Love Story
Craig and Jessica’s love story began during the challenging days of the pandemic. They met on a dating app, and their first date was at Lone Girl in Waunakee, where they dined on the rooftop. Shortly after they started spending every weekend together and the weekends together soon stretched into the week. They found ourselves quickly spending every day together and missing each other when we were apart.
After months of spending so much time together, they made their relationship “official” the day before Valentine’s Day and he proposed to Jessica seven months later.
The proposal was a beautiful moment at Jessica’s childhood home, surrounded by newly landscaped gardens. Craig got down on one knee and asked Jessica to marry him. They cherished sharing this moment with family, including Jessica’s parents, cousin, aunt, uncle, and even neighbors – all of their special loved ones who are central to their love story.
Wedding Vibe/Style
Words to describe their day: cozy, vintage, idyllic, elegant, and unique. Their special day was a masterful blend of antique charm and modern elegance. They incorporated deep jewel tones, velvet accents, and antique vintage china that was literally her great, great grandmother’s (over 100 years old!) for a touch of vintage luxury for the head table, coffee station and dessert bar.
Their choice of deep teals and maroons added contrast, while oranges and gold brought warmth to the ambiance. Dried floral elements were scattered throughout the decor, ensuring lasting beauty.
Jessica and Craig aimed to create an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome, cozy, and loved. The wedding featured statement pieces combined with vintage touches, such as antique velvet, hand-dyed silk ribbons, and a vintage lounge set. Dried flowers adorned the venue, and Jessica’s bouquet, along with the bridesmaids’ bouquets, were already perfectly preserved as keepsakes.
They embraced an elegant rustic theme, incorporating wood and jute twine into their invitations. These invitations featured laser-engraved real wood paired with dried flowers, creating a perfect balance between elegance and outdoorsy charm.
Personal Touches
They included an Irish blessing in their ceremony as a nod to their Irish heritage. They also gave guests small vintage-inspired gold bells to ring during the recessional, a nod to Irish wedding traditions. These bells symbolize a harmonious family life, and the tags read, “Ring these bells with joy and laughter and wish the couple a happily ever after.”
Though their beloved dog Layla couldn’t be present, she made her mark on the wedding through custom cocktail napkins, wooden stir sticks with her face on them, and Layla-inspired bar signs and cocktails.
Honoring the memory of departed loved ones, including grandparents and dear friends, Jessica and Craig had mini rocking chairs made for each of them. These were thoughtfully displayed on a white buffet table with a maroon velvet table runner and candles, keeping their memory alive in a heartfelt way.
Jessica and Craig’s Advice for Couples
“You need to evaluate what is important to you. It is unlikely you will be able to get everything you want, exactly how you want it. It will take some adjustment and prioritizing what is truly important and know either way, your wedding day will be perfect because you will be with those you love.”
Let’s Plan Your Wisconsin Wedding
At Olive Branch Events Co., we’re more than just wedding planners; we’re memory architects, vision weavers, and happiness orchestrators. Based in the heart of Wisconsin, we specialize in crafting unforgettable wedding experiences, whether it’s the big day itself or all those special moments leading up to it.
Vendor Credits
Working with the right vendors was crucial for Jessica and Craig, given their busy schedules. They prioritized vendors who made the planning process easier, were dependable, and fun to work with. We are honored that we got to provide design and coordination services for them, knowing that Jessica really had a beautiful vision she needed help executing. We can’t thank this team enough for their involvement!
Planning + Design: Ellie, Olive Branch Events
Ceremony & Reception Location: The Great Escape Lodge, Castle Rock Lake, Mauston WI
Photographer: Carlin Christine Creative
Videographer: Mallek Films
Attire:
– Groom and groomsmen – Men’s Wearhouse
– Bride – Amelishan Bridal Salon (Maggie Sottero)
– Bridesmaids – Baltic Born
Hair & Makeup: Lynn & Company
Rings: Howes Diamond Jewelers
Floral: Dried Flowers Forever
Cake: Just Josie Cake Design and Sweets (no longer in business)
Desserts: Cookies by Just Josie Cake Design and Sweets, cupcakes by sister-in-law Kate, mini cheesecakes by cousin
Catering: Pogy’s
Grazing Table/Charcuterie Board: Prairie Boards
Bar Service: Bucky’s Services
Stationery + Signage: LK Design, Zazzle, Etsy shop Panopixx
Rentals: Resource Vintage Rental, D&S Party Tent Rentals
Music/Entertainment: Ceremony & cocktail hour – Cole Thomas, Reception – Mike Miller DJ Services
Photo Booth: The Little Chic Shasta
