Lake Geneva Wedding at The Riviera Ballroom by Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Good morning, SMPers and a very happy 4th of July to you!  Before you head off to celebrate the holiday with friends, family and fireworks, we just HAD to share this stunning Lake Geneva soiree to add a touch of downright awesome to your festivities.  It’s chevron linens meets pretty, pretty tulips by Bloom Floral & Event Design meets beyond lovely images by Heather Cook Elliott Photography – and it’s seriously brightening our Independence Day in every which way.  So, join us in the gallery for all of the pretty and then have a safe and happy holiday!

From Heather Cook Elliott PhotographyShay and Tom were married in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a bit north of their home in Chicago, but worlds away with its small town on the lake, summertime, sipping lemonade atmosphere. The day was filled with such personal touches and whimsical details that I had a field day photographing their Etsy-meets-lakeside-fun affair. They tied the knot in a stone and wood church just off Main Street where Shay’s decision to weave shades of peach and yellow into everything immediately struck me as brilliant – brilliantly fun, but with an easy glamor that I hadn’t expected. And then I saw the reception centerpieces and I swooned. I asked Shay how she came up with the idea for poppies and crispidium, and she said that when she met with the florist, there was a beautiful bouquet of just-picked garden flowers on the table and she thought, “That’s what I want — something homey, bright and airy, but whimsical and dreamy too.”

Lest you think it was all about the flowers, I have to mention how their carefree, whimsical sensibilities showed up in some lovely places through out the day. While guests enjoyed “Brats + Shots,” cheese curds dressed up with roasted red peppers and tiny Philly cheese steaks, all in homage to the cities where their love story unfolded (they live in Chicago, got married in Wisconsin, and he’s from Philly), they rode away from the ceremony on the back of a classic Mercedes, parade-style, totally on a whim. They took time to watch the sunset alone on the beach. Amanda from Tailored Engagements brought the styling together for them and they just let it all happen around them, organically and sweetly, exactly as they had imagined.

Wedding Photography: Heather Cook Elliott Photography / Ceremony: First Congregational United Church of Christ of Lake Geneva in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin / Reception: The Riviera Ballroom in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin / Wedding Planning + Coordination: Tailored Engagements / Floral Design: Bloom Floral & Event Design / Catering: Courtyard Catering via Gooseberries Market / Reception Beverage Service: Drink Inc. / Napkins: Lakes Area Rental / Wedding Invitations + Paper Goods: Em & Bee / Ceremony Music: Fretless Strings / DJ: Sound by Design / Ring Bearer Pillow: Dragons2Daisies / Wedding Dress: Wtoo / Bride’s Shoes: Wanted / Bride’s Jewelry: Ti Adoro Jewelry / Hair + Makeup: Clear Waters Salon and Day Spa / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: D’Zage / Men’s Suits: Jos. A. Bank / Men’s Ties: Tie Obsessed / Groom’s Cufflinks: Block Party Press