With flowers so pretty we could literally cry, this wedding is top of the gorgeous charts. Situated in a Wisconsin barn, it’s as casual and chic as they come – and those aforementioned blooms? From our favorites, Alluring Blooms, no less. Andrea Paradowski Photography really captured the beauty of this soiree and we put it all in a gallery for all our favorite people (you!).
Click here to see the full image gallery!
A little bit about us….I grew up in New Glarus, Wisconsin and my fiance, Christopher, grew up on the eastern side of Washington state. We met at school at the University of Iowa, I was getting my masters in nursing and he was in medical school. Christopher started his residency in July and I work in the pediatric ICU. When we find free time we love to be outside, running, biking, hiking (fishing and hunting for Chris).
While planning our wedding we looked to fulfill three goals; we wanted to have an original venue that allowed us to use our creativity, the locale to utilize Madison-area vendors, and somewhere our guests could enjoy the evening in a relaxed atmosphere. The O’Brien Barn was the perfect location to achieve what we were looking for. We were able to put together a personal event that used locally-produced food and beer with sweet, rustic charm. Before becoming an amazing place for weddings and celebrations, the O’Brien Barn was used for dairy farming. My father spent his career as a large animal veterinarian in the area working in barns just like this, adding another special connection for my family.
Our ceremony took place on the top level (hay mow) of the barn; the ceremony was put together and officiated by my brother. Christopher wrote the vows we each recited. We watered a tree sapling together to symbolize the growth and strength of our marriage. The tree was taken from my parent’s wooded land and will be planted near our home. Our caterer prepared appetizers and dinner utilizing local farmers. The fresh and seasonal flavor of the food was important to us and he captured just what we were hoping for. Dinner was served family-style so our guests would feel as if they were home. A friend bartended, serving up cocktails we each chose into jar-mugs that each guest took as a favor. New Glarus Beer was also on tap outside. We cut a small raspberry-cobbler celebration cake while guests enjoyed delicious cupcakes along with the caterer’s homemade single serving apple pies.
The dinner tables were covered in mason jars Christopher and I had collected from antique stores. In the clear jars were floating candles that provided just the right amount of sparkle and the blue jars were used for the stunning floral arrangements. My father and Christopher gave touching speeches that took us into the dance to continue the celebration. The band, which included a friend of ours, played music we both loved and we danced the night away. Throughout the celebration our guests also enjoyed the photo booth, roasting s’mores by the fire pit, playing a couple of our favorite yard games, and visiting with the cows that live right beside the barn.
For Christopher and I the evening was a perfect mix of visiting with friends and family, dancing, and sneaking away with our photographers to take pictures in the beautiful surroundings.
Photography: Andrea Paradowski Photography with second shooter Angela / Flowers: Alluring Blooms / Ceremony & Reception Location: The O’Brien Barn / Officiant: Brother of the Bride / Brides Dress, Bridesmaids’ Dresses, Grooms Suit: J.Crew / Cake & Cupcakes: Bloom Bake Shop / Catering: Ben Lubchansky of 608 Community Supported Kitchen / Photobooth: The Traveling Photo Booth / Band: The Brandy Mans / Hair: Nicole Brauer and Kari Hillebrand