Jordan & Steve’s Rustic-Elegant Wedding at the Osthoff Resort

Jordan and Steve met in a marketing class at University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. “I had him in my phone as ‘Steve from Marketing,’” Jordan laughs. The two got engaged five years later, during a trip to Door County. Steve planned an elaborate all-day scavenger hunt through all of Jordan’s favorite spots: Summertime for breakfast, shopping in Fish Creek, Malibu Moo’s Frozen Griddle for ice cream, JJ’s La Puerta Restaurant, and more. The hunt ended with a sunset sailboat cruise, where Steve was waiting to propose. “It was the most amazing day of my life,” Jordan says. “I’m so thankful that it marked the beginning of forever for Steve and I.”

Jordan and Steve planned church ceremony with a reception at the gorgeous Osthoff Resortin Elkhart Lake. “We really wanted to find a happy medium between rustic, vintage, and elegant. For elegance, we tried to bring in this feel through the flowers we chose, the linens, and the bridal party’s attire.” The bridesmaids wore long elegant dresses, and the groomsmen were in black tie from Nedrebo’s Formal Wear.

Floral arrangements came from House of Flowers and Couture Events. “We told them our vision and they made it come to life. We went with softer flowers and kept the colors very earthy, with just a little pop of color.” For a rustic touch, Steve and Jordan chose to have white birch branches and flock incorporated throughout their arrangements. To bring some richness, the two included fur and velvet linens.

The ceremony was a traditional one. “I think in a way that made it unique,” Jordan says. “I feel that weddings are definitely moving away from the traditional. We did a lighting of the unity candle, as well as the traditional vows.” Steve and Jordan both agree that their favorite part of the ceremony was saying those vows. “It was so special to make those promises to each other. It was the start of the next big chapter of our lives together.”

After the “I do’s,” it was time to celebrate at the Osthoff, of which Jordan and Steve sing endless praise. “Lori at Osthoff was incredible. She was on top of everything and willing to work with us so we could have everything we wanted and more. She coordinated with all of our vendors and we never once had to worry about anything the night before or day of the wedding. She was truly amazing!”

Just as amazing: The open bar and delicious food, catered by Osthoff. “We had passed selections as well as some tables of food set up for a pre-course before dinner.” For dinner, there was a choice of prosciutto-wrapped Pacific halibut, four-peppercorn seared filet mignon, and roasted mushroom ravioli. Later in the evening, Osthoff set up a hot chocolate bar. “It was a big hit, especially with the kids.”

“One of my other favorite parts of the reception was the Grand March,” Jordan says. “The groomsmen came out as fishermen to represent Steve, and the bridesmaids came out riding stick horses to represent me.” Steve’s favorite part of the reception was the live band.

To add a personal touch, Jordan and Steve made their own save-the-dates with photos from their actual engagement and engagement photo shoot. Jordan and her mom also made a scrapbook of the five years she and Steve had been together. “That was about all we did ourselves. Everything else our vendors took care of, which was awesome.”

As for Jordan’s stand-out moment: “We got to walk into the ballroom together before they opened the doors for dinner, so we could have a few minutes to take a breath. Seeing the many months of planning come together was something neither of us will ever forget!”

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NE Wisconsin Wedding Vendors:
Bridal Shows Attended~The Wedding Faire in Oshkosh & Sheboygan Bridal Showcase at the John Michael Kohler Art Center
Invitations & Table Numbers~ Sarah Ingram
Rehearsal Dinner~ The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI
Ceremony Location~St John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, WI
Reception Location~The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake
Caterer~The Osthoff Resort
Flowers~House of Flowers in Oshkosh, WI
Music/Entertainment~The Bluewater Kings Band
Photographer~ De La Teja Studios out of Appleton, WI
Videographer~ De La Teja Studios our of Appleton, WI
Wedding Dress Designer~ Stella York
Where did you buy your dress~ Bella Sposa in Tinley Park, IL
Where did you get your formalwear~ Nedrebo’s Formal Wear in Fond du Lac, WI
Rings~ Husar’s House of Fine Diamonds in West Bend, WI
Party Rental Company (linens, tents, etc.)~ All done through House of Flowers except the chairs
Chairs~All Star Rentals LLC

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