The first day of the rest of your life needs a setting worthy of the story you are about to embark on. The Lodge at Leathem Smith is a historic resort with a storied past set on the waterfront of beautiful Sturgeon Bay, WI.
The Lodge at Leatham Smith will provide a fairytale experience any season of the year. •
Photo by Tandem Photography
Photo by Tandem Photography
Photo by Tandem Photography
Photo by Tandem Photography
Photo by Tandem Photography
hoto by Tandem Photography
editor Aleah Kidd
copy editor
Sally Collins
layout and ad designers
Aleah Kidd, Renee Puccini
sales managers
Jess Farley, Stephen Grutzmacher, Megan Schneider
courier
The Paper Boy, LLC
distribution experts
Jeff Andersen, David Nielsen, Todd Jahnke
office manager
Ben Pothast
assistant office manager Kait Shanks
chief technology officer
Nate Bell
publisher David Eliot
owners
David Eliot, Myles Dannhausen Jr.
Door Wedding
8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 920.839.2120 contact@doorwedding.com doorwedding.com
Door Wedding 2024
7,500 copies
Door Wedding, celebrating the couples and the nuptials of Door County, is published annually by Door County Living and Peninsula Publishing & Distribution, Inc., 8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI, 54202.
To order a subscription, visit doorcountypulse.com/subscribe or mail a check for $30 to Door Wedding/Door County Living, 8142 Hwy 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 to receive the six annual publications.
For the wedding professional Interested in advertising in the 2025 edition, please email contact@doorwedding.com.
As a more youthful Millenial, I can admit I was guilty of focusing a lot on the details for my wedding day, or the aesthetics as they call it these days. Age and hindsight have revealed that the most important piece of a wedding is the people celebrating the love, bringing everyone together in one place - and what better place than Door County.
The beaches, the sunsets (and sunrises), the hiking, boating and dining scene - all with a sheen of Midwestern charm and friendliness. There really isn’t much missing for this magical place to host one of the biggest events of your lifetime. (Well, maybe we could use some more Ubers, but that’s another conversation!)
My husband and I have been married going on seven years this summer - and looking back, the cliché is true: it truly is one of the most memorable days of your life. Of course, during the planning process, there were moments of overwhelm and some questioning whether all the hard work will pay off - but I can say with confidence, it does. Every year we try to revisit our marriage spot on Rowley’s Bay and share a moment together to reminisce. While the county keeps changing (and us with it) we will always have the memories from that very special and fun-filled day.
It’s been a pleasure to be back in the role as Editor after some time away, and I’ll never tire of getting to know the couples that seal the deal here in Door County. This issue is packed full of inspiring insights, unique moments, helpful tips, and of course, beautiful love stories.
Enjoy!
Aleah Kidd
PS I want to give a special thank you to each couple for sharing their stories with me, and to the talented planners who shared their insights, photographers who shared their gorgeous photos, and those who took the time to submit content. You made this possible!
Photo by Artemis Photography
Photo by Jessie Lee Photography
A PLACE TO GATHER & CELEBRATE
Celebrate your next event at The Augusta Club. Designed to embrace Wisconsin’s classic supper club history, our unique, waterfront venue features cozy lounge areas, ample room for dining, a full bar, a stage for entertainment, and a full commercial kitchen. Enjoy your event alongside beautiful Lake Michigan views from our solarium or lawn. Bring your favorite caterers, florists, or entertainment to create a celebration that speaks to you. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser, The Augusta Club provides a timeless backdrop for making memories.
Located in the heart of Door County, the Kress Pavilion is a modern, customizable venue for all seasons with bay sunsets and orchard views. Offering receptions, ceremonies, showers and rehearsal dinners.
Captured Memories Victoria Danielle Photography
Kara + Billy BUILT ON
LOVE
When Kara and Billy met for a game of ping pong in Milwaukee in 2020, they quickly recognized they shared many similar interests and hobbies - from traveling and skiing, to biking and loving dogs. On their first dates they spent time biking to Atwater Beach, full moon kayaking, and camping in northern Wisconsin. Kara also went along with Billy to pick up his next big project: a van that would be converted to a sleeping and traveling vehicle.
At the time, Kara was still contemplating a move to Colorado, saying “I had a job interview in Colorado and Billy had a work trip, so we drove out in the van together. He gave me advice on how to negotiate salary and waited for me while I had my interview. I got the job offer, but decided any more time spent with Billy in Wisconsin was worth it.”
After that, they decided to spend time traveling together in the converted van, taking a five-week ski road trip through Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Another trip took them to Lake Louise in Canada, where - as they were walking across the frozen lake with their dog, Odin - Billy proposed. “It was finally a warmer day on that trip and lightly snowing, it was so perfect,” remembers Kara.
Kara’s connection to Door County, and specifically the Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor, goes back to her great grandparents.
“We chose Woodwalk because my great grandfather, Hans Hanson, built the barn and house when he moved here from Norway and my grandma, Fyrn, grew up on the property. My grandma’s cousin, Emi, and I have grown really close since I’ve moved back to Wisconsin and she shared beautiful memories of growing up visiting the farm. Emi and her sister, Shirley, grew up on a farm their father built in Juddville.”
The engaged couple used their “first look” time to capture several special moments posing with the barn and farm house, and during the reception Kara’s mother highlighted the special history of the venue in her speech.
The theme of the wedding was rustic, modern, and fun, with an emphasis on the beauty of the transition in September from summer to fall. As a graphic designer, Kara did a lot of the details herself and then worked with Joslyn Villalpando, one of the owners of Woodwalk Gallery, for the day-of coordination. They wanted the event to feel relaxed, casual and for guests to really enjoy themselves.
To kick off the weekend, Kara and Billy hosted guests for mini golf at The Salty Seagull in Sturgeon Bay followed by drinks at their 1968 Winnebago truck bed camper Billy had renovated.
Center Photo: Kara’s great grandparents, Hans and Edna Hanson, posed in front of the Woodwalk farm house.
Above Photo: Kara’s grandmother, Fyrn, at the farm house.
Photos submitted by bride.
On the day of the wedding, there were some traditions the couple made their own, which Kara say was very intentional. “I went with my gut instinct on what I liked best and envisioned, even if it was out of the norm. We used Viking runes instead of table numbers, I did a first dance with my mom, and we had no bridal party - decisions that other people questioned or acted surprised by made them a little harder, but they felt right!”
VENDORS
VENUE: WOODWALK GALLERY
CATERING: BIEBELS CATERING
MULE MUGS
Instead of place cards, the couple gifted guests metal mugs which doubled as a seating designation and cocktail vessel for the evening. Each tag had a name and Viking rune which matched them to their table.
DONUTS: HAPPY BELLIES BAKESHOP, PICK N’ SAVE
MUSIC: DJ EDMUNDO
PHOTOS: ARTEMIS PHOTOGRAPHY
HAIR / MAKEUP: ASHELY KRZYZANEK
FLORIST: FLORA FLOWER SHOP
DANCING PANTS
Kara wore a Nathalia dress from Grace Loves Lace and later changed into a sequin jumpsuit for dancing.
THE NORWEIGAN ALE BOWL
Kara’s grandmother’s cousin Emi gifted them a traditional Norweigan Ale Bowl, hoping they would include it somehow. The bowl was hand carved and rosemaled by artists Emi knew and it was very special to her. They took their first drink as a couple out of the bowl at the reception. “Drinking from it felt like a nice nod to the family history and Norwegian heritage,” said Kara. “Maybe a fun new family tradition we can pass down!”
DONUT TOWER
Kara has a few food allergies but had her heart set on donuts for the wedding. “I taste-tested gluten free donuts from Milwaukee to Green Bay to find the best ones,” she said. In the end, she forgot to eat one! It’s her one regret.
Waterfront Weddings
i
The historic Alpine Resort provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding to exchange your vows and celebrate with your loved ones.
We specialize in providing a spectacular venue and exceptional services for you and your guests. Our breathtaking venue includes a waterfront lawn for romantic ceremonies and a beautiful sailcloth tent that can accommodate up to 200 guests seated and 275 for a cocktail reception.
Included in the tent is a wood floor, tables, chairs, tablecloths, full place settings, cloth napkins, and glassware. Executive Chef Tony Gorham and his culinary team provide an outstanding catering menu and a full bar featuring premium beverages.
For additional festivities and intimate gatherings, we offer a private dining room that can accommodate up to 50 guests seated and 100 for a cocktail party. Our private dining room features a private covered porch and a waterfront lawn with stunning views of the bay.
Ideal for couples seeking an all-in-one wedding destination, the Alpine offers on-site lodging for guests in our 29 charming, newly renovated cottages. There are also five clubhouse rooms overlooking the 18-hole golf course along with two restaurants on the property.
Contact weddings@alpineresort.com for more information and to schedule a tour.
7715 Alpine Road, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
2024 TRENDS
FROM THE EXPERTS
“For 2024 we are hearing from our new clients that they want to do something different, they want to be creative and not do what their friends and family have done in the past. They are not worried about traditions; they write their own vows and they ask a friend or family member to officiate. They want their wedding to reflect their personalities; colorful or traditional flowers, favorite dessert versus tiered wedding cakes, signature drinks with wine and beer versus a full bar.”
- Carrie Baldwin, Door County Event Planners
DIVERSE DESSERTS
BRIDESMEN & GROOMSWOMEN
“Inviting all genders to either side of the wedding party is on an upward trend. Wedding parties have been smaller with just one or two standing up. For those wedding parties having their sibling or bestie stand by them it feels more personal to be next to “your person”. As guests tend to still sit on the side of the party they are familiar with, it only makes sense that the wedding party is this way.”
-
Shannon Mead, Shannon Mead Events
“Couples are using dessert to showcase what the two of them love for a treat. In Door County, couples love to showcase cherry influenced sweet treats and incorporate cherries into drinks and dinner. We are really looking forward to an upcoming July wedding that will be featuring the Door County Ice Cream Factory at a station with a freezer full of ice cream sandwiches and tubs of fun to be scooped by staff into dishes and cones!”
- Chandra Johnson, Door County Event Planners
Left to right, top to bottom: Heidi Hodges Photography, Liz Seonbuchner Photography, Victoria Danielle Photography (both photos)
THE PARTY DRESS
“We hear all the time that your wedding dress is the most important dress you will ever wear. This puts a lot of pressure on one dress! Bringing in the late night “Party Dress” allows you to fully express your style if one dress doesn’t check all the boxes.”
- Rachel Pinkham, Pink Door Events
“It seems that when the bride gets into this outfit she is able to let go of any wedding day stress and soak in what an amazing day it has truly been. Grooms can play this game too!”
- Shannon Mead, Shannon Mead Events
VINTAGE VIBES
“What was old is now new and vintage! Past wedding trends are making a comeback. I’m seeing film photography not only by photographers, but with couples leaving disposable cameras for guests to take photos with, vintage and ornate cake icing techniques are all over social media, and vintage glam hair styles are all the rage.”
- Rachel Pinkham, Pink Door Events
Left to right, top to bottom: Victoria Danielle Photography, Michael Segal Photography, Jake Anderson Photography, XOme Studio (suits at left), Tandem Photography of Door County (cake and disposable camera at right.)
2329 Mill Road Sister Bay, WI 54234
Photography:
Sydney + Cody MAKING HISTORY
Sydney and Cody first met in 2014 while working together at a garden store in Oconomowoc, first getting to know each other and soon thereafter dating. Six years later Cody popped the question during a hike at Nashotah Park, a sentimental place near his childhood home. Then, in 2021, they made the move to Door County together as Cody began working as a curator and collections manager at the Ephraim Historical Foundation.
Neither thought they had family ties to the area - outside of family vacations - but as Cody was doing some gene-
alogy research, he found that Sydney has ancestors who were early settlers of Sturgeon Bay and Sevastapol.
As they began wedding planning, they gravitated towards a simple and authentic event with a vintage feel - while also being mindful about cost. “We wanted the experience of a memorable wedding without having a significant impact on our overall financial health. Choosing a few of the most important elements that we were willing to spend more money on while looking for savings in other areas went a long way in helping us stay within our budget.”
They originally thought of getting married at Björklunden in Bailey’s Harbor within a beautiful albeit small-in-size Norwegian chapel, but realized that they wouldn’t have the required space for the size of the event they really wanted. They decided Ephraim was sentimental for them, and in the end it worked out perfectly as most guests could affordably stay nearby and walk to and from the wedding. “Our ceremony and reception were on the same property, which helped a lot,” said Sydney. “We also had our bridal suite right up the road and used the Ephraim Historical Foundation’s electric tram to get back and forth when needed.”
They describe themselves and the event as somewhat non-traditional - including a few traditional elements like the wedding party, cake cutting, and first dance - but also adapted others customs to fit their personalities: a flower press unity ceremony and opting to to read their vows to each other privately.
“Stepping away from the crowd to read our vows to each other as the reception started is a core memory. We were alone with each other as a gentle rain started, reading what we wrote, sharing and soaking up the serene moment together,” said Sydney.
CLOSE AT HEART
Sydney surprised Cody during their “first look” with a pin that had a picture of his late father, which he pinned inside his lapel and wore during the whole event.
GOLDEN HOUR
A memorable moment was taking sunset photos on the shore of Eagle Harbor. “The atmosphere at that time along with the emotions of the day made it feel like a movie,” said Sydney.
PERSONALIZED MUSIC
The couple rented DJ equipment from Guitar Center and use their own Spotify playlists for the reception music. As a guest book, the couple had guests sign a record of the Leon Bridges album Coming Home
BIG PICTURE PERSPECTIVE
“Looking back, we probably would have told ourselves not to worry so much about the very small details. People remember things like food, music, and drinks, but barely notice things like napkin placement,” said Sydney.
VENDORS
VENUE: EPHRAIM HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
CATERING: BEN AND LAURA MCMAHON
CAKE: TADYCH’S MARKETPLACE FOODS
PHOTOS: XOME STUDIO
HAIR / MAKEUP: CRYSTAL BRANDT, FIRST IMPRESSIONS HAIR STUDIO
FLORIST: IDLEWILD FLORAL CO.
TENT: BIEBEL’S RENTAL
BAR: DOOR COUNTY MOBILE BAR
CUSTOM CATERING FOR SPECIAL OCCASSIONS
Using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create a culinary experience you and your guests will be sure to remember 10339 Hwy 57, Sister Bay
Seating for 150 in the open-air Hoop House at our new location in Sister Bay. Now taking reservations.
KEARNEY + JOHN
Ellie + Will =
A FRESH COAST CLASSIC
Ellie and Will met during the early days of the pandemic after connecting on a dating app, when forming small social bubbles was necessary. “The three of us—-Will, me, and our Labrador, Hudson— got to know each other well during this time of isolation,” said Ellie.
In the 1970s Ellie’s grandparents discovered Door County and her dad happily spent family vacations here as a kid. Her mom - having spent her summers out east on Martha’s Vineyard - was unsure if Door County was all he made it out to be. “Not surprisingly, she immediately fell under the spell of Door County and as a family we have spent every summer at our cottage in Fish Creek,” explained Ellie. “I couldn’t wait to introduce Will to Door County and, like the rest of us, he fell in love with Door County too.”
After a long weekend in Door County where both sets of parents were visiting at the same time, Ellie thought that a proposal was imminent. Yet, the weekend came and went. They returned to Chicago on Sunday, and on Sunday evening Will proposed privately with a beautiful engagement ring.
They both envisioned a Door County wedding on the water, and when they learned that the Alpine Resort was being renovated, they locked it in
with local wedding planner Carrie Baldwin.
“We had lots ideas about how we wanted our wedding to look and feel but we live in Chicago and planning a wedding from a distance felt overwhelming. Luckily, friends directed us to Carrie Baldwin and Door County Event Planners. Carrie got us out of the gate quickly and spent lots of time getting to know us. She arranged for talented vendors who listened and helped us sift through ideas and Carrie kept things organized and moving forward. She also made the entire process lots fun!” said Ellie.
They planned an extended weekend of events, as most lodging required a three-night minimum stay. The weekend included a welcome barbeque, lakefront yoga in the morning, a rehearsal dinner, and a “Post Toast” party Friday night.
“Hire a local wedding planner with ties to the community,” said Ellie. “A couple can rely on the incredibly talented people of Door County to make their event so special.”
RUNAWAY BRIDE
The wedding day started with an early morning run with Ellie, Will, Will’s father and sister, and their black lab, Hudson.
PARTY MODE ACTIVATED
For fun Ellie and Will included sailor hats and light up leis for guests to don on the dance floor. After the live band wrapped up, the part continued at Casey’s BBQ where they arranged for late night snacks.
A GOOD BOY
Hudson, their black lab, almost stole the show tugging his flower-adorned leash to get down the aisle. He was also featured as a cake topper and on cookies in the welcome box.
VENDORS
PLANNER: CARRIE BALDWIN, DOOR
COUNTY EVENT PLANNERS
VENUE/ CATERING: THE ALPINE RESORT
CAKE: DEB DAVIS
MUSIC: INDIGO BAND,
PHOTOS: MICHAEL SEGAL PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEO: GORDON HODGES
HAIR / MAKEUP: ENCHANTEAU SALON
FLORIST: BLOSSOMS FLOWER HOUSE
RENTALS: RUBY DESIGN, DREAM LIGHTING CO.
VIDEOGRAPHER: CHARACTER D
Where Begins
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
UNFORGETTABLE DRESSES
With modernized weddings come new traditions and trends, and one of those trends is choosing a wedding dress that is truly unique to the bride’s style and story. Here are a few brides with bold and beautiful dresses that spoke to them and their personality.
“During the wedding process it was important for me to ask myself – ‘what does this tradition mean?’ ‘Does it fit in with what’s important to me?’ ‘How do I want to be in this tradition?’ ‘Is it worth participating in or do I want to do it differently?’ So I knew for a while that I didn’t want to wear white as I walked down the aisle. For me wearing the traditional white dress felt highly connected to an old, antiquated narrative of women being ‘pure’ and represented virginity and innocence. I chose to wear a dress I loved and that represented me and who I am/was as a 31-year-old woman.”
- Anna Laifer wearing Leanne Marshall
Photo by Michael Segal Photography
“My personal closet includes a lot of long floral dresses so going with a unique pattern felt very ‘me,’ but I still wanted to have that ‘traditional’ bridal moment, so I was torn when shopping for my wedding dress. During the planning process, my husband and I ended up deciding to do a small church ceremony with just our families during our wedding weekend. For that ceremony I chose a timeless high neck white dress from The Own Studio which fit the bill for a white bridal moment. When it came to our big celebration day, I knew I had to try on the Dahlia gown from Monique Lhuiller.”
- Annie Burnside wearing Monique Lhuiller. Photo by Jake Anderson Photography
“Since a young age, I always liked doing things slightly outside the box and be unique compared to the standard. White never seemed like the color for me and after becoming engaged and thinking about dress shopping, I really couldn’t see myself wearing even an off-white or champagne color dress. I secretly always knew black would be my color!
As for choosing my wedding dress, it just so happened to be the first I tried on. I knew right away it was the dress for me! The snap on bows on the shoulders were my favorite part, I left them off for the ceremony and snapped them on for photos and the party. The long simple train with false buttons down the full back were another huge liking of mine. It felt like a modern classic!”
- Cassandra Weis wearing The Molly Gown by Allure Bridals
Photo by Tandem Photographyof Door County
“It all started with the dress. I saw the Naeem Khan New Mexico dress in New York in 2016 and hadn’t been able to take my mind off it since then. The minute Bobby proposed I knew I had to find a way to get it. I didn’t even try on any other dress. I knew it was my dress.”
- Abilgail Harlan wearing Naeem Kahn New Mexico
by Annie Parish Photography
Photo
Theresa + Michael
EFFORTLESS LOVE
Mike’s optimism towards the online dating world was wearing thin at the same time as Theresa first took her shot at digital dating. “The rumors are true, it’s no walk in the park and you’re looking for a diamond in the rough,” said Mike. “I think anyone that has experienced online dating would agree. We truly lucked out finding one another.”
After a romantic proposal involving thirty of their closest friends surprising Theresa at the dive bar where they first met, the pair started to think about what their wedding day might be like. “Truthfully, when we first started planning our wedding, we weren’t really sure what our vision was, we just knew we wanted it to be perfect. I remember one day watching the episode of “Gilmore Girls” where Luke and Lorelai get married and saying to each other, “That right there, THAT’S the vision,” said Mike. “But aside from the fact that recreating Stars Hollow without a Hollywood level budget is a little far-fetched and slightly unoriginal, we decided to lean into the vibe that we felt embodied Door County... simple, rustic, romantic and natural.”
They loved Door County because of its natural beauty and the ability to have
a destination wedding in a place with a hometown feel. The idea of a wedding on Washington Island was explored, since Mike’s aunt and uncle own a home there, but they began to see the limitations with lodging and transportation. “On a trip back home from the island, we started to take notice of the towns we passed through and realized that there was so much potential that we
were literally passing by so we started to research venues in the area,” said Mike. They ended up choosing to host their ceremony on the outdoor terrace at the Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, and the reception inside and outside the venue. The theme of the wedding was “Effortless Love,” embodying an elegant, simple, and fun-loving atmosphere.
VENDORS
PLANNER: SHANNON MEAD EVENTS
VENUE: DONALD & CAROL KRESS PAVILION
CATERING: THYME CATERING
CUPCAKES: THE CUPCAKE COUTURE
BEST FOOT FORWARD
The first dance was incredibly special because they put a lot of time and effort into preparing for it. They took dance lessons with a professional studio in Chicago and practiced at home in between lessons, ensuring that it was perfect.
BOOKMARK FROM THE HEART
Theresa’s mother handmade bookmarks featuring a line from The West Side Story to place at every guest’s table setting.
MUSIC: LARS BRASCHNEWITZ, MUSIC MASTERS
PHOTOS: HEIDI HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEO: GORDON HODGES
HAIR / MAKEUP: CRYSTAL-EYEZ MAKEUP & BEAUTY
LOUNGE
FLORIST: FLORA FLOWER SHOP
A SUPER CHILDHOOD
A standout moment was Mike’s father’s speech which gave everyone a slightly embarrassing glimpse into Mike’s childhood hobby of running around in a superhero cape.
NO PEEKING ALLOWED
They wanted the first time that they saw each other to be as Theresa walked down the aisle, so they did a few “no peek” photos prior to the ceremony, being very careful to never catch a glimpse of one another.
Katie + Dean
LOVE ON THE ROCKS
Katie and Dean’s love story began in the classic way: being matched on a dating website, with Dean using an infamous first line “Well hello there, how are you doing today?” Katie asked Dean to meet for drinks at Poh’s Corner Pub a few days later and they hit it off. The next evening Dean took Katie to a proper first dinner date at The Nightingale, and the rest is history.
Before a proposal even happened, they both were on the same page for what they wanted with a wedding; they both envisioned all their friends and family in their favorite place - Door County. “We had booked our venue, Stone Harbor Resort,
before we even got engaged! We knew that’s where we wanted our reception to be,” said Katie. “We were in the midst of COVID and worried that with all the wedding reschedules, by the time we got engaged, we wouldn’t have options.”
Since Katie was born and raised in Door County, but Dean’s family and Katie’s extended family would be traveling from out of the area, they needed good lodging options. “We provided room blocks at Stone Harbor and offered alternate places to stay nearby including Bay Shore Inn, Bridgeport, Westwood Shores, and Birmingham’s Cottages,” said Katie.
Katie said that having a waterfront venue with good food and a convenient place
for lodging were all important to her and led to them choosing Stone Harbor. It was also important to them to have a Catholic ceremony, which was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, within walking distance to the reception venue. For the bridal party, they used a red Door County Trolley to go between events and take photos.
Because the vendors they wanted were booked early and they had a two year engagement, Katie and Dean said planning went rather seamlessly. If she had to share a tip for Door County brides, she said “Delegate more! Don’t be such a perfectionist. Truly, you are the only one who notices all the small details that you’re worried about. You don’t have to take everything on yourself.”
FRONT PAGE NEWS
Katie and Dean used a newspaper-style design to give guests an overview of the wedding weekend events, timelines and to give special thanks.
A MOTHER’S GIFT
Katie gifted her mom a personalized art portrait of her, her mother and her deceased grandmother on the wedding day, saying “I presented it to her after we were done getting ready, prior to the ceremony. Cue the waterworks!”
FIRST TOUCH
The bride wanted to see the groom’s reaction for the first time walking down the aisle, so they did a “first touch.” However, the bride still did a separate first look with her dad, brother, and their dog, Miller!
ULTRA MARATHON DIY
“With the number of guests that we had (330+), everything that we did was just on a much larger scale. Every DIY project, invitations, name plates, took much longer to make than expected,” said Katie.
VENUE: STONE HARBOR RESORT
CATERING: STONE HARBOR RESORT
CAKE: MONZU BAKERY
MUSIC: SCOTT BATTERHAM, ELITE MUSIC
VENDORS
PHOTOS: VICTORIA DANIELLE
PHOTOGRAPHY
HAIR / MAKEUP: KMS HAIR STUDIO / WANDERLUSH BEAUTY STEPHANIE
VANSTRATEN
FLORIST: FLORA FLOWER SHOP
RENTALS: RUBY DESIGN RENTALS
TRANSPORTATION: DOOR COUNTY
TROLLEY
VIDEOGRAPHER: RACHEL LUKAS
ENTERTAINMENT & EXTRAS
Ensuring that your wedding is a fun and memorable event for guests is near the top of the list of priorities when planning. But let’s face it, not everyone is good at finding their own fun. Good thing there are plenty of options when it comes to infusing a good time.
When Danyelle and Andrew got engaged, they had a characature portrait done at the Door County Fair. To keep with the theme, they had a characture artist at their wedding to do their marriage portrait and for guests to utilize!
Photo by Victoria Danielle Photography
Rather than a photo booth, Theresa & Michael (pg 31) opted for a 360° camera to capture the fun!
Photo by Heidi Hodges Photography
Seanna and Lucas tied the knot at Northen House in Sister Bay, and while they already knew they won the lottery by finding each other, they gifted guests a lottery scratch off and lucky penny.
Photo by Tandem Photography of Door County
Guests on the dance floor might feel like busting a groove a little harder if they are wearing groovy sunglasses to match! Danyelle and Andrew offered custom glasses and large glow sticks to up the ante for party vibes.
Photo by Victoria Danielle Photography
How well do you know the couple? Learn the fun facts with an oversized crossword puzzle that gets guests talking and puzzle-solving during cocktail hour.
Photo by Jessie Lee Photography
Skip the glass clinking with The Kissing Game! There are lots of fun ways to adapt this - it’s an entertaining way to update a classic tradition.
Photo by Tandem Photography of Door County
When having guests from out of town (or state!) attend, the more information about the weekend and planned events, the better! Gift bags with info-packed itineraries are ever-so-helpful.
Photo by Heidi Hodges Photography
If your guest list is an active group of people - why not plan a group fitness class? Yoga, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, or golfing are all excellent and accessible options in Door County.
T he first time Maddie saw Curt was in a TikTok video where he could be seen helping an old lady cross the street. Her mother had sent her the video and she responded “that man is the love of my life.” The next day her best friend sent the same video saying “date him please!!” Maddie contemplated actually reaching out to him, but decided it wasn’t the right time. A month later she was convinced to try the dating app Hinge, and Curt was the first person that popped up. “I recognized him from the video that my mom had sent me the previous month and sent him a message about it,” said Maddie. “We started talking right away and haven’t stopped since!”
The couple originally thought about having a larger wedding, but as the process of planning begun, realized that they didn’t want to go that route with all the added costs, extra time to plan, and limited venues. They considered eloping, but
couldn’t find somewhere that felt right. “After discussing it further we decided the most special place to us was Door County and we just wanted to be married in our special place with our most special people,” said Maddie. The wedding ended up including a total of 14 people, all family except for Curtiss’ childhood friend. They chose Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor, hosting their outdoor ceremony on the water at The Pointe followed by a reception at The Boat House.
The theme Maddie and Curtiss planned around was intimate, intentional, and timeless. Instead of heavy florals, they opted for lots of white candles down the center of the dining table and around the boat house. All of the women wore shades of pink and the men wore black suits with black bow ties. “The venue was so naturally beautiful on the water with fall colors that I leaned into that, instead of adding a ton of decorations,” said Maddie.
There was plenty of sentimental details as well - including a custom cocktail “The Lady” named after their dog, handwritten notes for each guest instead of placecards, a “Sip & Solve” crossword with questions about them for the cocktail hour, and during the ceremony, they invited their family to pray over them.
“We also had our recessional song “Everlasting Love” start playing earlier than the kiss - so it was playing all during the final pronouncements and it like a movie walking back down the aisle!”
After dinner they brought the music onto the patio overlooking Lake Michigan and danced the night away. Maddie noted that the staff commented ‘This was one of the smallest weddings we’ve ever had, but also one of the biggest parties we’ve ever seen.’ “That felt like it summed up our entire day right there!”
IN THE FAMILY
SLOW FOOD
Since they decided guests were limited, it only felt right to have Maddie’s father marry them. “It was so meaningful since he had been able to watch our relationship blossom since the beginning and shared the sweetest stories and sentiments about us,” said Maddie.
“The dinner service we planned to be intentionally slow,” said Maddie. “It felt like we as a couple got to spend the entire night together as well as spend quality time with all of our family members who meant so much to us.”
DANCE TO YOUR OWN BEAT
The couple’s first dance was to “Dancing in the Moonlight” -- a fast upbeat song which they enthusiastically jumped around to!
Instead of doing a separate mother-son and daddy-daughter dances, they combined them to “Do You Believe in Magic” and had an absolute blast all dancing together.
DEAR HUSBAND
“I had been keeping a journal for Curt since the week that I met him filled with mementos from our dates, our favorite memories, and things I wanted us to remember,” Maddie said. “He had no idea I had been doing this for the past two plus years and I surprised him with this on our wedding morning. My sister also surprised me with a book full of letters from my friends and family for my wedding day - I bawled my eyes out!”
VENDORS
VENUE: GORDON LODGE’S BOAT HOUSE
CATERING / CAKE: GORDON LODGE
PHOTO: JESSIE LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
HAIR / MAKEUP: SAM VANDREEL
FLORIST: BLOSSOMS FLOWER HOUSE
TRANSPORTATION: DOOR COUNTY
PERSONAL DRIVERS
VIDEOGRAPHER: CHRIS MILLER
Becca + Jeremy
LUCKY IN LOVE
Jeremy grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and Becca was raised in a small town outside of Chicago, and in 2018 they met in Milwaukee, only four weeks after Jeremy relocated to the area from New York City. Having spent time in Egg Harbor each year vacationing with family, Becca was excited to introduce Jeremy to Door County, and as the relationship progressed, shared her dream of one day getting married here.
After a seaside engagement in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, they started to discuss the location of the wedding more earnestly.
“Both of our families live out of state, so no matter where we had the wedding, there would be travel involved for most of the guests. We decided on Door County because it felt like a destination wedding but it was still sentimental,” said Jeremy. “Gordon Lodge was perfect because it has the gorgeous waterfront ceremony spot, a breathtaking sunset, and several lovely
event spaces for our guests to enjoy.”
As for the theme and details of the event, Becca had a head start since she is a wedding photographer herself. “I was very much looking forward to the planning process. I’ve seen over 100 weddings as a photographer so I have been collecting ideas” said Becca. Additionally, since Jeremey’s parents immigrated from Hong Kong, his culture was incredibly important to include.
“For most of the friends and family from my side, our wedding was their first time coming up to Wisconsin,” said Jeremy. “We wanted to make sure that they felt welcomed by incorporating Chinese wedding customs that they were familiar with, namely the tea ceremony during which the bride and groom serve tea to their immediate family and close relatives to ask for their blessing of the marriage.”
Jeremy and Becca serving tea to Jeremy’s elderly grandmother who traveled from New York City to attend.
The overarching theme that influenced most of the design was Chinoiserie, an evocation of Chinese motifs and techniques in Western art, furniture, architecture. Becca collected blue and white Chinoiserie china for table decor and floral arrangements.
As it relates to Chinese cultural considerations, it was important not to include any white flowers as white is a color associated with funerals and death. “I even made sure to choose a blush-colored wedding dress in lieu of the more traditional ivory,” said Becca, “and red is a very lucky color so variations of that color were worked into the florals and other materials, including our wedding invitations.”
During the planning process, Jeremy was resigned to the fact that one of the larger customs - including a lion dance - would have to be skipped due to the logistical challenges. Unbeknownst to him, Becca was moving mountains to make it happen.
“The Lion Dance was a huge surprise for me and my side of the family. I was so convinced that this wasn’t something that would happen and Becca led me on about how difficult it would be to bring the ZYKFA troupe ‘all the way up from Madison’ to perform at our wedding. I had written it off for months. In the end however, this was all part of her ploy, and it was a good one,” recalled Jeremy. “It was an incredible feat that she and Niki (her maid of honor) pulled
off, and one that made my family feel incredibly welcomed. For me personally, it evoked a lot of pride in my heritage and reminded me of all our annual Chinese New Year celebrations back home in New York City. Chinese New Year is a big holiday in East Asian cultures, and to have that same energy incorporated into our wedding was the best way to kick off the party.”
BRIDESBROTHER
Becca had a maid of honor, three bridesmaids, and one bridesman - her brother, Jacob Bowen.
WISCONSIN DELICACY
They served Kringle from Uncle Mikes’ Bakery for dessert to show off a little Wisconsin culture to their out-of-town guests.
BASEBALL TOSS
In lieu of a garter and bouquet toss, they instead tossed baseballs - one with a Cubs logo for Becca and one with a Yankees logo for Jeremy. This was especially fitting because Jeremy is a strength and conditioning coach for baseball players.
PLANNING FOR TRAVELING GUESTS
“Most of our friends and family hadn’t been to (or even heard of) Door County so we wanted to provide as much information on our website as possible in addition to providing buses to and from the venue on the wedding day. We had a bus go to two hotels in Egg Harbor, the Landmark and the Newport, where a majority of guests were staying.,” said Becca.
“We wanted our guests to fall in love with the peninsula like we did. We made sure ahead of time to provide them with lots of itinerary advice, references, and activities to do over the weekend. I think our mission was accomplished because several of our friends and families booked their own trips to Door County that summer and plan to go back this year!”
Becca and Jeremey also said that accessibility is something to be considerate of when planning, as the closest airport is Green Bay, and the next closest is Milwaukee. And without direct public transit, renting a car or arranging rides for guests is a must.
FIRST LOOK BACK
The only change the couple would have made looking back is to do a first look, which would have meant not taking any time spent with their guests away.
FORTUNE FAVORS
Jeremy and Becca bought painted chopsticks in silk sleeves from Chinatown on a trip to NYC to use as wedding favors and included red envelopes with money and mandarin oranges on table settings for guests to give to the lion dancers to bring good luck and good fortune.
BEST DOG
Their best dog was Bennie Bowen who wore a little flower garland down the aisle.
VENDORS
VENUE / PLANNING: GORDON LODGE
CATERING: GORDON LODGE
CAKE: UNCLE MIKE’S BAKE SHOPPE
DJ: DREAMIN’ DJ
PHOTOS: LIZ SEONBUCHNER PHOTOGRAPHY
HAIR / MAKEUP: BLUSH BRIDAL
FLORIST: BUDS ‘N BLOOM
RENTALS: ABOUT THYME FARM, PINK DOOR EVENTS
TRANSPORTATION: KOBUSSEN
Zia & Justin
Zia and Justin met on Bumble where they found they had similar hobbies and a shared interest in traveling. Their adventures eventually took them to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, where Justin proposed on a twilight walk overlooking the ocean. They knew right away they wanted an intimate outdoor wedding, and at first considered eloping, but ultimately wanted to choose a special place that would allow their friends and family to be a part of their day.
“We had taken a few long winter weekend trips to a cabin in Ellison Bay during which we discovered Newport State Park and fell in love with the remote beauty of the shoreline and woods,” said Zia. “We had made so many wonderful memories in Door County as a couple, hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the local communities, and we wanted to capture that magic for our wedding and share it with our friends and family.”
Because they were focused on purchasing a home after their engagement, they waited to start the planning process until after closing on a home in May 2023. “The hardest part was reaching out to a bunch of vendors in June for a September wedding, and hearing “sorry, we’re booked” from everyone. This is where Pink Door Events was an absolute lifesaver; she quickly connected us with amazing vendors for all of our key elements, including food, flowers, cake, and photography. Her recommendations were flawless!” said Zia.
They imagined a ceremony in a wild natural location which held significance to them, which is why they chose a rocky shoreline off of Lynd Trail in Newport State Park. After the ceremony, they hosted an upscale yet relaxed indoor/ outdoor reception at a rental location from Open Door Rentals. To make the most of their time with guests, they planned a couple “wrap around” events for their guests, including a Friday night at Door County Brewing Company and a Sunday brunch catered by Sway Brewing.
PARK PASSES
To make it easy for guests, the couple worked with park rangers to buy bulk park passes for guests to attend the ceremony.
FULL MOON FUN
The backyard reception was extra special with a little extra light from the moon that night.
LESS IS MORE
They chose to forgo a wedding party to cut out extra coordination and expenses on both themselves and their friends, though they still felt they found time to share special moments.
TIP FROM ZIA
“Hire a local planner who can guide you and lean on local vendors who know the area; there are so many talented people in Door County!”
VENDORS
PLANNER: RACHEL PINKHAM, PINK DOOR EVENTS
VENUE: NEWPORT STATE PARK, OPEN
DOOR LODGING
CATERING: ABOUT THYME FARM
CAKE: SWEET DESIGNS
PHOTO: TANDEM PHOTOGRAPHY OF DOOR COUNTY
HAIR / MAKEUP: BLUSH BRIDAL
FLORIST: FLORA FLOWER SHOP
BAR: FRESH COAST COCKTAILS
Jared + Samuel =
SURROUNDED BY LOVE
Sam was living in New York City and Jared was living in Boston when they formed a connection after meeting via Instagram in 2018. Despite the distance, they had a handful of dates over the course of six months before Jared made the leap and moved to NYC. “As fate would have it, Sam was touring the country in a musical by then, so it was another six months of long-distance dating before we were finally in the same place,” said Jared.
Sam proposed to Jared at sunset on New Year’s Eve 2022, on the beach in Turks & Caicos. Sam had meant to propose on an evening paddleboard excursion, but the resort’s New Years Eve preparations foiled that plan. “We think we dodged a bullet there – how do you get down on one knee on a paddleboard? What if the ring fell into the ocean?,” said Jared.
“I did wonder why Sam was wearing a fanny pack with his swim trunks (to conceal the ring box!) but didn’t think it polite to question his fashion choices.”
They knew they wanted to be wed in Door County as both their families have fond memories of vacationing there, with Jared’s family ties going back generations. They also formed a connection here, having spent the pandemic summer on the peninsula and it being the first place where they told each other “I love you.”
When they found an August opening at their dream venue - the Woodwalk Gallery - they jumped on it and started planning.
“For every planning choice, we focused on the joy of our partnership, and incorporated - or discarded - traditions that reflected that,” said Sam. “We didn’t have a wedding party, and didn’t do a big bachelor party trip - as has become a sort of tradition.”
They didn’t have a wedding party, but made sure to include family members and friends each in their own way: their sisters gave toasts at the rehearsal dinner, their moms read poems during the ceremony, their dads blessed the dinner and the guests, and two close friends toasted them just before dessert.
As for wedding day surprises Sam got Jared a lovely first edition of his favorite book, and Jared gifted Sam a vintage watch to wear during the wedding. Jared was quite surprised by the Leicht family yodeling tradition, which they showcased during the reception.
Overall, the most memorable part of the event was the people. “At the end of the day, we wanted our wedding to be about gathering the people we love to help us celebrate and commemorate our love,” said Jared.
PINTEREST PROS
We quickly found that if we dropped “wedding” from our search terms on Pinterest, we discovered a whole new treasure trove of inspiration.
VENDORS
S’MORE DESSERT?
In addition to the small wedding cake, guests enjoyed cupcakes made by Sam’s family and a s’mores station organized by Jared’s.
VENUE: THE WOODWALK GALLERY
CATERING: CHEF FUSION
CAKE: PINK BAKERY
BUILT-IN BEAUTY
“Door County has pretty much all the beauty you could ask for, we really didn’t have to do much to make it the most gorgeous day ever,” said Jared.
LIVE MUSIC: TVK ORCHESTRA (CHICAGO)
PHOTOS: TANDEM PHOTOGRAPHY OF DOOR COUNTY RENTALS: ELITE RENTALS, ABOUT THYME FARM
BAR SERVICE: THE WOODWALK GALLERY TRANSPORTATION: DOOR COUNTY TROLLEY COMPANY
MAN (& WIFE’S) BEST FRIEND
A marriage is the start of a family - and often times that family already includes a furry friend! Many couples want to include their pet during their special day, whether the pet can attend the events or not. It’s a sweet way to share the importance of that bond between you, your spouse, and your four-footed furball.
Photos: (clockwise from top right)
A friends well-behaved pup, Pewee, was in attendance at Sydney and Cody’s wedding (pg. 19). The couple’s two cats had to stay home, but had their portraits featuredon the bar napkins! Photo by XOme Studio.
Kara and Billy’s dog, Odin, generously sponsored the open bar at their event (pg. 11). Photo by Artemis Photography.
Katie and Dean’s “pride and joy,” AKA a golden doodle named Miller, couldn’t attend the church ceremony (pg. 37), but was treated to a first look with the bride and featured on the drink koozies. Photos by Victoria Danielle.
At Ellie and Will’s wedding (pg. 23) the cake topper was their adorable black lab. Photo by Michael Segal Photography.
“The Lady” signature cocktail at Maddie and Curtiss’s wedding (pg. 44) was a nod to their furry friend, Lady. Photo by Jessie Lee Photography.
Sam and Jared (pg. 55) included their dog in the festivities with a floral garland and some family portraits. Photos by Tandem Photography of Door County.
Madelyn + Seth A FRENCH CONNECTION
It’s not often you hear of high school sweethearts tying the knot, but Madelyn and Seth are one of those fairytale love stories. They met at Gibraltar High School in Fish Creek and dated for eight years before getting engaged after a romantic dinner at their favorite restaurant, Eno Vino, in Madison. Having both grown up in Door County with their family and friends nearby, there was no question that they’d host their wedding here. “We have both grown up here and couldn’t imagine a better location than home,” said Madelyn.
For the theme, they were inspired by the French style garden at the bride’s family home, named Le Jardin de Deux Chemin for it’s French accents and design.
“Our family heritage is French on my father’s side and my mom fell in love with France when she was in high school and took French class. She visited the country and has always loved the French chateau gardens and the gardens in Paris. The Tuileries gardens and Versailles for example,” said Madelyn.
“My parents have gone to visit several times more and I had the privilege of going with them when I was six years old and in high school. My parents then decided to create a miniature French garden in our backyard in 2006.”
The bride’s parents, the LeClair’s, worked above and beyond the normal maintenance to transform the space to host an elegant wedding.
“They wanted everything perfect, so a lot more time was spent on upkeep. Normally the garden is closed, and fountains shut off by labor day,” said Madelyn. “We had to keep everything ready through September while the leaves were changing and falling. In the end, the only thing we added in the garden was a trellis full of flowers we were married underneath.”
VENDORS
CATERING: THYME
RESTAURANT & CATERING
CAKE: HAPPY BELLIES
BAKE SHOP
DJ: ELITE DJ SERVICES
PHOTOS: XOME STUDIO
HAIR / MAKEUP: EN-
CHANTEAU
FLORIST: FLORA FLOWER
SHOP
RENTALS: ELITE TENTS
Guide to Door County Wedding Vendors
This guide is intended to be a reliable resource for couples and families planning a Door County wedding. Although we limited the guide to focus on seven main vendor categories, we attempted to make it as inclusive as possible. Each category includes a comprehensive listing of wedding professionals currently operating and located in Door County. The listings with expanded descriptions are for advertisers appearing in the pages of this publication. You can refer to the Index of Advertisers on page 73 to find each advertisement.
To find a directory of Door County businesses, visit doorcountypulse.com.
Catering
Alexander’s of Door County (920) 868-3532 alexandersofdoorcounty.com alexandersofdc@gmail.com
Catering by Culinaria (920) 854-8029 mcevoysculinaria.com cateringbyculinaria@gmail.com
Chives Door County (920) 619-5112 chivesdoorcounty.com chivesdining@gmail.com
Crave Cuisine is a boutique catering company located in Sturgeon Bay. Lori, creator & owner, and the amazing head chef, Ollen, will work with you to produce a menu that reflects your personal style and vision for your wedding or special event. We specialize in producing imaginative-seasonal culinary experiences alongside professional and fun service. Crave Cuisine can provide you with food from your pre-wedding nibbles to your late night snacks.
Door County Custom Meats (920) 746-0304 dcmeats.com
Fresh Personal Chefs of Door County (920) 621-2290 dcfreshchefs.com dcfreshchefs@yahoo.com
Door County’s premier professional chef service. Offering local and fresh foods prepared in your home kitchen. More than 35 years of combined culinary experience. Specializing in dinners and events for 50 guests or fewer, resort and condo cooking. Our chefs help with menu planning, do all food shopping, prepare and serve your meal on-site, and do all kitchen cleanup to make your life easier!
Nothing says love better than cheese! Renard’s Cheese has been passionately handcrafting cheese for three generations, since 1961. Renard’s features an extensive catering menu with delicious foods and charcuterie boards from our Melt Bistro. We also feature hand crafted artisan cheeses, custom gift boxes and a vast array of local Door County products.
The Jamaican Door (920) 857-7135 thejamaicandoor.com
Thyme Restaurant & Catering
thymecateringdoorcounty.com
contact@thymecateringdoorcounty.com
Creating custom farm-to-table-based menus, Thyme Restaurant & Catering is Door County’s premier caterer for destination weddings and family gatherings. We use only the freshest locally sourced ingredients in all our dishes. Working with only the best planners and event sites, we can help create an unforgettable event and dining experience for you and your guests. Our highly trained staff will help set up your event, serve your guests and clean up after so all you need to do is enjoy every minute of your special day. Outdoor ceremony space available and seating for 130 in the open-air Hoop House at our location in Sister Bay. Now taking reservations.
Ceremony and Reception Venues
About Thyme Farm (920) 606-4382
aboutthymefarm.com
aboutthymefarm@gmail.com
Alpine Resort (920) 868-3000
www.alpineresort.com
weddings@alpineresort.com
The 100+ year legacy lives on at the historic Alpine Resort — a scenic drive from Green Bay, Milwaukee
and Chicago. The Alpine provides an escape to enjoy the best golf and resort in Wisconsin. Our Waterfront Bay Lawn is a timeless and romantic backdrop for your wedding day, rehearsal dinner, reunion, or special event. We specialize in weekend retreats with on-site lodging to accommodate all of your guests in our 29 charming, newly renovated cottages and five clubhouse rooms. Our beautiful 4,000 square foot sailcloth tent includes a wood floor, tables, chairs, table clothes, full place settings, cloth napkins and glassware. We provide an outstanding catering menu and a full bar for you and your guests. For additional festivities and intimate gatherings, we offer an 860 square-foot private dining room which features a private covered porch and a waterfront lawn with sweeping views of Green Bay. The Alpine has everything and more for the unforgettable wedding you deserve.
Bridal Chapel of Door County (920) 432-8022 bridalchapel.com bridalchapel@gmail.com
Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion (920) 868-3334 ext. 3 kresspavilion.org kresspavilion@villageofeggharbor.org
Completed in 2018, the Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion is home to the Egg Harbor Library. The pavilion welcomes to-be-weds with sweeping views of bay sunsets and surrounding orchards with a second-floor wrap-around porch and Great Hall space with ample natural light. Situated downtown in the charming Village of Egg Harbor, the building provides a modern venue with a variety of options to suit any wedding style. Accommodating groups of up to 150 guests, the Kress Pavilion is the perfect spot for your special day.
Door County Brewing Co. Taproom (920) 239-8181 Doorcountbrewingco.com info@doorcountybrewingco.com Kick off the celebration with a meet up here at Door County Brewing Co.. Friends, family and beer are the perfect way to get the party started. Inquire about group offerings.
Door County Gala (920) 495-4443
doorcountygala.com
hello@doorcountygala.com
Your love story deserves a memorable celebration!
The new Door County Gala is a modern, industrial venue offering high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, an expansive bar, and folding glass doors leading to an outdoor gathering space. In-house chefs, bar service, and event staff create a stress-free day. We can accommodate parties of up to 450 guests. Accepting 2024 and 2025 weddings & events.
Door County Maritime Museum (920) 743-5958
dcmm.org info@dcmm.org
Door County Peach Barn, LLC peachbarnbrewing.com jason@peachbarnbrewing.com
Door Country Event Venue (920) 256-1635 doorcountry.wedding annschmitz@outlook.com
Fernwood Gardens Ballroom at Mr. G’s (920) 559-0338
mrgslogancreekgrille.com
Fernwood Ballroom is built on a tradition of outstanding service, incredible food and beautiful wedding receptions. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding for 100 or an old fashioned setting for 350 guests, we have the perfect space.Our experienced staff will ensure that everything from customizing the perfect menu to delivering the best dinner is seamless. We will work with you to make sure your day is everything you expect it to be.
As Door County’s premier wedding venue, Gordon Lodge offers award-winning service alongside unforgettable lakeside scenery. Our 130 acres combine tranquility and picture-perfect views with accommodations and activities for you and your loved ones. Located on North Bay, the property features several spaces big and small for your wedding, rehearsal, and lodging needs. The bay makes for a picturesque backdrop, and our grand ballroom features floor-toceiling windows overlooking the water so that you and your guests won’t miss the spectacular sunsets.
Up to 300 friends and family members can join in on celebrating at this beautiful, historic property.
Hosting your event at the Beach Club at Horseshoe Bay Golf Club, offers you access to a private bay shore setting at a stress-free full-service facility. The Beach Club can accommodate events up to 350 persons or down to the most intimate get-togethers. Whatever you desire, we can help make your event just what you were dreaming of. Contact Horseshoe Bay Golf Club today to check availability at 920-868-9141 or visit our website at horseshoebaygolfclub.net for more information.
Lake Fire Winery (920) 839.9992
LakeFireWinery.com info@LakeFireWinery.com
Landmark Resort (920) 868-3205
thelandmarkresort.com
groupsales@thelandmarkresort.com
Nestled in the natural beauty of Door County, the Landmark Resort is the perfect location to celebrate your special day with breathtaking views overlooking the bay. With various indoor and outdoor venues, it’s the perfect year-round location to create memories that will linger long after returning home. Whether you’re local or traveling from out of state, our wedding specialists can help take the stress out of wedding planning and make a seamless, fun experience for you and your planner. With our extensive knowledge of on-property logistics, local connections and event-planning skills, your Door County wedding will be personalized to your taste!
The Log Den (920) 868-3888 thelogden.com manager@thelogden.com
The Log Den is a log cabin-style restaurant and event facility in Door County, WI. It was designed and constructed by the Lautenbach family, who owns and operates it to this day. This meticulously detailed, 10,000-square-foot restaurant offers seating for more than 300 people while providing spaces for more intimate weddings as well. Additionally, it features a beautiful outdoor space with flowing waterfalls for a picturesque ceremony. The Log Den is the perfect location for weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and other special events. We welcome your special wedding for what is sure to be a one-of-a-kind Door County experience. If you’re interested in planning your special day with us, please contact our event coordinator, Kim Bell.
Maxwelton Braes Lodge (920) 574-8326
maxweltonbraes.com
weddingsatmax@gmail.com
The historic Maxwelton Braes Lodge and Banquet Facility is located in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin on the south end of town near the shores of Lake Michigan. The historic lodge was originally built in the 1930’s We can accommodate an event of any size in a private setting. The banquet facility offers guests a personal bar, large and small dining areas, stage, dance floor, restrooms, and an unforgettable view of the golf course. We offer onsite lodging as well. It is truly a magical space to hold your wedding!
Northern Haus (920) 401-1044
northernhaus.com
info@NorthernHaus.com
Nestled within a stunning, 30-acre property in Sister Bay, Northern Haus is a serene escape for events both grand and intimate. The natural beauty and modern design of Northern Haus is an ideal backdrop for unions of every kind, and our expert staff will work alongside you to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Our stunning venue blends luxury with modernday farmhouse, featuring soaring ceilings and chandeliers. The more intimate Forest Retreat is a secluded outdoor setting for ceremonies and cocktails. Northern Haus operates on an exclusive catering list and offers all booked clients a preferred vendor list to simplify the planning process, as well as multiple complimentary amenities and services. When searching for the perfect destination venue location, look no further than Northern Haus. Reserve your wedding date today. “Inquire” on our website for more information.
One Barrel Brewing onebarrelbrewing.com eggharbor@onebarrelbrewing.com
Host your Welcome event at One Barrel! Enjoy our gorgeous Taproom or head outdoors to a spacious, multi-tiered Beer Garden. NEW: Private backyard patio available for rental! Informal gatherings are also allowed (no reservation required – but please EMAIL in advance.) Wine, handmade cider, an expansive craft beer list PLUS “Pizza Bros” food onsite. A true Wisco experience your guests won’t forget. Casual. Friendly. Fun. Penguin sightings guaranteed.
Sail Door County (920) 495-7245
saildoorcounty.com info@saildoorcounty.com
Sonny’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria Sonnyspizzeria.com (920) 743-2300
Located in the shadow of the historic steel bridge along the westside waterfront in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Sonny’s Pizzeria is the perfect location to host your special day. We offer indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception space and onsite catering. We are within walking distance to many lodging options too. Booking 2024 & 2025 events now!
Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center (920) 448-1986
stoneharbor-resort.com
nbertz@stoneharbor-resort.com
Your wedding day may be in December or May. You may be dreaming big or small, afternoon or evening, traditional or decidedly not. Whatever you decide, the staff at Stone Harbor Resort will help you make your dream a reality. And although the perfect wedding means different things to different people, one thing is the same: Your special day will be filled with joy! The “happily ever after” kind of joy that lasts a lifetime. Destination weddings are the hottest thing these days! Let us help you plan your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, reception and even your honeymoon if you’d like!
Stone’s Throw Winery (920) 839-9660
stonesthrowwinery.com
sales@stonesthrowwinery.com
Door County’s only ultra-premium, all grape winery, featuring fine wines made in Door County from fresh California grapes. Enjoy tastings from our award winning wines, indulge in Italian tapas from our VinoVino wine bar and treat yourself to a game of bocce. We are a spectacular indoor/ outdoor setting for your wedding or special event. Please join us. Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.
Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club is the premier location for your wedding ceremony and reception! Our waterfront clubhouse offers indoor dining for up to 170 guests with more room on the lawn. Everything is prepared and presented by our highly skilled and courteous staff. With a 270-degree view of the water, your guests can relax, chat, play games or watch the boats sail by. If you are not currently a member of the SBYC, our gift to you is a one-year membership to the club with all the privileges. Let us help make the start of this new chapter of your lives a beautiful one.
The Augusta Club (920) 839-2361
info@theaugustadoorcounty.com
Celebrate your next event at The Augusta Club. Designed to embrace Wisconsin’s classic supper club history, our unique, waterfront venue features cozy lounge areas, ample room for dining, a full bar, a stage for entertainment, and a full commercial kitchen. Enjoy your event alongside beautiful Lake Michigan views from our solarium or lawn. Bring your favorite caterers, florists, or entertainment to create a celebration that speaks to you. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser, The Augusta Club provides a timeless backdrop for making memories.
The Dörr Hotel (844) 944-0354
Thedorrhotel.com
sales@thedorrhotel.com
Inspired by the Scandinavian history of Door County, we’ve created a year-round Nordic hotel experience in the heart of SIster Bay. By melding modern style with local heritage, we are the gateway that brings people and seasons together. In other words, we are The Dörr.
The Fiddler’s Farm (920) 559-3460
thefiddlersfarm.com
fiddlechick01@yahoo.com
The Lodge at Leathem Smith (920) 743-5555
thelodgeatls.com info@thelodgeatls.com
The Lodge at Leathem Smith celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2022. The Lodge is a historic waterfront lodge in the heart of Sturgeon Bay, it is the perfect backdrop for your special day. Our wedding specialists will assist in coordinating the details for your dream wedding. Our executive chef can prepare any choice of menu based on personal preference, religious observations or dietary restrictions. The Lodge at Leatham Smith is a full service resort offering lodging, ceremony locations and receptions. We offer indoor and outdoor options with waterfront views. We look forward to hosting your special day.
The Swedish Orchard Farm theswedishorchardfarm.com
We love that Woodwalk becomes the beginning of your love story. Set on a scenic 10 acre landscape filled with fields and gardens, this redesigned barn turned art gallery makes a truly unique wedding experience for couples and their guests.From the time you reach out to us, through your event, and beyond, we take every little thing just as seriously as you do. We work hard to ensure you are here to relax, celebrate, and be fully present for every magical moment.
Florists
Blossoms Flower House (920) 853-4288 blossomsflowerhouse.com blossomsofdoorcounty@gmail.com
Flora Flower Shop is ... a Floral Design Studio that supplies personal, one-of-a-kind arrangements through the skill and imagination of designer and owner Helene Ingsten-Anderson. Serving Door County, Wisconsin and the Midwest, Helene is known for her artful designs that range from large-scale events to intimate celebrations.
Growing up in Wisconsin, I was always a lover of nature, gardening and flowers. I have many years experience in the floral industry and am now creating from my studio in Fish Creek. Flowers have wonderful shapes, colors, textures and smells that provide me with inspiration on how they can be arranged. Whatever the occasion, I am happy to design something unique for you!
Art of Exposure Photography (920) 559-1254 artofexposure.com tammy@artofexposure.com
Door County is home to wedding and portrait photographer Tammy Wickman-Lutze. Celebrating 19 years in business, she has photographed more than 400 beautiful weddings at the peninsula’s finest venues, private homes and beyond. Tammy’s style documents the story of your day,capturing pure authentic and candid moments of emotion, love and joy, creating photos to cherish a lifetime. She takes time to connect with you from the start, offering guidance along the way so you can relax and be completely yourself in front of the camera. Tammy’s friendly and easy-going personality allows you to enjoy every beautiful detail of your day.
Soirsce Moriarty of Artemis Photography consistently captures love, adventure and connection through the art of visual storytelling. A classically trained painter with more than 13 years of wedding photography experience, Soirsce blends candid moments, interaction-based posing and classic portraiture for a poignant and timeless effect. Deeply dedicated to her craft, Soirsce sets her sights on evoking real emotion in every image.
Chris Miller Photography (920) 883-9581 chrismillerphotography.com millerstudiollc@gmail.com
Heidi Hodges Photography offers vivid, documentary-style photography for weddings, family events and more. Heidi uses her photojournalism background to find honest moments of emotion and connection and combines them with modern posing. Heidi has worked with and been mentored by the best in the industry, including photographers from L.A. and New York. Above all, Heidi strives to make the day fun and relaxed for everyone.
Jason Mann Photography (920) 246-8106 jmannphoto.com jason@jmannphoto.com
I understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. I am committed to making sure that you have beautiful, timeless images that you will treasure for years to come. I believe that great photography is about more than just technical skill, it’s about building a connection with my clients and understanding their unique vision for their wedding. Let’s begin capturing your timeless moments together.
Kasey and Ben Photography LLC (920) 495-1216 kaseyandben.com hello@kaseyandben.com
Luke Collins Photography (920) 473-0647 lukecollinsphotography.com/weddings/ luke@lukecollinsphotography
Luke Collins Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Sturgeon Bay who serves Door County and all of Wisconsin. He offers engagement sessions, elopements and full-day wedding packages, along with a variety of product options, including digital images, prints, photo books and premium albums. Luke’s specialty is capturing the moments of your wedding day that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Michael Segal Weddings (310) 729-1134
michaelsefal@mac.com
Michaelsegalphoto.com
Segal is an award winning wedding, fashion and celebrity photographer. Segal will bring his professional experience with fashion and celebrity photography into the wedding itself. His style of shooting is fun, calm and relaxed with all the intent of keeping his subjects the same. This style captures the essence of his couples. Michael’s passion is to tell stories with images to last generations to come. Always chasing those special moments. With a photojournalistic candid style he will capture your special day with spontaneity and clarity. He shoots a combination of digital and classic film cameras. He has photographed talents such as Matthew McConaughey, Carrie Underwood, Christina Aguilera and many others. Wedding commissions have taken him on assignments to Jamaica, Morocco, Italy, and Mexico. Michael’s wedding images have appeared in several publications including Vogue magazine, People, Inside weddings, Grace Ormonde, The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings to name a few.
Photos by Matt Inc. (920) 743-9667
photosbymatt.net
photosbymattinc@gmail.com
Shellie Kappelman (920) 905-3802
kappelmanphotography.com
shelliekappelman@yahoo.com
Suzi Hass (920) 421-1379
Tandem Photography of Door County (920) 493-1622
tandemphotographyofdoorcounty.com
hello@tandemphotographyofdoorcounty.com
Welcome to Tandem Photo + Video, where playfulness meets professionalism and good vibes are top priority! Here at Tandem, we can’t stand stuffy posing, so our goal is to cultivate a safe space where you can truly be yourselves. We love to keep things fun and relaxed, ask silly questions, and make you forget about the camera altogether. Do you think an unrestrained belly laugh makes for a great picture? Want a wedding film that gives you goosebumps? Check out our more than one hundred five star reviews to envision how Tandem will make your special day one to remember!
The McCartneys Photography (715) 551-9185
meetthemccartneys.com photogduo@me.com
Kelsy and Butch McCartney, a husband-and-wife team, are recognized for the genuine energy they bring to a wedding through their work. Full-time for over 15 years, they have photographed 250+ weddings together and especially love capturing those in Door County – where Butch grew up. :) The McCartneys’ work is best described as timeless, romantic and luminous, thanks in large part to their moment-driven approach. Beyond stunning and joyful imagery, the McCartneys pride themselves on providing the highest-quality experience to their couples!
Victoria Danielle is a photographer, letterer and designer based in Door County. She focuses on capturing the real moments, the fun and joy, the laughter, and above all, the love during every shoot. When you look back on your pictures, you will see that Victoria has captured the precious moments that you will remember and cherish forever. She offers a wide variety of photography packages tailored to suit each person’s needs and budget. Additional services such as announcement/invitation design and wedding signage are also available.
xoMe Studio by Laura Quackenboss Xomestudio.com hello@xomestudio.com
I am an editorial-ish, documentary-ish style photographer. My eye is pulled to the magic in the ordinary and the human in the extraordinary. Artful, emotive and intentional. I capture images that are uniquely your Images that remind you of how you felt.
Yvonne Marie Photography yvonnemariephotography.net yvonnemariephotography@gmail.com
Salon/Spa/Makeup Artists
Aspire Salon (920) 634-7971 aspiresalon@outlook.com
Blush Bridal Team jillkirsten.com/blush-bridal-team
Door County Wedding Stylists by Kari Pudlo (920) 818-1313 hairbykari.com doorcountyweddingstylists@gmail.com
Invidia Salon (920) 818-0352 invidiasalondoorcounty.com
Located in historic downtown Sturgeon Bay, we are an Aveda concept salon providing services for men, women and children. Our experienced, Aveda certified stylists will have you looking and feeling your best with the latest trends in cut and color. We use all-natural Aveda products and offer extensive bridal services including airbrushed make-up and more. Contact us today to discuss how we can contribute to your special day.
“Live well, laugh easily and feed your soul.” Each intuitive massage includes a consultation of your needs and problem areas with your massage therapist. Each therapist brings to the table a set of modalities they’ve learned and can draw from their experience to provide the greatest therapeutic effect. A resting period is advised after the massage, along with drinking water while you absorb the effects and bring your mind back to the present.
Saguaro Day Spa (920) 743-5380 saguarodayspa.com
Spa at Sacred Grounds (920) 854-4733 Sacredgroundsspa.com
As an Event Rental & Design Co, Ruby Design offers simple rentals available for client pickup and dropoff to full Event Design and execution. There truly is no event too big or too small. Weddings, corporate events, personal events, non-profit events, fundraisers, or just a backyard bbq, Ruby Design has the rental items and the services available to help make your event one to remember. Ruby Design has a full showroom conveniently located in the shadow of the historic Lambeau Field or visit online at RubyDesignEvents.com
Shore to Shore Rental LLC (920) 743-3288
Transportation
Babler Bus Service (920) 856-6675
bablerbus.com
paul@bablerbus.com
Door County’s full-service motorcoach charter and tour company. Featuring deluxe coaches seating up to 56 passengers each. Make the day safe and enjoyable for you and your wedding party, or your entire guest list, and leave the driving to us!
Door County Courier (920) 559-0339
Doorcountycourier.com
info@doorcountycourier.com
Specializing in Guest Transportation to and from the Venue and Reception, Safe rides, and Airport Transportation. Get the guests to the venue in time and back to their resort safely. Call to find out more!
Door County Personal Drivers (906) 282-1902
doorcodrivers@gmail.com
Door County’s premiere wedding transportation experts featuring different vehicle classes and sizes to create the perfect service for your event and guests. Our vast experience will allow us to present options and make recommendations for the best possible experience. Whether it be your special day or just a night out on the peninsula, we pride ourselves on clean, comfortable, reliable, and safe rides year-round. Additionally, we specialize in curated tours, large groups, airport transportation, late night service, and more. Open 24/7 for emergencies.
Door County Trolley Inc. (920) 868-1100
doorcountytrolley.com
doorcountytrolley@gmail.com
Door County Trolley is perfect for your wedding day. Trolleys are the unique and quaint way for your wedding party or guests to arrive at your celebration. Trolleys are heated and enclosed for year-round use. Available for bachelorette parties, wedding-day festivities and pictures. The interior of the trolleys are decorated in white lace bows for this grand occasion. Also new for 2022 is the grand dining car: great for family get-togethers! Trolleys are available for year-round use.
Green Bay Austin Straubel Airport (920) 498-4800
Flygrb.com
Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport serves Door County and Northeast Wisconsin with nine nonstop routes and connections to anywhere on American, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and United airlines. Our six rental car companies, taxi/ride share, and Door County Courier are all ready to take your guests on the scenic 50-minute trip to Sturgeon Bay. GRB is proud to provide an easy and gracious experience to all travelers and are excited to be a part of your big day.
Kobussen Bus (920) 818-0785
Kobussen.com
Wisco Wheeler (920) 215-1885 wiscowheeler.com
Wedding Planners/ Coordinators
Door County Event Planners (920) 839-1114 doorcountyevents.com carrie@doorcountyevents.com
Celebrating more than 20 years of assisting couples in planning their Door County wedding. From small events and gatherings to spectacular destination weddings, Door County Event Planners can help you plan your event and execute it to perfection. Your wedding is a special event that uniquely reflects you and your story as a couple. Door County Event Planners appreciate your vision of the perfect wedding and will provide the framework and support to see that vision come to life. Our consultants present options and recommendations so you can make ideal choices. We skillfully guide the process while allowing you to make the decisions.
We understand that as the post-engagement high starts to give way to the exciting, and overwhelming, reality of planning your dream wedding, that sometimes you need that extra person in your corner. Wedding planning should fit into your life, not become your life. We want you to be able to truly soak it in and enjoy every moment from your engagement to your I Dos. We would be honored to join you on your wedding adventure and be there to help you manage all of the details that go into planning your big day!
Elegant. Simple. Delicious ... has been the motto since I started FlourGirl Patissier in 2009. Baking from scratch, attention to detail, and loving what we do are the key ingredients to success. Whether it’s a tiered wedding cake or a dozen cupcakes, every item is made with love. You’ll see and taste the difference. Visit our website for more information.
Seaquist Orchards Farm Market is your one stop for desserts, favors, gifts and more. We grow and process our own Montmorency cherries and a wide variety of apples to make our own jams, jellies and all manner of delicious products. We can customize the labels for both bakery and canned items for truly unique, personalized gifts. Call us today to plan your special occasion.
Jewelry
O’Meara’s Irish House (920) 868-3528
omearasirish.com
Whether you shop with us on-line or in person in beautiful Door County, WI, you’ll find that we stock the best that Ireland has to offer. Take a look at our gorgeous stunning Irish jewelry, Aran wool sweaters, and a full range of Irish giftware. We offer beautiful gifts for weddings and bridal showers. Stop by our Fish Creek location, or give us a ring at (920) 868-3528. We are happy to help you find just the thing.
Trilliant Diamonds & Jewelry (920) 264-0839
trilliantdiamonds.com
We bring you something different in the art of fine jewelry! Superb knowledge of diamonds and gemstones, our team will guide you through cut, clarity and style for a personalized design and unique setting. Treat yourself or someone special - we have pieces in everyone’s price range! Custom Designs • Unique Settings • Extraordinary Prices. Find us at Top of the Hill Shops, Fish Creek & The Dörr Hotel, Sister Bay
Lodging
Ashbrooke Hotel (877) 868-3113
ashbrooke.net
reservations@ashbrooke.net
The Ashbrooke Hotel is an oasis of comfort and luxury. We are one of the few hotels that caters to couples and adults exclusively, making us the perfect destination for honeymoon nights and romantic getaways. Whatever the occasion, we’d love to help you custom-
ize your trip to make it as enjoyable and affordable as possible. Visit our website to browse our vacation packages and start planning your stay with us.
Lundquist Realty & Vacation Rentals of Door County, LLC 920-854-2368 lundqustrealty.com
mail@lundquistrealty.com
With the largest selection of rentals in Door County, Wisconsin and our helpful personable staff, we are ready to assist your needs! Homes, cottages, pet friendly choices, condos & cabins we’ve spent decades guiding vacationers to their ideal home away from home. When you book with Lundquist Realty & Vacation Rentals of Door County, LLC, know you’ll have 24/7 on-call support from our office and maintenance network with no surprise fees.
Settlement Courtyard Inn (920) 868-3524
settlementinn.com
Escape to an inn featuring all the luxury in accommodations you could want, situated in a serene, rich natural setting. Settlement Inn and Lavender Spa offers the coziness of a fireplace lounge with continental breakfast and on-site pub, alongside four miles of trails featuring beautiful views of Fish Creek and the waters of Green Bay, and connecting to Peninsula State Park.
Shopping/Gifts
The Ginger House thegingerhousedcw.com thegingerhousedcw@gmail.com
At The Ginger House, we believe that all moments should be celebrated. Our boutique features luxurious, curated finds from around the world. Indulge your wedding party in Door County toile pajamas or elevate your pre-wedding festivities with meticulously curated picnics, nestled in fair trade baskets, perfect for intimate gatherings and celebratory moments with your closest. With special offers for wedding parties, we specialize in pampering your bridesmaids, ensuring they feel cherished every step of the way. Message us on Instagram to connect about special offers for wedding celebrations.
FairyTale Couture
(920) 851-5503
fairytalecouture22@yahoo.com
Elevate your wedding with Fairy-Tale Couture’s exquisite flower girl dresses and boys suit’s, designed by the renowned clothing designer Princess Daliana. Make your little ones feel like royalty with our enchanting collection, featuring a range of styles to suit every wedding theme. Each design is meticulously crafted with delicate fabric and intricate details, ensuring that your special day is filled with magic and elegance. Visit us in downtown Sturgeon Bay and connect with us on Facebook to learn more.
Index of Advertisers
Brooke & Dan
B
onding over a love for adventure, Brooke and Dan spent their first few dates paddling Lake Wingra, biking and getting to know each other over a couple of beers at Longtable Beer Cafe in Middleton. Fast forward four years, Dan popped the question during an after-dinner stroll on the Capitol Square in Madison - just as the snow was starting to fall.
“Being a second marriage for both of us, we shared the same sentiment to have an intimate ceremony and decided to elope with the presence of our three children,” said Brooke. “The hardest part was sharing the decision with our families. We love them all very much and know they wanted to be involved. Our event created deep bonds with our new blended family that we’ll never forget.”
They ultimately chose the “Elopement Package” at Eagle Harbor Inn and let Darlene Ranzau, the operations manager, do the heavy lifting for the detailed planning.
On April 29, 2023, they wed atthe inn with only their children - Will, Natilie, and Ava - in attendance. After the ceremony, they traveled to several sentimental places to
ADD SOME PROPS
Using heart glasses, clear umbrellas and planning a beachside champagne toast infused plenty of opportunities to have fun, be playful, and capture celebratory photos together.
celebrate and take photos: Anderson Dock in Ephraim, Pebble Beach in Sister Bay, and Door County Brewing Company in Baileys Harbor - where they were greeted with an impromptou round of applause and given a private tour of the brewery complete with complimentary drinks.
Knowing that the photos will be the primary way to share the wedding with the rest
A COZY MORNING
Brooke and Dan wanted the day to be intimate an relaxed, so they started the day by getting ready together in the suite and playing a few games of cribbage.
of their friends and family, the photography was a big consideration. “A large part of our planning went into the photography and those locations. We love the outdoors so the lakeside backdrops were perfect,” said Brooke. “We wanted to keep things simple but elegant, casual and comfortable. We wanted the moment to be fun.”
GIFTING A MEMORY
The day before the wedding, Dan gifted Brooke paint and a paintbrush so they could officiallly add their names to Anderson Dock.
VENDORS
VENUE: EAGLE HARBOR INN
PHOTOS: XOME STUDIO
PLANNING: DARLENE RANZAU, EAGLE HARBOR INN
HAIR: BRITTA WOLFE, TANGLED SALON
FLORIST: FLORA FLOWER SHOP
CAKE: PINK BAKERY
CHAMPAGNE!
No celebratory event is complete without a glass of bubbly! From the moment of engagement through the honeymoon, there are plenty of occasions to include a special bottle of champagne or other sparkling wine. We tapped Simonie Woerfel, Key Account Specialist from Winebow, to share some insight on what to consider when looking for the right wine to incorporate in your event and how to best serve.
BEYOND CHAMPAGNE
It is true that only sparkling wine from Champagne, France, can be labeled as champagne, and with that exclusive title, often comes a higher price tag. That being said, there’s no better time to splurge on a beautiful bottle of champagne! However, if you’re wanting to pour a toast for a large group, don’t be afraid to consider sparkling wine from other regions. “There are other excellent sparkling wine options to make your event festive and affordable” said Simonie. “Keep an eye out for wines made in the ‘traditional method’ (these are wines are produced the same way as champagne) from other regions of the world. I love Franciacorta from Italy, Cremants from France or Cape Classiques from South Africa. Guests will love being exposed to something new! Finding yourself a trusted retailer who can help you sort through Cavas, Cremant’s and other sparkling wines is another great way to go.”
FLUTE, COUPE, OR WINE GLASS?
In order to experience the full effect of a sparkling wine’s flavor means you’ll want to consider the glass you’ll be using to serve. Surprisingly, a champagne flute is often not the ideal vessel for enjoying sparkling wine as it limits the amount of air accessible for opening up and aerating the wine. “I would recommend drinking most sparkling wine in a traditional wine glass. A flute, while pretty, accentuates the bubblesa traditional wine glass accentuates the wine,” said Simonie.
TOASTING A GROUP
The best way to serve a group would be to plan to pre-pour glasses just before serving will begin - the longer the glasses sit, the more bubbles lost! Sparkling wine should be served cold. Keep opened bottles on ice or in wine chillers to avoid the wine warming too fast.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
It’s your wedding day after all, why not add a little extra flair? Weddings or rehearsal dinners are a great opportunity to splurge on the large format bottle of bubbly to share with all your loved ones (a champagne magnum will typically pour 16 glasses), or to build that classic coupe champagne fountain to pour with your new spouse. Or perhaps learn the art sabrage - a technique of opening a bottle with a sword!
Photos: A) Newlyweds Seanna and Lucas toast after their outdoor ceremony at Northern House in Sister Bay. / Tandem Photography of Door County B) After Linzee and Amelia got engaged at their new home site, they celebrated with a bottle of bubbly. / Tandem Photography of Door County C) Coupe glasses were used to highlight the bubbly custom cocktail at Katie and Dean’s cocktail hour. (pg. 37) / Victoria Danielle Photography D) On the morning of the wedding, Ellie and bridesmaids have a little fun before getting ready for the big day. (pg. 23) / Michael Segal Photography E) Mini prosecco bottles make for a fun guest favor. / XOme Studio F) Just-filled flute glasses are ready for guests to enjoy as they leave the ceremony. / Tandem Photography of Door County G) Marble wine bottle chillers are used to keep the sparkling wine cool after a proposal at Twelve Eleven Wine + Provisions. / Heidi Hodges Photography H) The newlyweds Jake and Nicolle enjoy a first toast at Woodwalk Gallery. / Tandem Photography of Door County I) A guest shows off the size of the Veuve Clicquot magnum at Madelyn and Seth’s wedding. (pg. 66) / XOme Studio
Looking to buy bubbly in Door County?
When you’re looking for a special bottle of bubbles for your celebration, you have no shortage of stores that curate unique bottles of champagne and other spirits. Scan this QR code for an updto-date list of stores and locations on the peninsula.
photo by Kasey and Ben Photography
ENGAGEMENTS
Congratulations to all the recently engaged couples who now have a more intimate connection to our beautiful peninsula! There’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops to propose to your loved one and start the beginning of forever together.
Top Right Two: Nicole and Alex at Thyme Restaurant’s Hoop House
Photos by Heidi Hodges Photography
Above: Sam and Tim at Peninsula State Park
Right: Genna & Ben at Door 44 Winery
Above Right: Kiylynn and Eli at Whitefish Dunes State Park
Photos by Tandem Photography of Door County
Top
Left: Linzee and Amelia at their future home site in Sturgeon Bay
Bottom
Interested in being included in the 2025 Door Wedding issue?
We are now seeking submissions for recent engagements and weddings taking place in winter 2023 through late 2024!
Please send information after your event to contact@ doorwedding.com. Please shared your submissions before December 2024 for editorial consideration.
Visit www.DoorWedding.com for more information.
Top Left: Erik and Autumn on Washington Island
Right: Madeline and Blake at Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Land Trust
Left: Jordan and Ariana at Fish Creek Marina
Photos by Tandem Photography of Door County
Right: David and Chloe at Bjorklunden in Bailey’s Harbor
Photo by Artemis Photography
RUN.RIDE.PLAY
May 4, 2024 Fish Creek
Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5K
A run in Peninsula State Park doorcountyhalfmarathon.com
June 15 Baileys Harbor
Door County Beer Festival
Good beer, good food, good music
June 15 Baileys Harbor
Peninsula Century Spring Classic
Ride the backroads of Door County peninsulacenturyspringclassic.com
Park doorcountybeer.com
June 22 Baileys Harbor
Door County Wine Fest
Sip and savor Door County wines doorcountywinefest.com
Sept. 14 Sister Bay
Peninsula Century Fall Challenge
Ride Northern Door County peninsulacenturyfallchallenge.com
Sept. 21 Baileys Harbor
Hey Hey 5K
Starts and finishes at the Door County Brewing Company heyhey5k.com
Nov. 30 Egg Harbor
One Barrel Fun Run
Catch the penguin onebarrelrun.com
May 3, 2025 Fish Creek
Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5K
A run in Peninsula State Park doorcountyhalfmarathon.com
