one of the things that makes a wedding at the Historic Rose Hotel so memorable. You don't have to travel far to find stunning scenery. From the gazebo overlooking the water to the rocky riverbank and historic hotel grounds, every corner offers an opportunity to capture something meaningful. Sometimes the most beautiful backdrop is right outside the front door.
Ending the Night with a Little Sparkle
As the celebration came to a close, AJ and Korben shared one final unforgettable moment.
A sparkler send-off.
Surrounded by the warm glow of sparklers and the people who had gathered to celebrate them, the couple ended their wedding day in a way that felt just as magical as the setting itself. "We did a send-off with sparklers, and it was such a perfect way to end the night," AJ shared. From a proposal beside a fishing pond to a wedding overlooking the Ohio River, their story had come full circle—celebrating love in the beautiful outdoors.
More Than Just a Wedding Venue
What makes AJ and Korben's story especially meaningful to us at Shawnee Stays is AJ's connection to the Historic Rose Hotel. As a member of our team, AJ knows the property from a perspective that most guests don't. But now, the hotel is also part of her own personal history. It's where she got ready for her wedding, where she and Korben exchanged vows, and where they celebrated with the people closest to them. It's a place she'll always be able to look back on and remember one of the most important days of her life.
And we're so grateful that the Historic Rose Hotel got to be a part of their story.
Thinking About a Wedding at the Historic Rose Hotel?
Not every couple dreams of a ballroom or an elaborate destination wedding. Sometimes, all you need is a beautiful setting, the people you love, and a place that feels just right. Located in Elizabethtown, Illinois, near Shawnee National Forest, the Historic Rose Hotel offers a distinctive backdrop for couples dreaming of a romantic Southern Illinois wedding. Its historic charm, outdoor spaces, and scenic Ohio River views make it a lovely setting to explore for a personal, meaningful celebration. When asked what advice she'd give another couple considering the Historic Rose Hotel for their wedding, AJ didn't hesitate.
"Do it!! It was the perfect space with amazing views."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves. Whether you're dreaming of a riverside ceremony, sunset wedding portraits, or a celebration filled with small-town charm, we'd love to help you explore the possibilities.
Every love story deserves a beautiful place to be celebrated.
Learn more about the Historic Rose Hotel and connect with Shawnee Stays to inquire about hosting your special day.
Explore the Historic Rose Hotel at Shawnee Stays
Congratulations, AJ and Korben! Thank you for allowing the Historic Rose Hotel to be part of your beautiful beginning. 🤍
Photography by MB Photography