Wisconsin Weddings

We know you come to SMP for some serious eye candy in the wedding inspiration department, which is why we fill our pages with some of the best from the best. This shoot was a collaboration from some serious talent… Cherry Blossom Events, Krakora Studios, Daffodil*Parker, just to name a few. It’s the perfect color palette for a summer soiree, and that watermelon is calling my name. See the whole thing here!

From the designer… This style shoot came together beautifully!  We were inspired by the fresh and crisp, bright colors of summer – especially our favorite combinations of bright coral accented by a muted teal, gold, and ivory.  We collaborated with an amazing team of talented vendors from Madison, WI who are true artists in the field.  One of our favorite spots just a short drive outside of Madison is this beautiful old mill in a small town near the Sugar River.  It serves as an elegant yet understated backdrop for these beautiful models and design.  We are so excited with the outcome – enjoy!

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Event Design and Styling: Cherry Blossom Events | Photography: Krakora Studios | Florist: Daffodil*Parker | Stationery: Sugar River Stationers | Cake and Sweets: Bloom Bake Shop | Grooms Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Bride and Bridesmaids attire and accessories: Premiere Couture | Flower girl attire: J.Crew | Vintage rentals: a la crate vintage rental | Chair Rentals: Event Essentials | Videography: One Fine Day Productions | Hair and Makeup: Rejuvenation Spa | Ceremony Backdrop: Julie VonDerVellen | Venue: Paoli Mill Terrace and Park

Yesterday on Twitter we asked you (our favorite trend-spotters!) to spill what you’ve been seeing this summer. From florals to patterns to palettes and more. And sure enough, this Milwaukee beauty has a little bit of everything you mentioned: the blush color palette, the pretty peeks of lace, and that soft, ultra romantic look that seems to always be in style. But while this wedding hits just about every trend in the 2013 book, it’s those sweet, bespoke moments that make it stand out among the rest. Set aside some extra time to peruse this gorgeous gallery from The McCartneys — it’s sooo worth a nice, long look.

From The McCartneys… Zainab & Mike have one of the most unique & adorable love stories we have ever heard, and there wasn’t a face without a smile as it was recalled on their wedding day! They both share a passion for traveling & exploring, and their paths crossed when they decided to attend medical school in St. Maarten. Can you imagine a more beautiful place to earn your degree than the Caribbean?!? Zainab, already on the island, received an email from a friend saying that Mike would be arriving to attend med school, just like her! She also mentioned that she had arranged for Zainab to pick Mike up from the airport to show him around, suggesting that they might hit it off! Mike sent a photo so that Zainab would recognize him and, after sharing it with friends, it was agreed that he was very cute! Zainab & Mike immediately had a connection, and it continued to grow as they explored the island and endured med school together.

Having met in paradise, we are certain that their wedding day in Milwaukee was equally as beautiful!! Zainab & Mike’s ceremony included the perfect blend of Persian and Jewish traditions – our favorites being the honey they tasted off of each other’s fingers for sweetness & happiness, and of course the breaking of the glass followed by a loud and heartfelt “Mazel Tov”!

From the Bride… Mike and I wanted to make sure that our guests had an absolute blast, that is what was most important to us. Also, we grew up from very different backgrounds and cultures and have come together as one. It was important to us to incorporate our cultures into the wedding and create our own version of the perfect wedding. This is why we incorporated the Persian Wedding Sofreh, the Jewish chuppah and also the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass. Our vision was for our guests to feel like they were at an intimate and elegant dinner party. We also wanted it to be romantic and soft with a touch of glamour.

We chose our venue by perusing Milwaukee’s wedding photographer’s websites. We picked our location based on how the venues appeared in professional photos. We knew we wanted a space that could host the ceremony and reception. We also knew that we wanted a space with a lot of natural light and elements of nature such as greenery, and water. We looked at 2 venues prior to deciding and I knew this was the one based based on the versatility of the venue and also the amazing views!

Mike and I are both very busy residents and planned our wedding in Milwaukee while living in Tennessee. I couldn’t have done it without my matron of honor, Reggie, helping me all along. We were so lucky to work with Esther from Impressions Florists as she completely transformed all of my ideas and pictures into reality. They were even more gorgeous than I imagined!

My favorite moments were seeing Mike for the first time while we did our first look and portraits before the ceremony, the honey kiss tradition during our ceremony, the whole wedding ceremony and also dancing the night away. During our ceremony, soon after we finished reading our vows, I remember turning back to look at my bridesmaids and saw Lauren, my Matron of Honor, wiping the biggest tear off her cheek and it fell onto her dress. I also loved it that my step-mother and mother shared a tissue to wipe of happy tears during our ceremony, I thought it was very fitting for Mother’s Day.

If I were to share any advice with a future bride, I would say incorporate what is most important to you. Have fun and know that some things may not be as perfect as you planned, however, you, your groom and your guests will have so much fun no matter what and it’ll be perfect!

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Photography: The McCartneys Photography | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Floral Design: Impressions by Esther Fleming | Planning: Courtney Hyzer of Pier Wisconsin | Officiant: Judith Kubish | DJ: Sound By Design | Catering: Bartolotta Catering | Wedding Cake: Simma’s Bakery | Invitations, Place Cards & Table Numbers: Wedding Paper Divas | Bride’s Jewelry: Swarovski | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Various | Hair & Makeup: Nola Kahn & The Beauty Factory

I thought this wedding couldn’t get any better and then I saw the s’mores in a jar. I was already overly impressed with the beautiful blooms from Belle Fiori, the venue which is pretty much the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen, and the stunning couple, but those s’mores put me over the edge. I’m a little jealous (okay, a lot) of everyone who got to see this Heather Cook Elliott masterpiece in the flesh. At least there is the gallery!

From the photographer… Diana & Kyle call Chicago home but their lives have wound them all around the country so when it came time to plan their wedding they knew for most guests it would be a destination wedding so they opted to make it a destination wedding for them, too. They looked north to the unlikely city of Milwaukee and found three amazing venues to host their guests and family for the weekend. They wanted to mix and match elegance with urban, beautiful views of Lake Michigan with a little city grit, and most of all their guests from New Jersey, Michigan and all over the midwest.

Diana & Kyle are a fascinating combination of sexy and sporty, comfy and haute. They met playing flag football in Chicago and are generally up for all things sporting but they also love luxe details and places, which explains why they chose to start their day at the newly iconic Iron Horse Hotel where the guys played pool and the girls lounged in wildly printed robes. They moved from there to tie the knot with one of their best friends officiating at the Villa Terrace, an Italianate house museum perched on the bluff above Lake Michigan with views to all things blue. Guests were greeted with lemonade and explored the grounds before the ceremony and toasted the couple afterwards with champagne. At heart though, Diana & Kyle are city people so The Hamilton, a former city garage turned high end cocktail lounge, was the obvious choice for their reception. There they lit the cream city brick walls with candles and specialty uplighting in hues of lavender and fuschia and wowed guests with sweet details like two cakes (his in the shape of a Michigan football helmut – one of their shared alma maters), a decadent dessert assortment, a photobooth, a candy bar and place cards that were really personalized “s’mores in a jar.” They added some family history by decorating the wine shelves with family wedding photos and treated guests to a choreographed, stunning first dance. They designed all the paper themselves and made sure that guests not only ate and drank well but that they partied the night away on a packed dance floor. From sweet to sexy and all around gorgeous, these two had the destination wedding they always dreamed of in places they could never have imagined.

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Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography | Hotel: The Iron Horse | Ceremony: Villa Terrace | Reception: The Hamilton | Passed Champagne and Lemonade: Zilli | Hair: Lyneé Ruiz | Makeup: Laura Hiatt | Bride’s Dress: Allure | Men’s Ties: The Tie Bar | Florist: Belle Fiore | Cakes: Eat Cake! | Tables, dance floor and champagne flutes: Canopies | DJ, Lighting and Chiavari Chairs: Sound by Design | Caterer and Linens: Chef Jack’s | Day of Coordinator: Timeless Events | Paper goods, candles, favors, candy table, and other items: Designed by bride and groom | Ladies robes, custom totes & purses, cake forks, bride’s hairpiece and men’s flasks: Etsy

One of my all time favorite weddings we’ve ever featured was from m three studio. Molly just has a way with the camera that is so beautifully fascinating. And somehow, she seems to book the coolest, most beautiful couples. Every one of her weddings is directly filed away into my Favorites List, and this one is no exception. The gallery has me stumbling for that Favorites button.

From the stunning bride … John and I met in high school and just recently celebrated our 10 year dating anniversary. As you can imagine, I was anxiously awaiting a proposal! The Midwest is known for it’s state fairs & I’ve always loved the sky glider (the ride that taxis you across the entire park high above the other fair goers.) John surprised me by pulling a ring out of his pocket as we were up in the air and proceeded to nervously drop it into the crowd below. I was in such shock that I didn’t even know how to react. After we got off the ride, John was running back trying to find it (his acting was pretty believable!) while I was running behind all the while thinking “is this real?” Surprisingly we ended up finding the ring, in all of it’s dirty, bent glory. John then got down on one knee, pulled the real ring out of his wallet & proposed. I couldn’t imagine him proposing any other way- it was John at his finest!

We both knew from the start that we wanted something different, something natural. We wanted a very small, very intimate wedding with immediate family & our closest friends. All together, including both of us & our bridal party, there were 25 guests. River Wildlife in Kohler, WI was one of the most gorgeous places, especially in fall, & it was right along a beautiful winding river. We loved the cozy feel of a cabin & the fact that we had a backup for the ceremony (in front of a massive stone fireplace) in case the weather turned on us.We knew as soon as we  saw it that we had to have the wedding there. We both have very eclectic, rustic tastes so things were kept simple with great attention to detail. We wanted to keep with the season, but steer from tradition a bit. We chose to focus on a color palette of navy, brown, light gray & blush. The bridesmaids wore navy, while the groomsmen wore gray.

We spent months before the wedding scouring antique shops & flea markets to find vintage soda bottles, old desk drawers, doors & windows to place around the cabin.  We are blessed to have such an artistic & handy group of family & friends in our lives who helped to turn our DIY dreams into reality. Incorporating bits of the past into our celebration was important to both of us.

We had our wedding on a Sunday afternoon, another break from tradition. We wanted the wedding to be a weekend experience – so all of our guests stayed at the Inn on Woodlake in Kohler with us. We welcomed our guests by placing beverages and baskets in each guest room – featuring a welcome note, wine, gourmet caramel apples from an amazing local shop (Amy’s), cheeses, flatbreads & candles… all from places near & dear to us that held some sort of significance. We wanted people to feel at home.

The day of the wedding was the best day of our lives. We know that sounds so cliche, but it truly was. We had an acoustic guitarist play as we walked down the aisle. The ceremony took place on a ledge overlooking the river. After the ceremony, guests were able to go inside & enjoy a crackling fire, hors d’oeuvres & a signature hot bourbon spiked cider while we were able to spend time just the two of us taking photos outside and stopping for a moment to breathe it all in. After cocktail hour, we all stepped outside to light large chinese floating wish lanterns (our favorite part of the night). After the reception, we ended the night with a beautiful bonfire, gourmet s’mores, drinks, laughter & an overwhelming feeling of love. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Each of the vendors we worked with were beyond amazing and incredibly accommodating. We’ve never felt more special & thanks to them, our day was perfect in every way. Being able to spend one of the most memorable days of our lives with our family & friends was truly the most special part of the entire celebration.

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Photographer: m three studio | Venue: River Wildlife, Kohler | Florist: Twig Flowers | Cake: Whole Foods | Makeup: Erin Lobdell, B’Lovely Salon | Bride’s Gown: Allure Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: WToo | Stationery: My August Press

Navy and pink is just one of those color combo’s that stands the preppy test of time. It’s always going to go well with country clubs and strapless dresses. Which is exactly what Cherry Blossom Events knew while designing a wedding for this adorably preppy couple. The gorgeous images from Jennifer Johnson Photography are going to be the family heirlooms these two will pass on to their grandchildren, and we’ve got a whole gallery full of them!

And one last look from One Fine Day Productions…

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From the beautiful couple … Jen and Tim met while in college. She was in her senior year at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI and Tim was a junior at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tim and Jen’s brother, Luke attended UW-Madison together and were good friends. One day Tim spotted Jen’s photo on Luke’s phone and asked whom the picture was of. Luke informed Tim it was his sister and, after that, Tim would always ask Luke when he would introduce them. After a couple months of prodding, Luke finally invited Jen down to UW-Madison to visit and meet his friend Tim. Upon meeting, both knew there was something special between them. After a few weeks of weekend visits and nightly phone conversations they decided to make things official and have never looked back!

Tim proposed the night before Jen’s birthday in July. He told her to get ready for a nice dinner and as she was getting ready he would wrap her presents in the front of the house. After getting ready, they walked up to the front of the house together where Jen was greeted by candlelight and rose petals. The rose petals led her to the kitchen table where she found a birthday cake with “Will you marry me?” written. Unbeknownst to Jen, Tim had taken the day off from work and drove four hours from Chicago to her hometown of Appleton, WI to pick up the cake from her favorite bakery and ask for her parents’ blessing. Realizing this was the big moment, Jen turned around to find Tim on one knee as he asked her to be his bride. After a few tearful moments, she said yes! They spent the rest of the weekend celebrating with her parents as Tim had invited them down to celebrate Jen’s birthday…and their engagement!

Our inspiration was “elegant glamour”. Although our wedding was technically in the beginning of the fall we didn’t want to do something seasonal. We wanted something that would be timeless and convey a sense of tradition and formality. To assist with this we chose traditional black tuxes with bow ties for the men and the ladies wore long navy blue dresses. Our colors were navy blue and silver with a pop of fuchsia. We wanted to put a twist on the traditional/formal feel and did so through our colors. We chose fuchsia as the pop of color, which was showcased through the flowers, up lighting, dinner napkins and table signs/name tents. The bride’s bouquet was a mixture of light and dark pinks and the bridesmaids’ bouquets were all one color of dark pink. We also included crystal candelabras on half of the dinner tables to give provide a sense of glamour.

The church ceremony is close to our hearts. It was a very personalized mass and allowed us to focus on each other and really celebrate the marriage ceremony together before we were wrapped up in the rest of the day’s festivities  We remember taking a moment after lighting the unity candle and talking to each other about our wishes for the future. We also had such a fun time taking pictures! It was a blast to have some time with our friends/family before the reception. Finally, we both will always remember Tim’s groom’s speech. It was funny, gracious and so heartfelt.

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Photography: Jennifer Johnson Photography | Wedding Planning & Design: Cherry Blossom Events | Ceremony Location: St. Mary’s Catholic Church | Reception Location: Butte des Morts Country Club | Stationery: With Grace | Cinematographer: One Fine Day Productions | Florist: House of Flowers – Oshkosh | Transportation: Kobussen | Cake: Cake Guru | Hair + Make-up: Salon Aura | Linens: BBJ Linen | Chairs & Chargers: Karl’s Event Services | Reception Entertainment & Lighting: Sound By Design | Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

These two have a true love story in their back pockets and the wedding that culminated in these gorgeous images from Lexia Frank Photography was a labor of love in and of itself. After reading their story, I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to put all their efforts into making a day as special as these two – to celebrate these two. You absolutely must read their story, but don’t be surprised if you sit in the gallery for days, totally in awe!

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From the photographer … Julie and Jason are so very special to me, and have an incredible story of true love. Together since college, Julie and Jason spent many years long distance, while Julie pursued her career in dance in LA and Jason finished up Law School in Milwaukee.  once they were finally united in Los Angeles, Jason took his California bar exam (and passed!) while suffering some pretty serious headaches and dizziness.  Examinations proved the worst: a giant cancerous brain tumor.  Thankfully, he survived- thrived really- after many rounds of chemo and radiation, and lots of physical therapy to help regain motor and speech skills.  One day last year Jason proposed to Julie- she had stuck by his side and helped him through surgeries, physical therapy, and acclimating back to regular life. 

Their wedding was done on a seriously extreme budget due to the extensive bills associated with such a situation, and proved to be a labor of love from all family members and friends. Many services, like photography and videography, and some of the decor were donated. I lent an artists hand in hand-lettering the chalkboard signs, and Julie, herself, made the bridal bouquets and boutonnieres from scraps of fabric and wire wisks. But those weren’t the only unique details about her wedding. They decided to forgo a traditional cake for a dessert bar of doughnuts from their favorite independent local doughnut shop in Madison- Greenbush Doughnuts (they have almost a cult following in Madison). Julie found her wedding dress at a local vintage store in LA, for just $180 and the bridal party was given free-reign to choose the dress of their choice, within a few guidelines. Finally, favors of classic Mix Tape CDs were given to guests – mixes of both Julie and Jason’s favorite tunes- in hand-made little envelopes.

From the bride … The day after Christmas his neurologist finally ordered an MRI. After reading the scan he called Jason and told him to go right to the hospital, that they knew we were coming. We found out at the ER that night that Jason’s “vertigo” was actually a cancerous tumor the size of a lemon growing in his brain. Two surgeries immediately followed, along with chemo and radiation. Because the tumor was on his cerebellum, our body’s coordination center, Jason’s speech, balance and vision were effected. It would be a long road of speech and physical therapy as well as monthly rounds of chemo for a year. I was never in a rush to get married. I didn’t need a ring to know what we had was real. Plus we were broke. But going through all of this together made me wonder, “What are we waiting for?”

On Sept 25th, 2011, about eight months since Jason’s surgery, he proposed. It was at the Hollywood Bowl, a beautiful concert venue tucked inside the hollywood hills. I thought this was just a sweet date night Jason had planned for us. He bought the tickets and packed an elaborate picnic. We were in our seats waiting for the show to start and Jason asked the man in front of us to take a picture of us. He snapped the shot, we looked at it and approved, but then Jason asked him to take another. I thought that was weird because the picture looked fine. Instead of smiling for the camera, Jason got down on his knee, pulled a little red ring box out of his pocket and asked me to marry him. And our camera man snapped pictures of the whole thing. It was perfect.

START EARLY!: Even the simplest DIY projects can get tricky or take forever, so begin them early enough to allow enough time to finish or to go a different direction if needed. And this is coming from a seasoned procrastinator, so if I say start early, I truly mean it. Because of all the preparation we had done we were able to go with the flow and have a great time. Of course not everything went according to plan, but since we had put so much work into everything we could easily solve the problem, brush it off and party on.

MAKE YOUR OWN RULES: It’s easy to get caught up in what you think you “should” be doing at your wedding that it becomes more like an equation than a reflection of you and your fiancé. At the end of the day, it’s a celebration of you two and your love. We did things the way we wanted to, not the way someone told us to.

CONSULT WITH AN EXPERT: Just because you consult with an expert doesn’t mean you have to do exactly what they say. But a wedding coordinator or a friend who works in the industry probably has a lot more experience at weddings than you do. It’s helpful to run ideas by them to see if, logistically, they make sense. For instance, we wanted our wedding to feel like a big party, so we didn’t want to tell guests where to sit. We figured then we didn’t need table numbers, place cards, etc. so we’d be saving money too. But after talking to our videographer (my good friend) she advised me not to. She said in theory it sounds like a great idea, but then you end up with an empty chair here and there and guests split up or standing for dinner. So we heeded her advice and made table numbers and just wrote out seating assignments on big chalkboards. That still eliminated the need for place cards, but gave each guest a place to park themselves for the night.

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Photography: Lexia Frank Photography | Cinematography: One Fine Day Productions | Flowers: The bride | Event Planning: Erica Hoke, Century Barn Coordinator | Ceremony Location: Century Barn | Reception Location: Century Barn | Invitations: Brendan Loughrey | Shoes: Sole Society | Dress: Shareen Vintage | Vintage Rental: A La Crate | Catering: Underground Food Collective

You would be hard-pressed to find a detail we don’t absolutely adore about this wedding; Petal Pushers and Canvas Weddings have a whole lot to do with that. But the thing we love most is the story behind Chelsea and Tommy’s wedding. It’s a love affair that spanned many years, started as a friendship and blossomed over skype and a whole lot of distance. But in the end, their love culminated in the sweetest lakeside wedding captured by Woodnote Photography along with some increadibly sage advice from the Bride and Groom…” It will be perfect no matter what.” We think so too. Have a look at the full gallery for more as well as a film by Northernlight Filmworks that’s the perfect finishing touch.

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From Woodnote Photography…Chelsea and Tommy met eight and a half  years ago at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.  When Chelsea tells the story, she says, “He was wearing a graphic tee that read “It’s Always a Pleasure…” and the rest is history.  Just kidding!  He really was wearing a graphic tee, though, and proceeded to try and get me to dump my then-current boyfriend for the next two years.”  (Nice one, Tommy!)  It wasn’t until after graduation when they were conveniently living halfway across the country from one another that they decided to ‘give it a go’.  “We fell in love over Skype, endless phones calls, and weekend visits that always felt much too short.  Tommy moved to Chicago.  And I decided I didn’t want to spend another day of my life with anyone else.  The rest really is history….”

“From start to finish our wedding day was perfect,” they recall “…the very best people in the world surrounded us as we promised to love each other forever.  We ate incredible food, shared many laughs (and tears), and danced until we were kicked out.”  When we asked if Chelsea and Tommy had any advice for other couples who were in the midst of their engagement and wedding planning season, they said one of the most profound and truth-filled things we’ve ever heard our couples say: “If you’re able, don’t start planning right away. Take at least a few weeks (or a few months in our case) and just enjoy being engaged. Enjoy the excitement and the newness of taking the next step. Enjoy each other. However, once you do start planning, our biggest piece of advice would be to be patient. Be patient with yourself, your fiancé, your mom, your soon to be mother-in-law, your friends….etc. It’s an overwhelmingly exciting time in your life (and everyone else’s) – things will go right and things will go wrong (hopefully only a few of them). Cherish each moment and each decision. It goes by in the blink of an eye. And when the day rolls around be sure to soak it all in, relax, roll with the punches. It will be perfect no matter what.”

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Photography: Caroline + Jayden of Woodnote Photography | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Oconomowoc Lake Club | Floral Design: Deb Donaldson of Petal Pushers | Cinematography: Northernlight Filmworks | Wedding Planner: Canvas Weddings | Officiant: Eoin Callery (friend of the couple) | Rentals: A La Crate Vintage Rentals | Stationery + Paper Goods: Monograham | Wedding Favors: The Caramel Jar | Ceremony + Reception Music: Okyne Medialab | Cake: The Cake Lady | Wedding Rings: Luo M. Jewlers | Hair: The Yellow House Salon | Makeup: Kristal Sherman | Wedding Dress: Watters | Shoes: Ivanka Trump | Earrings: MillieICARO  | Groom + Groomsen Suits: Joseph A. Banks | Groom’s Shoes: Allen Edmonds | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Bridesmaids Jewellery: Ava Hope Designs

This wedding gives me a serious case of the warm fuzzies. I can’t pinpoint exactly what about it is so special, but in my vast experience as a wedding blogger, I’ve come to learn that usually means the whole affair is the special part. Everything from the flowers to the setting to the laughter and love is extra heartwarming, especially when captured by m three studio. Molly always knows how to capture the essence of the warm and fuzzies, which is why this gallery is one of my favorites!

From the beautiful bride … Mike and I first met in junior high, but it wasn’t until our mid 20’s that we reconnected and started dating. Unfortunately, shortly after we started dating, Mike was relocated to Milwaukee, which was about an hour and a half away from the suburb of Chicago where I lived. We continued dating long distance, only seeing each other on the weekends, but after quite some time, we decided that we wanted to be together every day and started searching for our first home in a suburb of Milwaukee. Mike proposed to me on the fifth anniversary of our first date, with a surprise, romantic dinner in the home we had built together. Getting married was an easy decision for Mike and I. We already felt married and we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. Having a wedding?! Now that was a different story!

Mike and I were thrilled about hosting a party for all of our favorite people, but we did not even know where to start. We knew we liked the idea of a destination wedding and spending the whole weekend with our closest friends and family; however, we wanted it to be within driving distance for everyone. We decided that the Grande Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, would be the perfect location. The Grand Geneva Resort was a very special place to Mike and I and we knew the Mountain Top Chalet would serve as the perfect backdrop to our non-traditional wedding ceremony and reception.

Once we had the date and location, choosing our vendors was surprisingly easy. We were able to book our dream photographer, Molly Michel of m three studio. Molly was able to recommended our DJ, Sound by Design. With the Grand Geneva taking care of the catering, bartending and cake, the only thing left to book was our florist.

My mom and I planned to spend a girls weekend, meeting with several florists in the Lake Geneva area. Luckily, our first appointment was with Renee Cerny, owner for Frontier Flowers of Fontana. Renee seemed to completely grasp the floral design I had created in my head and didn’t squirm when I said that I did not want traditional flowers, but more textural elements, including artichokes and lotus pods. After we left our meeting with Renee, we cancelled all of our other appointments because I knew she was going to be the one to bring my vision to life!

Now came the little details, which was the fun part! My mom and I were able to spend so much time together, from researching lanterns to working with an graphic designer to custom design our invitations and name cards. My Dad built the flower boxes for the centerpieces and I hand made our table numbers. My mom decorated 100 jars that held the candles that lined the stairs and outdoor patio. All of these personal touches made the wedding that much more special to Mike and I. Walking into the ceremony and seeing everyone’s hard work come together, took my breath away. It was far more beautiful than what I had pictured it in my mind.

Most importantly, Mike and I wanted our wedding to be a celebration of love and life, among our closest family and friends. When we talk about our favorite part of our wedding (besides all of the laughing, drinking and dancing, of course), we both agree that it was when our officiate addressed our guests and reminded them that they were all an irreplaceable part our yesterdays, our today and our tomorrows. Our hope was that they would know it was through all of their unconditional love and support, that this unforgettable day had become a reality.

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Photography: m three studio | Florist: Frontier Flowers | Venue: Grand Geneva Resort, Mountain Top Chalet | Caterer & Cake: Grand Geneva Resort | Invitation: Lani Parker | DJ: Sound by Design | Bride’s Dress: Symphony Bridal | Groom’s Suit: Kenneth Cole | Hair & Makeup: Clear Waters Salon & Day Spa

Okay, my new favorite thing in the world is when two talented designers get married. Why? Because the wedding looks like this. Lexia Frank Photography sent over images that were a swoon at first glance and as I’ve spent my time diving deeper and deeper into the gallery, I’ve fallen more and more in love. It’s the kind of wedding you’ll be in awe over, the kind you won’t forget, and the kind you’ll spend hours obsessing over – in the gallery.

From the photographer … Christopher and Amber’s wedding day was a perfect summer afternoon day in July – warm, sunny with little wind. It made the perfect backdrop for their guests to enjoy the outdoor event on a stunning Spanish-style villa terrace overlooking Lake Michigan. Because of their love of design and architecture (being both designers themselves) they fell in love with the Villa’s artistic tradition and stunning architectural beauty with grand rooms, open gardens and terrace.

Amber wore a Morilee dress by Madeline Gardner carrying a bouquet of Juliet Garden Roses paired with white Sweet Heart roses, white Freesia, and Dusty Miller. While her seven bridesmaids wore Blush colored dresses by Alfred Sung carrying bouquets of white Sweet Heart Roses, white Freesia, white Spider Mums, green Trachelium, Dusty Miller and Queen Anne’s Lace. Christopher wore a cream-colored pinstripe suit by Indochino, with the Groomsmen in light gray suits by Express.

Two of the items the couple decided to put special attention into were the design of the invitations and the rings. With their design background they had very specific ideas in mind, and put them to good use. The groom’s ring is a custom rose gold and brushed white gold double ring. A small piece is left blank, revealing the rose gold band, to signify the never complete aspect of a relationship. It mirrors the couple’s logo (they decided to forgo a traditional monogram for a more modern symbol they felt both embodied their relationship better) that was displayed on the front of the invitations as well as a chalkboard drawing at the reception. It features two imperfect shapes crossing over into one another, with a small piece left open in the middle- again, signifying the part of the relationship that will never be complete and always growing and changing. The groom, Christopher, designed the wedding invitations and branding for the event. Custom envelopes were fitted with wallpaper from the bride’s company’s (Farrow & Ball-Chelsea Papers) collection. The invitation unties to reveal a series of cards and RSVP. The color scheme for the invitations and the wedding was inspired by Farrow & Ball colors “Pink Ground and Pavilion Gray.”

The reception was at The Hinterland, a chic gastro pub and brewery. The centerpieces were composed of crisp green and white flowers to create a very soft and natural atmosphere in context to the restaurant’s collection of rustic wooden objects.

Custom designed cards met each guest upon entrance into the reception. On the front were their name and an illustration of the meal they would enjoy. On the back was their table seating indicated by a color name and swatch from the bride’s company’s line of paint.

The couple ended their night by dancing amongst friends and family to a Jazz Trio at the restaurant and enjoying a taco bar provided by the fine chefs. The couple then flew off to Curacao for their Honeymoon.

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Photographer: Lexia Frank Photography | Ceremony & Reception Florist: Nancy Phillips | Bouquets + Boutonnieres: Elise Hannaford | Caterer: The Hinterland | Ceremony Venue: Villa Terrace | Reception Venue: The Hinterland | Quartet: Elegant Music Services | Officiant: Jon Doty | Bride’s Hair: Sarah Dowdy | Bridesmaids’ Hair: The Knick Salon and Spa | Invitations and paper goods: Christopher Scott, Color and Story | Dress: Morilee by Madeline Gardner from Patty’s Bridal | Bride’s Shoes: B.A.I.T. | Wedding Bands: Christopher Scott of Color and Story, made by Steve Quick Jewelry | Groom’s Attire: Indochino | Groom’s Watch: Nooka | Groomsmen Attire: Express | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Sung from Bella Bridesmaid | Bridesmaids’ Necklaces: Global Creations Jewelry | Flower Girls Dresses: JCPenney | Table Place Settings: Paint from Farrow & Ball

Milwaukee is for lovers, at least this afternoon it is. Whether having a glass of wine, roaming the city streets or making sweet music together, this soon-to-be-wed duo is doing it in style and Heather Cook Elliott Photography was on hand to snap all those adorable moments. See the full spread right here.

From Heather Cook Elliott Photography…Shauna and Matt are ideal clients for me – not because they are easy to work with (which they are) and not because they are gorgeous (again, they are) and not even because they know how to bring it accessory-wise (which they do, obviously.) They are ideal clients because, artistically speaking, they scare the bejezus out of me and I do awesome work when I’m outside my comfort zone. They are both graduate students in the arts, living and working in New York and when on our first skype meeting Matt gave me a welcome, well-analyzed, totally lucid and spot on crit of my work, I knew I wanted very badly to work with these two. But in all honesty I knew that from Shauna’s first email in which she described her wedding to be – at the family farm on a late summer night marked by a full moon, surrounded by 60 or so close friends and family.

In town for Thanksgiving, these two arrived at my studio and fell in love with the brick and timber loftiness of the place waxing poetic on what it would be like to live in a space like that back in NYC. So we played at house for awhile, Matt and Shauna doing the things they would do in their imagined loft – playing music, reading, laughing and thinking. I followed their conversation and their shy smiles in studio and out in the city, falling in love with their love along the way. I recently shot their Blue Moon wedding and I can’t wait to share that, too!

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Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography

I love when a theme and a couple’s style fit together so seamlessly that you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. Such is the case with this French-inspired Milwaukee wedding. The bride’s breathtaking gown, the exquisite paper details, the romantic florals all fit flawlessly with the elegant vintage vibe. Brought to us by the talented Lexia Frank Photography, it’s a breathtaking beautiful celebration sure to make you swoon. Before you take off to the gallery to see the rest, check out the film from Switzerfilm. It’s a must stop destination in your wedding travels. Merci beaucoup.

Amy and Pete Wedding from Switzerfilm on Vimeo.

From Lexia Frank… It all started at Capital Fitness in Madison, Wisconsin. Pete —a personal trainer—and Amy, a new member, caught each other’s eye from across the gym and felt instant attraction. Flirtatious smiles and small talk eventually gave way to the exchanging of numbers. Since Amy isn’t the type of woman who sits by and waits for a call, the very next day, she called Pete to ask him out, herself.

The pair dated for five years and on a beautiful summer evening, took a walk down to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Memorial Union. It was the perfect setting; they sat on a ledge overlooking the water and watched a gorgeous sunset. Seizing the moment, Pete hopped down to the rocks below and lowered himself onto one knee, asking Amy to marry him. After her initial shock (“Shut up! Do my parents know about this?”), Amy—of course, gave him the answer they both had in their hearts: “Yes!”

As the owner of her own cinematography business, One Fine Day Productions, Amy had been working in the wedding industry for ten years. When it came time to plan a big day of her own, she wanted something unique. She and Pete went with a French-vintage theme that was implemented seamlessly throughout the day; they didn’t want anything too elaborate; just simple little details from another era. The rehearsal dinner was held at Trimborn Farm, an intimate backdrop for a BBQ under the stars. The ceremony was held there as well, in a beautiful clearing between buildings. Guests walked past a vintage truck as they entered the site and then through a pair of old vintage doors made by Amy’s father.

After the ceremony, Amy & Pete welcomed their guests into the barn with kettle corn and lemonade, all in theme-appropriate packaging. The reception was held at Turner Hall Ballroom and was nothing short of spectacular. The cocktail hour, with the French-inspired passed hors d’voures from local eatery Brocach and the French accordion player made for a unique start to the reception. Guests enjoyed dinner amongst stunning displays of vintage details incorporated into the floral arrangements, table linens, glittered table numbers, candlelight and a magnificent head table in the middle of the room.

Amy and Pete’s guests savored chocolate favors from Wisconsin chocolatier Gail Ambrosias. An electric violinist serenading during dinner added a touch of sexy ambiance to the room. The couple surprised their guests later in the evening by pulling back the curtains on the stage to reveal a vintage lounge with mismatched furniture, a photo booth, and an over-the-top dessert bar that included two chefs creating crepes. (Oo, la la!) As the icing on the cake, so to speak, Amy had her grandmother’s wedding gown on display next to the cake for guests to view. The personal touch made the day all-the-more meaningful for the bride and her family.

Amy’s dress was an elegant compliment to her wedding’s theme. She wore a gorgeous gown by Lazaro from GiGi’s in Mequon. Serendipitously, it was the first dress she tried on and she instantly fell in love with it. To make the day unique and personal, Amy designed all of the invitations and paper goods utilized at the reception and ceremony; complete with French engraving scripts, vintage fonts and hand glittered details, the tone was set for the wedding from day one. For addressing invitations, place cards and other signage, the pair used the Blooming Quill, which added an elegant touch to the wedding’s overall ambiance.

Wedding Photography: Lexia Frank Photography / Cinematography: Switzerfilm / Floral Design: Esther Fleming of Impressions Floral / Wedding Planning: David Caruso of Dynamic Events / Getting Ready Venue: The Pfister Hotel / Rehearsal + Ceremony Venue: Trimborn Farm / Reception Venue: Turner Hall Ballroom / Wedding Gown: Lazaro from Gigi’s of Mequon / Wedding Shoes: Vera Wang / Hair: Erinn at Glow Salon & Spa / Makeup: Antonio Fred / Jewelry: Vera’s House of Bridals / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid via Vera’s Bridals / Flower Girl Dress: Bliss Bridal / Tuxedos: Harleys / Photo Booth: Beyond the Booth / Printed goods: Amy Johnson / Calligraphy: Debi Zeinert of The Blooming Quill / Catering: Brocach Catering / Cake: The Cake Lady / Late Night Dessert: Simma’s / Favors: Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier / Beverage Service: Bartenders on the Go / Linens: BBJ Linen / Rentals: Canopies / DJ & Lighting: Sound by Design / Electric Violinist: Elan Artists / String Quartet: Quartessence / Accordion Player: Joe DeLuca / Audio Support: Majic Enterprises / Transportation: Badger Trolley

Infusing a whole lot of personality into her big day was a number one priority for this gorgeous bride-to-be.  One that she and her handsome groom happily took on with some fab DIY details, an amazing flea market find and centerpieces constructed by none other than her step-father.  If that isn’t adding your special touch to every last moment, then I don’t know what is.  Oh, and the bride’s heartwarming tributes to her grandparents?  Beyond lovely.  See every moment captured by Emilia Jane Photography right here.

From the Bride… We wanted the day to reflect both of our personalities (which could have been challenging since we’re different in a lot of ways). We made the giant marquee letters and the signs together the week before the wedding and that was wonderful. We don’t get to work together on projects very often since we have such different careers, but this ended up being this great pre-wedding bonding experience. And I was so proud of him when I walked into the venue because it really looked exactly how I pictured it and he was able to just do that.

Other things that I loved were the rug we stood on (I bought it at the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena after scouring the internet for what I wanted. I went with a very good friend of mine who couldn’t make it to the wedding and she helped me barter. I love that it’s a memory of a great day with her and also that we’ll have the rug that we stood on while we promised to spend our lives together.), Jamie’s tie clip (with the rug’s coordinates), and the centerpieces made by my stepdad (he really nailed them). Also, I had read in a book that my grandparent’s had kept when I was a baby that what they wanted to see most in my future was me at my wedding. I kept thinking about that when I was planning. That they wouldn’t be there was unexpectedly emotional. So, I tried to create my grandparents’ presence as much as I could. We had pictures of them on or around their wedding day, I wore my grandmother’s necklace and a pair of earrings my grandpa had given to my mom, and carried a purse made from my grandmother’s wedding dress. I actually think their goals for me changed over time because they were also very excited about my education, but ultimately, I did feel like they were a part of the day.

Wedding Photography: Emilia Jane Photography / Wedding Venue: Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Floral Design: Phil Cleland from Chicago Specialty Gardens / Caterer: Ball n’ Biscuit / Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Dye “Honeychurch” via Lovely / Groom’s Attire: J.Crew

Although I currently call the East Coast home, I’ll always be a Midwest girl through and through. There’s something about those wide, open spaces and bright blue skies that simply can’t compare.  And it’s that sense of homey charm that carries throughout this Wisconsin wedding from the talented Dani Stephenson Photography. But before you write this off as your average rustic chic “I do’s,” let me point out this affair’s leading lady who takes bridal fashionista to a whole new level. A level where Vera Wang and flannel mix into one fabulous, and unexpectedly chic, look. See even more of this Midwest charmer and all the fashion forward moments in the full gallery right here.

From Dani Stephenson Photography… I had talked briefly with Erin on email the past year as she planned the wedding. She sent me a photo of her dress and her save the date and invitation, and as time neared, every puzzle piece I received about this day really started coming together for me. But, to see it that day really blew me away. Not only was every detail well thought out and absolutely perfect but every moment, song, reading was thought out to the point where every second I was waiting for what was next. The ceremony consisted of amazing readings that really meant something like “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. Erin’s taste and vision paired together made an incredible day full of moments and details for an unforgettable wedding. 

Wedding Photography: Dani Stephenson Photography / Wedding Venue: The Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale, Wisconsin / Floral Design: Studio Fleurette / Invitations: DIY by the Bride + Avie Designs / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Vivienne Westwood

If you’re the type of person that falls head over heels in love with beautiful wedding gowns (read: each and every one of you), then you are about to have a serious heyday with this breathtaking Milwaukee affair.  Because this stunner of a wedding is not only boasting a plethora of drop-dead gorgeous details and TWO (yes, TWO) glorious settings, but one of the most beautiful Monique Lhuillier creations you will ever lay your eyes upon.  I promise you.  And if this blush-hued beauty isn’t enough to completely woo you, then the entire gallery captured by the ever-amazing Heather Cook Elliott most surely will.  It’s fabulous and you should most definitely join me there for more.

From Heather Cook Elliott Photography… Lacey & Scott live in Chicago but decided to trade their adopted big city skyline for a little old world glitz in Milwaukee. They wanted a light and airy day, full of romantic details and fun, with just a touch of tradition so they mixed grecian-inspired bridesmaid dresses with the kind of glamour only a blush colored wedding gown can speak of. Lacey started the day in that absolutely breathtaking blush colored Monique Luillier ensemble that is easily my favorite wedding dress of the year and ended the night in a traditional red Chinese dress in honor of Scott’s Chinese heritage. Along the way she was accompanied by bridesmaids dressed in white, a reversal of tradition that somehow comes off brilliantly when styled with romantic bangles, head pieces, statement earrings and soft pink, white and black florals.

I asked her how she came to the decision to style her day in such a bold yet softly romantic way. She replied that she was set on blush and white for her color story, but couldn’t find the perfect white wedding gown. On a lark she tried on the blush dress to sort of cleanse her bridal palette and she fell in love. And so did her mom and best friends who agreed to wear white for her.

On the wedding day Lacey & Scott skirted from the majesty of the grand Pfister Hotel along the city’s main avenue to an intimate ceremony at a stone and wood church on Milwaukee’s East Side. Scott and Lacey exited in style in a vintage Porsche from her dad’s collection. Petite and white, the car took them to Lake Park’s lighthouse where a few moments alone preceded a perfect reception at The Grain Exchange with its soaring painted tapestries and gilded architecture. We captured their day in all its blushing perfection and were captivated by a little tag on Lacey’s Chinese evening dress. It read: Double Happiness Scott & Lacey. So true.

Wedding Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography / Wedding Venue: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church + The Grain Exchange, both in Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Floral Design: Impressions by Esther Fleming / Catering: Bartolotta Catering / Wedding Cake: A Little Slice of Heaven / Officiant: Reverend John Hickey / Hotel: Pfister Hotel / Band: High Society / Cocktail Hour Musicians: Kadie Johnson and John Patek / Linen Rental: BBJ Linens / Wedding Stationery: Robins Paperie / Calligraphy: The Blooming Quill / Transportation: Carey International / Classic Cars: Bride’s father’s private collection / Photobooth: The Traveling Photobooth / Wedding Dress + Veil: Monique Lhuillier via Ultimate Bride / Bride’s Chinese Tea Dress: Oriental Fine Tailor / Bridal jewelry: Gift from Groom’s Family / Bridesmaid Attire: Christintina / Hair + Makeup: Neroli Salon and Spa

This Lake Geneva e-session from Kate Romenesko Photography is too sweet for words. The Chicago-based couple made a trip back to the lovely spot where the soon-to-be-bride grew up and where her handsome fiancé spent summers for a shoot filled with gorgeous light and lots of LOVE. Be sure to see the rest of this little beauty right here!

From the Kate Romenesko Photography… Although Danielle and Sean currently live in Chicago, they chose to capture their love in the beautiful Lake Geneva area where Sean spent summers at his family’s lake home and where Danielle was raised. They chose two stunning locations for their engagement session that perfectly reflect each of their personalities. The afternoon began at the wonderfully unique Northwind Perennial Farm where we found plenty of natural beauty in the surroundings and even an old grand piano in the woods – an amazing find! Northwind perfectly captured Danielle’s rustic side and memories of her own family’s farm. Afterwards, we moved to the lake, a perfect compliment to Sean’s personality and a reminder of many special summers. The beautiful sunset, gorgeous surroundings, and an unusually warm winter day made for the perfect setting to capture Danielle and Sean’s magical love.

Wedding Photography: Kate Romenesko Photography / Locations: Northwind Perennial Farm  + Lake Geneva Beach in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

When a blogger becomes a bride, the Do-It-Yourself and Etsy gods collide… and this my friends, is the gorgeously epic result. Soy candles, handwritten signs and eclectic cloth napkins create a home-sweet-home vibe in this vastly grand turn-of-the-century ballroom. Who knew industrial rust and boarded up windows could look THIS chic? I tip my hat to Valo Photography for using such ethereal light to capture Audra’s vision of her perfect day. The stellar photos continue on into the gallery, and I’d suggest checking out the bride’s super cute blog too!

From the Bride… Andy and I fell in love before hundreds of people way before we fell in love for real. Our relationship began as co-stars in a theatre production, and we shared our first kiss and proposal on stage (In the play I proposed to him!) It wasn’t until a year and a half after that stage kiss that Andy had his chance to pop the question in a small California park where he used to play as a kid. Though we met in Vermont, and live in NYC, we chose to get married in my hometown of Milwaukee. We fell madly in love with our venue and it became my biggest source of wedding inspiration. From the moment Andy & I walked into the gorgeous antique Turner Hall Ballroom, I felt like I had been transported to the 1800s when it was first built. The stunning earth tones and rustic charm were the perfect background for the vision that I had imagined.

I knew I wanted a warm, neutral palate with hints of peach and champagne for a romantic, ethereal vibe. I wanted to have a huge part in all the decor so I took on many projects from my little NYC living room. I hand made the burlap and lace table runners, all the distressed chalk board table numbers/signs, the mix-matched cloth napkins, the ring pillow, the flower girl baskets, the “Yay!” flags, the dessert bar banner, the “Mr.& Mrs.” cake topper, and the trivia cards for cocktail hour. My Mom and I made the lovely soy candle favors (Bride’s own DIY tutorial here!) that also served as escort cards, the lace candle sleeves as well as some of the baked goods for the dessert bar. My talented older sister/matron of honor designed elements of the invite, the programs, the menus and all the hand-written signs/tags. My sister-in-law drew the gorgeous tree that we used for our thumbprint guest book. 

We were blessed with some wonderful vendors. Simon from Valo Photography was such a joy to have around that whole day. He made us all at ease knowing that he was a pro at this, and his fun personality made Andy & I want him as a new best friend. My two favorite parts of the day were actually the only two things I didn’t plan down to a T: Andy’s vows (which brought most of the guests to tears and blew me away.) And- although Andy has more musical talent than many I know, he rarely shares it. Luckily for me, my wedding gift to him- (an engraved guitar pick,) inspired him to throw together a beautiful performance of “Wild Horses” that he sang during dinner. After months of planning and creating- those two moments are the ones I will never ever forget.

Wedding Photography: Valo Photography / Wedding Venue: Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Floral Design: Bloom Floral and Event Design / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BL Couture / Robes: Silk & More / Paper Products: Bride’s Sister / Flower Girl Dresses: LaParisLaur / Table Runners, Napkins, Favors and all other DIYs: The Bride (The Baker Chick)

If I could, I would walk my little self through this computer and make myself comfy in this pretty lakeside Wisconsin fête. It’s just so dreamy. The seamless style and happy hues conjured up by the lovely Bride gracing all the gorgeous images from Paper Antler could explain my love affair – it’s all outdoor wedding perfection. It makes their little Wisconsin heaven truly sparkle, and their love for each other shine – and that ultimately makes this blogger one happy little lady. See so much more right here.

For more of this oh-so-gorgeous day, check out this film from One Fine Day Productions…

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From the Bride… Ever since my husband Joe and I met seven years ago at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we have moved twice a year (every year) for his hockey career. This never ending sense of “packing, driving across the country, unpacking… and repeat” has become sustainable because five years ago we decided to buy a nice little cottage on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin – which we now call home for three months every summer. Having our wedding on Lake Wissota was very important to us. Our friend and wedding officiant (who grew up there) pointed out during the ceremony that the lake was named by combining WISconsin + minneSOTA, the two states where Joe and I grew up, respectively (Fun Fact: The lake’s main claim to fame comes from the movie “Titanic” – Jack Dawson mentions ice fishing there as a boy.)

As an interior designer, I had a “total vision” for the day and wanted everything – from the invitations to the bridesmaid dresses – to look and feel seamless. Our (thankfully) sunny wedding day in July was an intimate and rustic affair, filled with a lot of little DIY details (I had the cuts & bruises to prove it!). We sought the help of friends and family who worked together to build a 10 foot bar out of 300 lb. tree stumps, can endless amounts of maple syrup from Joe’s parent’s yard, pick strawberries for our specialty infused vodka, and assemble programs that doubled as fans – amongst many other particulars….

Jonny + Michelle of Paper Antler and Amy from One Fine Day Productions did an absolutely amazing job capturing not only every little detail, but also the overall lightheartedness, fun, and love that Joe and I envisioned and dreamed of from the very beginning! We were so happy to be able to share with our friends and family (and now SMP readers!) a piece of our beloved Lake Wissota……

Wedding Photography: Paper Antler / Wedding Venue: Kamp Kenwood in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin / Wedding Design + Stationery: de[luxe] design studio (Bride’s design studio) / Month-Of Wedding Coordination: Lizie Anne / Floral Design: Allure Event Florists / Wedding Cinematography: One Fine Day Productions / Wedding Catering: Duncan Creek Wine Bar / Music: FlashMob / Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel Poppy Gown via L’atelier Couture / Bride’s Shoes: ISOLÁ / Bride’s Belt: Venust Bridal Design / Bride’s Earrings: Penny Larsen  / Groom’s Suit: Heimie’s Haberdashery  / Groom’s Tie: Canali via Holt Renfrew / Rings: LJS Design

Home. It’s the land of memories and moments, of history and heart. A collection of life’s little details, making it the absolutely perfect place to create one of the most memorable moments of them all – your wedding. And when your Wisconsin childhood home just happens to be completely adorable like this Bride’s? Well the lovelies, hosting such fête there is a no brainer. It makes for a backyard beauty complete with the most heart warming details captured by Heather Cook Elliott, and it’s all waiting for you right here.

From Heather Cook Elliott Photography… Shauna & Matt live in Astoria where they are both in the arts, but she’s from Wisconsin and he’s from California. Home for them is wherever one another is, but still the idea of joining their families on the porch of her father’s farm house back in Wisconsin just felt too right to ignore. They searched for a fall date and soon realized that a rather rare event would occur on the Friday of Labor Day – a full moon reminiscent of the full moon her parents were married under, but even better – a Blue Moon, a type of full moon that only happens every two or three years.

And so it was – they gathered with about 40 close friends and family and tied the knot on the back porch while Daisy the dog and Jimmy the cat looked on, too. Guests were greeted with little delights on the property like an antique car, picturesque tractors and barns (some still used,) lemonade and tea. The smells of an amazing dinner tempted everyone as it was being cooked in the farm house kitchen and an amazing assortment of fresh flowers from the property gardens decorated the long tables set for dinner with vintage plates and mix and match silver.

Once darkness fell the twinkle lights strung between apple trees glowed and cast a soft light on Shauna & Matt swaying under the trees for their first dances and toasts. The Blue Moon rose and everyone smiled. I must write that everything about Shauna & Matt’s day was intimate – a wedding party of 2, wedding rings literally forged by the bride & groom themselves, a home cooked meal, a dessert buffet of home made pies and tortes, and some of the most lovely hand stamped invitations I’ve ever seen. They mixed bespoke with heirloom, chic with down home and they did it all for each other.

Wedding Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography / Wedding Venue: Home of the Bride’s Father in Wisconsin / Floral Design: Avant Garden (Bouquets + Boutonnieres) + Jacqueline Janecke (Centerpieces) / Officiant: Lee Schlakat, Aunt of the Groom / Wedding Catering + Vintage Dinnerware Rental: Ball ‘n Biscuit / Pies: Peg Janecke, Friend of the Bride / Music: The BMR4 / Invitations + Save The Dates: DIY by the Bride / Equipment Rental: Canopies Events / Linen Rental: BBJ / Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm / Bride’s Shoes + Brooch: BHLDN / Bride’s Veil: Handmade by the Bride / Bride’s Necklace: Groom’s Family Heirloom  / Bride’s Earrings: Vintage / Hair: Sarah Rossey of Anton’s Salon & M Spa / Groom’s Suit: Brunello Cucinelli via Bergdorf Goodman / Groom’s Shirt: Bespoke  / Groom’s Shoes: Vintage / Groom’s Tie Pin + Pocket Watch: Family Heirlooms / Wedding Rings: Handmade by the Bride + Groom

Working at SMP, my eyes have been opened to some of the prettiest places on the planet all via the weddings that show up on our screens – and Door County, Wisconsin is my newest hidden travel treasure. It’s beyond easy to see why this lakeside heaven hosted this breathtakingly beautiful Bride’s favorite childhood memories, and why it simply had to be the place where she said yes to her Mister. And when that day came, I’m pretty sure it turned out beyond her wildest childhood dreams (complete with the most perfect lace up booties I ever did see), because it only takes one look at the images in the gallery from Emily Steffen to see that this wedding was an absolute treasure in itself. See it all here!

From Emily Steffen Photography… Kate and Connor LOVE Door County, so OF COURSE they had to plan their dream wedding in their dream location! Kate’s family owns a house in Door County so one of her fondest memories is waking up to the waves of Lake Superior crashing against the rocks of the shore. They wanted to feature some of their favorite surroundings to some of their favorite people attending the wedding!

The colors were intentionally subdued and monochromatic to give a casual elegance to the affair with strong hints of vintage. Kate spend a lot of time incorporating personal details such as custom “Door County” totes that greeted guests as they arrived, family-heirloom type bagpiping music at the ceremony, mini cake toppers painted to resemble the Kate and Conor and the array of family photos of mothers’/grandmothers’ wedding!

The day began with giggling ladies filling Kate’s family’s home on the shores of Lake Michigan…mimosas in hand and Door County chocolate covered cherries in the other! Followed by some photos and a ride in the famous Door County trolly. It dropped everyone off at the ceremony site, where guests were greeted by the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocky shores and the view of the beautiful, sunny picturesque backdrop as Kate and Connor promised their lives and hearts to one another! The reception soon followed with a live jazz bank, old fashioned drinks, amazing cocktails, funny stories from family and friends as well as tasty food and good company! The night proceeded with dinner, dancing with another LIVE band, drinks, photoboothing, an AMAZING chocolate bar and a surprise fireworks display that had everyone oooo-ing and awweee-ing! It was the night of a lifetime!

Wedding Photography: Emily Steffen Photography / Ceremony Venue: Beach Park in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin / Reception Venue: Woodwalk Art Gallery in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin / Floral Design: Flora / Wedding Coordination: Carrie Baldwin of Door County Meeting & Event Planners / Wedding Cinematography: Miller Studios / Wedding Catering: Mission Grille / Wedding Stationery: Sarah Drake (invitations) / Ceremony Music: Allegro String Quartet (band) + Michael Sommers (bagpiper) / Cocktail Hour Music: Mar Caribe / Reception Music: Bumpus / Door County Totes: FLS Banners / Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta / Bride’s Shoes: Something Blue via BHLDN (ceremony) + Jimmy Choo (reception) / Bride’s Hair, Bride’s Makeup + Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Toni Scott / Bridesmaids’ Hair: Door County Wedding Stylists

It’s the kind of wedding that puts a smile on your face, no questions asked. So sunny, so sweet, so special. Filled with sunshine yellow and beautiful blooms, it’s a wedding blogger’s dream come true. And the best part? Emily Steffen Photography‘s images are just the thing to warm you up on this cold, cold winter day. Click here for the gallery, but beware, your smile will grow tenfold.

We took the rustic/chic approach while planning out the wedding theme! Having a wedding at a farm was our number one choice since we had talked about getting married. We chose maize-yellow for the ladies to wear and the men wore grey pants, white shirts and black suspenders for a more laid back feel. Birch wood was the all over the tables as reception decor with fresh and brightly colored flowers; the guests found their way to their tables with their name and number around the neck of a small honey jar. There was also birch wood in the Arbor that we got married under, which my Dad made for us!

Photography: Emily Steffen Photography / Flowers: Timm Lundgren / Venue: Cedar Hill Farm / Catering: A Beautiful Day Catering