After five years of dating, David surprised his girlfriend Jennifer with a getaway during Memorial Day Weekend. He rented a cabin in Canoe Bay in Chetek, Wisconsin, somewhere that the pair could get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago and enjoy some quiet time as a couple. The deck of that cabin, overlooking the lake, turned out to be the perfect place for him to pop the question. 

The couple knew that despite the May date of their nuptials, they did not want the florals and décor to evoke a typical spring wedding. “I have always been more drawn to darker and moodier looks,” the bride explains. She immediately started filling her and David’s shared Pinterest board with dark purple arrangements, greenery, chandeliers, and brass accents. “I’ve also always loved anemones – their soft and feminine exterior paired with the bold, dark center sort of describes how we wanted the whole wedding décor to feel – romantic but edgy!” she shares.

A brand new event space wound up being the perfect fit, and Jennifer and David’s celebration was one of the first held there. The size of the venue allowed for three separate areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Each portion was captured beautifully by KingenSmith. Standing under a dramatic chuppah formed by dozens of ivory hydrangeas suspended upside down and paired with matching ribbons, the bride and groom exchanged vows – Jennifer in a strapless gown with elaborate floral appliqués on the skirt, and David in a classic black tuxedo. “There was a moment standing under the chuppah and looking into the crowd to see all of the people we love most in the world in one room,” Jennifer muses. “I know 50 years from now we will still be able to picture the faces of our closest family and friends smiling back at us.” 

Aubergine was introduced in the design for cocktail hour, as well as a large piece of custom artwork that reflected the envelope liner from the invitation suite. A multitude of appetizers were offered, including a sushi station and unique push-pop appetizers, which are similar to a savory parfait. “The reception room paired all of the aspects together – suspended florals in aubergine and ivory, anemones, chandeliers, and greenery,” notes the bride. The head table was lined with brass candelabra and showcased a runner made from anemones, roses, and peonies, while the guest tables featured taller arrangements. The cake mimicked the design of Jennifer’s elegant gown.

Though the newlyweds loved dancing with their nearest and dearest until 1AM, the moments they stole together were among their favorites.