When a couple tells you that music is their thing, as in they’ve been going to Lollapalooza together for nine years straight and it’s a key part of their relationship, you know the dance floor is going to be legendary! Jenny and Kevin’s August wedding at The Edgewater in Madison was exactly that: a light, airy, summery celebration with easygoing and breezy vibes, a killer live band, and a dance party that literally no one wanted to end.
Not even Mother Nature could ruin it despite her attempt to crash the party with gusty winds and unexpected storms, but alas, as wedding planners, we handle that too.
How Two College Kids Met at a Bar and Never Looked Back
Jenny and Kevin met their sophomore year at the University of Illinois in 2015. It was a casual run-in at one of the bars, and they kept asking each other on dates until, by summer, they were officially together.
They’re the kind of couple who’s always up for doing something: street festivals in Chicago, trying new cheeses at Whole Foods, traveling, being tourists in their own city.
Kevin proposed on a bridge in Lincoln Park overlooking the Chicago skyline. He told Jenny they were going to see a play (he’d supposedly won free tickets in a raffle), but first suggested they walk through the park because it was a nice March day. Smooth. He had a professional photographer waiting, and after the proposal, they spent a few hours on their own before telling anyone.
Why The Edgewater?
Neither Jenny nor Kevin are from Madison, but the city has always been special to them. Jenny’s dad went to UW-Madison and would take the family there for weekend trips. They’d stay at The Edgewater for Father’s Day. Kevin’s parents bought a lake house on Lake Mendota in 2021, so they’ve been spending summers there ever since.
When it came time to pick a venue, The Edgewater just made sense. It’s right on the lake and they wanted their friends and family to experience what they love about Madison. Plus, the outdoor ceremony space on the Grand Plaza with the lake as a backdrop? Iconic.
The Design: Light, Airy, and Summery
Jenny’s vision was light and airy, playing off the beautiful lake views. We brought in pastel tones, white and light-colored flowers, and tons of greenery. To lighten up the Grand Ballroom, we draped the perimeter and added a white and oak dance floor with a giant disco ball (because, of course).
We mixed four different linens throughout the reception because it was fun and added visual interest (four different patterned linens to be specific). The vibe was summery, easy-going, and all about celebrating with good music and good people. We blended in personal details and Jewish traditions to celebrate Jenny’s heritage with the signing of the Ketubah and a Jewish ceremony.
The Weather Drama (aka Why Experience Matters)
Here’s the thing about August weddings on the lake: the weather can be unpredictable. And on Jenny and Kevin’s wedding day, Mother Nature decided to throw us every curveball she had.
The forecast was spotty all day with storms were rolling in and out. We had originally planned for the ceremony to take place outside on the plaza, and we were watching the radar like hawks. Out of nowhere, gusty winds hit. We’re talking winds so strong we couldn’t even keep the doors to the reception open and during first look photos Jenny was CLINGING to her veil.
We made the difficult call to move the ceremony inside. It was disappointing, to say the least and no one wants to make that decision, especially when the outdoor ceremony space is part of why you chose the venue. But it was the right call for the safety and comfort of guests, vendors, and the couple.
Thankfully, the weather cleared up enough during cocktail hour that guests were still able to enjoy the outdoors before the reception (where it did rain again). These decisions are never easy, but they’re always made with everyone’s best interest in mind. And honestly? The indoor ceremony was still beautiful, and once the music started, everyone forgot about the weather anyway. Our rockstar vendor team handled the room flip like champs with such good attitudes. We are so grateful for hardoworking partners who are able to adapt in the moment.
An East Coast-Style Entrance and a Dance Party for the Ages
One of the things Jenny and Kevin really wanted was a fun, high-energy reception. So instead of the traditional grand entrance followed by dinner, we did an East Coast-style intro where guests entered the reception space with the couple and immediately started dancing before dinner was served.
The band, Silver Alchemist, was absolutely incredible. They provided a solo violinist for the ceremony, jazz music during cocktail hour, and then brought the energy for the reception. When the music ended, it was honestly kind of sad! Everyone had been having so much fun that no one wanted it to be over. Guests stayed until the very last minute, dancing, celebrating, and soaking in every second. We incorporated a very fun Hora (a Jewish tradition) and Jenny had a notable dress change. We had a lovely day and will look back on this day fondly for the abundant energy and joy!
What Jenny Had to Say
“Deanna and her entire team made my wedding planning experience as seamless as possible. Deanna took care of responding to all vendors, creating an absolutely beautiful design, and helping me make decisions I had no idea I was going to need to make. The team was there from start to finish to make my dream day come true. I was able to fully relax on the day of my wedding and enjoy it as I wanted. OBEC took care of it all! I could not recommend them enough. Everything they did throughout the experience was thoughtful and they truly kept me in mind.
I chose OBEC for how friendly and homey Deanna made me feel. From day one, she was on top of everything. She was always cool, calm and collected and wasn’t afraid to tell me the truth either when she knew what would be best for the day. The vendors I ended up with for my wedding were all from her recommendations and they were truly the best. If I could do it all over again I’d pick OBEC every time!”
Jenny and Kevin wanted to be able to enjoy as much time as possible with friends and family without worrying about the small details. That’s exactly what we made happen, even when the weather tried to derail things.
Planning an Edgewater Wedding in Madison
The Edgewater is one of those iconic Madison venues that many people want to get married. You just can’t beat the unbeatable lakefront backdrop and a venue that can handle both indoor and outdoor elements. The Grand Ballroom is flexible with different styles (especially with some strategic draping), and the outdoor spaces are breathtaking (when the weather cooperates).
If you’re planning an Edgewater wedding in Madison and want a planner who’s going to stay calm when the weather gets wild, help you make tough calls, and make sure you actually get to enjoy your day? That’s what we’re here for.
Jenny and Kevin’s wedding reminded me why I love what I do. When couples trust us to handle the details, the design, the tough decisions, and the unexpected moments—they get to be fully present and actually enjoy their celebration. And when the dance floor is that good? Everyone wins.
Planning an Edgewater wedding or a summery celebration in Madison? Let’s chat.
Vendor Team:
Planning + Design: Olive Branch Events Co.
Venue, Catering + Bar: The Edgewater
Photography: Mariah Jones Photo
Florals: Sunborn Gardens
Rentals: Event Essentials
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Signage: Cedar + Spice
Stationery: Copper Row Studio
HMUA: Wide Eyed Bride
Band: Silver Alchemist
Dessert: Miggy’s Bakes
