From Detective to "I Do" – My Journey to Arcadia Academy Weddings

Hi there! I’m Chrystal Battaglia, one of the proud owners and wedding coordinator of Arcadia Academy. I am embarking on a journey called, "blogging". Before I wanted to dive into wedding blogs, I wanted to introduce myself and my family because I think it is important when choosing a venue for your special day. We play such a major role in planning, organizing, and overall guest experience. Plus, who can say that they can return to their wedding venue on their anniversary, share a French Dip sandwich and carb overload on a giant cinnamon roll? What is better than that?!?!

Just a millennial girl enjoying the beautiful stained glass windows in St. Joseph's Chapel.

Here at Arcadia Academy, we are one big annoying....errhhh I mean happy family. Imagine working with your siblings and parents? Yeah that sounds about right LOL. Sometimes they can be annoying, especially when it comes to deciding a paint color for the restaurant bathroom. But it is nice to have them there for emergencies and to lean on for support. We all left our jobs in law enforcement, travelled halfway across the country, moved into a 200 year old building (possibly haunted? still debating LOL), and started working 80 plus hours a week in a restaurant. So I guess you could say our cheese is sliding off the cracker just a little and we can bond over that.

If you had told me years ago that I’d be spending my days fluffing veils, calming nervous grooms, and orchestrating stunning wedding days, I might have laughed. Because before I stepped into the world of weddings, I spent over a decade as a police officer in California, with the last three years as a detective investigating some of the toughest cases—crimes against children, missing persons, sexual assaults, and homicides.

For years, I stood beside people on the worst days of their lives. Now, I have the honor of standing beside them on one of the best.

Me and my partners at a Women's March for a fellow fallen female officer.

From Special Ops to Special Occasions

If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to plan and execute under pressure. A wedding day may not have a SWAT team on standby (although, wouldn’t that be something?), but it does require strategy, organization, and quick decision-making—skills I honed in my years as a detective. Think of me as your wedding SWAT commander without the gnarly mustache and grumpy attitude, ensuring everything runs smoothly, threats (like unpredictable weather or a missing bouquet) are neutralized, and your mission (getting married!) is accomplished flawlessly.

Like any successful operation, a wedding requires coordination, teamwork, and a well-thought-out plan. We create backup plans for the backup plans, keep eyes on the exits (in case the flower girl decides she’s had enough), and ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time. And while I no longer carry a badge, I still take my duty to protect and serve—this time, to protect your wedding day and serve unforgettable memories.

At a crime scene, you have to anticipate problems before they happen, keep everyone calm (whether it be a Lieutenant or the Mother of the Groom), and always have a backup plan (or three). Turns out, those same skills make for one heck of a wedding coordinator! Whether it’s ensuring the bride gets down the aisle on time, rerouting a reception plan due to weather, or defusing a tense moment between a mother-in-law and a seating chart—don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.

Why Arcadia Academy?

When I transitioned from detective work to wedding planning, I knew I wanted to create a venue that was more than just a beautiful backdrop—it had to be a place where couples feel truly cared for. That’s exactly what Arcadia Academy is.

Me visiting a classroom and teaching them all about 911. (If you see this, ask me to tell you a funny story about this picture that I can't write on the internet.)

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Arcadia, Missouri, our venue is steeped in history, charm, and elegance. Whether you dream of a romantic chapel ceremony, a stunning outdoor garden wedding, or a grand reception in our historic ballroom, Arcadia Academy provides the perfect setting for your love story. But more than that, we offer an experience where you can relax, knowing every detail is handled with precision and care.

We provide full-service catering, bar service, and expert coordination to make your wedding stress-free and seamless. You don’t have to worry about managing vendors, setting up décor, or handling last-minute hiccups—that’s my job. And trust me, after handling high-pressure situations for over a decade, I can assure you that no wedding challenge is too big for me to tackle.

Come back to the Academy on your wedding anniversary, stay in our romantic St. Francois, share a delicious cinnamon roll and reminisce about your beautiful wedding day.

Me and my hubby early on in our LE Career. Babies before we had babies!

A Passion for Love and New Beginnings

After years of witnessing the hardest moments in people’s lives, I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to now be a part of the happiest ones. I believe in love, in family, and in the power of new beginnings. That’s why I pour my heart into every wedding we host.

So whether you need someone to guide you through the planning process, keep things running smoothly on the big day, or just provide a little comic relief when things get stressful, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s make your wedding day one for the record books—without the need for an official report.

Cheers, Chrystal