An Elegant Birchwood Wedding at Windwood of Watertown

The Engagement

Melissa was hosting her annual New Year’s Eve party when suddenly, it was 11:45 pm. Realizing how close it was to midnight, Melissa quickly paused the game the guests were playing and started preparing the hats, horns, sparklers, and champagne. When her dad told her he had to show her something in the basement, Melissa obliged, but felt a little panicked that everything wouldn’t be ready in time.

Heading back upstairs, Melissa’s sister intercepted her, snapping some photos of her with the family kids. With midnight minutes away, Matt grabbed her hand and led her into the living room. When she turned the corner, Melissa found rose petals and candles arranged in the shape of a heart. Matt led her to the middle of the heart, got down on one knee, and proposed in front of their family and friends.

The Rings

Melissa and Matt found their wedding rings at The Diamond Center in Janesville and Countryside Jewelry in Lake Mills.

The Invitations

Melissa worked with Sara at Leader Printing in Lake Mills to design the beautiful wedding invitations.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The evening before their wedding day, Melissa and Matt hosted their rehearsal dinner at The Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson.

The Ceremony

Melissa and Matt held their wedding ceremony at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. The couple had a uniquely large bridal party with 11 bridesmaids, 11 groomsmen, two junior bridesmaids, two attendants, a “ring security,” an usher, six ceremony attendants, as well as children who greeted guests, handed out programs, and guided people where to sit.

Melissa’s favorite part of the ceremony was saying “I do” to her husband, along with the beautiful vocal ensembles made up of members of the bridal party. Another meaningful element was the vase holding 18 roses on the altar in memory of the close family members who were joining the newlyweds from heaven that day.

The Reception

After they said their I do’s, Melissa, Matt, and their party hopped aboard their Watertown School District shuttle to the reception venue. Matt and Melissa hosted their elegant outdoor reception at Windwood of Watertown, which has since closed its doors but has created so many wonderful memories for couples and their loved ones over the years. Jazzy Photo out of Fort Atkinson captured all of the amazing moments throughout the day.

The Food and Drink

For cocktail hour, guests nibbled on various hors d’oeuvres, including bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and sweet and sour meatballs. The two signature drinks were “The Matt” (Coors Light on tap) and “The Melissa” (a brandy old-fashioned).

The main course was a plate of beef tenderloin steak and mushroom chicken, served with green beans almondine and baby potatoes. As Melissa and Matt visited each table to greet guests after they ate, everyone complimented the meal. For dessert, Melissa and Matt offered an ice cream sundae bar, which, of course, was a hit, especially with the kids.

The Decor

The sit-down dinner consisted of long tables decorated with birch logs, votive candles, and flowers. Since the wedding party was so large, the bridesmaids and groomsmen sat with their families or dates at tables close to the couple’s.

Birchwood was used as an accent throughout the space to carry out the natural theme on everything from the cake décor to the DIY photo booth. The photo booth had a birch tree backdrop and tons of props. In lieu of renting a traditional photo booth, they set up a camera on a tripod and framed instructions explaining how to use the auto timer.

The Couple’s Favorite Parts of the Day

Melissa and Matt loved all of the personal touches throughout their wedding, especially all of the people involved. Family and friends are extremely important to them, and it was a blessing that so many of them played a role.

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