I am making a Christmas theme wedding gift for a Grandson.
Is it possible to cut batting for each panel so I can stitch in a ditch at all connecting pieces? My thought process is to complete each panel, Frame each with 2" bands. Then connect all of the panels together just at the frame. Then add the backing and finish.
My reasoning is that I don't want to tie it all together and my machine is pretty general. Does that make any sense to anyone out there?

Maybe you should take a look at the Quilt As You Go or Fun and Done techniques?

Look on YouTube for "quilting in sections" or "quilt as you go". There are dozens of videos showing different ways to do what you are thinking about. Maybe you will find a plan that will work for you.

Yes, exactly. Quilt as you go is the answer, and you put all 3 layers together for each block and then just join the blocks with overlapping strips of sashing fabric.

You are describing a quilt as you go (QAYG) method. normally you would also cut the backing to size and quilt that in, then join, however, leaving the backing off and adding it at the end will work too if you can figure out how to get batting behind the sashing strips.
Here's a link to the qayg tutorials on this board.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/search....ou+go+&u=&s=10

I can't answer your ?s, but really like your print combinations.