Fall Wedding at Hotel Retlaw

Fond du Lac Wedding with an Art Deco Backdrop

The Hotel Retlaw set the stage for Mike and Whitney’s September downtown wedding.

A Pensacola Proposal

Mike asked Whitney to marry him in June of 2021 at the top of the Pensacola lighthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Originally, Mike didn’t have a big plan. “He originally was going to propose in Hawaii, but due to COVID we weren’t able to take a family vacation there,” Whitney says. “When we went on our next vacation, he decided to propose whenever he felt the moment was right, which happened to be on top of the lighthouse.”

Whitney says she didn’t see the proposal coming at that moment. “I was shaking so bad when he put the ring on my finger. I was not only caught off guard, I was nervous he was going to drop the ring.” Luckily, he didn’t drop the ring—and it was a perfect fit.
To see the couple’s engagement session that was shot in Green Bay and images of proposal check out Whitney & Mike’s Engagement Story.

Finding the Perfect Wedding Gown

Whitney’s father demonstrated his hidden fashion sense as she searched for her gown at Wedding Day Dress for Less. After trying on three dresses, Whitney thought she had found “the one”. However, Dad had one to suggest, “I was hesitant, but I ended up saying yes and as soon as I had that dress on and saw myself, I started to tear up and knew that this was the one”

A Sentimental Venue Choice

The couple’s choice to host their Fond du Lac ceremony and reception at the Hotel Retlaw was doubly special because Whitney’s parents own reception was held there years before.

DIY Decorations

“Most of the decorations I either bought on marketplace or made myself. One of my favorite things I made was the clear table signs with vinyl for the guest book table, gift table and photo booth table.”

Keeping the Day Rolling Smoothly

The Day-of-Coordinator at the Retlaw, kept Whitney stress free assuring her, everything was under control so Whitney could focus on enjoying her day.

A Short & Sweet Ceremony

Live music by Micah Emrich who sang It’s Always Been You brought an extra special touch to the ceremony.   Whitney said what stuck with her the most was “when my dad walked me down the aisle. He cried the whole way down; it was so sweet. I had to try my best not to cry myself, and it will be a moment I’ll never forget.”

The Reception 

Whitney and Mike kept the magic going between the ceremony and dinner with Caricature drawings provided from Toon Up by Roy and a photobooth by Photobooths of Wisconsin.  Giving their guests the opportunity to create their own special mementoes.  For those craving a drink and conversation, the outdoor roof top patio provided a quiet interlude before dinner.  Dinner, catered by the Retlaw, featured perfectly plated salmon, chicken, and vegetarian options in the elegant Crystal Ballroom.

“It was an amazing day.”

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