Sara & Tyler’s Intimate Botanical Garden Ceremony & Railroad Museum Reception

The Proposal

Sara and Tyler went to the same high school in Green Bay, but didn’t start dating until they reconnected after college. When he popped the question, Tyler planned a whole day outing. “He then took me to a park at sunset and proposed next to a beautiful lighthouse,” Sara says. “Tyler even had a photographer hiding in the bushes to capture the big moment!”

The Celebrations

The The two planned an elegant wedding with a rehearsal dinner at 1951 West, ceremony at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, and a reception at the National Railroad Museum. Tyler and Sara invited only close family and friends. “That kept it intimate and meaningful. It felt so great to be surrounded by everyone we loved!” Sara says one of her favorite memories of the day happened at the ceremony. “Our photographer perfectly captured the moment Tyler saw me a the end of the aisle, on my father’s arm.” The aisle was decorated with flower boxes that Sara’s father had built, and some of the flowers inside came from Sara’s mother’s garden.

“So much of the décor was DIY,” Sara says. “From my father building planter boxes and huge candle frames to my sister using calligraphy to make the menu signs. My grandmother also made quilt pieces where each guest could give us advice and wish us well — she then created a custom quilt keepsake from the pieces.”

The Reception

After the bride was kissed, the party moved to the National Railroad Museum. “It was a blast! We offered our guests a train ride around the grounds of the museum. They were able to see the exhibits at the museum before the reception started. And during the reception, there were three trains that were open for our guests to enjoy and take photos with.”

Another one of Sara’s favorite memories was her first dance with her husband. “It was great to be with him in the moment,” she says. “We were surrounded by all of our family and friends; we had a big group hug to start the party off right.” Sara also recommends taking dance lessons. “The crowd loved it!”