A Romantic Rustic Barn Wedding in Wisconsin

Emily and Nick

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Emily and Nick Birren met at a basketball game during freshman year of high school. The connection was instant. Twelve years later, on August 20, 2011, they tied the knot, in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, near the bride's family's summer home.

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A Warm Welcome

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Guests received custom canvas welcome bags printed with the phrase "Happy Day" upon their arrival created by Wedding Chicks. They were filled with the couple's favorite local treats, a map of nearby attractions, and a weekend itinerary.

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The Location

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Emily and Nick chose Woodwalk Gallery for their ceremony and reception. Its historic farm elements, like a silo and restored barn, and a working art studio were a great mix of rustic and modern.

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The Fashions

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Emily looked stunning in a Kenneth Pool gown and custom-made veil, blusher, and hairpiece from Ultimate Bride. She also wore professional dance heels so she could dance the night away in comfort.

Nick wore a charcoal Burberry suit with a custom-designed shirt and Hugo Boss tie.

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The Bridal Party

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The bridesmaids and brides-man posed for portraits with M Three Studio before the ceremony. The girls wore light blue BHLDN dresses, which the bride chose for their casual elegance and handy pockets. A light blue tie on Emily's male attendant linked everyone's looks together.

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The Groomsmen

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Nick's guys wore simple black suits along with monogrammed tie clips given to them by the groom.

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The Signage

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This fun wood sign directed guests to various wedding activities.

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The Ceremony Decor

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The venue's distressed silo provided a photo-worthy backdrop for the ceremony, and an arch made of old farm machinery and covered in colorful flowers served as an altar.

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The Seating

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Aisles, flanked by mixed floral arrangements, designed to look like wildflower bunches, gave way to quilt-covered hay-bale seats.

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Ring Pillow

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The ring bearer carried a simple lace-covered pillow made by Duryea Place Design. A toy horse was tied to it to symbolize the wedding's farm-like venue.

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The Program

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The program's fan design helped keep guests cool (and ward off bugs).

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The Flower Girl

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Elise, Emily's niece, wore a dress handmade by the bride's mother and carried a vintage pail filled with rose petals.

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The Ceremony

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The bride and groom honored their Catholic and Jewish faiths by incorporating elements from each. They also added personal touches, such as live musicians, a friend's original song, and a wedding blessing.

In addition to traditional vows, Emily and Nick included a religious unity braiding ceremony.

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Husband and Wife

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Newlyweds Emily and Nick recess down the aisle.

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Cocktail Hour

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Two signature drinks were served. One cocktail, the "Cherry Bomb," contained the area's famous cherries. The second beverage, a "Thai Mojito," paid homage to the couple's Thailand honeymoon.

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Picture Perfect

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Photos of the pair were hung from clothespins to give guests an inside peek into their relationship.

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The Reception

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The seated dinner was held in the venue's century-old barn-turned-art-gallery. Romantic lighting and long, elegant tables added sophistication to the rustic space.

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Reserved Seating

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Emily and Nick marked their chairs with multi-colored ribbons and "Mrs." and "Mr." signs.

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The Favors

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Since the Door County area is known for its plentiful cherry orchards, guests received jars of homemade jam decorated with burlap, twine, and a personalized "spread the love" tag.

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Postcard Messages

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Instead of a traditional guest book, the couple created "vintage" postcards for friends and family to write their well wishes upon. A sign saying, "Send us away with a message today," let attendees know the notes would be read on the couple's honeymoon.

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The Cake

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The almond-and-buttercream cake baked by FlourGirl Patissier boasted delicate sugar flowers made by Sugar Flower Cake Shop.

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A Photo Op

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An old red truck adorned with a "just married" sign made a great backdrop for photos.

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The Dancing

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Emily and Nick slow-danced to "Making Plans" by Miranda Lambert, and then surprised guests by breaking into a choreographed number to "Still the One" by The Orleans. Earlier in the reception, the newlyweds kicked off the party with a group routine to Pink's "Raise Your Glass" that had them and their bridal party making more than just a grand entrance.

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Sources

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Photography: M Three Studio

Location: Woodwalk Gallery

Rentals: A to Z RentAll; Celebrations Party and Event

Catering: Alexander's

Entertainment: DJ Chicago

Videography: I Do Films

Flowers: Helene Ingsten Anderson of Flora

Cake: FlourGirl Patissier

Hair and makeup: Darcy Gilmore

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