Engagement Announcement
On October 13th, 2019 Michael Haygood of The Haygoods proposed to Ellen Petersen of The Petersens at Gaston’s White River Resort. Michael and Ellen began dating in 2016 after meeting at The Haygoods show and finding common ground over their love of aviation, music, and faith.

The Proposal
The proposal was a complete surprise to Ellen as she thought they were flying down to meet her dad and uncle for dinner. Gaston’s is a favorite spot and has sentimental value to the Petersen family because that is where parents, Jon and Karen, went on their first date many years ago. When Katie, Ellen, Matthew, and Julianne were young their dad would also fly them down to eat ice cream and watch planes take off and land on the grass runway.
Michael’s brother, Patrick, helped with the proposal surprise by pretending to steal their plane to lure Ellen out to the perfect spot in the middle of the runway. That’s where Michael got down on one knee and asked Ellen to marry him! Their friend, Beckie Fairchild of TGC Photography, was there snapping pictures and took some more while waiting for their surprise ride back to Branson.



Sunset Helicopter Flight
Michael doesn’t do anything halfway. He knew he didn’t want to pilot his plane back to Branson after all the emotions and excitement of getting engaged, so he hired Chopper Charter to be their chauffeur. There is nothing like a sunset flight over the Ozarks in the fall. Just as the sun was setting the helicopter flew around the side of the Chateau on the Lake where all of their family and close friends were leaning off the deck and waving. It is such a blessing when two people decide to start a new life together and their people are excited and supportive.




Ellen and Michael both intend to keep doing exactly what they have been doing and use the gifts God has given them to entertain Branson audiences with their families. Wedding details have not been set, but are definitely in the works! To keep up with more behind the scenes information, follow The Haygoods and The Petersens on Facebook or Michael and Ellen on Instagram.

Thanks again to TGC Photography for capturing such special memories.
Love the romantic story of your proposal! Two special people so deserving of all love and blessings God gives you! Look forward to following your journey together!❤️
Now that’s something to write about! Congratulations to you both! Praying for your journey together.
That is so romantic and very special. Congratulations to you both!!!!
Congratulations to two talented and beautiful people !
Congrats guys. Wishing you all God’s blessings for a long, healthy and happy life together ❤
Congratulations! Kelly and I had our second date at Gaston’s, and also our honeymoon .
This is so cool and romantic! Love to hear all the commonalities. Thanks for sharing with all the pics so we could “tag along”!
Congratulations to both of you! What a romantic proposal. God bless you both!
Yikes, we got out scooped! Great story, though! Great enough to run in The Branson Insider!
Félicitations à tous les deux! Je vous souhaite une belle vie commune pleine d’amour et de bonheurs partagés. J’espère que vous ferez un voyage à Paris et que l’on pourra se rencontrer à la Sawmill session sur la péniche Anako par exemple. Bise
So happy for both of you!!! I hope for many wonderful years together. You make a great couple.
“Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?”
Groucho Marx
But in all seriousness, congratulations from PA!!
Wishing you all the happiness in the world.
That is so romantic. Congratulations to you both
A belated congratulations from a Canadian fan.