A couple of years after matching on a dating app, Nate planned the perfect sunset proposal during a family vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama. He brought Kelly to the beach outside their condo, where he got down on one knee as their loved ones watched from nearby, ready to celebrate the exciting moment together.
The Wedding
As they began planning their wedding, Kelly and Nate quickly realized they shared the same priorities. More than anything, they wanted their wedding to be a meaningful celebration of their love and an unforgettable experience for the family and friends who had supported them along the way. That vision guided every decision, starting with their venue.
Located in Mt. Horeb, The Eloise was designed for weddings. The year-round venue features beautifully appointed, temperature-controlled spaces, including indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, a spacious reception hall, and private preparation suites for each partner.
While Kelly and Nate handled most of the planning themselves, OSO in Love Wedding & Event Curators joined them for month-of coordination, allowing the couple to enjoy the final weeks before the wedding with greater peace of mind.
For couples beginning their own planning journey, Kelly shared one piece of advice that made a big difference:
“Make a new email account that you both have access to and use that exclusively when communicating with vendors so that all the information is in one place and easy to look through.”
The wedding design embraced timeless elegance with a modern blush and navy color palette.
Kelly found her dream gown at Bon Bon Belle Bridal Boutique. The airy ballgown featured delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves, a fitted sweetheart bodice, and lace appliqué that cascaded into layers of soft tulle. She completed her bridal look with crystal-encrusted vine-inspired earrings, a coordinating necklace and bracelet, a sparkling hairpiece, and a cathedral-length veil trimmed with lace.
Rooted Culture Salon created polished hair and makeup looks for Kelly and her bridesmaids. The bridesmaids wore elegant updos with soft face-framing waves, while Kelly chose a romantic twisted half-up hairstyle that perfectly showcased her hairpiece and secured her veil. Makeup balanced natural beauty with subtle glamour, featuring softly sculpted cheeks, a bold lip, and a smooth matte finish.
Nate wore a custom three-piece tuxedo from Indochino in navy with black satin lapels, pocket trim, and side-stripe detailing on the trousers. He paired the look with a coordinating blue vest, crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and black dress shoes.
His groomsmen complemented the palette in classic black suits from Men’s Wearhouse, accented with blush ties and pocket squares that coordinated beautifully with the bridesmaids’ dresses.
The Ceremony
Kelly and Nate exchanged vows in The Eloise’s loft ceremony space overlooking the reception hall. Bathed in natural light and accompanied by the beautiful music of Yahara String Quartet, they were surrounded by family, friends, and breathtaking views as they began their next chapter together.
One of the ceremony’s most meaningful moments was lighting the same unity candle Kelly’s parents had used on their own wedding day—a heartfelt tribute to family and tradition.
Melody Rose Designs created lush floral arrangements throughout the celebration, including bouquets, boutonnieres, aisle arrangements, and reception centerpieces. White, blush, and peach roses paired with baby’s breath created a timeless, romantic aesthetic, while ribbon-wrapped bouquets added a classic finishing touch. Additional floral installations, including the statement hexagonal ceremony arch, were provided by Ling’s Moment.
The Reception
The reception focused on creating memorable experiences for every guest.
An instant-print photo booth with fun props served as both entertainment and a unique photo guest book. Guests also enjoyed a plated dinner by Upstairs Downstairs Catering, danced the evening away with music from DJ High Street Sound, and watched live wedding painter Brad Geers capture the ceremony on canvas as the celebration unfolded.
The dessert display featured a stunning three-tier cake from The Baked Lab. Inspired by marble, the smooth tiers were hand-painted with soft blush accents and organic gold detailing, creating an elegant centerpiece that perfectly complemented the day’s modern aesthetic.
Before joining the festivities on the dance floor, Kelly and Nate stepped outside with Sam Lauersdorf Photography to capture portraits around The Eloise’s beautiful grounds. Known as a visual storyteller for the wildly in love, Sam creates authentic, heartfelt wedding photography and videography that preserves every meaningful moment in Wisconsin and beyond.
Your dream wedding starts with the right inspiration, and our WedPlan Madison publication has even more ideas, planning tools, and local vendor love. Want to see your wedding or styled shoot featured in print or online? We’re always accepting submissions!
