From a chance meeting at a local watering hole to a celebration on a 300 acre family home, this wedding is proof that meeting the love of your life can happen just about anywhere; even in a bar. This rainy lakeside affair is both elegant and easy breezy with coordination by Something Blue Lake Geneva, lots of pretty florals by Frontier Flowers and Kristina Lorraine capturing it all to perfection. Sneak a peek at the full day, including fun shots from a downpour in the middle of the ceremony, right here.
From the bride… There might be nothing more cliche than a guy and a girl meeting in a bar, but Brandon and Tessa wouldn’t have it any other way. Tessa had moved back home to Chicago in 2011 after a stint living in Argentina and decided to waitress for awhile before making her next move. An ordinary football Sunday turned into one of the most important days of her life, when she was finally introduced to that cute boy from down the street who always came in to have a drink or dinner with his friends. After years of dating in Chicago, Brandon proposed to Tessa on their fourth anniversary after a romantic dinner and drinks overlooking Chicago’s skyline. He designed her engagement ring with the help of one of their mutual friends, incorporating the center stone from her mother’s engagement ring.
The wedding location was easy. Tessa’s father’s home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin was a natural choice — the 300 acre, former farm was always the site of family gatherings and occasions, previously hosting two other family weddings. The lush greenery and tranquil lake was perfect for a rustic, yet elegant wedding. Tessa and Brandon both love personal touches at weddings, and focused on making their wedding unique and special to them.
Little did they know how memorable their wedding would be. After some early morning rain, the sky had cleared to reveal a cloudless, sunny day — perfect for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake. About 15 minutes into the ceremony, with Brandon in the middle of his vows, a singular cloud provided a sudden summer storm, bringing the wedding to a brief intermission while guests took shelter under the veranda and the bridal party ducked into the nearby garage. After the brief storm passed, the couple resumed the ceremony outside, only to have it produce a stunning pink sunset.
The bridesmaids wore a mix of blush and sage dresses in different styles, while the groomsmen sported grey, custom suits. The bride chose a lace Anna Meir gown from a boutique in Chicago and the groom wore a navy Banana Republic suit. Guests were then led to a tented reception. When they searched for their place at dinner, place cards indicated the name of a restaurant that was meaningful over the time of Brandon and Tessa’s relationship, including the name of the bar where they met.
Photography: Kristina Lorraine Photography | Coordination: Something Blue Lake Geneva | Floral Design: Frontier Flowers - Fontana | Wedding Dress: Anna Maier | Ceremony Venue: Private Estate | Reception Venue: Private Estate | Shoes: BHLDN | Rings: J. Gorman Fine Jewelry | Hair: Mindy City Hair | Men's Attire: Banana Republic | Bridesmaids' Dresses (Blush): Monique Lhuillier | Bridesmaids' Dresses (Sage): Dessy After 6 Collection in African Violet | Photography - Assistance: Megan Yanz Photography | Rentals: Canopies Events with Distinction