Time to Plan: 4 Years| Wedding Guest Count: 240
Music Down the Aisle: Take Forever, Cooper Alan | First Dance Song: Spin You Around (1/24) by Morgan Waller

How It Started

Rachel & David met in 2012 when a change in their school bus schedule put them on the same crowded bus. The couple got engaged in June of 2020 while on a trip to the badlands of North Dakota. Rachel says that she knew it was coming but it still was a beautiful backdrop for beginning the next chapter in their relationship.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

The Planning

Wedding Date:
October 4, 2024
Coordinating:
The couple spent 4 years planning and attended multiple area wedding shows during that time.
Wedding Colors:
Black, neutrals, and gold
Style:
Natural, boho
What was your favorite design element?
Rachel says that she knew she wanted pampas grass and white pumpkins to be the main focus of the design. She ordered real pampas grass from a grower in California. The couple grew their own white pumpkins which were combined with flowers from the Green Bay Farmers Market and Sam’s Club to create the centerpieces for the reception. Rachel says that she also loved the floral corner pieces connected to the gazebo and which she and her bridesmaids put together.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

Wedding Looks

Dress:
Rachel’s gown was designed by Justin Alexander which she found at Tiffani’s Bridal in Appleton.

How many dresses did you try on?
Rachel says that she got frustrated because she felt like she was finding a lot of dresses that she liked but none that she felt were “the one”. “I thought I would never get that feeling when trying on dresses.” Rachel says she felt like giving up and settling many times but kept pushing on. Then, finally, after about 8 stores and 60-70 dresses, Rachel says she finally tried on the dress that gave her that overwhelming feeling that she had found her perfect dress.

Bridesmaid Dresses:
I Do Bridal, Peshtigo

Menswear:
I Do Bridal, Peshtigo

Hair & Makeup:
Rachel says they did a trial run with their makeup artist, Lindsay Rose Makeup Artistry and a half trial run with her hairstyle. Rachel is a hairstylist so she and her bridesmaids did their hair at her salon. On the day of the wedding, one of Rachel’s co-workers did her hair and she did the hair of two of her bridesmaids. She says she felt like it was better for her to stay busy rather than just sit around and get nervous while waiting.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

Ceremony Details

Location:
Butterfly Creek Lavender Farm, Peshtigo

Ceremony Details:
Rachel and David held their ceremony outside, at the gazebo at Butterfly Creek Lavender Farm in Peshtigo. Since the couple had been together for 13 years, they decided to print 7 large posters with pictures of them growing up together, one for every 2 years of their relationship. The posters were then placed along the driveway at Lavendar Farm so their guests could see the couple’s journey as the arrived for the ceremony.

Rachel says that one of her favorite moments was seeing David’s reaction as she walked down the aisle; he couldn’t hold back the tears.

Each of their guests were given a bottle of bubbles to blow as the couple made their way back down the aisle. And, the couple decided to dismiss their guests by rows so they could have their receiving line as part of their ceremony.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

We asked the couple for unique aspects of their ceremony-

For our unity, we didn’t want to do the tradition lighting of a candle or the pouring of sand so we decided to do something fun and make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I absolutely love peanut butter and David loves strawberries. Naturally, they are great alone, but better together!

After our first kiss as husband and wife, we recreated the secret handshake from the movie The Parent Trap, complete with the song and everything.

We had the moms holding our rings to bring up to us.

We also signed our actual marriage license during the ceremony which I’ve never seen before.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

Capturing the Day

Photographer:
Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

What made you choose her?
I had a few of my clients recommend her. After looking at her work on Facebook and her website, I was in awe of how crisp and clear her photos were – a sign of high-quality cameras and equipment. She also seemed to have a very sweet soul and I just knew we would work well together.

Photo Locations:
Butterfly Creek Lavender Farm was a great spot for bridal party and family shots. Rachel and David were also able to take photos across the street from their reception venue in the backyard of Rachel’s cousin.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

Reception Details

Venue:
Little River Country Club, Marinette

Cake/Dessert Table:
Cookies from Crumbl, plus a cutting cake from Jean’s Cakes &  Bakery.

Favors: Mini bottles of homemade syrup (Made by David and his father.)

Guest Experience:
As an additional personal touch, the couple’s décor included a huge Sip & Solve Crossword Puzzle with facts about themselves for their guests to fill in.

Reception Details and Favorite Moments:
Rachel says the venue was quick to respond to their questions and willing to do whatever the couple wanted for their reception. The food consisted of baked chicken, steak tips, rice, baby red potatoes, mixed vegetables, and green beans.
Rachel and David decided to do their first dance before dinner was served to ensure all eyes were on them. Since Rachel teaches dance, she choreographed the couple’s first dance.

Laura Lynn Rhode Photography

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