They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, although it could also be a bride’s worst nightmare—but not for my bestie, Julie. Overcast skies for a perfect “first look” picture, a downpour hitting the stained glass windows during the ceremony, and a constant drizzle for outdoor pictures didn’t put a damper on anything but our hair for this wedding party.
I had the joy of being Julie’s maid of honor this summer, and she had a smile on her face from the moment we woke up in her old bunk beds to wheeling gifts to the car at midnight. While taking pictures under a dripping willow tree, Julie’s newlywed husband, Caleb, put the umbrella back INTO the car because she was having so much fun hopping around in the rain...I may have snatched it right up…That being said, we didn’t let the rain ruin the celebration of our two favorite humans tying the knot in beautiful northern Wisconsin.
Julie and Caleb went for a rustic themed wedding—perfect for the location. From burlap to tree stumps, sand colored party napkins to red candies, the reception hall was gorgeous. Julie made almost all of the decor herself with the help of friends and family, myself included. One of my favorites was the stumps used for centerpieces and place card holders. Julie’s dad and brother spent an entire day cutting down trees and slicing the wood. It was so special to see how proud they were to be able to contribute to the wedding in such a hands-on and personal way. Julie used mason jars to hold hand-picked flowers and cut out table numbers to complete the centerpieces.
Personalized Cocktail Napkins from For Your Party lined the bar for cocktails—adding pops of color and personality.
A red candy table lined the dance floor for guests to enjoy during the reception or carry away treats in customized Cellophane Bags. The foil stamped message was the perfect color to coordinate with her napkins. Love is in the details!
More rustic decor lined the entryway and gift table, complete with homemade signs and pictures of the newlyweds.
Caleb told me, “the wedding day is without a doubt the most fun day you will ever have, surrounded by friends and family; but on the same note, it will also be extremely stressful.” His advice to future grooms is to “do your best to be the one person that brings the most joy and does not bring any stress or frustration to your bride.”
Julie highly recommends a first look with your soon to be hubby! She said, “It was probably one of my favorite parts of the day, having some time for just the two of us—because that’s what the day is all about! Plus, time flies. Really live in the moment and don’t let anything ruin your day! Enjoy every second!”
We danced the night away and made more memories to add to our long list that began six years ago in college. Julie and Caleb made a big move out East a week after the wedding for Julie to begin grad school. FYP wishes them the best of luck as they begin their new journey together as husband and wife!
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Photography: Kepner Photography, ForYourParty.com
