Wisconsin Weddings

We know, we know. It’s the middle of summer, the sun is finally shining, the pool is finally warm. But for those of you planning a winter wedding, you’re entering crunch time. Time to make decisions, to start turning your inspiration boards into your big day. And, it doesn’t hurt that yours truly personally adores all things winter, white, and weddings. So therefore, we have a wonderful winter wedding in Wisconsin for you today. Photographed by Becca Dilley Photography, this February fête is all things snowy chic, and we just can’t get enough. From the pre-wedding rally, to the vintage-inspired gown, right down to the amazing florals from Fleurishes, everything about this cold weather affair is uniquely fab. See for yourself in the gallery!

David and I met in highschool and were good friends who drifted apart in college.  We reconnected through friends in Madison and realized we had chemistry and started long distance dating.

We chose the Memorial Union because its an institution at the University of Wisconsin – growing up in Madison as teenagers we had both spent many happy memories there, taking classes, going to dances, watching live music shows, and enjoying the terrace on the lake.

Candles were a focal point for us, and we wanted to embrace the stark, winter look with birch branches and the ice sculpture.  The dress was vintage inspired and evokes the silhouette of the dress Audrey Hepburnwore in Roman Holiday.   We loved the way the venue looked with the flowers, the trees, and candles and the pictures turned out beautifully.

The ice sculpture of Bart Simpson was a surprise for David, who loves the Simpsons so much he can quote lines from the show for almost any occasion.  The Latin Jazz Band was actually the band that several of my friends and I went to listen to nearly every week during college in Madison. And the prayer read during our ceremony spoke of the ‘unity of all in the sovreignty of God’.  It was absolutely perfect given the threats to unions and workers rights in Wisconsin.

The wedding party protest is absolutely the most memorable part of theday.  Many guests and all of the wedding party made signs and met uson the Wisconsin State Capital Square to stand with thousands of other people in the fight for workers rights.  It wasvery exciting – we had lots of fun and we were even interviewed on TV!

Photography: Becca Dilley Photography / Flowers: Fleurishes / Event Planning: Ginger Gant, Ginger & Co. / Ceremony Location: Pres House / Reception Location: UW Memorial Union, Great Hall / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Dress: Justin Alexander / Hair: Muse Salon / Lighting: Schaefer Stage Lighitng / Music: Tony Castaneda Band / Cake: Scott’s Pastry Shoppe / Ice Sculpture: Black River Ice / Rentals: A to Z Event Essentials

Let’s be honest, as much as we would like our groom to be involved, more often than not he doesn’t give a hoot about the wedding design (huge props to all those grooms out there that do!).  So when I come across a wedding where each partner contributed things they loved into the decor my heart does a little happy jig.  This Wisconsin wedding by Kate Botwinski Photography is a his and hers guide to planning a wedding together.  For more from this wine-loving, plaid-loving duo check out the full gallery!

Click here for more inspiration in the full wedding gallery!

Ross and Lindsay were married on Labor Day weekend in a park just outside of Madison, Wisconsin.  Surrounded by willow trees and a lake, they chose a flirty color pallet of brown, coral and turquoise for their wedding day.  The theme of the reception was inspired by Lindsay’s family’s favorite past-time: bonding over a bottle of wine.  Saving up enough wine bottles for Ross and Lindsay’s centerpieces turned out to be a family affair as well.  In the bride’s words, “The girls in my family are all winos so I knew I wanted to have a wine-themed wedding.  My mom and sister designed the centerpieces and my family collaborated by saving up empty wine bottles.  Since my mom already collects unique wine labels, we were inspired to use the labels as table names.”  Continuing with the wine theme, Lindsay’s mom also created the card holder.  She picked up an empty wine barrel, painted it, added grape vines, and stenciled the couple’s last name.

Although the reception was initially themed with Lindsay’s ideas in mind, Ross thought up the popular guests favors: wedding can coozies.  Together, they designed the favors which read, “To have and to hold and to keep your beer cold” on one side, and their wedding date on the other.  As much as Lindsay loves wine, Ross obsesses over plaid.  His love for plaid was the inspiration for the wedding cake design.

Wedding Photography: Kate Botwinski Photography / Flowers: Flowers by Maria / Ceremony Venue: Riverside Park / Reception Venue:  Windwood of Watertown / Event Design: Bride’s mom / Programs: designed and printed by Ross’ mom / Shoes: Unisa brand from Macy’s / Dress: Lynn Lugo from the Premiere Couture Madison trunk show / Bridesmaid Necklaces: Francesca’s Collections / Guest Favors: Can Coozies printed from Get Imprint / Cake: Aggie’s Specialty Cakes / Linens: General Rental

There have been some fine soirees coming out of Madison, Wisconsin recently!  This next wedding from Jonathan Hoffner Photography is by no means an exception and is dazzling with its vintage details and French flair.  Colleen is a bride (and blogger) after my own heart taking total advantage of the fantastic finds on Etsy and crafting a perfectly adorable celebration.  Her smile is completely infectious too and totally brightens up these already beautiful photographs! There is more inspiration in the full gallery so check it out!

Click here for even more inspiration in the full wedding gallery!

My inspiration for our wedding was “French vintage,” using a soft color palette with vintage and romantic details.  Our reception was at our favorite French restaurant, so the theme fit perfectly.  The ceremony was also in our State’s Capitol, which provided for a gorgeous setting.  With two venues that were already so beautiful, I tried to add detail and personal touches while letting the decor speak for itself.

Overall, I was just amazed at how well the day went and we felt like we were truly able to enjoy every minute.  I am so thankful for the planning that I invested into the day, because it allowed our wedding to go so smoothly.  We felt truly blessed by all of the wonderful family and friends that were there to share in it.  I feel so blessed to have found love and our wedding was beyond my dreams!  Now for the best part – marriage!

I saved money (and had fun) doing DIY projects, like making buntings/garlands and designing all of our paper goods on Illustrator and printing them locally.   [The Venue] gave me inspiration and allowed me to simplify decor.  I absolutely loved working with all of our vendors because they shared my vision, were creative, and incredibly passionate about their professions. It was such a fun process of sharing ideas and collaborating.

So many brides had told me “don’t let the little things get to you on your wedding day”…and honestly I was as happy and relaxed as could be and it made everything so much better!

Wedding Photography: Jonathan Hoffner Photography / Flowers: Daffodil*Parker / Wedding Ceremony Venue: Wisconsin State Capitol, Assembly Chamber Room / Wedding Reception Venue: Sardine / Bride’s Dress: Priscilla of Boston / Bride’s Veil: Marah’s Elegant Bridal / Bride’s Earrings: J.Crew / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Bridesmaid Necklaces: Anthropologie / Groomsmen Ties: Rabbit Shop / Groom’s Ring: Polkadile / Vintage Chalkboard at reception: Revived Vintage / Hooray banner at reception: nice / Invitations: Ajalon Printing & Design / Save the Date: Irene Suchoki