Our first wedding of the season could not have been more beautiful or fun!Let me introduce you to Elizabeth and Zack. She’s a lovely young lady from western Wisconsin and he’s a Southern gentleman from Texas who tied the knot on Memorial Day weekend at a private hunt club in Spring Green just down the street from Taliesin. You know, that little country house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.We loved everything about Elizabeth and Zack’s wedding. First, the people. Elizabeth’s family — mom Shelly and dad Ryan — transformed the lodge and grounds into a fitting spot for their only daughter’s nuptials, along with a little help from Elizabeth’s twin brothers.Zack not only brought a pickup truck’s worth of energetic groomsmen from Texas, he also was joined by his dad Mark and mom Michelle, and sister, too. We were bowled over by the polite manners of these gents from the south, and impressed with their amazing skills on the dance floor, showing all the Cheeseheads how smooth a Texas two-step is! (At least that’s what I think the dance was!)Next, let’s talk about the location. The Cedar Valley Preserve sits amid 200 acres of rolling hills and farmland along the Wisconsin River, and the main building of 8,000 square feet was rebuilt from an old barn on the property. It retains its rustic charm but is sparkling new with soaring wood beams, gorgeous stone fireplaces and interesting architectural features.Elizabeth and Zack made full use of the property, too, having their ceremony in a picturesque spot with a pergola and stone columns that offered a scenic view of the front of the preserve and surrounding farms.And that brings me to my amazing husband, Dean, who went the extra mile trudging all over the property to get footage that I think really shows how special this place is. As always, he’s the best part of my life, and I couldn’t operate Sweet Pea without him! Thanks, honey!We had the pleasure of working with photographer Emily Schmidt again, and we can’t say enough about her shooting style and collaborative nature. She always makes us feel like we’re part of a team, which is the best way to work for our couples. And a big thanks to Scott Schiltz of Prime Time DJ, who kept the day and night’s schedule flowing smoothly.We wish Eli and Zack the very best, and are so proud of their Sneak Peek, which we think turned out smashingly!Happy Monday!CindyIf you’d like more information on the team of vendors that help make Elizabeth and Zack’s day a success, see the links below:
- Location: Cedar Valley Hunt Club
- Hair: Abby Merrill of Sitara Salon, Onalaska
- Flowers: The Station, Tomah
- Cake: Tina K’s Cakes, Spring Green.
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Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero
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Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse
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Photographer: Emily Schmidt
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DJ: Scott Schiltz of Prime Time DJ
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Officiant: Pastor Phillip Enderle, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Warrens
- Caterers: TJ Catering, Sauk City