October 17th, 2020 / Oshkosh, Wisconsin
How did your love story begin?: Zak and I met at work, after my three coworkers went absolutely crazy about the cute blonde boy that just started. My coworkers brought him up almost daily, trying to somehow plan for us to meet. Finally, I decided to just introduce myself and the rest is history. Zak proposed after dating for two and a half years at his family cottage on the pontoon boat in the middle of the lake. He originally planned to propose on a Wednesday, but couldn't wait any longer threw everyone for a loop when he decided to change it last minute to the Saturday. This had his dad running around trying to make everything perfect, which it was! Thankfully the photographer and drone operator were available and captured the whole thing.
Zak was very engaged and helpful in wedding planning which was such a blessing, given that we were planning everything during the pandemic and were thrown for many loops. I am so happy so kept our plans and tackled wedding planning together.
What was your vision for the wedding?: I love to thrift shop and one day when I was roaming around I came upon a vintage gold tray that I absolutely loved. From there, I spent a lot of time finding more trays and planned our vintage romantic theme around it. I knew instantly that I would love to get married at The Howard in Oshkosh because of its gorgeous vintage details and it only took one walk through for us to put a down payment on it and set a date! From there we chose House of Flowers in Oshkosh because we knew they would do a phenomenal job at making our vision before a reality. Thankfully, my sister got married a few months into our wedding planning and had Milwaukee Airwaves as her DJ. We made a deal on the spot with the DJ because he was open on our date and booked them immediately. I don't mean to brag, but they are seriously the best DJ I have ever seen at a wedding, and I have been to a lot of weddings! I really don't remember how I stumbled upon Tribute Film & Photo, but I am forever thankful I did. They're a husband and wife duo that do both videography and photography. Their work was amazing and Zak and I enjoyed them so much!!!
Tell us all about your dress!: Wedding dress shopping for me was tough. I knew I wanted a simple, timeless, and elegant dress, but there seemed to be something off about everything I tried on - whether it be the fabric was very thick or there was odd lines in places that wasn't flattering. Thankfully, my sister heard about Strike Bridal Bar opening up in Milwaukee and we booked an appointment one of the first weekends they were open. I loved the stunning simplicity of the Sarah Seven gowns and nothing compared to it! I didn't say Yes on the first day I went (because I am an over-thinker), but after analyzing the pictures, I knew my dress was the one.
You planned and you planned, but how did the day ACTUALLY go?!: The day was amazing. I really don't know how we pulled it off quite like we did when I look back. Planning during the pandemic had us changing plans up to the very last minute and insanely stressed with family members dropping out hours before the dinner. The morning of our wedding was gloomy and rainy so unfortunately we made the tough decision to move our wedding indoors. Well, we didn't have an arbor for indoors, so of course my dad and Zak's jumped in the car and ran to Menards to pull my vision together. Us girls were running a little behind schedule so I jumped in the car with my sister in law and goddaughter to drive over to The Paine, and on our way my goddaughter Ellison was singing to Mr. Sun for him to come out. That must have done the trick because as soon as we got there, the weather turned around and we had people running all over the place to take all of the decor that was set up inside back outside. And I am forever thankful we made that decision. Fall in Wisconsin is simply beautiful and Tribute captured it perfectly!
What is your best advice for future brides-to-be?: Everyone probably says this, but don't stress! I remember crying just days before our wedding because of all of the people we had dropping out from coming to our wedding, but our day was so amazing and Zak and I were surrounded by so much love and support. I look back on the things that I let stress me out and they meant nothing on our day. Focus on you and your spouse and what really matters, your love for one another.
Gown: Belmont by Sarah Seven from Strike Bridal Bar
Headpiece: Isadora by Brides & Hairpins from Strike Bridal Bar
Veil + Earrings: Isla Veil & Kelcie Earrings by Haute Bride from Strike Bridal Bar
Photographer: Tribute Film & Photo
Florist: House of Flowers
Venue: The Paine Arts and Gardens & The Howard
DJ: Milwaukee Airwaves
