A Fun-Filled Wedding at Bennett Barn in Watertown

How They Met

MiKayla and Michael are both from Elkhorn, Wisconsin and have shared a number of mutual friends their entire lives. They eventually fell in love and decided to be partners for life.

The Engagement

Michael, who works third shift, was sleeping when the ring was delivered. MiKayla answered the door when the delivery arrived and knew immediately what it was, although she kept it a secret. However, Michael’s proposal was absolutely perfect. He asked MiKayla to marry him while they were on vacation during an early-morning beach walk in their pajamas.

The Dress

MiKayla tried on only two or three dresses before finding her dream gown at All About the Gown in Lake Geneva. Her dress was classic and timeless, which wasn’t what she originally had in mind. Her seamstress added sleeves to the dress and cut the hem to shorten the length.

The Rehearsal Dinner

MiKayla and Michael hosted their rehearsal dinner at Crawfish Junction in Johnson Creek.

The Ceremony

MiKayla and Michael’s ceremony was held at Bennett Barn in Watertown. The service included meaningful, heartfelt tributes to MiKayla’s father, who passed away when she was a teenager. He even had his own reserved chair with an invitation addressed to him, and his work boots and jacket were placed on the seat. When MiKayla reached the altar, a monarch butterfly, which is believed to be a cultural symbol of a dead loved one visiting those in mourning, fluttered in front of them. During the ceremony, Michael and MiKayla exchanged vows they wrote themselves and ended with a sand ceremony with their two daughters.

The Reception

The main goal of MiKayla and Michael’s reception was for guests to have an absolute blast, and the mission was certainly accomplished! The party even began with a white bounce house, which resulted in some incredible photos.

In lieu of the traditional father-daughter dance, MiKayla and Michael danced with their daughters as a slideshow of MiKayla’s father played behind them. Guests made their way to the floor and danced the night away to celebrate the newlyweds.

The Food and Drinks

The reception dinner was catered by Glenn’s Market & Catering in Watertown. Guests feasted on stuffed chicken and shaved prime rib. Signature drinks included two different margarita recipes.

Words of Wisdom from the Bride

“I wish I could do it all over again. I could redo it a thousand times,” MiKayla shared. “I miss that weekend more than anything!”

This article was originally featured in Premier Bride of Milwaukee and Northeast Wisconsin,