The Planning

Twenty-Two Months, One Vision
The couple chose Round Lake Farms for its rare combination of rustic elegance and a scenic lakefront setting. Tristen had always wanted to get married near water, and the view over the lake delivered exactly that. From the moment they toured the property, they knew.|

“I knew that when guests arrived, they would be in awe at how gorgeous the property is — every space is picturesque.”

With 22 months to plan, Sydney had time to be intentional — and she was. The vision was clear from the start: vibrant, spring-like, and full of light. Sky blue, pink, yellow, and orange. Given that Round Lake Farms has a darker interior with rich wood features, Sydney wanted the décor to feel bright and airy for a June wedding, and the florals became the anchor for everything else. After meeting with florist Olivia Schoen of Radiant Floral and sharing a collection of Pinterest inspiration, Sydney knew the vision was in good hands. From tall centerpieces to a statement ceremony arch, they became the defining design element of the day.

Wedding Day Looks

Romantic, Floral, and a Ring from Dubai
Sydney’s gown was Allure Bridals, found at Vera’s House of Bridals in Madison after trying on around ten dresses. The moment she put it on, it clicked — the perfect blend of romantic and floral that matched everything she’d been envisioning. Bridesmaids wore Azazie, and Tristen opted for a suit over a tuxedo, keeping his look polished but relaxed.
The rings have a story of their own. Sydney’s diamond was selected by Tristen during a vacation to Dubai in June of 2023 — he chose the stone and had it mounted without her knowing, months before the Minocqua proposal. Tristen’s band is Cartier. Hair and makeup were handled by Jackie and Chai of Brevity Bridal, following a full trial run ahead of the wedding day.

The Ceremony.

Strings, Vows, and a Lawn Full of Love
The ceremony took place on the outdoor lawn at Round Lake Farms, with the lake as a backdrop and floral centerpieces lining every other aisle. A stunning floral arch — hand-assembled by Olivia Schoen over more than four hours that morning — framed the spot where Sydney and Tristen stood.
Sydney walked down the aisle to a wedding violin performance of “Lover” by Taylor Swift. The ceremony was officiated by a close family friend, Sarah, whose personal knowledge of the couple brought warmth and intimacy to every word.
Two moments made the ceremony unforgettable. First, Tristen’s father delivered a reading on what it means to truly love someone. Then, Sydney’s father and uncle took their places with a violin and cello and performed a live duet of “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” The lawn went quiet.

“Incorporating our parents into our wedding ceremony made it so much more special and memorable. It is a highlight of our day I will never forget.”

Capturing the Day

She Made Them Forget the Camera Was There
Photography played a key role in preserving the feel of the day, and choosing Emily Kettner Photography proved to be the perfect fit.
With a focus on bright, romantic, and true-to-color imagery, Emily captured not just the details—like the vibrant florals—but also the in-between moments: laughter, movement, and emotion. Emily had prepared a full shot list and timeline weeks before the wedding, keeping the day seamless and stress-free.
Most photos were taken outdoors, allowing natural light to enhance the color palette, while candid moments during group shots became some of Sydney and Tristen’s favorites.

“She so beautifully captured the emotions of the day — the candid shots of us laughing together or smiling at one another are our favorites.”

The Reception

Tequila Shots, Steak, and an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar
Right after the ceremony concluded, the full wedding party gathered at the bar for a celebratory tequila shot. The night was officially underway.
Tables were set with alternating tall and short floral centerpieces surrounded by floating candles, crystal beaded chargers, and sky blue napkins. The plated dinner featured a house salad, bread and butter, and a choice of steak, chicken, salmon, or a vegan option — with an Old Fashioned as the couple’s signature cocktail and an open bar all evening.
For dessert, Sydney and Tristen skipped the traditional cake entirely. Legendairy Cookies ‘N Creamery brought an ice cream sandwich bar — a full spread of cookies, brownies, ice cream flavors, and toppings that had guests genuinely excited. DJ Scotty of Tommy Z’s kept the dance floor filled all night, and Sydney and Tristen’s first dance was to “I’m Gonna Love You” by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.

Looking Back

The Moment That Stays
When Sydney reflects on the day, it’s the ceremony that stays with her most. A guest count of around 100 meant that every single person present was someone who truly mattered — and that intimacy made the love in the room feel almost tangible.

“When people say your wedding day passes in the blink of an eye, it’s absolutely true. But I will never forget the amount of love gathered together that day in support of Tristen and I and our marriage.”

Her other standout memory? The flowers. Looking back through the gallery, her favorite images are the ones where the florals take center stage — a fitting tribute to the hours Olivia spent hand-building that arch on the morning of the wedding.

Advice from the Couple

Make It Yours

“Enjoy it! It’s very easy to get caught up in the mindset that you need to do things because other people do them — but this isn’t the case at all. Try to personalize aspects of your wedding to you as a couple. Wedding planning can be very stressful and overwhelming, so take it slow and truly think about what you want and what’s important to you.”

At the end of the day, it’s about creating something that reflects you as a couple. And that’s exactly what Sydney and Tristen did.