Held at the Grand Geneva Resort with a ceremony at the stunning catholic church, Annie and Matt’s wedding in Lake Geneva was a true reflection of timeless style and deep love. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple focused on creating an experience that was both classic and filled with joy, with every detail carefully curated to represent their journey together.
Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA
Style: Ethereal, moody, sophisticated, otherworldly
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 350
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – ballroom
Season: Fall
Annie and Matt’s story began in high school, where they first dated before parting ways during college. But as fate would have it, their love story wasn’t over. Four years later, they found their way back to each other, rekindling the spark that never really went out. Excited to finally say “I do,” their wedding day was all about officially becoming husband and wife and ensuring that everyone in attendance had an unforgettable time.
Bridal Morning
The morning of the wedding, Annie prepared for the day in a suite at the Grand Geneva Resort.
Her gown, a masterpiece from Belle Bridal Atelier, was a stunning three-piece lace ensemble. For the ceremony, she wore the full dress with a dramatic overskirt and a chic turtleneck undergarment, giving her a regal and refined look. As the day transitioned into the cocktail hour, she removed the overskirt, revealing a sleeker silhouette, and the turtleneck, transforming her look into a form-fitting lace dress that was perfect for dancing the night away.
Her accessories included Louboutin heels and a veil crafted by her aunt, adding personal touches that made her feel both beautiful and connected to her family. The soft, neutral makeup and a sophisticated slicked-back bun completed her look, perfectly complementing her classic white bouquet with hints of greenery.
Groom's Fashion
Meanwhile, Matt was dressing in a custom suit from Wool N Linen, he looked every bit the classic groom. His look was completed with a singular white ranunculus boutonniere that matched Annie’s bouquet, a Rolex watch gifted by Annie, and a spritz of Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani.
Ceremony
The ceremony at St. Francis De Sales was a highlight for both Annie and Matt. They opted to skip a first look, choosing instead to experience the traditional moment of seeing each other for the first time at the altar.
"We were most excited for the ceremony and to finally get married to each other."
The church, adorned with beautiful floral arrangements by Petals N Bloom, provided a serene and sacred space for their vows. Their grand exit, marked by guests waving ribbon wands, was filled with laughter and pure joy as they officially began their life together.
Moment Alone
After the ceremony, the couple took some time for themselves during their couples’ portraits at the historic Yerkes Observatory. The grand architecture served as a perfect backdrop, and the decision to spend this time together underscored their desire to prioritize each other on their special day.
Their photographer, Lindsay Elaine, perfectly captured the essence of their love, bringing out the raw emotion and joy in every shot. From the tender glances they shared to the way Annie’s dress flowed elegantly in the wind, every image was a work of art. Lindsay’s keen eye for detail and her ability to create photos that felt both timeless and intimate made their gallery truly special. Her photos beautifully documented the day and also told the story of their love in a way that will allow them to relive every beautiful moment for years to come.
Decor & Setting
Planning their wedding, Annie envisioned a day that would remain timeless in memory. Drawing inspiration from the classic elegance of Sophia Ritchie, she chose a palette of white florals, greenery, and touches of gold, creating a sophisticated and fresh atmosphere. The vibe was elegant, timeless, and exactly what she had dreamed of.
Every detail in the setting came together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The room was softly lit, with candles casting a gentle glow across the tables, which were decorated with tall centerpieces of lush white florals and greenery. This gave the space a fresh and natural feel. The gold accents on the chairs and table settings added a touch of luxury, perfectly complementing the classic white linens.
The couple added personalized touches and thoughtful details, like the custom seating cards and the beautifully crafted signage welcoming guests. The room was designed to reflect Annie and Matt’s elegant style and create a space where their guests could feel comfortable and enjoy every moment of the celebration.
Reception
During dinner, Annie’s three sisters and Matt’s two brothers delivered heartfelt speeches, each bringing their own unique perspective to the celebration. Annie’s father also gave a toast, adding to the evening’s warmth and joy. These joyful words were a mix of love and laughter, capturing the emotions of the day as family and friends celebrated the union of Annie and Matt.
The cake-cutting was a sweet and memorable moment of the night. Annie and Matt’s wedding cake was a classic three-tiered creation, beautifully decorated with white flowers. With their guests gathered around, they shared the joy of this special sweet tradition.
They also had two signature drinks for the evening: the “Drunk Annie” cocktail and “Diehler’s Choice,” a light beer that was a nod to their new last name.
The reception hit its peak when Annie and Matt took to the dance floor for their choreographed first dance to “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey. Their guests were captivated, clapping and cheering as the couple nailed it with all the spins, dips and lifts!
The live band kept the energy high, ensuring the dance floor stayed full throughout the night. A unique and fun element of the party was the live hat painter, who spray-painted custom hats for the guests, adding a memorable and personal touch to the evening’s celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• Just have fun with wedding planning! At the end of the day, you’re married, do what brings you joy and make the most out of what happens.
PHOTOGRAPHER Lindsay Elaine | VIDEOGRAPHER Sureshot Productions | CEREMONY VENUE St. Francis De Sales | RECEPTION VENUE Grand Geneva Resort, Grand Geneva Weddings | FLORALS Petals N Bloom | MAKEUP Blushing Reflections | HAIR Amanda Kosiek | DRESS Belle Bridal Atelier | SHOES Louboutin | SUIT Wool N Linen | BAND Hey Jimmy Band
