Meaghan & Heath’s Schauer Arts Center Wedding

An unforgettable fall wedding in Hartford, Wisconsin

 
From Just-Friends to Forever

Meaghan and Heath grew up in Horicon and Campbellsport. They met through friends at Danny Boy’s Irish Pub, then were friends for years before dating. One Memorial Day weekend, their group went to the horse races in Arlington, Illinois. That day, after just one conversation, Heath and Meaghan realized: “It’s been you this whole time!” In January of 2019, on an all-inclusive trip to Cancun for two, Heath proposed on the beach, and Meaghan of course said “yes.”

Pandemic, Planning & Preparations

Meaghan and Heath were married in September of 2021, after delaying their wedding a year due to Covid. “We ended up having some guests and a bridesmaid get Covid the week before the wedding, too, so they were unable to attend.”

In terms of planning, Meaghan has a tip for future brides: “Try not to stress about the little things. If you’re not an organized person, hire a wedding planner. I’m super organized, so I didn’t use one, but I don’t know how you’d get through it if you didn’t have someone to help you.”

The couple went for a color palette of grey and coral. Meaghan found her Morilee wedding gown at Edith’s of Fond du Lac and bridesmaid dresses at David’s Bridal. Meaghan made all of the centerpieces and did all of the flowers herself, with some help from her lovely bridesmaids. Her bridesmaids also helped with signage and invites.

Scenic View Ceremony

Heath and Meaghan chose Scenic View Country Club of Slinger for their outdoor wedding ceremony. “One of our good friends, Steve, got ordained and married us,” Meaghan says. While walking down the aisle, a bee flew right at her face and caused quite a stir. “I went from tears to instant laughing the whole way with my dad.”

A Schauer Arts Center Reception

The reception was held at the Schauer Arts Center, a historic building nestled in downtown Hartford. “Amy at the Schauer Arts was so amazing—so helpful with everything!” Dinner was catered by LeRoy Meats. Served buffet style, there was sirloin steak, chicken marsala, baked and mashed potatoes, California blend corn, and rolls. For dessert, there was cherry cheesecake and five different flavors of cupcakes.

UW Band & Special Dances

During the reception, Meaghan and Heath had the UW Marching Band play for nearly an hour. “It was a surprise to all of our guests, and we didn’t even know until the night before at 9:30pm. That was probably the most unique thing.” Meaghan says the band was her favorite part, in addition to her and Heath’s first dance. “I also really enjoyed my dance with my dad,” she says. Meaghan’s mother had passed away in 2018, so this was a particularly tender, heartfelt moment. “We danced to my dad and mom’s first dance song from their wedding.”

Last Bits of Advice

One practical tip from Meaghan:

“Don’t buy your own linens. It seems like a good, cheap idea, but it sucks getting it all set up, taking it all down, and washing it all.” And in the end, she says other brides should try not to stress about the little things. “Take it all in on the day of your wedding. Set aside times for you and your spouse, just the two of you. It goes by quickly!”