Tag Archives: Mason Jars
AMY & MIKE | CHIPPEWA FALLS WILDWOOD RETREAT WEDDING
From the Bride:
We knew from the start we didn’t want to have a typical wedding. We approached the planning process with a clean slate and focused on what we wanted to do rather that what we were expected to do. Traditional aspects such as the bouquet toss, dollar dance, and wedding cake were skipped. We had our mom’s bake some of our favorite treats for a dessert bar instead which turned out to be a hit. A gender specific wedding party was also opted to be adapted. My brother stood in support as my man of honor next to my sister as the matron of honor. The ceremony and dinner were kept intimate and we expanded the guest list for the reception that evening.
Mike and I aimed to share our love for travel and adventure with our guests. We encouraged them to create their own itinerary while traveling to Chippewa Falls for our wedding by providing information for local attractions such as the Leinie Lodge, wineries, and music events within the invitations. We carried this over into the wedding décor as well. Tables were namesake of places we had traveled together and centerpieces were accompanied by photos illustrating those experiences. Escort cards were displayed below a set of wooden initials we had covered with maps of the towns we grew up in and the place we met. Banners of photos were displayed with some of the places we had gone with each other as well as friends. The venue (located two miles from our home) and ambiance were very “us”.
In reality, wedding planning was a community project. The death of a very close friend and a cancer diagnosis for my dad three months prior to the wedding left us focusing on more important aspects. My dad’s coworkers volunteered their time and cut down a birch tree for our centerpieces, something my dad had hoped he could do for us. Friends and family scouted garage sales for unique glassware to complete our vision. Mike’s dad assisted him in building the Lionshead bar and other items from scratch. A generous neighbor gave us materials to use from her dilapidated barn – a door that was turned into a table for the glassware, a window used as a display for our grandparents’ wedding photos, and barn boards for the arbor and other pieces. Our wedding became a celebration of much more than our future together. It also became a celebration of the wonderful people we are so blessed to be surrounded by. I’m happy to share my dad is cancer free and Mike and I continue to love each other more with every adventurous day.
Venue: White’s Wildwood Retreat, Lafayette/Chippewa Falls, WI
Catering: Sweet Clarisse Catering, Augusta, WI
Videographer: Beau Hestekin, Lasting Images Videography
Tent: A1 Rentals, Eau Claire, WI
Dress: The Wedding Shoppe, St. Paul, MN
Mike’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Flowers: Eau Claire Farmer’s Market
General Beer Distributing (beer taps)
Bartender – our favorite bartender from our favorite bar, so also worth a mention: Charlie’s (“Charlie’s at Lawler’s”) in Lafayette/Chippewa Falls, WI
Chippewa Falls Wedding Photographers
Willow Pond Wisconsin Barn Wedding | Tim & Dani
I had the pleasure of meeting Tim and Dani at Olbrich Gardens for their engagement session in Madison,WI this past June. Their unique style as a couple and vibrant personalities made for a fun-filled shoot. I couldn’t help but look forward to their wedding day.
Tim and Dani met under the willow tree before the ceremony and exchanged hand written letters to each other. This was one of the sweetest things we have ever seen. We strongly recommend this; totally wish we had done this ourselves. How incredibly special to witness their first look! Dani spent a great deal of effort in planning the details of her day. Old books served as decorative centerpieces placed on brown burlap runners. Wildflowers in mason jars adorned the tables and hung from the chairs in the lawn. A handmade mason jar chandelier hung over the center of the barn wood dance floor. Instead of having a unity candle, sand ceremony, or wine box, these two watered a small pine tree during the middle of their wedding ceremony. A unique alternative that fit perfectly and will grow as they do.Their dear friend Chris officiated the ceremony, which was filled with personal anecdotes and spoke candidly of their love for one another over the years of their relationship. Their journey is just beginning together as husband and wife!Live music at a wedding is always a treat, but it is even better when they are your band mates. Their band friendship is a huge part of their story; we could help but be mesmerized by the organic sound that reverberated in the rafters. Their talent was an added bonus to an already incredible day. Tim, a talented Tattoo artist and musician, found a partner in Dani, a personal trainer/graphic designer/ roller derby athlete. Together they make one amazing duo! Nearing the end of the night their guests gathered with sparklers in hand, creating a glowing arch of light and cheer. Tim and Dani ran off into the night, drinks in hand. We caught up with them at the Volk Wagon Bus!
It was such an incredible pleasure to be able to photograph their rustic backyard barn wedding at Willow Pond. Katie and I hold this venue dear to our hearts as it is where we had our reception over six years ago! It feels like home every time we come back to photograph another couple enjoying the space that continues to grow in beauty and diversity.
Thank you both for making us apart of your epic celebration.
J&K
Wisconsin Wedding Photographers
Reception Venue: Willow Pond Bed, Breakfast, & Events
Culinary: Ma’s Bakery
Dress Store: Vera’s Bridal
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Nedrebo’s Formal Wear
Favors and Gifts: Rural Route 1
Floral Designer: Trader Joe’s
Hair Stylist: Moxie Hair Salon
Interested in having your own barn wedding? Here is a list of Wisconsin Barn Wedding Venues
- Lussier Family Heritage Center
- Hilltop
- Windy Pine Barn – Waterloo, WI
- The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond
- Olin Park
- The Old Feed Mill/Sugarland
- Trendy Acres Barn
- O’Brien Barn
- Farm & Home Concert Underground
- Over the Vine
- Century Barn
- Schuster’s Farm
- Trimborn Farm
- Old World Wisconsin
- Camp Wandawega
- The Irish Barn at Whistling Straits
- The Family Farm Event Loft
- Schuster’s Farm
- Woodwalk Gallery
- The Inn at Windmill Farm
- Cherry Lane Orchards
- Silver Poplar Studios
- Barnsite Retreat and Events
- Willow Pond bed and Breakfast
- La Grange Edgestone Barn
- Birch Creek Music Performance Center
- The Milkweed Club
- Pedretti Party Barn
- Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center
- The Enchanted Barn
- The Still Farm
- Fergusen’s Orchards
- Brickhouse Getaway
- Cedar Hill Farm
- Mulberry Lane Farm
- Blue Vista Farm
- Brule River Barn