A Rustic Fall Wedding at Carstens Mill

Rustic Yet Refined: A Dreamy Autumn Wedding in Brillion

How They Met

Nikki and Lucas met online several years ago but it took some persistence on Lucas’s part to finally get Nikki to go out with him. Nikki finally agreed and the couple had their first date in the fall of 2023

How They Got Engaged

Lucas was so nervous that he would lose the ring that he could barely wait to propose. On a Saturday in June 2024, right as Nikki arrived at Lucas’s house, he popped the ring out of his back pocket and proposed before Nikki could even begin to suspect anything.

Wedding Looks

Dress:
Baltic Born

How many dresses did you try on?
“I tried on several dresses off of Amazon but my dress from Baltic Born was an immediate ‘yes.’ It fit great, I barely had to have it altered (just the bottom hem) and the color complimented my features well.”

Menswear:
Men’s Wearhouse

Rings:
Kessler’s Diamonds-Appleton

The Planning Process

Wedding Date:
October 18, 2024

Guest Count:
250

The planning process:
The couple spent just a few months planning their perfect day.

Wedding Colors:
Dark Green & Mauve

Style and Theme of the Wedding:
Rustic yet Elegant

What was your favorite design element?
“The flowers from DecorFlowerBar were shipped from Ukraine, came withing a few weeks and were stunningly beautiful. Also, Carstens Mill is gorgeous without any décor added.”

Ceremony Details

Location:
Carstens Mill, Brillion, WI

Ceremony Details and Favorite Moments:
Nikki and Lucas held their ceremony on the second floor of Carstens Mill. Nikki says her “favorite part was being able to sneak a peek of the guests from the wall of windows in the bridal suite loft.”

Capturing the Day

Photographer:
Eric Johnson, Let it Rain Studios

Where did you take photos?

Our home in Brillion

Carstens Mill

Brillion Nature Center

Special Moments:

Planting a tree together at home.

Reception Details

Location:
Carstens Mill, Brillion, WI

Food:
“Our main entrée – authentic Mexican Cuisine – was grilled onsite by a friend of the family.” “Snack trays and sub sandwiches were provided by Festival Foods and late-night pizzas were provided by The Trough Underground (in the basement of Carstens Mill),”

Cake/Dessert:
Batch Baker – “The little pumpkin bundt cakes were adorable and we got so many compliments on them.”

Why did you choose your venue:
“The natural beauty of the building, not to mention the history and story behind every detail of the remodeled space. Even the flooring has been repurposed from other buildings in Brillion.”

Reception Details and Favorite Moments:
“We didn’t have a formal dinner so it was very laid back and casual. Our sweetheart table for just the two of us made it special. One of the best moments was having our band surprise us with a first dance. We hadn’t planned on having a formal first dance but Terry, Leroy and the guys put it together for us.”

Did You Have Any DIY Projects?
Nikki purchased the décor but did all the decorating, for both the ceremony and reception, herself with the help of some family and friends.

Looking Back

What Moment Sticks With You the Most?
“Spending time with our favorite people, dancing with grandparents, we even planted a tree at our home…those are the moments that stick out the most. The entire day was absolutely perfect. Normally there’s always some sort of mix up the day of but our day went seamlessly.”

What Advice Would You Give Future Brides Planning Their Wedding?
“Don’t overthink it and don’t sweat the small stuff! Remember that it’s your day and you are going to have a blast, not matter what.”

Wisconsin Wedding Vendors