A Fairy Tale at Maxwell Mansion

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Ashley and a boy named Frankie.They were children, really, middle schoolers with silly little crushes on each other.Or so most thought.So when when the world shifted ever so slightly and the girl went away, no one fretted about what had been. The universe, they reckoned, was vast and would help them grow and learn and soak in all that came before them.Years passed.Then, as often happens, the world shifted ever so slightly again. And the girl came back.Their love took flight, fluttering on the wings of a butterfly and hawk. One dainty, colorful and ethereal; the other striking, intense and adventurous.And they lived happily ever after. That is the abbreviated fairy tale love story of Ashley and Frankie, the Butterfly and the Hawk, spirit animals which have been immortalized in tattoos on their ring fingers and also in the song “Autumn Ride,” that Ashley, a budding singer/songerwriter, recorded and which was performed at their wedding.Their wedding weekend at Maxwell Mansion in Lake Geneva was the perfect setting for these free spirits. Chancey Charm planner and dear friend Miranda Tassi helped the couple realize a boho chic aesthetic that radiated simplicity, charm and authenticity, everything from an heirloom quality artisan-made headband, to the wine corks stuffed with tiny succulents that guests could take home and plant. Or what about the dreamcatcher place cards, or the stretching-forever farm tables with vintage china and goblets in every shade of green to reflect the bride’s opal jewelry.And don’t forget about the ceremony, presided over by a family member that began with a scorching processional to Hozier’s “Work Song” as well as the bride’s own creation. As the ceremony ended, dozens of butterflies were released, having been gently awakened from their chilly slumber by the warm August sun. And each guest had been given a cone of flower petals to shower the couple with beauty as they processed out.Wings. Petals. Love. Does it get any more ethereal and magical? We think not!And that doesn’t even begin to describe the couple, their family and friends. All gracious, incredibly fun and charming. We counted as many tears as smiles and so much laughter that you know all is right in the world.We were swept away by the fairy tale that is Ashley and Frankie, and we hope this Sneak Peek gives you just a hint of how truly special this couple is.Cheers,CindyThanks to all the pros who helped bring Ashley & Frankie’s dream wedding together:Venue: Maxwell Mansion, Lake GenevaPlanner: Miranda Tassi, Chancey CharmPhotographer: Cassandra Marie OldenburgDJ: Matt from A Personal TouchFlorist/dreamcatcher place cards: Chicago FloristaInvitations: Wedding Paper DivasCaterer: Armon’sTable settings/decor: Relic Vintage RentalsTent: Sperry Tents Great LakesGellato: La Coppa Gelato CafeBride’s gown and bridesmaid attire: BHLDNGroom’s attire: Trunk Club, ChicagoBride’s hairstylist: Katie Nelson Special Event StylistBride’s makeup: Tara B ArtistryBride’s headpiece: Noel Winn of Avenue ArtworksBride’s barefoot wedding sandals: