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