A Winter Wonderland at The Landmark Resort
After nearly 11 months of planning, Alexa and Maxim’s dream day finally arrived on January 11, 2025 — a picture-perfect Door County winter day. With snow glistening outside, The Landmark Resort provided the cozy, elegant setting they had always envisioned.
The Beginning: From High School Sweethearts to “Yes!”
Picture this: it’s 2011, freshman year of high school. The faint hum of a projector fills a Biology classroom, and instead of paying attention to the fuzzy notes on the screen, all focus is on the cute person sitting next to you. That’s how Alexa and Maxim met — two teenagers who had no idea that moment would spark a lifelong love story.
What started as shy glances and small talk soon grew into something special. It took a couple of years for that first spark to bloom, but when it did, it was the start of something magical. Their early days together were filled with cozy nights of Family Guy and Chinese takeout at Maxim’s parents’ house, and spontaneous trips to Belleville for ice cream by the dam. Eventually, Maxim made it official by asking Alexa to prom — and to be his girlfriend.
From there, life unfolded naturally. Their first trip together was to Tennessee, the kind of adventure that made them realize they just fit. Over the years, they built a life full of laughter, love, and plenty of furry companions — a dog, a cat, and more plants than they could count.
The Proposal: A Valentine’s Day to Remember
Fast forward to February 14th, 2024 — Alexa’s birthday and a day she’ll never forget. Maxim had planned an elaborate surprise: a full-day scavenger hunt through Madison, Verona, and all the places that held meaning for them.
He started by handing Alexa her first clue, and from there, the adventure began — each riddle leading to a special spot from their relationship: their old high school where it all began, a favorite brunch café, and the icy Madison lakes where a giant blow-up Statue of Liberty head stood on the ice. Maxim had carefully hidden clues under benches, staircases, and even inside a tunnel.
The final clue brought them to Cave of the Mounds for a private tour. Alexa’s best friend, Alexandra, tagged along with her camera, pretending she was just there to take pictures — though Maxim’s nervous breathing echoing through the cave walls was a bit of a giveaway.
As they reached the chamber known as “The Cathedral” or “Chapel Room,” Alexandra suggested taking one last photo in front of the glowing cave wall. As Alexa posed, Maxim dropped to one knee, fumbled for the ring, and with a slightly shaky voice, asked, “Will you marry me?” Of course, she said yes!
The surprises didn’t end there. Exhausted but glowing, Alexa thought the day was over — until Maxim convinced her to go out to dinner. When they arrived at The Great Dane Pub, she was greeted by 50 of their closest friends and family. Everyone thought they were there for a surprise birthday party, but instead, it turned into an engagement celebration filled with cheers, hugs, and happy tears. The night ended perfectly — with cake, tea, and a house full of happiness.
It was, as Alexa describes, “such a wonderful day” — the perfect beginning to their forever.
The Details
Location:
The Landmark Resort, Door County
Season:
Winter
Style:
Extravagant Winter
Venue Type:
Resort
Color Palette:
Royal Blue, Gold, Silver, and Forest Green
3 words to describe the day
Magical, Perfect,Warm
Biggest Spurge:
The Venue
Months to Plan:
11
Wedding Guest Count:
72
Music down the Aisle:
Lovely Day by Bill Withers
First Dance Song:
Stereo Love by
Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina
Which Vendors Most Impressed You:
The Landmark
Chris Miller Photography
Elite Music Services-
(DJ Don Hando)
Wedding Looks
Bridal Boutique:
Vera’s Bridal
How many dresses did you try on? How did you know yours was the one?
Around 10, I felt like a princess and started running around in it!
Men’s Formalwear:
Fine Line Custom Attire
Rings:
Kesslers Diamonds
Hairstylist:
The Edge Salon, Fish Creek
Hair Stylist:
The Blush Bridal Team
Makeup Artist:
Zach Slinger (friend)
Nails:
Blush Nails (Karoly), Madison
Chris Miller Photography
Chris Miller Photography
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the State Room at the Landmark Resort in Door County, with views straight out of a postcard. Alexa and Maxim decorated the room themselves with festive string lights, white garlands, and pinecones.
Guests were welcomed by harp music, played by Maxim’s sister and relative, setting a serene tone. Alexa walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
Their close friend Alexandra officiated the ceremony. Alexa and Maxim exchanged personal vows they had written themselves, sharing just enough of their story to make everyone laugh and melt in equal measure. When they were finally pronounced husband and wife, the room erupted in applause — and the celebration officially began with a champagne and caviar toast.
Capturing the Day
Chris Miller Photography shot the couple’s wedding images at the Landmark Resort. After the ceremony, the couple ventured outside the Carrington, where a fresh layer of snow created the perfect winter scene.
Reception Decor:
The couple’s wedding vibe was “Extravagant Winter” — a mix of royal blue, gold, silver, and forest green that made the entire space feel both magical and warm. The décor was truly a labor of love: 120 handmade snowflakes hung from the ceiling, and birch tree centerpieces softly glowed across the room. Every detail was created with the help of family and friends, adding even more meaning to the celebration.
Chris Miller Photography
Chris Miller Photography
The Reception: Dancing, Laughter, and Bubbles
The reception was held at the Egg Harbor Room at The Landmark Resort, where guests were greeted with music, cocktails, and a warm, golden glow. The couple made their grand entrance to cheers from friends and family eager to celebrate.
Dinner was an elegant feast featuring filet mignon, chicken Florentine, and ravioli for vegetarian guests.
Maxim and Alexa took to the dance floor for their first dance: a beautifully choreographed rumba to “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina. It was romantic, graceful, and perfectly them.
Soon after, the dance floor opened — and that’s when the fun truly began. Guests joined in for everything from traditional dances to a hilarious group number featuring the “Just Dance” versions of Rasputin and Womanizer. One unforgettable highlight? Dancing under a cloud of bubbles, courtesy of bubble guns that filled the floor with magic and laughter.
The night didn’t end there — guests were invited to an afterparty in the Landmark’s pool area, complete with a sauna, hot tub, and plenty of late-night laughs. It was the perfect way to unwind and cap off the amazing day!
The Perfect Ending
From a high school biology class to a winter wonderland wedding, Alexa and Maxim’s story is proof that love can truly grow from the smallest moments. Their wedding day was everything they dreamed of — perfect, magical, and warm— filled with love, laughter, and the people who helped them get there.
Advice for Future Couples
“Ask for help from friends and family,” Alexa shared. “It takes so much of the stress away when you realize you don’t have to throw this huge celebration by yourself. And in the end, everyone who helped feels like they were part of something special.”
Alexa and Maxim’s story is a reminder that love isn’t just about the perfect moment, but about all the people, memories, and tiny acts of care that make it truly magical.
Chris Miller Photography
Wisconsin Wedding Vendors
| Wedding Service | Vendor’s Name/Website |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Chris Miller Photography |
| Ceremony Location | State Room, Landmark Resort |
| Reception Venue | Egg Harbor Room, Landmark Resort |
| Florist | Flora Special Occasion Flowers |
| Ceremony Music | Harp Music |
| Gown | Vera’s House of Bridals, Madison |
| Menswear | Fine Line Custom Attire |
| Rings | Kesslers Diamonds |
| Hair Stylist | The Edge Salon, Fish Creek |
| Makeup Artist, Nails | Zach Slinger (friend) |
| Nails | Blush Nails ( Karoly), Madison |
| Cake/Dessert | Pink Bakery, Egg Harbor |
| Cookies | Julie’s Macarons, Mount Horeb |
| DJ-Ceremony + Reception | Elite Music Services |
