Alice and Marshal

Two Harvards grads, born in the Midwest, living in NYC, and coming back to their roots of Wisconsin. But “if we are bringing people in for a destination wedding in Wisconsin… it needs to feel special.” And it was.

photography by Paper Antler

Originally planned for the ballroom in Kohler there was a quick pivot to Kohler’s PGA world renowned golf course on the hills of Lake Michigan at Whistling Straits. The landscape, the ability to customize, the lighting, all in all the entire atmosphere seemed lie the better fit and they agreed.

Though tented flipped the script we never looked back and never second guessed the decision. They wanted customization and personalized experiences. We welcomed guests to the Midwest with a air bnb rental fit for a queen with two pools, 12 bedrooms, and loads of personality. That evening they hosted a dinner at a local winery and engaged in an intimate Chinese Tea Ceremony to kick off the weekend.

The following morning the ladies got ready at the American Club Resort before ceremony started in their Gazebo Courtyard. As guests entered we took a polaroid of each of them, wrote their names, got their seating assignments, and when they proceeded down the aisle the planners left for the tented reception and set a custom seating wall.

Custom Seating Chart

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Custom Seating Chart 〰️

They walked down the aisle both same time as they met in the middle as adults about to join their two homes into one. Under the pergola adorned with 100’s of roses and guests with their soft paper parasols they joined together over tales of their courtship and personalized vows. Guests roared in excitement at the conclusion and petals were thrown as they walked back down the aisle as one.

Guest mingled over champagne before boarding the shuttle for whole new experience on the other end. Transported to the hills of Scotland for an absolute blowout party.

They walked under the vines around the stone clubhouse to then be awakened to the bright blues of the lake and soft sounds of the kite flags welcoming them in. They walked by their images from ceremony to guide them to tables. They made their way to the bar adorned with lush detailing, past the 1000+ real rose photo wall, and to the custom lounge space. The walls of the lounge showed photos of the couple and their families through the years along with live stream videos of their travels.

Then the tent…

Oh this tent was a sight to see. Mounds of floral pieces creating an abstract wall of beauty at the south end, a stunning stage set with a custom backdrop by Cedar and Spice and white stage facades bursting with florals and candles.

The tablescapes so layered and textured in their beauty. The color palate exploded off the hills of the course. Overhead there were floral installs that branched from tent pole to tent pole. Guests enjoyed a cocktail as they explored the space. A NY magician approached tables with out of this world tricks, the bartender was slinging custom cocktails, and guests wandered the space taking polaroids of each event and added it to the gallery wall.

Everything from top to bottom was a dream. Then there was the couple.

They were brilliant, they were specific, they were determined, they were a lovely design partnership. They took pride in each and every moment. Nothing was just “whatever you think” they were involved and they were clear in their opinions. And, they were good at it. It allowed me to think big, bring lots of ideas to the table, and it allowed us to be honest with each other to come to the best option for all parties. It was one of those team experiences that gave everyone space to voice their thoughts and feelings.

There were a few things that they were really stuck in… nailing the color palate, the floor color, and the chairs. If you knew the amount of conversations about the chairs alone your smile would curl up and the little laughs would creep out.

It was a rewarding experience top to bottom. These were just the kind of clients you dream of. In love, open, honest, and creative.

Then the party started.

Mom and son wowed with a hilarious compilation dance, the bride and groom had a curated first dance in the clouds as smoke rolled on to the dance floor, the bride changed her dress to get the party started, and they popped bottles of champagne as the ground shook with excitement. We carried on as the sun set with more drinks, mini burgers, chinese sweets, and hot fresh french fries. They wanted to enjoy their all time favorite Kopps custard bar as a late night treat and guests indulged into the wee hours of the morning.

It was a dream. I hope you can see all the magic in this day as I do in the reflection on the images. Special thanks to all who helped bring it together especially Milwaukee Flower Company who brought their A game, Cedar and Spice for all their custom creations, and Paper Antler who captured all those moments.

Venue - American Club and Whistling Straits

Photo - Paper Antler

Video - One Fine Day

Florist- Milwaukee Flower Co

Rentals - Blue Peak Tents, Event Essentials, BBJ linens, Festive Frog, Halls, and Nuage/Nuvole

Design and Coordination - Midwestern Bride

Photo Booth - Fotio

Band - Rock with U

Dress- Monique Lhuiller

Hair/Makeup - Rare Birds