The Planning Process

Photographer:
Riley Grace Photography– The couple liked her style and said her communication was amazing!

Wedding Colors:
Black, white, greens, and blues.

Invitations & Custom Signage Vendor:
Canva

Florist:
DIY

Favorite Design Element:
We are a bit biased because we designed them together, but we made some fun signs for our bar, and my dad and Bob built a custom bar the week before the wedding that fit our lake theme where these were displayed.

Bob and Harmony had fun blending their different styles into one wedding vision. Bob gravitated toward modern design, while Harmony loved vintage details, so they worked to combine the two. Their ceremony took place in a charming old church with a timeless, vintage feel, while the reception was hosted at Harmony’s family home, which carried a more modern look. To connect it all, they added subtle lake and boat-inspired details, aiming for a modern yacht club atmosphere without leaning too heavily into nautical. Pinterest provided plenty of inspiration, but since their style was such a unique mix, they had to create something of their own. Building a Canva mood board became a lifesaver, pulling all those ideas together into one cohesive design.

Ceremony Details

Ceremony Location:
Old Tabor Church, Shawano, WI

Live Music:
Organist

Down the Aisle:
Bridal Chorus Wagner

Ceremony Décor:
The church, a historic building filled with original details, needed no extra décor. Bob and Harmony chose to let its rich history speak for itself, allowing the beauty of the space to shine through just as it was.

Favorite Moments:
One of Bob and Harmony’s favorite moments was seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. Since they had chosen not to do a first look, the moment Harmony walked down the aisle was indescribable. Their pastor kept the mood light and joyful, weaving humor into the ceremony and filling it with laughter that helped ease any nerves.

A particularly meaningful part of the day came when Pastor Scott invited their closest family members to gather around them, place a hand on their shoulders, and pray together. It was a tender, heartfelt moment—and the photos from it are some of their most cherished.

Although they used traditional vows during the ceremony, Bob and Harmony saved their personal vows for later, exchanging them privately when it was just the two of them.

Wedding Looks

Dress Designer/Bridal Shop:
Elaine’s Wedding and Event Center

Harmony tried on seven dresses before she found the one. The moment she slipped it on, she had a good feeling—but it was the stylist’s reaction that sealed it. Not only was the gown a perfect fit, but, to Harmony’s surprise, no alterations would be needed—a rare and welcome victory for someone tall. With her wedding timeline already feeling tight, it seemed like a sign. Though the dress was different from the inspiration photos she’d been collecting, she absolutely loved how perfectly it all came together.

Menswear:
Men’s Wearhouse

Rings Vendor:
Vrai

Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist:
Ying Vang from Mint Chiffon Salon

Nails:
Vivian Nails – Shawano

Reception Details

Reception Venue:
Harmony’s family’s home at the Cloverleaf Lakes, Clintonville, WI
The lake had always been a special place for them, filled with memories of time spent together. Hosting their celebration there felt natural, like an extension of their story. Adding to the meaning, Bob had helped build the house during summers past, making it all the more special.

Reception Décor:
Etsy, Amazon, Thrifting!

Caterer:
Chives, Suamico, WI

Cuisine:
Chicken & Goat Cheese Wontons with Spicy Apricot Sauce
Asian Glazed Meatballs with Sesame & Ginger
House Made Bread & Chives Butter
Mixed Organic Greens with French Herb Vinaigrette
Chicken Piccata
Grilled Sirloin
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mixed Seasonal Vegetables

Bartending Service:
A personal friend, Lars, all the way from Tarpon Springs, FL!

Specialty Cocktails:
Bride- Spiced Apple Margarita
Groom-Old Fashioned

Cake/Dessert Vendor:
Kwik Trip Glazers, some of our favorite dates included a stop there first.

DJ/Entertainment Service:
Record Entertainment

Special Moments

What made Bob and Harmony’s celebration truly unique were the personal touches woven throughout the day. With many guests traveling from out of town, they wanted everyone to feel welcomed and included. Each place card doubled as a handwritten note to the guest, there was a lively cigar station to visit, and the music playlist spanned genres to make sure there was something for everyone.

The reception was filled with unforgettable moments, but two stand out most vividly. Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, they surprised guests with a t-shirt toss—complete with shirts printed with their faces. Watching friends and family playfully compete for one had everyone laughing. Later, the night ended on the perfect high note with a final dance. Surrounded by the guests who remained, the dance floor turned into a chorus as everyone sang along to Take Me Home, Country Roads and Higher by Creed, closing the evening with joy, laughter, and music.

Looking Back

What vendors impressed you the most?
Riley Grace Photography and Chives! They both really went above and beyond and relieved the nerves that come with all those little details. They just took the stress out of it and were super easy to work with!

What moment sticks with you the most?
There were truly so many I could write for this, but I think my favorite part was when we were all eating dinner. We had our own sweetheart table, and we were able to just debrief the day, and we were just looking around at all the people we love in the same room. It felt so surreal just watching everyone laughing together and telling stories and just taking that all in just the two of us.