This is the kind of wedding that makes me fall in love with weddings all over again. Traditional in a way that will stand the test of time yet fresh and packed with personality, this gorgeous day captured by Carly McCray Photography will forever be beautiful. And there is even more proof here.
From Carly McCray Photography… Anne & Tony live in Chicago and chose to have their early fall wedding in Wisconsin at the unique, incredibly romantic Lake Michigan setting of the Irish Barn at Whistling Straits golf course in Kohler, Wisconsin. It’s not what you think of when you think barn wedding…the Irish barn is actually a fieldstone barn built with the east side open to overlook Lake Michigan and Whistling Straits. It’s breathtaking to say the least, and sentimental to them as a couple, as it’s as it’s where they’d venture off to whenever they wanted to escape the pace of Chicago life.
As Anne told me in their initial inquiry with me, Whistling Straits is the perfect reflection of her and Tony’s personality and style. Tony is an outdoorsman who loves golf and anything wood (Anne’s words!), and Anne is more traditional and enjoys anything that is simply classic. They fell in love with Kohler when they visited on New Year’s Eve years ago, and have made visiting there a tradition every year around the holidays.
They wanted a celebration of their relationship that kept their family and friends close by all day, which Whistling Straits fit perfectly. Honoring their family and friends proved important to the couple…Tony continued the tradition of having his father as his best man, as his father did at his own wedding. Tony also honored his late mother by keeping a picture of both her and Anne inside his cuff links.
The ceremony took place on the terrace right outside the barn, underneath a canopy of hanging vines and overlooking the lake. The reception glowed from the Irish barn into the night, and lit up the sky under a full moon. Tony’s brother even performed an original song for the newlyweds! The entire day made for an elegant yet inviting setting for everyone to relax and enjoy.
Photography: Carly McCray Photography | Videography: Today And Forever Video | Floral Design: The Irish Barn at Whistling Straits | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Cake: The Irish Barn at Whistling Straits | Stationery: All She Wrote | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Alfred Sung | Makeup: Luxe Salon - Chanel Conway | Hair: Sara Jac Burggraf | Calligraphy: The Constant Scribe | DJ: Alvin of Fig Media | Officiant: The Irish Barn at Whistling Straits | String Quartet: Lakeside Strings | Venue: The Irish Barn at Whistling Straits | Bridal Boutique: Wedding Belles