They say never discuss politics or religion in business… and I am sure they would say don’t meet your clients at a local tavern at 1am to introduce them to a DJ after the you and the DJ have just rocked it out at another wedding and are exhausted…BUT working with Dave and Meredith was all about breaking the rules in all the right and fun ways. We took just over a year to plan Dave and Meredith’s wedding and we had all sorts of adventures that included shopping trips, two engagement sessions with the always amazing Mandie of Amanda Red Wedding Photographer, beach combing for rocks, tons of fun meetings, a bet on the new Pope, maple candy, late nights, beautiful fall colors, and tons of laughter and tons of fun. It’s even better when all the fun, adventures, and hard work culminate into a meaningful, beautiful, and full to the tippy top day of fun!
meet Meredith…my fun, thoughtful and always ready to work hard and have fun bride
and meet Dave…her smart, bearded, deep tummy laughing groom who is down for a great chat and even greater adventures.
After much thought, Meredith and Dave decided to have a first look. It was a beautiful morning and these two lovebirds have so much joy and energy they could light up an entire city… I hope all couples laugh and enjoy themselves like this!
After the First Look it was off to the Church! Devout Catholics, Meredith and Dave planned their wedding ceremony at their church, St. John the Baptist in Waunakee. This church is STUNNING! It’s rare that such new church can be so beautiful and soulful. From the wide open space to the gorgeous beams that supported the arches, this church was a stunner.
Catholic weddings are a beautiful expression of traditions set deep in the faith and spiritual law of the Catholic Church… and this wedding was that, and so much more. Both graduates from Marquette University, theology was always a hot topic in our planning meetings, especially as I learned more and more about the both of them and how they lived each day of their lives as patrons of their faith. They filled their ceremony with beautiful rites and rituals that were supported and carried out by the friends and family they loved so much. Dave’s groomsmen, Tom, sang during their ceremony and it was so beautiful. His voice was clear and his love for his God and the both of them was present and honest. They also had Dave’s favorite professor from their college days , Fr. Mueller, co-officiate and deliver a homily that that wise, personal, and true to them.
As much as the ceremony was a reflection of their spiritual side… the details and the party were a reflection of their fun spirit, artistic nature and interests! Meredith’s bouquet was wrapped in family rosaries. The guys all were given cuff-links that reflected their interests and personalities. The reception tables had skipping stones we collected together on the shores of Lake Michigan after we discovered that a shared hobby of collecting rocks from special events or adventures to always remember them by. The day was colorful, original, playful, full of good beer, brilliant toasts and fabulous dancing… so enjoy the details!
So congratulations to you both, Dave and Meredith… and now surrounded by good friends, wonderful stories, love, thoughtfulness and tons of laughter… lets party! Folks, enjoy this, because this party was epic!
Dave and Mer… thank you for choosing me to be your wedding planner. What wonderful adventures we had planning the perfect day that was the perfect reflection of who you are. I enjoyed all our time we spent together, I enjoyed how much I learned about the both of you and your faith. I enjoyed your family and friends, for you truly have a community who will nurture, support and help you build the amazing lives you have before you. What blessed people you are.
Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days;
A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life.
A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD;
Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.
A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones;
A gift from the LORD is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth.
Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste soul.
A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul.
Like the sun rising in the LORD’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.
The Word of the Lord.
Blessings ~ Jenny
Wedding Planning & Invitations: Lavender Hill Weddings + Events
Photography: Amanda Red Wedding Photographer
Wedding Venue: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Officiated by: Father Greg Ihm & Father Joseph Mueller
Reception Venue: The Madison Club
Flowers: Flora Design by Jamae
DJ: Jerald Donegan
Wedding Cake & Desserts: Rolling Pin Bake Shop, Carl’s Cakes, Whole Foods
Rentals: Ala Crate Vintage Rentals
Makeup: Jade Jacobson
Hair: Paisley Hair Design