The Planning Process

Molly and Nate planned their January 17, 2026 wedding in just seven months, welcoming 161 guests to their winter celebration. From the beginning, they knew they wanted the season itself to inspire the design.
Their vision came from an unlikely but very personal source: their own home.

“The theme was a cozy winter wedding. We love the wintertime and the natural beauty of it.”
During the winter, Molly and Nate decorate their home with garland draped over the doorways, creating the warm, inviting feeling they wanted to recreate on their wedding day.

And when it came to the color palette? Molly summed it up perfectly: “Green, green, and more green.”

Real trees from Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Oconto and abundant garland brought the concept to life—and made the spaces smell like fresh pine. Bee Enchanted Florist layered in elegant florals and greenery, while Laura Robertson of L.Design Invitations created the couple’s invitations and custom signage.

One of Molly’s favorite design elements was the large garland installation over the fireplace, embellished with pinecones and crystals.

Wedding Day Style

Molly found her gown at Green Bay Wedding Day Dress For Less Boutique after trying on just four dresses. Winter-ready details were added throughout the day, including fur shawls and boots for outdoor photos in the Wisconsin cold.

Nate and the men wore attire from DuBois Formalwear, while the couple selected their rings from Meyer Jewelers.

For beauty, Molly worked with Sadie at The Bella Salon in Green Bay for her hair and Stephanie VanStraten for makeup, with nails by Black and White Nail Spa.
Molly especially appreciated the team behind her wedding-day look.

“An extra shoutout to Sadie at The Bella Salon in Green Bay for giving me amazing hair, as well as Stephanie V for the most stunning all-day glam.”

Ceremony Details

Molly and Nate exchanged vows inside the historic Moravian Church at Heritage Hill State Historical Park.

Because the church already offered so much character and beauty, the couple kept the ceremony décor intentionally simple. Five real trees accented with white flowers created a natural backdrop, while swags of greenery lined the aisle.

Molly walked down the aisle to a piano version of “Angela” by The Lumineers.

But one particularly small guest made the ceremony even more meaningful: Molly and Nate’s nine-month-old son, Charlie. Waiting at the end of the aisle with Nate, Charlie quietly listened as his uncle performed the ceremony—and even offered a perfectly timed reaction.

“He was a perfect attendant, listening intently to his uncle officiate. He even let out a little giggle when his name was said.”

Fittingly, it was a family affair from top to bottom: the bride’s brother Matthew officiated, her other brothers Joey and Jacob served as ushers, and the groom’s niece Emalea took on ring bearer duties.

Capturing the Day

Photographer Carly Stoppenbach of Carly Stopp Photo was already someone Molly and Nate trusted. Carly had photographed Charlie as a newborn, and her ability to capture intimate, natural moments made her an easy choice for the wedding.

“Her photography style and ability to capture such intimate moments… She made us feel so comfortable from the second we met her, which made taking photos an easy process. We cannot thank her enough. Highly, highly recommend.”

The couple used both Heritage Hill and the Wildlife Sanctuary for their portraits, even venturing inside Heritage Hill’s library and jail for photos.
Of course, January in Wisconsin presented its own challenge: the cold.

The wedding party rotated between indoor and outdoor portraits to warm up, while the women incorporated fur shawls and winter boots into their looks. Rather than fighting the weather, those winter touches became part of the day’s character.

Reception Details

The celebration continued at the Wildlife Sanctuary, where Molly and Nate carried their green winter wonderland indoors.

Garland ran down the center of the tables with floral accents and small candles adding warmth. Real pine and fir trees filled the room, glowing with soft yellow lights, with some draped in strands of pearls. Behind the sweetheart table, an elaborate fireplace garland accented with pearls, crystals and pinecones became a focal point.

Van Abel’s of Hollandtown provided the plated dinner—one of the couple’s biggest wedding splurges—while Biebel’s Catering & Rentals handled bar service. Ashwaubenon Hy-Vee provided desserts and late-night food, and Extreme Entertainment kept the celebration going.

A large photo booth backdrop was strung with oversized white pearls, and guests could pose with giant cutout heads of Charlie and Willa.

Then came one of the evening’s biggest surprises. Molly is known among friends and family for performing her favorite karaoke song, “All Star” by Smash Mouth. Without Molly knowing, her mother handed out colorful mini microphones to their friends. When the DJ unexpectedly started the song, the microphones appeared and everyone joined Molly for an impromptu performance.

But one of Molly and Nate’s favorite memories happened away from the party. Late that night, the couple stepped outside. Snow was falling, the reception continued inside, and in the distance they could hear the wolves at the Wildlife Sanctuary.

“Standing outside at the Wildlife Sanctuary with the DJ and party inside, but watching the snowfall and listening to the wolves howl—it was just the most serene moment.”

Advice for Engaged Couples

After seven months of planning and plenty of moments wondering how everything would ultimately come together, Molly has simple advice for other couples: trust the process—and trust yourself.

“It does come together!! I can’t even tell you how many times during the planning process I was worried about how the end result would look. Trust your gut.”

Looking back, Molly also credits the many people who helped make their celebration possible.

“It honestly takes a village, and we are so lucky for ours.”