Some weddings are more than just a day—they’re an entire experience! Lilly and Jake’s wedding at Camp Jorn YMCA in the Northwoods of Wisconsin was exactly that: a full weekend retreat filled with adventure, field games, heartfelt personal touches, and unforgettable moments.
When a furniture DIY influencer (The Furniture Dr.) and a fighter pilot throw a wedding, you know it’s going to be anything but ordinary.
From kickball games to canoe races, family-style dining under a sailcloth tent, and a dance floor that stayed packed all night, Camp Rydland was a celebration all weekend long, and definitely a weekend to remember for the couple, the guests, and the vendor team.
While an absolute labor of love in every way, it was a DREAM wedding weekend. For anyone looking into either a camp wedding or a full wedding weekend experience, this is proof that investing in guest experience and hiring a planning team to manage the moving pieces is absolutely essential.
How It All Began
Lilly and Jake’s love story started with a little bit of fate, some Instagram sleuthing, and a whole lot of dad jokes. Jake was stationed at Homestead AFB in Miami, Florida, while Lilly was there for grad school, working in sports medicine with the NFL. One day, while working the Dolphins vs. Jets game, she watched as a fighter jet flew over the stadium. At halftime, Jake was put on the Jumbotron, and Lilly jokingly told her friend that she thought he was cute.
Later that day, while scrolling Instagram, she saw a video of him on the Jumbotron and realized they already followed each other. (Turns out, the Miami dating pool is small.) Lilly shot her shot, sending him a message saying she was at the game and thought he was cute. Instead of asking her out, Jake sent her a dad joke or pun every single day for the next four months.
Fast forward to COVID lockdowns, when both of them suddenly had more free time on their hands. Jake finally asked Lilly on a bike ride to Key Biscayne, where she packed her Pomeranian, Tucker John, into her bike basket and met him. They shared a bottle of wine, and as Lilly puts it, they’ve been “ball & chain ever since!”
A Weekend of Adventure & Celebration
Lilly and Jake rented out the entire Camp Jorn YMCA in Manitowish Waters, transforming it into Camp Rydland for their wedding weekend. Guests arrived to cozy log cabins and a schedule packed with fun activities. A custom brochure welcomed guests, setting the tone for the adventure ahead and were given survival kits/fun camp bags with goodies, including personalized Camp Rydland sweatshirts.
The weekend kicked off with field games, a canoe race to Fox Island, and a wiener mobile food truck (Neener’s Weeners!)and a 5k run the morning of the wedding—because what’s camp without a little friendly competition?
The Wedding Day: A Perfect Blend of Camp and Elegance
Nestled among towering trees, Lilly and Jake exchanged vows in an outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by lush ground florals by Twin Blooms Floral. Their three adorable pups walked down with their bridal party and we loved that they got to be a part of the day as well!
And in the most fitting tribute, they tied the knot on September 21st, making their reception entrance to none other than “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.
An Unforgettable Reception Under the Stars
Beneath a sailcloth tent adorned with pink baby’s breath clouds, guests gathered for an elegant yet laid-back evening. The tables were styled with funky patterned linens, patterned cocktail tables, and a mix of retro and camp-inspired details. With so many pilots in their crew, one of their guests even flew their plane overhead during cocktail hour which also made for a fun (free) entertainment during cocktail hour.
From there, the night only got better. Guests hit the camper van photo booth, danced under the colorful lights, and let loose on the dance floor until the official 11:30pm end time (though we know the real after-party involved a rope swing and yurts, rumor has it, haha!!!).
The Ultimate DIY + Planner Collaboration
Lilly put so much heart, creativity, and personal touches into this day—so much so that it’s impossible to list them all! Custom camp sweatshirts, personalized favor bags, matchboxes, felt patches, cocktail napkins with their dogs’ faces, and field note-style menus with a “lucky fish” symbol were just a few of the details she incorporated.
She even built the custom bar, seating chart, and “Camp Rydland” signage herself! With so much on her plate, our team at Olive Branch Events Co. stepped in to ensure every logistical element was flawlessly executed—from rental and vendor coordination, design cohesion and execution to setup of all decor and tear down (because let’s be honest—no matter how stunning the design, someone still has to think about the trash plan – that’s us.)
A True Northwoods Dream
Beyond the stunning décor and impeccable planning, the setting itself played a huge role in making this wedding weekend magical. The beauty of Camp Jorn YMCA provided the perfect balance of rugged charm and elegant design.
Jake, coming from a family of pilots, brought his water plane, leading to some of the dreamiest, most cinematic wedding photos imaginable. Paired with their wooden boat, towering pines, and the peaceful stillness of the Northwoods, this day was pure magic.
Final Thoughts: Why a Wedding Weekend is Worth It
Lilly and Jake’s Camp Rydland wedding was the perfect mix of laid-back fun and intentional design. If you’re considering a camp-style wedding or a full weekend celebration, investing in guest experience and hiring a planner who knows how to execute it all seamlessly is a game-changer.
Because when you’re busy canoeing, dancing, and celebrating with the people you love most, you shouldn’t have to worry about sailcloth tent setup, catering logistics, or keeping track of all the moving parts—that’s what we’re here for.
To Lilly & Jake—thank you for trusting us with this incredible weekend. This wedding will forever be one for the books!
Dreaming of your own Northwoods wedding weekend? Let’s make it happen! Contact us here.
Vendor Team
Planning + Design: Olive Branch Events Co.
Bride: The Furniture Dr.
Venue: Camp Jorn YMCA
Photography: Wanderlynn Photography
Videography: Sydney Clarson
Florals: Twin Blooms Floral Co. Flower Moxie
Stationery + Custom Illustrations: Little Miss Bummer
HMUA: Cassy Laessig
Rentals: Sam’s Rentals, Accentu Rentals, Velvet Rentals
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Bartenders: Social Sips
Photobooth: Northerly Photobooth
DJ: Yo DJ Entertainment
Grazing Table: Graze Farms
Catering: Tip-Ups
Audio Guestbook: After The Tone
Dessert: Cakes by Heather
