In a momentous occasion, Jana Duggar, the eldest daughter of the Duggar family, wed Stephen Wissmann in a “classic and elegant” ceremony held at The Grand at Willow Springs in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, on August 15. The 34-year-old Counting On alum’s dream came to fruition as she tied the knot with Wissmann, 31, in front of 500 guests.
The couple’s engagement, announced on June 15, culminated in a traditional ceremony that was both intimate and grand. Duggar’s sister, Jessa Duggar Seewald, stood as the maid of honor, with bridesmaids including her sister-in-law Abbie Duggar and her siblings Joy-Anna Forsyth, Johannah Duggar, Jinger Duggar Vuolo, and Jordyn Duggar.
Reflecting on her special day, Jana shared her deep emotions with PEOPLE just two days prior to the wedding. “It felt like something I had only dreamed of,” she said. “Now, seeing it come to life is incredible and almost unbelievable. It’s truly a dream come true.”
Jana made her entrance down the aisle to the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy,” dressed in an off-the-shoulder ivory satin ball gown. She described the gown as “classy and a bit like a princess.”
The wedding decor was intentionally understated to complement the venue’s natural beauty. “We chose to keep things simple,” Jana explained. “The venue is already so picturesque, so we opted for black suits for the men, champagne-colored dresses for the women, and a touch of white flowers and greenery.”
The couple’s priority was to celebrate with their extended families, with Jana noting, “Coming from large families, having everyone together to celebrate means a lot to us.”
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a formal sit-down dinner prepared by Wissmann’s family, featuring chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and coleslaw. “The Wissmanns are exceptional cooks, and we trusted them to deliver an amazing meal,” Jana said.
Dessert included a three-tier lemon raspberry cake and cupcakes, with interactive games and activities led by one of Jana’s brothers-in-law. The newlyweds shared their first dance, and Jana tossed her bouquet to the crowd.
Jana and Stephen’s relationship has roots dating back over a decade when their families first connected. Despite a brief romance years ago and subsequent distance, the two rekindled their relationship earlier this year, realizing their enduring connection.
“I had been cautious about falling in love, but Stephen’s character and consistent presence showed me he was the one,” Jana reflected. “His patience and genuine care for me through everything were clear indicators of his love.”
Despite the joy of her wedding, Jana has previously felt the weight of being the eldest sibling among 18, with many of her younger brothers and sisters already married. “It has been challenging at times,” she admitted. “I’ve prayed for this moment for years, and it feels like such a relief to finally have my dream realized.”
Jana and Stephen’s wedding marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple, celebrated with elegance, love, and the support of their large families.