Caitlin and Charles’s wedding at the Heidel House Hotel on Green Lake was everything a classic lakefront celebration should be — timeless, romantic, and deeply personal. With sweeping views of Green Lake as their backdrop, nearly 200 guests gathered for a weekend that felt like an East Coast summer wedding with a Wisconsin heart. For Caitlin, who grew up coming to Green Lake with her family, there was never anywhere else she wanted to get married — and the Heidel House, with its elegant ballroom spaces and unmatched waterfront views, was the only venue that could deliver the day she’d always pictured. For couples traveling from Chicago, it’s just two hours away — and worth every mile.
HOW THEY MET
Caitlin and Charles met in 2018 at a birthday party. At the time, Caitlin was home for the summer during veterinary school, and what could have been a quick, passing-season connection turned into something that stuck.
Even when life got busy, they kept choosing each other. For three years, Charles made the trip from Chicago to Auburn, Alabama every three weeks to see Caitlin. It was steady, intentional, and honestly one for the books.
THE PROPOSAL
Caitlin had absolutely no clue a proposal was coming. She had just finished a stretch of overnight shifts as an emergency veterinarian, so her brain was running on fumes and vibes.
It was their five-year anniversary, and Charles told her he had dinner planned downtown, plus drinks at the Planetarium beforehand. Her sister-in-law suggested they get their nails done first, which felt totally normal. Back at home, Caitlin got distracted trying on new clothes she had ordered, while Charles and her mom kept urging her to hurry.
The only time Caitlin felt a flicker of suspicion was when they arrived at the Planetarium and Charles suddenly seemed very nervous. Even then, she talked herself out of it. When he got down on one knee, she kept repeating, “Are you serious?” because she truly could not believe he had pulled off a complete surprise.
Then it got even better. When they arrived at Caitlin’s parents’ house, both families and her closest friends were waiting to celebrate, including people who had traveled in from out of town. It became one of those days that keeps getting bigger in the best way.
The Details
Location:
Green Lake, WI
Venue:
Heidel House Hotel and Conference Center
Style:
Timeless, Romantic, Garden Party
Season:
Summer
Wedding Guest Count:
200
GREEN LAKE WAS ALWAYS THE PLAN
Caitlin had dreamed of getting married on Green Lake since she was little, so the lake itself had to be the main character. The Heidel House delivered that classic waterfront backdrop she’d always pictured, pairing resort charm with sweeping lake views that felt straight out of an East Coast summer wedding — with a subtle nod to Lake Como elegance woven throughout. Caitlin and Charles wanted the ceremony and cocktail hour to feel like an elevated garden party, with a warm, timeless look and a guest experience that felt thoughtful from start to finish.
They planned over 18 months and focused on making a large wedding still feel personal. Black and white set the tone, with soft pastels woven through the florals and touches of green throughout the decor. Bridesmaids wore black satin, groomsmen wore black tuxes, and white flowers kept everything romantic and clean.
Their weekend became a full experience for guests from start to finish. Since most people traveled in, Caitlin and Charles made sure the celebrations started well before the big day. The “Margs and Matrimony” welcome party set the tone early — guests wore bright colors, sipped flavors like spicy mango, strawberry, and prickly pear, and feasted on tacos from Tipsy Taco in Appleton. The night ended the way all good pre-wedding nights should — with dancing and a little chaos.
The rehearsal dinner was nothing short of magical. Following the ceremony rehearsal at the Heidel House, the wedding party set sail on the Escapade Yacht for a cruise around Green Lake. With a nautical theme, flowing champagne, small appetizers, and even a brief rain shower that gave way to stunning rainbows over the lake, it was an evening nobody will forget. Back on shore, guests gathered under a tent for an intimate family-style dinner from Heirloom Kitchen — beef, chicken, and incredible sides, all handled seamlessly from setup to cleanup. Caitlin and Charles cannot recommend them enough.
Day of coordination support came from Tina A.J. Schmidt of As You Wish Wedding + Event Coordination, with venue coordination from Diane Sicorsicor at the Heidel House, a dream-team combo that kept the whole day running smoothly.
Sara Myers Photography
Sara Myers Photography
WEDDING DAY LOOKS
Caitlin’s ceremony gown came from Bella Bianca in Oak Brook, Illinois — and it took more than 50 dresses to find it. She was feeling discouraged when she stopped in on a random weekday with just her mom and maid of honor. Her mom pulled a dress off the rack, and Caitlin knew the second she put it on, before she even stepped out.
My mom and Lindsay immediately started crying, and there was no question that it was the one. I knew because I wanted to stop looking. It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen.
For the reception, she switched into “Goldie” by Grace Loves Lace — a full vibe change that set the stage for one of her favorite moments of the night. Bridesmaids wore black satin in mixed styles from Reformation, Azazie, and Jenny Yoo, while the men were outfitted through Men’s Wearhouse. Rings came from Brilliant Earth and Sublime Diamonds.
THE LAKESIDE CEREMONY
Caitlin and Charles were married on the lakefront at the Heidel House, with Florence Strings providing music. Caitlin walked down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, which fit the timeless vibe perfectly.
Their ceremony decor stayed simple on purpose. The lake needed little competition, so Caitlin focused on white flowers to frame the space. White florals lined the aisle, with white potted arrangements on stands placed in groups on either side. Guests were offered fans and flavored water, which was a thoughtful move for a warm July afternoon.
Caitlin’s aunt, Deirdre Peele, officiated the ceremony, and it was her first time officiating a wedding. She was a natural, and that family connection made the ceremony feel deeply personal. Another standout detail was their two dogs, Georgia and Charlotte, who served as ring bearers wearing flower collars. The dogs were thrilled, the guests were delighted, and it was the most joyful kind of chaos.
Caitlin and Charles wrote their own vows, and that was the emotional core of the ceremony. Even with nearly 200 guests, it still felt like a private moment between the two of them. Walking down the aisle with her dad also became one of Caitlin’s forever memories.
And then there was the weather. About 30 minutes before the ceremony, the skies opened up. The rain moved across the lake quickly, and the day shifted into bright sunshine. The Heidel House staff cleared every sign of the storm fast, and Caitlin and Charles were amazed by how seamless they made it feel.
Sara Myers Photography
Sara Myers Photography
CAPTURING THE DAY
Caitlin and Charles chose Sara Myers as their photographer after a long search. Caitlin spent about two months looking because she knew photography would shape how they remembered the day. She wanted images that felt natural, vintage, and timeless, and Sara was immediately the perfect match.
I found Sara’s page on Instagram and immediately knew that it was the perfect fit. She has this very unique perspective and captures all of the subtle moments from the most beautiful angles. She is truly one of a kind, and we were in awe when we received our full wedding gallery. I know we will look back at her photos in 20 years and love them just the same!
After their first dances, Caitlin changed into her reception dress and surprised Charles on the dock at sunset with two glasses of champagne. Charles was waiting for her, and Caitlin will never forget walking down the dock with that sky behind him. By then, the nerves were gone. It was just the two of them, soaking it in before heading back into the party.
Caitlin and Charles were not sure at first if they wanted a videographer, and they ended up being so grateful they booked Never Films.
Spike is incredibly kind and professional. His team makes sure that the filming does not feel overwhelming throughout the day and it is so special to have the intimate moments captured during a day that goes by far too quickly.
The Reception
The Heidel House was my dream venue since I was a little girl, and Diane Sicorsicor made our dreams come true.
The reception took place in the Dartford Ballroom at the Heidel House, a setting that held deep meaning for Caitlin. After years of family summers spent in Green Lake—and a home just a block from the water—it felt only fitting to celebrate there, surrounded by the people they love most.
The space was designed to feel elegant yet inviting. Textured white linens, pastel bud vases, and taper candles created a soft, romantic glow. Clear beaded chargers, ivory satin napkins, and custom menus added refined detail, while the sweetheart table stood out with a green floral linen and lush white blooms, accented by repurposed ceremony florals. A balcony lounge styled with hydrangeas and coordinating linens became a favorite gathering spot.
Dinner featured filet mignon, airline chicken vesuvio, and vegetable risotto—beautifully executed for nearly 200 guests with seamless service throughout. Signature cocktails, including a Strawberry Blossom, Lavender French 75, and Old Fashioned, offered a fresh and polished touch for the summer evening.
Dessert struck the perfect balance of classic and fun. A cutting cake by Kindred Bake Shop, paired with gelato from The Knotted Cone—featuring flavors like chocolate peanut butter and Door County cherry lemonade—was a guest favorite and gone within 40 minutes.
As the evening transitioned into celebration, Milwaukee Airwaves kept the dance floor packed, delivering the high-energy party Caitlin and Charles had envisioned. Their first dance to “Night Changes” by One Direction set a romantic, joyful tone, while heartfelt speeches—especially from Caitlin’s dad—added a meaningful layer to the night.
Late in the evening, McDonald’s made a memorable appearance, with Big Macs, nuggets, and fries disappearing just as quickly—an unexpected and perfect end to the night.
Sara Myers Photography
Sara Myers Photography
LOOKING BACK
Caitlin describes the day as timeless, romantic, and fun, and it truly reads that way from start to finish. She credits vendors who shared their vision and made planning easier, including the team at the Heidel House and venue coordinator Diane Sicorsicor.
One moment Caitlin will never forget is the sunset dock surprise after she changed into her reception dress. It gave her and Charles a quiet pocket of time in the middle of a big, high-energy day, and it was the perfect reset before heading back into the celebration.
ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE AND GROOM
Caitlin’s biggest advice is to trust that it will come together. Planning can feel overwhelming, and it is easy to spiral over details that will not matter once the day arrives. Hiring vendors you trust and who understand your vision makes the entire process lighter.
She also encourages couples to accept help and to keep the focus on why you are getting married in the first place. When the day finally comes, the little things fade, and the experience becomes the part you remember.
Wisconsin Wedding Vendor Team
A talented team of wedding professionals helped bring Caitlin and Charles’ Green Lake wedding at Heidel House to life, creating a seamless and unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Planning & Coordination
Day-of Coordinator: Tina A.J. Schmidt, As You Wish Wedding + Event Coordination
Venue Coordinator: Diane Sicorsicor – Heidel House
Stationery & Paper Goods
Invitations & Custom Signage: Minted
Florals
Florist: Casey Hurley, Hello Honey Floral
Attire & Accessories
Bridal Boutique: Bella Bianca, Oak Brook, IL
Reception Dress: “Goldie” by Grace Loves Lace
Bridesmaid Dresses: Reformation, Azazie, Jenny Yoo (black satin mix)
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Brilliant Earth (engagement), Sublime Diamonds (bands)
Beauty
Hair: Kerry (family friend), Chaunte Geitner + team
Makeup: Stephanie Schuh Beauty
Nails: KV Nails & Lashes
Ceremony
Location: Lakefront at Heidel House
Music: Florence Strings
Officiant: Deirdre Peele (bride’s aunt)
Photography & Videography
Photographer: Sara Myers Photography
Videographer: Spike Carpenter, Never Films “Spike and his team were incredibly kind and professional, making the entire experience feel natural while capturing meaningful moments we’ll treasure forever.”
Reception
Venue: Dartford Ballroom at Heidel House
Catering & Bar: Heidel House
Desserts
Cake: Kristin Hall, Kindred Bake Shop
Gelato: The Knotted Cone
Entertainment
Band: Milwaukee Airwaves – They know how to throw a party!
Rentals
Design & Rentals: Ruby Design Event Rentals (Green Bay) I highly recommend their services! They allow you to come in for a design meeting so that you can set up a table and know exactly what the decor will look like on the wedding day.
Tent & Event Rentals: Elite Rentals
Transportation
Shuttle Service: Green Lake Shuttle
Welcome Party & Rehearsal Dinner
Boat Experience: Escapade Yacht (Green Lake)
Catering: Heirloom Kitchen
Catering: The Tipsy Taco
Late Night Snack
McDonald’s
Never Films- Spike Carpenter
