Months to Plan: 18   | Wedding Guest Count: 230 | Music Down the Aisle: Slipping Through my Fingers by Abba
 First Dance Song: When You Say Nothing at All

How they Met

Abby and Ryan met their first semester of junior year at college at UW-LaCrosse in 2018 in an elective art class called “Visual Arts: A Global Classroom.At the time, Abby was well on her way into her teaching degree, while Ryan was looking to fulfill some of his last general education requirement courses for his communication degree, and just happened to take this class by chance. Being in the class, Ryan quickly realized he was the only non-education major taking this course, so he would always share his art work with the table next to him to see if his art work was comparable to those of his peers. The table next to him sat Abby who would always compliment his art work, despite it not always being the best. From those small in-class interactions, things started to pick up, and eventually turned into more conversations outside of class. They started dating their senior year, but their year was unfortunately cut short due to the pandemic. They both ended up going home to live with their families while the rest of the world was still sorting out what to do in that weird time. They went through long distance and weeks without seeing each other until things eventually settled down enough to move back to La Crosse and start their lives living together.

The Proposal

We got engaged the Feb. 15th, 2023. Ryan took Abby back to where they had their first date; Sloopy’s in LaCrosse. After a lovely wing dinner, Ryan brought Abby to the front of the restaurant where he had, “Abby, will you marry me?” on the sign outside of the restaurant. Abby was shocked and elated to finally be engaged to the love of her life.

CZ Photography

The Planning Process

Wedding Date:
July 27th, 2024

Wedding Colors:
Light blue, white, light gray

Style and Theme of the Wedding:
The three words that inspired the day were classy, elegant, and timeless.
Decorating:
The Couple said “Sepia Chapel is a BEAUTIFUL venue in and of itself. Between the details of the venue to the tables, chairs, lines, and floral centerpieces there was really minimal decorating we needed because the venue is breathtaking. They have a gorgeous waterfall wall the altar that adds a unique element to the venue.”

CZ Photography

Wedding Looks

Wedding Dress:
 Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique

How many dresses did you try on?
Abby tried on 11 dresses before finding the one. She says, “every bride knows the magic and the feeling when you put on THE dress, you just know.”

Menswear:
Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaid Dresses:
Kennedy Blue

Rings:
Rummele’s Jewelers

Hair Stylist:
My Stylist Miranda

Makeup Artist:
Nicole Palama

Nails:
GB Nails

CZ Photography

Ceremony Details

Florist:
The Flower Gallery

Ceremony Location:
St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church

Songs down the Aisle:
Wedding Party- Con Te Partiro instrumental
Bride- Slipping Through My Fingers by ABBA instrumental

Favorite segment of the ceremony?
Ryan says “seeing Abby walk down the aisle, saying our vows and giving everyone the sign of peace”

Extra Elements:
Everyone LOVED our newspaper programs

CZ Photography

Capturing the Day

Photographer:
CZ Photography

What made you choose her?
Carley is a friend of the bride.

Photo Locations:
Point Beach State Park in Two Rivers.
Getting Ready shots at Sepia Wedding & Event Venue

CZ Photography

Reception Details

Venue:
Sepia Wedding & Event Venue, Two Rivers
Abby gushed that “the venue is GORGEOUS. It is an old church that is renovated to a chic, modern wedding venue. This venue was large enough to accommodate all of our guests and had a stunning bridal suite, a perfect getting ready space for the girls. We got SO many compliments from our guests about how beautiful the venue was!”

Caterer:
Bieble’s Catering | Taco
Bar
Bartending Service:
Sepia
Cake/Dessert Vendor:
On a Whim Sweet Treats

Late Night Eats:
Port Sandy Bay Pizza

Reception Décor:
Venue provided and the Flower Gallery

DJ/Entertainment Service:
A Personal Touch DJ Service

Dance Lessons Vendor:
Bride found inspiration on TikTok

Favorite moments from reception:
Speeches, dancing, looking out and appreciating all of the friends and family that showed up for us

CZ Photography

Looking Back

What moment sticks with you the most?
Taking a moment to ourselves looking out over the dance floor at all of the people who come to celebrate our love and beginning our new chapter together.

What was your biggest wedding splurge?
Wedding newspaper programs

What advice or tips would you share with other couples currently planning their wedding?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, soak in all of the moments at the wedding and leading up to it because it goes by so fast.

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