Abby and Ethan’s Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront wedding was a joyful celebration. With 260 guests, pastel blues and pinks, fresh florals everywhere, and a ceiling treatment that transformed the room into something truly magical, this celebration felt as personal and genuine as the couple at its center. Abby and Ethan have been choosing each other since they were fifteen years old. This day was simply the most beautiful chapter yet.
HOW THEY MET
Abby and Ethan first met in the second grade, long before they could have imagined where life would take them. By the time they were 15, their friendship had grown into something more, carrying them through high school, college, and into a future they were building together side by side. This one just knew what it was from the beginning and never let go.
THE PROPOSAL
Ethan proposed at Devil’s Lake during a hike, at the very top of the trail. He asked Abby to let him take a photo of her looking out over the water — and when she turned around, he was down on one knee. A breathtaking view, a perfectly timed surprise, and a moment she never saw coming. It was exactly right.
THE VISION
From the beginning, Abby and Ethan envisioned a celebration that felt light, relaxed, and filled with color. Soft pastel blues and pinks set the tone, layered with fresh florals, greenery, and thoughtful details inspired by real weddings and hours spent gathering ideas on Pinterest.
The result was a day that felt effortlessly beautiful—never overdone, but intentionally designed to reflect their personalities and the people they love most.
The Details
Location:
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel
Season:
Summer
Style:
Clean |Casual | Pastel Color Theme
3 Words that Describe Your Wedding Day
Joyful | Unforgettable | Fun
Color Palette:
Pastels | Blue | Pink | White | Green Accents
Months to Plan:
12
Wedding Guest Count:
260
Music down the Aisle:
Canon in D
First Dance Song:
Love of a Lifetime | Firehouse
Tricia Dewar Photography
WEDDING DAY LOOKS
Abby’s gown was designed by Madi Lane Bridal and found at Elaine’s Wedding and Event Center in Green Bay. After trying on approximately 20 dresses, she knew hers was the one the moment it checked every single box she had been looking for. Sometimes the search takes a while, but when you find it, you know.
Bridesmaid dresses came from Azazie, and the men were outfitted through DuBois Formalwear in Green Bay — who did their usual excellent work finding the perfect color match for the overall palette.
Rings came from Kesslers Diamonds in Appleton.
Abby did a full trial run for both hair and makeup, which paid off beautifully on wedding day. Hair was handled by Margo Godwin, makeup by Ashley from the A Spa, and nails by Kaiya at Finer Details. Each brought professionalism and talent to the morning, setting the tone for a day that felt polished from the very first moment.
THE CEREMONY
Abby and Ethan were married at Sacred Heart Church in Oshkosh, with Father Dave Pleier officiating. Abby walked down the aisle to Canon in D — a timeless choice that suited the moment perfectly. The church’s music coordinator Marshall Potter provided ceremony music throughout, and one of Abby and Ethan’s favorite moments of the entire ceremony was a special musical performance by some very meaningful people in their lives — a personal touch that made the ceremony feel deeply intimate despite its size.
The floral arches from The Flower Gallery were stunning — Abby’s favorite design element of the entire wedding day, and a true centerpiece of the ceremony space.
Tricia Dewar Photography
Tricia Dewar Photography
CAPTURING THE DAY
Tricia Dewar came highly recommended — she had photographed Ethan’s sister’s wedding the previous summer, and the impression she made on the entire family was impossible to forget. Efficient, talented, warm, and remarkably detail-oriented, Tricia had learned everyone’s names and was fully present throughout the day. Photo stops included scenic locations around Oshkosh — a trail through the woods and a building with striking architectural detail that provided a beautiful and unique backdrop for portraits.
THE SETTING
With sweeping river views and the convenience of an all-in-one location, the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel offered the ideal setting for their celebration — accommodating the guest list comfortably while keeping the atmosphere relaxed. Thoughtful touches from the venue team, along with their coordinators’ guidance, kept every detail on track.
THE RECEPTION
The reception was fun, laid back, and full of the music and food Abby and Ethan love most. The room itself, transformed by the ceiling treatment, was not what guests expected when they walked in.
Dinner featured beef tips with mashed potatoes and chicken piccata with pasta — crowd-pleasing and well executed by the venue’s catering team. Specialty cocktails included an old-fashioned and a margarita, and late-night eats kept guests fueled on the dance floor.
The cake came from Hartman’s Bakery in Manitowoc, a highlight guests talked about long after the evening ended. DJ Advanced Entertainment kept the energy right throughout, delivering a dance floor that stayed full from first song to last.
What Abby and Ethan return to most when they think back on the day is the quiet one — the private time they carved out together right after the ceremony, just the two of them, talking about how happy they were. After a year of planning and a lifetime of building toward this day, that stolen moment of stillness was everything.
Tricia Dewar Photography
Tricia Dewar Photography
Advice from the Couple
Enjoy the process.
It’s easy to get caught up in the small details—but the most important thing is the two of you. Delegate what you can, trust the people around you, and don’t let outside opinions take away from what should be one of the most meaningful days of your life.
Wisconsin Wedding Vendor Team
A talented team of wedding professionals helped bring Abby and Ethan’s Oshkosh wedding to life, creating a joyful and unforgettable celebration from start to finish.
Photography
Photographer: Tricia Dewar Photography
Planning and Coordination
Wedding Consultant and Custom Signage: Candice Giesen
Day-of Coordinator: Anna Forslin, Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center
Florals
Florist: The Flower Gallery
Stationery
Invitations: Designed by a bridesmaid using Canva
Attire and Accessories
Bridal Gown Designer: Madi Lane Bridal
Bridal Boutique: Elaine’s Wedding and Event Center, Green Bay
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Menswear: DuBois Formalwear
Rings: Kesslers Diamonds
Beauty
Hair: Excellence In Styling (Margo Godwin)
Makeup: Ashley from The A Spa
Nails: Kaiya at Finer Details
Ceremony
Location: Sacred Heart Church, Oshkosh
Officiant: Father Dave Pleier
Ceremony Music: Marshall Potter, Sacred Heart Church
Reception
Venue: Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center
Catering & Bar: Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center
Desserts
Cake: Hartman’s Bakery Manitowoc
Entertainment
Rehearsal Dinner
Venue: Fox River Brewing Company, Oshkosh
