What started with a camera from a father to his daughter has grown into one of Marshfield's newest wedding and event destinations.
Jessica Ragsdale, owner of Abigail Troy Photography and Southside Acres Weddings and Events, never expected a childhood hobby to become a career. But after more than a decade behind the camera and countless weddings, she and her husband, Anthony, found themselves building something much bigger than a photography business.
Jessica grew up in the nearby community of Golden Hope, while Anthony is a Marshfield native. After getting married, the couple decided to stay in the area, close to family and the community they call home.
Photography came first.
"My dad raised me as a single parent and gave me a camera when I was a kid," Jessica said. "It just kind of stuck."
Over time, that interest developed into Abigail Troy Photography. For the past 11 years, Jessica has photographed weddings, families, and special events throughout the region.
Working at wedding venues week after week gave her a unique perspective. She saw what couples loved. She saw what created stress. She paid attention to details that most guests never notice.
Eventually, those experiences sparked an idea.
In 2020, the Ragsdales began hosting weddings on their property. What started as a small addition gradually evolved into Southside Acres Weddings and Events, a venue designed around lessons learned from years of working in the wedding industry.
While Jessica brings the creative vision, Anthony handles much of the work that turns ideas into reality.
"Jessica dreams it, and I build it," Anthony said with a laugh.
That partnership can be seen throughout the property.
Anthony said nearly every aspect of the venue was carefully planned. Even the placement and size of the building were determined by the surrounding trees.
The goal was simple: create a venue that feels private and tucked away from the outside world.
Visitors arriving at Southside Acres are greeted by mature cedar trees, redbuds, landscaped walkways, and shaded gathering spaces. The venue sits nestled among the trees, giving it a secluded feel despite being only minutes from town.
"It's always about 10 or 15 degrees cooler there than everywhere else," Anthony said.
The property was designed to work year-round. In summer, the trees provide shade. During cooler months, the surrounding hills help block harsh winds. Much of the landscaping stays green throughout the year thanks to the abundance of cedar trees.
Jessica describes the grounds as almost park-like.
Curved concrete walkways connect different areas of the venue. Patios, gathering spaces, and landscaped features were designed to blend naturally with the terrain.
"We kind of let the land tell us where things should go," she said.
The couple's personal story is woven throughout the property as well.
The name Southside Acres comes from the neighborhood where they live, near Southside Lane and South Elm Street. Abigail Troy Photography was named after the couple's two oldest children. Even the venue's address carries special meaning. The property is located at 1822, a number that reflects the ages Jessica and Anthony were when they married.
For the Ragsdales, the venue represents more than a business venture. It combines their skills, creativity, and years of experience into something they hope families can enjoy for generations.
As wedding season continues across the Ozarks, Southside Acres offers couples a place that feels both personal and peaceful, created by two local residents who built it from the ground up.
More information about the venue can be found at southsideacres.com. Information about photography services is available at abigailjoy.com. Both businesses can also be reached at 417-300-1000.
