I am full on, head over heels in love with this wedding. When I laid eyes on this beauty captured to perfection by yazy jo and planned down to the very last detail by Bliss Weddings and Events my heart started to pitter patter and the butterflies in my stomach began to flutter like never before. It’s outdoor elegance perfectly executed – with a boat transfer to the reception, an evening under a gorgeous Sperry Tent and a drop dead gorgeous, couldn’t be more in love duo – if all that doesn’t make your heart do a leap or two, the full gallery of gorgeous most definitely will!
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From Katie Kozlowski of Bliss Weddings and Events… Donley and Jeff met as swimmers at Emory University and began a 10-year path to their spectacular wedding weekend. With family and friends spanning the globe, they wanted to pick a wedding venue that was personal, meaningful and an opportunity for a reunion. It wasn’t long until they found the perfect spot: The Northwoods of Wisconsin. Donley’s family had gathered here for more than 60 years, on a picturesque beachfront on Adler Lake. Adler Lake connects to a chain of 10 lakes, which prompted the wedding to have a progressive theme… Donley and Jeff were married at Donley’s grandparents home, Deer Haven. A custom chuppah made of local Aspen saplings by the bride’s aunt and uncle and benches carved from local wood adorned the great lawn, overlooking the lake.
After the “I Do’s” and a group champagne toast, dozens of pontoon boats pulled up to the ceremony site to transport guests to the next venue: Chippewa Resort, for cocktails. The new Mr. and Mrs. had a personal, vintage getaway boat to travel the Northwoods waters. Following an hour-long cocktail party, the pontoon fleets, freshly loaded with snacks, local beers and champagne, as well as fleece blankets, took guests back on the chain of lakes to the reception, held in a tent on the grounds of Camp Jorn. Countless DIY projects charmed the day, from the invitations and place cards (tiny canoes!) to lanterns and even the centerpieces. Guests dined on local fare, including cutie pies from a local bakery, danced to a popular Chicago DJ and drank in the stars in the spectacular Northwoods. When the tent party was done, guests moved to the Camp Jorn lodge for late night food from local-favorite Culver’s and dancing to a local band.
Wedding Photography: yazy jo / Ceremony: Deer Haven, The Bride’s Grandparents’ Estate / Cocktails: Chippewa Retreat in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin / Reception: Camp Jorn in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin / Wedding Coordination: Katie Kozlowksi of Bliss Weddings and Events + D’Arcy Theiler / Floral Design: Kae of Floral Consultants / Wedding Cinematography: Hannah Whelchel / Wedding Invitations + Name Cards: Cards of Wood / Wedding Invitation Booklets: Jen Merrill of Green Quince / Calligraphy: Love Letterer / Catering: Alex Hough of The Dinner Table / Wedding Cake + Wooden Cake Stand: Sharon of Sharon’s Coffee Company / Mini Pies: Sissy Loo’s / Late Night Snacks: Culver’s / Tent: Sperry Tents / DJ: Fig Media / Cocktail + Reception Duo: Bret & Frisk / After Party Band: The Marvins / Boat Rentals: Private, Greer’s Pier + Lakeside Rentals, Storage & Marina / Equipment Rental: MEC Party Rentals / Blankets, Koozies + Personalized Barware: Specialty Premium Group / Radio Rental: Dollar Radio Rentals / Photo Booth: Northern Exposure / Wooden Place Card Holders: VaniTeaz / Save-the-Dates, Luminaries, Escort Canoes, Chuppah, Programs, Table Signs + Runners: DIY / Mason Jars: Various Antique Stores / Lanterns: IKEA / Centerpieces: DIY / Centerpiece Cake Stands: Target / Centerpiece Birds: studiostockpile (Now Urban Analog) / Ceremony Bench Rental: Red Arrow Camp / Aisle Runner: Original Runners / Wedding Dress: Alice Padrul / Hair + Makeup: Only Skin Deep / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Belsoie / Shoes: Cole Haan + Nike Air / Men’s Suits: J.Crew