Reeba and Dan’s rustic autumn wedding last October at Olbrich Botanical Gardens near Madison, Wisconsin was truly a highlight of my year.

Having your first look before the ceremony is an opportunity to get really great photos and enjoy some time together before your guests arrive. Carving out this time relaxes couples and it is evident in the photographs. It’s a personal choice, but if you’re going this route make it meaningful. Dan and Reeba planned their first look at the local restaurant they met at for the first time.

The bride’s sister in-law worked in a flower shop and arranged all the flowers.

The bride’s grandmother wrote this quote on her grandchildren’s wedding cards. Reeba originally wanted to incorporate the quote into the programs, but then they opted not to have printed programs as a nod to the environment. Her grandmother’s words were still positioned prominently at the ceremony.

Surrounded by so many friends that love them, they decided not to have a traditional bridal party. This is not uncommon, it’s an opportunity to keep a ceremony intimate. However, Reeba did want to include her closest friends in the ceremony. She asked each friend to contribute to a special flower arrangement as they have all contributed to her beautiful life. There was a time designated in the ceremony for each women to bring her flower to the vase that was close to the bride as she prepared to say her vows.

The couple honored the memory of their grandparents with a special table designated to their photos, that guests saw as they entered the ceremony.

When asked if she took this man to be her husband, Reeba loudly, proudly, adamantly and enthusiastically proclaimed, “Yes, I DO!!!” It was awesome. After the couple was introduced as husband and wife, their family and friends erupted into applause. Applause that lasted for several minutes. It was so beautiful to hear and see how happy everyone was for this very special couple.

The couple wanted their décor to reflect the treasures of the season in a tasteful and subtle way, while keeping the overall aesthetic casual, sophisticated, yet festive. The candles rested on a platform that was created by the bride’s father. He cut down a tree and had it sliced for this purpose. The groom plans to re-purpose the trunk slices in their backyard as a foot path.

The pie table was one of the most anticipated details of the day. Ana Dolan‘s signage for the pie table and the graphics she designed for the wedding over all were so lovely and tied the details together perfectly. Thank you Ana! xo

The pies were as delicious as they were beautiful, baked by Hubbard Avenue Diner.

Alternating pies rested on stacked wine crates which created height for the dessert table.

Guests young and young at heart had a blast in the photo booth all evening long.

With many small children in attendance, the personalized coloring books were a hit.

Reeba and Dan did an outstanding job of remaining true to themselves and having the wedding they really wanted while still honoring their family and friends in a thoughtful, generous, creative and original way. This wedding is a beautiful example of how couples can introduce sentimental, fun, meaningful and interesting elements into a wedding while remaining fiscally responsible.



Blue Plate Catering provided delicious hors d’oeuvres.

Photo credit: Andrea Paradowski of Andrea Paradowski Photography and Larry Chua of Iloomin Images