How Jana Duggar Picked “Stunning” Dress for Stephen Wissmann Wedding

As I delve deeper into the lives of these remarkable individuals, it truly warms my heart to see the love and resilience that the Duggar family embodies. The youngest of the brood at one point, sweet Jenni, now a teenager, is a beacon of dependability, loyalty, and fun-loving spirit. She’s like a human jungle gym for her many nieces and nephews, always ready to carry them around, much to their delight. Her love for animals is evident in the way she nurtures her furry friends, including a recent litter of bunnies that she helped raise.


Jana Duggar is revealing how she made her wedding dreams come true.

In her recent YouTube video, the ex-star of “19 Kids and Counting” gave fans a peek into the preparations for her August 15 wedding to Stephen Wissman. She shared a tour of their Prairie Grove, Arkansas wedding venue, highlighting its beautiful chapel, large reception hall, and a bridal suite equipped with changing rooms and vanities resembling a salon. Jana expressed her delight, confirming that this picturesque location was the perfect choice for her big day.

The 34-year-old stated firmly in the video, ‘I won’t consider any alternatives whatsoever. I’m absolutely convinced. This is undoubtedly the spot where I plan to tie the knot.’

Following that, the eldest Duggar daughter, along with some of her sisters including Jessa Duggar Seewald, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth, and sister-in-law Abbie Duggar, chose to continue wedding preparations impromptu by visiting a bridal boutique. She shared, “The girls said, ‘Since we’re already together, let’s just take a peek at what they have.’

Inspired by a fashion style she admired on Pinterest with an off-the-shoulder neckline and A-line shape, Jana’s sister group gathered several different styles for her to try. She made a deliberate choice not to stick to one specific style. “I don’t want to be rigid about my preferred style,” she explained. “I’ve learned from others that they were often surprised by the dress they ended up falling in love with, so I want to explore different options.

In my expert opinion as a lifestyle advisor, I ventured to sample several stunning gowns, yet, just like selecting the perfect venue for an event, I found myself returning to my initial choice in the end. To my delight, I discovered this exquisite dress “much sooner than anticipated,” and it felt almost serendipitous!

In a grand wedding, the television personality pledged their commitment to Wissman, who is the brother-in-law of Hannah (married to Jeremiah, Jana’s younger sibling), surrounded by 500 guests. This union took place just two months following their engagement. They had rekindled their relationship earlier in the year, having dated briefly years ago; however, Jana shared with People that they maintained intermittent contact during those years.

There are more wedding plans ahead for the Duggars, as Jason, Jana’s younger brother, recently proposed to his girlfriend Maddie Grace in a romantic beachfront proposal on August 24. In an Instagram post on August 30, the soon-to-be bride expressed her overwhelming excitement about the news!

Need help counting all the Duggars? Read on for a guide to their fast-expanding family tree.

Originally a pair of high school sweethearts, these two eventually became the parents of 19 children and grandparents to more than three dozen little ones.

Michelle shared that she felt “rescued” at the age of 15. One evening, Jim Bob was conducting house visits as a representative of his Baptist church, and upon a suggestion from a friend, he stopped by the Ruark family’s home. This friend had mentioned that “a girl from school who had recently found her faith and is a cheerleader” resided there.

They asked Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church, and Jim Bob expressed his hope that they could guide each other spiritually (even though their initial encounter didn’t stand out much for Michelle). A year later, she applied for a position at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a letter posted on their family blog in 2017 for their 33rd wedding anniversary and Jim Bob’s birthday, Michelle recalled their first encounter: “You timidly approached the counter where I was standing near the cash register, introduced yourself, and were quite sweet! I don’t remember much about that chat, except that you eventually asked me if I would accompany you to your junior-senior banquet!

At Shiloh Christian, they both went to a dinner together, but it wasn’t until they spent hours conversing about the Bible at her family home that she felt their connection deepen significantly. In her own words, “That’s when our hearts became one,” Michelle explained. They completed high school in May of 1984 and got married just a few months later in July. At the time, she was 17 years old, and he was 19, Jim Bob.

The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.

As a former state legislator, I served in the Arkansas House of Representatives for the sixth district from 1999 to 2002. During my tenure, I held the position of vice chair for the House of Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. In 2002, I ran for U.S. Senate but was unsuccessful in the primary. Similarly, my bid in 2006 to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35 also ended without success.

The duo, who are real estate agents with valid licenses, have been involved in conservative initiatives; this facet of their lives has earned them both supporters and critics. Their stance was reflected in their relationship with the reality TV show “19 Kids and Counting” (originally titled “17 Kids and Counting”), where they were both strong advocates and vocal opponents. A robocall Michelle made in 2014, urging people to vote against a proposed anti-discrimination law in Fayetteville, sparked controversy. In this call, she warned about the supposed dangers of allowing transgender individuals to use restrooms that align with their gender identity. This action led to a petition on Change.org requesting TLC cancel their show.

The city council approved the ordinance.

The eldest child of the Duggars, Josh, entered the world on March 3, 1988. Just like his family, he also took up the role of a conservative advocate, working tirelessly to support the Family Research Council.

In 2015, police records from his past emerged showing allegations against him, including accusations of molestation towards his sisters Jessa and Jill, when he was a teenager. Later in June, Jessa spoke out in an interview with Fox News, asserting that the harsh labels being used for her brother were “excessive and untrue; people get angry at me for saying this, but I can say it because I was one of the victims myself.

His wife remained loyal to him, even after he confessed to infidelity. In 2016, when he sought help at a rehabilitation facility, his parents viewed it as an essential initial move towards recovery and healing. This couple, who already had three children – daughter Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), son Michael (June 15, 2011), and son Marcus (June 2, 2013) – were expecting their fourth child, Meredith, when the scandal erupted. TLC canceled the show “19 Kids” on the same day that Meredith was born, July 16, 2015. Their fifth child, Mason Garett, arrived on September 12, 2017, followed by Maryella Hope on November 27, 2019, and their seventh baby, Madyson Lily, was born on October 23, 2021.

Back in April 2021, Josh faced charges for two separate offenses related to child pornography – receiving and possessing it. He pleaded not guilty for each charge. In the year 2022, he was convicted on both counts and given a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison.

Not long after Josh’s birth, Michelle conceived another child, however, she unfortunately experienced a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought wisdom, they learned they were expecting twins.

She shared that it felt like a special gift twice over, explaining to Love to Know. “God was providing us comfort and guidance throughout this journey. We’re continually learning. It’s quite extraordinary because I nurse my infants, yet my children are so close in age – eight months separate them. It’s just another unexpected turn that the Lord has orchestrated for our unique circumstances.

John-David and his sister Jana were born on Jan. 12, 1990.

Following a long-term acquaintance, spiced up by an intense romance, John-David and Abbie exchanged vows on November 3, 2018, after first meeting at a church gathering in Oklahoma, where Abbie resides. They became parents to daughter Grace Annette Duggar on January 7, 2020, and son Charlie Duggar in September 2022.

On his 30th birthday in January 2020, John-David’s twin wrote him a heartfelt message: “John, for as long as we can remember, people have asked if we share that ‘twin sensation.’ You know, the feeling where you sense what the other one is feeling or understand what they are thinking…Well, John, I used to deny it, but now I can truthfully admit that when our little sister Gracie was born, I felt every bit of joy that you did. So, perhaps this ‘twin thing’ is indeed real!

Jana went on to remark, “It’s truly heartwarming to see you with Abbie in your parental role. You two seem so natural at it! The same traits that make you an exceptional sibling will undoubtedly make you a fantastic father.

Meanwhile, Jana observed as 11 out of her 18 siblings tied the knot before she herself found love with Stephen Wissmann, who is connected to a former TLC star’s brother Jeremiah through marriage (Hannah Wissmann). She views this sequence of events as part of God’s design.

In an interview with People in August 2024, just prior to her upcoming wedding, Jana expressed that she hasn’t always grasped the overall scheme of things, but she trusts that God has the best intentions for everyone. For her personally, marriage comes later. She emphasized that every individual’s life story unfolds uniquely, and if we were all alike, life would be monotonous.

 

Jill was born on the 17th of May, 1991. In a romantic tale similar to her parents’, Jill crossed paths with Derick for the first time on Christmas Day in 2011. This encounter took place at the Duggar family home, where Derick had dropped by while out caroling with his church group.

Jim Bob acted as a cupid, and Jill and Derick found themselves drawn to each other through emails and video calls. In November of the same year, Jill’s father paid a visit to Derick in Nepal, strengthening their bond further. Their affection for one another continued to grow, leading to Derick proposing to Jill in February 2014. They got married on June 21, 2014, and have since become proud parents to three sons: Israel (born April 6, 2015), Samuel (born July 8, 2017), and Frederick (born July 7, 2022).

In April 2024, Jill revealed that she experienced a miscarriage, which was their anticipated first daughter with Derick.

The duo featured prominently on both “19 Kids and Counting” and its sequel, “Counting On.” However, Derick was dismissed from the show in 2017 following some controversial comments he made about a fellow TLC reality star named Jazzy Jennings, which were perceived as homophobic.

In the Amazon Prime Video documentary, Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which debuted in June 2023, Jill and Derick pondered over the debated issues and religious views concerning Jill’s family, as portrayed in the program.

Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child was born Nov. 4, 1992.

Jessa got acquainted with Ben at church, and he started pursuing her romantically in 2013 – this traditional approach to courtship was quite novel for many spectators. As they hadn’t discussed their past relationships publicly, Jim Bob clarified to People magazine that courting involves getting to know each other in a group setting, with both families spending time together and the couple establishing shared goals to decide if they are suitable for marriage. In contrast, dating often means couples spend private time together which may lead to a more physical relationship.

Back in August 2014, my heart leaped when Ben asked for Jessa’s hand, and I felt a rush of joy when they said “I do” on November 1st that same year. Our journey began with the first touch of our hands, and it was even more special since Jessa was pregnant with our precious baby at the time. Unfortunately, their blissful moments were overshadowed as 19 Kids and Counting was taken off air due to the revelation of past sexual abuse. To enlighten viewers on the subject, TLC aired a special featuring Jill and Jessa. That winter, the sisters rose to fame with their own show, Jill and Jessa: Counting On, which later transformed into Counting On, welcoming other Duggar siblings onto our screens.

During November 5, 2015, Jessa and Ben were blessed with their firstborn, Spurgeon. They welcomed Henry on February 6, 2017, followed by Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and Fern in July 2021. In the festive season of 2022, Jessa unfortunately experienced a miscarriage. However, she gave birth to her fifth child, George, in December 2023.

The sixth Duggar child was born Dec. 21, 1993.

Jinger and Jeremy first met while working on ministry-related tasks in Laredo, Texas, and they began dating in the year 2016. Their marriage took place on November 5, 2016, which also happened to be their nephew Spurgeon’s birthday (coincidentally one of many significant dates for a family with 19 members). Shortly after tying the knot, speculation about a possible pregnancy started circulating.

Jinger mentioned that she expects their location to remain as it is, which is continuing with ministry in Laredo, and simply aiming to serve God in whatever capacity they can, during a June 2017 episode of Counting On.

On July 19, 2018, their child, named Felicity, was born. It was in May of that year when they announced that Jinger was expecting another baby, and tragically, she had experienced a miscarriage the previous autumn. In November 2020, they were blessed with the arrival of their daughter, Evangeline Jo.

On January 20, 1995, individual number 7 was brought into the world. Leveraging the enchanting atmosphere, Joseph decided to pop the question to Kendra, whom he had met at church, during his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, after only a few short months of dating.

Joseph shared with People magazine that he was certainly anxious before proposing, but he wasn’t worried she would refuse because she had expressed, “‘I’m just waiting for you!'” Kendra added, “I am overjoyed and utterly stunned. There are so many things I want to express, but all I can say is shocked.

Since then, they’ve added four children to their family: Garrett, born in June 2018, Addison, born in November 2019, Brooklyn, also born in 2019 (specific date not provided), and Justus, who joined the family in May 2023.

Eighth in line, Josiah was born on Aug. 28, 1996.

A few months into their public relationship, they disclosed their engagement in March 2018. In an announcement, he mentioned that the location where he popped the question to Lauren was the same spot where her parents got engaged. He added that this property holds a lot of family history, making it a particularly significant place for Lauren.

In a video shared on their blog, Michelle, who will be Lauren’s mother-in-law in the future, expressed her affection by saying, “Lauren is truly a treasured girl for us.” Jessa and Ben added their congratulations, along with chocolate shaped as x’s and o’s. Winking playfully, she indicated a tempting treat she was holding up, suggesting, “I think you might want to wait for your first kiss on your wedding day, but if you visit here, we’ll offer you this instead…

In the summer of 2015, a past relationship with Marjorie Jackson ended amicably. As Josiah shared with People in March 2016, they had enjoyed their time together and were attempting to discern God’s guidance in every aspect. However, Marjorie felt it wasn’t the appropriate moment for them, so they took a break from each other for a while.

2018 saw the most magical day of my life when I got hitched to the love of my existence, Lauren. We shared our heartfelt vows on June 30th, and as we told People magazine, it was nothing short of perfect. Our family grew with the arrival of Bella Milagro on November 8, 2019 – a name that beautifully encapsulates the miracle baby she is, given Lauren’s heartbreaking miscarriage in October 2018. Daisy joined our brood in 2022, and in May 2023, we were blessed with our precious son, Ezra.

The ninth Duggar sibling was born Oct. 28, 1997.

For fifteen years prior, she had been friends with Austin. Then, after this long-term friendship, he began pursuing her romantically. From there, they moved quickly – he popped the question in February 2017 and tied the knot on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas (the wedding where Joseph proposed to Kendra!). Their first child, Gideon Martin Forsyth, was born on February 23, 2018.

In 2019, Joy-Anna suffered a pregnancy loss with a baby girl at 20 weeks along.

On Aug. 21, 2020, the couple welcomed daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth.

The couple’s third child, son Gunner James Forsyth, was born on May 17, 2023.

Jim Bob and Michelle’s second set of twins were born on Dec. 30, 1998.

In February 2017, it was announced that Jed had been interning at the Arkansas State Capitol, working for the House of Representatives. At just 21 years old, he is now running as a candidate for State Representative in District 89, with a focus on prioritizing Springdale’s conservative values. He married Katey Nakatsu after a year of courtship in April 2021. They have since welcomed their first child, Truett, born in May 2022, and their second daughter, Nora Kate, born in June 2023.

Jeremiah, a qualified flight instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann, and together they have two children – Brynley, born in December 2022, and Brielle, born in February 2024.

Duggar child No. 12 was born on April 21, 2000.

In January 2017, according to the Daily Mail, Jim Bob assisted Jase in purchasing a $33,000 fixer-upper located in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, approximately half an hour from the Duggar family estate. Remarkably, he also established his own construction company amidst this busy period, yet he still found time to aid Jed with his campaign.

In May 2024, he made their relationship public on Instagram with Maddie Grace, and they became engaged in August 2024.

Charmed No. 13, James arrived on July 7, 2001.

 

Turning 19 in the year 2019, his mom penned down, “He is more like a ‘fun uncle’ to everyone here, and all the younger lads admire him deeply and aspire to emulate him! James possesses an incredible ability to accomplish nearly anything he conceives. As a youngster, we would frequently discover James tinkering with various household appliances. He has always been one to disassemble, understand the inner workings, reassemble, and occasionally make unique adjustments!

This year, James dedicated himself diligently to earn his Commercial Driver’s License. Now, he’s proficient not only in handling large trucks but also heavy equipment as well! We’re eagerly anticipating the exciting paths that lay ahead for him, guided by what the future holds.

No. 14 arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.

And from the department of growing up so fast…

In September 2020, Justin made their relationship with Claire known to the public. They became engaged in November of the same year, and on February 26, 2021, they officially tied the knot.

Here with his big sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s 15th child was born May 23, 2004.

On his 16th birthday, Michelle, Jackson’s mom, complimented his wit and mentioned that she was well aware of his eagerness to obtain a driver’s license.

Duggar baby No. 16 was born Oct. 11, 2005.

2020 marked Johannah’s 15th birthday, a day I expressed my sentiments about her vibrant personality: “She’s such a joy to be around, always ready to meet new people,” I penned, Michelle. The bond she shares with her younger siblings is truly heartwarming; they idolize her as if she’s the moon itself. And I, humbled and thankful, feel incredibly blessed to be her mother.

On August 2nd, 2007, No. 17 made its appearance. At that time, Jenni was still the youngest member in the family, when it was simply known as “17 Kids and Counting”.

Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.

Michelle expressed, “Jennifer is trustworthy, devoted… and lively!” on the occasion of her granddaughter’s 13th birthday. “She’s adored by the nieces and nephews, often found with one clinging to her because they hate to see her let go! Jennifer also holds a tender affection for animals and diligently cares for her pets daily. Not long ago, she played a significant role in nurturing a brood of 7 tiny bunnies!

Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.

2019 saw Jordyn-Grace being described by her mother as an extroverted girl who easily strikes up friendships with anyone, and whose laughter regularly adds a splash of sunshine to our days.

19 Luckily, numbered as No. 19, currently cherishes his niece Meredith in his arms. This little bundle of joy was born on December 10, 2009 – a full three months ahead of schedule and tipping the scales at just 1 pound, 6 ounces. Josie underwent an extended six-month stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; however, she’s now thriving healthily.

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2024-09-10 02:21