Imagine starting your Saturday off on the right foot! Today, I’m thrilled to share a truly unique and enchanting wedding feature from Lauren and John, who tied the knot on August 18th, 2018, at On Twin Lakes in Wisconsin. What struck me most about their special day was the way it perfectly reflected their personalities as a couple – and that’s exactly what Whimsical Wonderland Weddings is all about! As they so eloquently put it, ‘Anyone can throw a wedding, but only you can throw your wedding.’ I’m absolutely delighted to be sharing their whimsical and fantastical celebration with you. The couple went all out to create an immersive magical enchanted forest atmosphere, complete with an outdoor ceremony framed by a breathtaking flower arch that was simply dreamy and romantic. They then partied the night away in the barns, which were decked out with nods to Dungeons & Dragons, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, and Steven Universe – just to name a few. You won’t want to miss their custom-made Muppets, which are absolute showstoppers! The outfits were also utterly stunning, with Lauren’s gown and crown being particularly breathtaking, while John’s kilt and the bridesmaids’ burgundy and plum dresses added to the overall sense of glamour. All in all, it was a truly superlative day filled with love, joy, and magic – captured beautifully by Eric Lundgren Photography and Ladd Films. I’m honored to be sharing these incredible images and film with you.
The Proposal
As I recall, John’s proposal caught me off guard during our trip to my family’s lake cabin in New Auburn, WI. We had gathered with a large group of friends for our annual tradition, and it was on the morning of our first day together. After making breakfast for everyone, I took some time to wrap up work tasks before surrendering to relaxation mode. Still exhausted, clad in my pajamas, and sans toothbrush, John asked me to join him at the dock. An eerie feeling crept over me as he requested it, as if I already knew what was unfolding. Unbeknownst to us both, our parents watched from the cabin windows, while friends gathered on the porch, anticipating the moment. John proposed with my mom’s engagement ring, passed down from her grandmother before her. This treasured heirloom now holds a special place in our story. The whole weekend took on an impromptu celebratory atmosphere, transforming into an unofficial engagement party.
Your Vision
We sought to craft a wedding that embodied the whimsical essence of an enchanted forest clearing. Our goal was to create an atmosphere that was equally warm, inviting, and over-the-top, with an emphasis on sheer enjoyment. For both of us, it was crucial that our special day authentically reflected who we are as individuals. As self-proclaimed nerds (having shared a passion for Dungeons & Dragons since the dawn of our relationship), we yearned to infuse our celebration with this aspect of ourselves. The hashtag #criticalhitch – derived from the term ‘critical hit’ in D&D, where a roll of 20 on the 20-sided die guarantees success – served as a playful nod to our shared enthusiasm. Our planner, Jessica Wonders, proved instrumental in harmonizing our vision’s disparate elements while maintaining a chic aesthetic. Her expertise allowed us to strike a balance between nerdiness and sophistication.
The Venue
Beauty
Your Outfits & Accessories
As I slipped into my Hayley Gown by Hayley Paige from Bella Bianca, I knew I had found the perfect dress – it was love at first sight! I had tried on a few of her dresses that day, but this one stood out from the rest, its extravagance leaving me in awe. It was outside my budget, but after trying it on, there was no going back to other dresses. I envisioned an over-the-top fantasy crown to match the drama of the dress and spent hours searching for the perfect one (from Foxy Studio on Etsy). A cathedral-veil from Local Eclectic, where I also got my wedding band, would have been a lovely addition, but it ended up being forgotten in the dressing room at the end of the reception. To keep with the lavish theme, I opted for simple jewelry and sparkly studs from Local Eclectic.Footwear was another concern, as I was recovering from both an ankle surgery and a broken foot. We prepared ourselves for anything, including the possibility of me being carried down the aisle in a palanquin (which I still think would have been amazing!). Thanks to my doctor’s help, I was able to walk for the wedding, but chose practical footwear instead. The fabulous bejeweled black velvet boots from DSW were perfect, and I swapped into sparkly silver combat boots for the reception.For the reception, I wanted a second dress that would be easier to dance in. Chotronette’s magical creation fit the bill perfectly. John had always wanted to wear a kilt as part of our Scottish heritage. We tried to find his family tartan, but it didn’t work out, so we opted for a classic blackwatch tartan instead. The Celtic Croft provided the kilt, along with a rabbit fur sporan and traditional footwear. For John’s bow tie, we ordered matching ones from The Black Tux, tying in with the groomsmen’s ties.
Your Photographer
Eric Lundgren Photography was a master of capturing magic. His epic engagement photos, taken against the backdrop of a frozen waterfall on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, transported us to a whimsical world. During our wedding celebration, Eric and his assistant photographer worked in harmony to bring our vision to life, crafting breathtaking shots amidst the woods near the lake. But it was their willingness to think outside the box that truly shone – they seamlessly incorporated playful, artistic moments into our photo shoot, including an impromptu session with our bridal party at an old cabin on site, where we reveled in the charmingly antiquated atmosphere and Eric’s romantic eye.
Your Filmmaker
The filmmakers at Ladd Films are a talented married duo, Jake and Lizzie, who exude warmth and joy. Their presence was truly missed when they departed at the end of the night. The video they captured has become an emotional trigger for me, evoking tears every time I watch it. Our decision to work with them was driven by their unique approach to wedding videography – artistic yet authentic, conveying a genuine understanding of the couple’s personalities and story. They delivered on our expectations, and we also appreciated their thoughtful gesture of providing us with all raw footage, carefully organized into segments of the day, a service that added immense value.
The Readings & Music
As we prepared for the big day, music played a significant role in setting the tone for our special moments. The bridal party processional was accompanied by an enchanting orchestral rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, courtesy of The Orchestral Academy of Los Angeles. In contrast, the bridal procession itself was set to the poignant ‘The Book of Love’ by The Magnetic Fields, a song that holds a special place in my heart since my teenage years. I knew it was meant to be when imagining it brought tears to my eyes! To lighten the mood during our recessional, we opted for the playful ‘You Sexy Thing (I Believe In Miracles)’ by Hot Chocolate. For our readings, we chose two excerpts from beloved novels. My dear friend sam, an honorary bridesmaid, brought to life a passage from Tom Robbins’ thought-provoking ‘Still Life With Woodpecker’, which has inspired me so deeply that I’ve had it tattooed on my arm. Meanwhile, my sister beautifully read an excerpt from ‘The Amber Spyglass’ by Philip Pullman, a series that John and I both cherish.
The Flowers
Aster Wonders Floral Design recently collaborated with us to create a visually striking arrangement that juxtaposes delicate florals against bold dark accents, all set amidst an abundance of lush greenery. The designer’s keen eye was instrumental in selecting the most exquisite blooms to bring this vision to life. A particularly noteworthy touch was John’s bespoke boutonniere, featuring a thistle – a thoughtful nod to Scotland’s national emblem.
Bridesmaids
My wedding party was made up of some truly special women. At the helm was my older sister Courtney, who was six months pregnant at the time but still managed to exude a radiant glow. I also had the privilege of having my childhood best friend, my new sister-in-law, and several other incredible women who have played a significant role in my life by my side. When it came to selecting our bridesmaid dresses, we opted for custom orders from Renz on Etsy. We chose two colors from their swatch book and allowed each of the girls to pick out the style and color they liked best. My sister, however, decided to go with a local designer so that she could ensure her dress would accommodate her growing baby bump, and in the end, everything came together perfectly.
Groomsmen
John’s most cherished memories with his group of guy friends are a testament to the joy and camaraderie they share. His best man, Alex, has been a constant companion since high school days. To mark John’s bachelorhood, they embarked on a trio of nights filled with revelry and adventure – playing D&D amidst copious amounts of libation. The group’s sartorial splendor was further enhanced by their matching gray suits, which were perfectly complemented by blackwatch plaid ties rented from The Black Tux to maintain a cohesive look.
The Details & Décor
We took creative liberties with our decor to showcase our quirky personalities. A highlight was a pair of custom-made Muppet figures, crafted by Chris Chappell, which perfectly captured our likenesses. We invested in these as a non-negotiable budget item and even coordinated baby clothes from Amazon to match our wedding attire. Our tablescape featured handmade gift boxes, adorned with metallic gold vinyl stickers bearing our wedding logo, which I designed using my Silhouette machine. Each box contained custom dice by Chessex with our logo on the ‘six’ side, as well as fortune cookies from Good Fortune Cookies carrying personalized messages. We rented tablecloths and dinnerware from Apres, transforming the space with a sumptuous femme aesthetic that I simply couldn’t resist. A ‘vignette’ area, featuring elegant antique furniture from Sweet Legacy, served as an impromptu photo booth during the reception. Although our venue only offered porta potties, we upgraded them with electric tea lights and fairy lights, courtesy of our bridal party, which added a touch of whimsy to the space. Other fun touches included framed portraits of our Muppets and baskets of toiletries.
The Cake
Our wedding cake design was nothing short of spectacular, courtesy of our talented designer’s collaboration with us. The dragon-scale bottom layer and crackled gold top gave it a regal, Game-of-Thrones-esque flair that left our guests in awe. Initially, we hadn’t planned on having a cake at all, but my mother’s persistence paid off – just weeks before the big day, she convinced me to make it happen. I’m thrilled that Heather was able to work her magic under such a tight deadline. Even without an advance tasting, I was blown away by the cake’s incredible flavor when we cut into it during the reception. It was truly the most delicious cake I’ve ever had.
The Honeymoon
After the whirlwind of wedding planning, my partner and I decided to delay our big honeymoon to focus on recovering from the financial stress. However, we still wanted to treat ourselves to a special few days before returning home. We opted for a ‘mini-moon’ in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons. To make our stay even more memorable, we chose the Baker House hotel, which is run out of a historic mansion and boasts gorgeous decor as well as a personal butler available at all times. The cherry on top was visiting Safari Land, where we got to cuddle goats and playfully interact with miniature antelopes – an experience that I’d highly recommend. Eleven out of ten, would do it again.
Memorable Moments
As our ceremony progressed, I suddenly realized I had left my copy of vows behind. Panicked, I leaned over to our friend Emily, the officiant, and asked if she had a spare. Her warm smile only meant one thing – no such luck. In an effort to avoid drawing attention to myself, I announced my predicament to the gathered crowd, feeling mortified. However, in that moment of vulnerability, something unexpected happened. My sister, who had reviewed my vows earlier, rushed over with her phone and helped me read them aloud. The whole ordeal brought a lighthearted atmosphere to the ceremony, making it an unforgettable experience for our guests – some even joked if it was all part of the plan!
Later at the reception, our photographers and filmmakers approached us with an unexpected surprise. The venue owner offered to let us meet her horses at sunset for a photo shoot. We snuck off and when we entered their pen, they eagerly gathered around us, nuzzling and sniffing. My dress got ruined in the process, but I didn’t care – it was pure bliss! As we stepped into the field for photos, they followed behind us in a line, creating an enchanting scene that left us in stitches. It was as if fate had conspired to make this moment truly magical.
Advice For Other Couples
Even without a formal planner, Jessica’s efforts to take care of the logistics allowed me to focus on other aspects of our special day. As someone who often finds themselves mentally juggling multiple tasks at once, having her assistance was a huge relief and a sanity-saver. If you do decide to splurge on something, prioritize your planning process.The beauty of an unscripted wedding lies in its imperfections – they can lead to some of the most cherished memories. And when it’s all said and done, the experience itself is what will truly stand out, not the minute details that may have gone awry. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned. Instead, focus on crafting an event that reflects your unique personality and style. Anyone can host a traditional wedding, but only you can bring your own special touch to your big day.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
The special day was made even more unforgettable thanks to a talented team of professionals. The photographer, Eric Lundgren Photography, captured every memorable moment. Behind the scenes, Ladd Films brought the couple’s love story to life through film. Jessica Wonders Events took care of all the planning and logistics, ensuring everything ran smoothly. To satisfy guests’ appetites, Cookin’ up a storm provided delectable catering options. The bar was stocked with Liquid Motion’s finest concoctions, while Adagio DJ kept the dance floor packed. Onsite Muse worked their magic on hair and makeup, making the couple look radiant. The ceremony took place at a picturesque venue on Twin Lakes in Birchwood, WI, surrounded by breathtaking views. Hayley Paige from Bella Bianca designed Lauren’s stunning dress, complete with Foxy Studio’s elegant crown and Local Eclectic’s beautiful earrings and ring. DSW provided the perfect boots for the occasion, while Chotronette created a second dress that was almost as lovely. The groom wore a dashing kilt courtesy of The Celtic Croft, paired with a stylish jacket from USA Kilts and a bow tie from The Black Tux. Renz designed the bridesmaid dresses, which complemented Lauren’s gown perfectly. Aster Wonders Floral Design created gorgeous arrangements to adorn the space, while Enticing Icing crafted an exquisite cake. Apres Party & Tent Rental handled the tablecloths and dinnerware with ease. Custom giant dice from 0InsideOut added a playful touch, accompanied by Muppets’ adorable presence. Chris Chappell’s custom dice and Chessex’s games brought joy to guests of all ages. Fortune cookies from Good Fortune Cookies were a sweet surprise. Sweet Legacy provided the perfect furniture for the celebration. After the wedding, Lauren and John escaped on a romantic honeymoon to Baker House & Safari Lake Geneva – what an incredible adventure! Thank you, Lauren and John, for sharing your truly epic wedding with us.