Sheri and Melissa had their lovely northwoods destination wedding yesterday!  This blog will be a tad longer than normal, 1) because we also photographed the rehearsal, 2) because Juilane James Place is such a beautiful location full of gorgeous nature, and 3) because Alyson of Bash Collective created some amazing details!

Sheri is someone who collects art, music and light…someone who loves the woods and the water.  Melissa is easy going, low key, down to earth and quick to laugh and have a great time.  Both ladies love to entertain, feed people, dance, hug, and love fiercely.  This secluded cabin in the woods gave this couple the ability to combine everything they love in one fabulous weekend.

The rehearsal was followed with a homemade meal of scrumptious soups and bread next to a roaring fire.

Gifts were given, and happy tears accompanied the sweet words of gratitude and love.

Though snow was in the forecast the night before, and the weather looked iffy for the day of the wedding, we ended up having a stunning day.  With peeks of sunshine though the autumn colors of the trees.

Sheri and Melissa both got ready in the cabin along with their ladies in waiting.  Things were laid back and relaxed all morning.

Bash Collective did a stellar job with the floral arrangements.  Using autumn jewel tones and unexpected textures, each arrangement was unique and lovely.  The couple’s literature theme carried throughout the day, from a library card catalog holding seating arrangements, to florals literally sprouting out of books on the tables.  There were little unexpected details everywhere!

The natural beauty of the woods was its own character that day.  We stumbled across these lichen and had to use them for the ring shot.

Melissa and Sheri had a sweet first sight followed by portraits in the woods.  Their attire was designed by Sheri and custom made.  The backs of the jackets included details from Melissa’s mother’s wedding gown.  I felt like we were on a movie set getting these images!

Because all the ladies were dressed so regally, we had to try a very formal pose…

…but this is what most of the portrait session really looked like 😉

The moment I saw this woodshed, I knew we had to use it!  I love venues that inspire!

Right before the ceremony, things got real and the emotion set in.  Sheri and Melissa were just overwhelmed with how much their friends and family love them, and how important this day was.  After some hugs and many MANY “I love yous” it was time for the ceremony.

After the ceremony, guests greeted the couple in an outdoor cocktail hour followed by a tented reception.  The hand made farm tables were show stopping with their moss runners and book themed centerpieces.  On top of orange chargers, there were specialty napkins made just for the wedding.  Each napkin had a print of a love letter from Sheri’s grandparents.

For dinner, We Cater to You provided delicious comfort foods and featured a mashed potato bar, which had people coming back for seconds.  Fried chicken plus a locally brewed beer was exactly what was needed on that chilly night!  And to top it all off was pie from Keys Cafe.  And then the craziness started.  I’ve never been to a dance like this, it was rowdy and hilarious and joyful and sweet and crazy crazy crazy fun!  Everett from Instant Request played such an amazing playlist of 80s and 90s music, even the vendors were commenting on how we couldn’t stop dancing along.

As all the guests boarded the last shuttle back to their hotels, the party kept going.  It was definitely a weekend to remember!

Melissa and Sheri, thank you so much for inviting us into your lives and having us tell the story of your wedding!  Enjoy your sneak peek!!!!