A Snowy, Candlelit Wedding at The Lageret in Stoughton, Wisconsin | Renée & Paul

Renée & Paul met like many other modern couples—on a dating app. They enjoyed a first date and felt an easy connection that Renée compared to “a great Friday fish fry at your favorite hometown spot,” but their lives became busy, and they were unable to schedule another date. A few months later, Renée decided to give their spark another try and asked Paul out on a sunset cruise. He said yes, and they spent the night out on Lake Mendota with plenty of time to talk and get to know each other more, floating away from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life.

That date was just the first of many adventures that followed over the next few years. They moved in together, traveled abroad, played countless rounds of golf, and enjoyed meals at many of Wisconsin’s best supper clubs. While golfing on Marco Island, Florida, Paul planned a proposal on the final hole. He got down on one knee and asked Renée to marry him, and she said yes!

Seasonal colors and their love of supper clubs helped shape the theme of Renée & Paul’s snowy wedding day at The Lageret in Stoughton, Wisconsin. They spent the months leading up to their big day fine-tuning all of the details and finding their dream vendor team who understood their vision and brought it to life. With planning and coordination by Copper Feather Events, their celebration blended personal traditions, romantic floral design, and the warm industrial character of this historic wedding venue just outside Madison.

Intentionality stayed at the forefront for every wedding planning decision. They used design elements and custom pieces throughout the day that told their story, beginning with invitations from Minted, engagement rings from Chalmers Jewelers, and wedding bands from William Thomas Jewelers. Paul also wore cufflinks with an etched monogram of the first letters of their first names, wedding date, and a message, “I will love you forever.”

Their color palette leaned cool and classic, with the bride in a white dress from Premiere Couture  and the groom in a sharp black suit from Indochino. Bridesmaids wore pale, floor-length dresses from Birdy Grey in blush, champagne, or taupe, and groomsmen matched Paul, except for the ties: Paul wore white, and the rest wore black.

Renée’s dream dress was strapless, with a structured bodice and scooped sweetheart neckline. The A-line gown featured exposed boning on the corset and was made from luxurious satin that cascaded into a full skirt with a cathedral-length train. She accessorized with hoop earrings, a sparkling necklace, a tennis bracelet, and a tulle veil for the ceremony.

Before walking down the aisle, Renée and Paul shared a special first look surrounded by their closest family and friends. Paul stood facing the wall, waiting for Renée to tap him on the shoulder before turning around to see her in her wedding gown for the first time. With loved ones seated nearby to witness the moment, the couple turned a traditionally private wedding-day experience into a heartfelt memory they could share with the people who mean the most to them.

Renée & Paul tied the knot in the ceremony space on the venue’s second level, framed by natural light, glowing candles, and a statement floral backdrop from The Lageret’s in-house florist, Flora Designs by Jamae.

Rather than a traditional, fully connected arch, the installation featured two lush floral columns of varying heights, with greenery and blooms extending upward and outward to create an airy, sculptural silhouette. Deep burgundy amaryllis, blush and coral roses, white hydrangeas, delicate orchids, and abundant greenery created a romantic contrast against the venue’s exposed brick walls and added deeper pops of color to the day’s palette. The asymmetrical, deconstructed floral arch gave the ceremony a garden-inspired feel while allowing the venue’s historic architecture to remain part of the design.

The couple included family in their ceremony, with nieces and nephews participating, and Paul’s cousin officiating. Renée also walked down the aisle to music from a live string quartet, adding an extra layer of romance.

Also arranged by Flora Designs by Jamae, Renée and her bridesmaids held sculptural, lush bouquets featuring red peonies, garden roses, white anemones, orchids, burgundy calla lilies, pink pepperberries, and mixed greenery.

Lotus Artistry Studio provided hair and makeup services for the day. Renée’s makeup was glamorous without overpowering her natural beauty. Her face was bronzed and contoured for picture-perfect moments, with emphasis on her eyelashes and sculpted brows. Her lips and cheeks were naturally blushed to add some extra warmth on a chilly November day.

Hollywood waves for the bride and bridesmaids gave a timeless, final touch to the looks. Styles were long and wavy, ranging from loose curls to half updos. The soft, polished hairstyles beautifully complemented the wedding party’s classic attire and the romantic floral palette.

Warm candlelight, lush florals, and thoughtful personal touches transformed The Lageret’s historic industrial setting into an inviting wedding reception filled with character. Exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and twinkling string lights provided a beautiful backdrop for a celebration that balanced timeless elegance with Renée and Paul’s love of Wisconsin supper club traditions. From custom illustrations and nostalgic menu selections to richly colored floral arrangements and intimate table settings, every detail reflected the couple’s personalities and created a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.

A one-of-a-kind wedding deserved one-of-a-kind signage. The couple worked with a Bushel + a Peck to create a hand-lettered linen welcome sign, a paper drink sign with illustrations, a seating chart, table numbers, and place cards, and more.

Their love of Wisconsin supper clubs became a defining element of the reception design. A custom, two-piece seating chart featured hand-drawn illustrations of some of their favorite local establishments, with corresponding artwork carried through to the table numbers. Classic relish trays served as centerpieces, bringing a nostalgic and distinctly Wisconsin touch to the tables. These personalized details created a meaningful connection to the couple’s story while giving guests a glimpse into one of their favorite traditions.

Chandeliers, string lights, table lamps, and candles played a big role in framing the warm, welcoming reception atmosphere. In addition to the pieces provided by The Lageret, rentals and décor from Event Essentials and florals from Flora Designs by Jamae made every table feel cohesive inside the upstairs dining space.

The supper club theme also carried through in a plated meal from Blue Plate Catering. The couple and their guests enjoyed appetizers and fresh bread at each table, followed by their choice of entrée, alongside delicious offerings from the bar.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Renée & Paul offered bite-size cookies from Main Street Kitchen and nostalgic ice-cream cocktails—a Grasshopper and a Brandy Alexander. The familiar flavors were another playful way to celebrate their love of Wisconsin supper clubs, giving guests a dessert experience that felt distinctly their own.

As dinner came to a close, the celebration moved to The Lageret’s ground-floor lobby, where the open layout provided the perfect setting for dancing and live entertainment. Bluewater Kings Band kept the energy going as guests gathered on the dance floor. Renée and Paul kicked off the festivities with a choreographed first dance, complete with romantic lifts, creating a memorable moment before inviting their loved ones to join the celebration.

While the couple carefully planned the details of their wedding day, Mother Nature had one final surprise in store. When asked about the most memorable moment of their wedding day, Renée wrote,

Their photographer, Nicole Hansen Photography, was right alongside the couple, capturing every moment.

The night ended with more drinks, dancing, and celebrating. Renée wore a second dress for the later part of the reception, a halter dress with silver sequins. The sparkling second look was a fun finishing touch to a celebration filled with heartfelt traditions, personal details, and a little unexpected winter magic.

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