Real Wedding: Jennifer and Jon at Geneva Ridge

Jon and Jennifer are both from Illinois, though Jennifer considers herself a Wisconsinite since all of her family lives in Fond du Lac. The couple met in typical digital-era fashion: on match.com. Jon emailed Jennifer, they proceeded to send multiple messages back and forth each day, and then they finally had their first date. “We chatted for hours over Coors Light and cheese curds,” says Jennifer. “We talked about everything and anything, and laughed a lot. A few hours later, we both knew we wanted to see each other again. Needless to say our online dating days were over.”

Jennifer says she never saw the proposal coming: “We were going up to Fond du Lac to celebrate my mom’s birthday. We got to my aunt’s house on Lake Winnebago just as a storm was starting to roll in. Jon knows I always go out to the pier when I get into town, so we went out to watch the storm make its way toward us over the lake. As we were talking, Jon pointed and said ‘Did you see that fish jump!?’ I looked to my left — no fish. When I turned back around, Jon was on his knee. The rest is history!”

For their wedding, the goal was to keep everything simple and find a beautiful venue that didn’t need a lot of decoration. “That was easy to find at Geneva Ridge.” Jennifer and Jon were all about Lake Geneva. Jennifer even attended the Lake Geneva Bridal Showcase before her wedding — a bridal show that’s held on the piers and boats of Lake Geneva.

When searching for a photographer, Jennifer really wanted someone who knew Lake Geneva like the back of their hand. Matt Mason and his team fit the bill. “I wanted a photographer that would know exactly where to take us. We had so much fun on our wedding day thanks to Matt. We took some incredible pictures and he made a ‘day of’ video that brought tears to our eyes.” Jon and Jennifer also did a first look photo shoot before the ceremony — one of their favorite parts of the entire day.

Everything from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony to the reception was held right at The Ridge Hotel (formerly Geneva Ridge ) . “We parked our cars Thursday evening and stayed the entire weekend. It was perfect.” For the ceremony, Jon and Jennifer had a friend officiate at their outdoor vow exchange. “We wanted someone who knew us well and would represent our personalities in the ceremony. Marc did all that and more!” The couple also released doves at their ceremony as a symbol of marriage and unity, and to remind them of those who couldn’t be with them on their special day.

At the reception, there were food stations for dinner — as Jennifer says, that’s “a fancy version of a buffet.” They served carved beef, mashed potatoes, veggies, pasta with toppings, and salad. “Everyone loved it and was full and happy!”

One of the most unique moments at the wedding was when Jon’s sister pulled off an incredible surprise during the champagne toasts: “Jon’s dad has been gone for about six years. I’d never met him,” Jennifer says. “I’d heard stories and seen pictures, but never heard his voice or seen videos. Jon’s sister put together some audio of Jon’s dad giving a ‘toast’ to his son. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.”

At the end of the day, Jennifer’s advice to future brides is simple: “Don’t over-do or worry about the small details. Think about what you remember from your favorite weddings and focus on those parts.”

Preceding Celebration~Bachelorette party was boating out on the Chain O Lakes`Bachelor party went golfing and to Potawatomi Casino for some gambling
Bridal Registry~Bed, Bath & Beyond and Home Depot
Bridal Shows~Lake Geneva Bridal Showcase- on the piers on the Lake. It was on the boats and really fun!
Invitations~Michael’s
Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony, Reception and Catering~The Ridge Hotel (formerly Geneva Ridge )
Cupcakes~Gooseberries in Burlington, WI
Flowers~Courtney with Trellis Flowers
Music/Entertainment~A Personal Touch DJ
Photographer~Matt Mason Photography
Dress Designer~Casablanca
Formal Wear~Men’s Wearhorse
Rings~Helzberg in Crystal Lake, IL
Honeymoon~Secrets Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica