Taylor and Nathan inside the Farm at Dover dancing

A Romantic, Outdoorsy Wedding at The Farm at Dover

August 28, 2023

The iconic Wisconsin farm venue created the perfect backdrop for this couple’s bright, fun, and romantic celebration of love.

How They Met

Taylor and Nathan, both Milwaukee area natives, met through Nathan’s Grandma, Bonnie, and Taylor’s mom, Deanna. While Deanna was Bonnie’s hairstylist, Bonnie would occasionally mention her grandson, Nathan. During one appointment, Bonnie asked Deanna if her daughter was on Facebook. Later that day, Nathan sent Taylor a friend request. After chatting back and forth for a while, Taylor eventually asked Nathan out for a drink. They met up at Tonic Tavern in Bay View, and it only took about 30 minutes until she knew she was going to date him. Before they knew it, one drink turned into two, Tonic Tavern turned into Burnhearts, and one hour turned into seven.

The Engagement

The story of Taylor and Nathan’s engagement is slightly embarrassing, yet downright funny. A few years back, they traveled up north to their cabin to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The night before, they went out for dinner, got back to the cabin, and as Taylor was getting out of the truck, she slipped and fell on the icy driveway. However, when she tried to stop her fall, she ended up with a black eye! While she had a sneaking suspicion that Nathan was going to pop the question soon, she assumed it wouldn’t be on this trip, considering her new injury. The next day, now New Year’s Eve, the two went for a walk in the woods with their dog Heidi. When they reached a clearing, Taylor was distracted by Heidi prancing around as Nathan got down on one knee. When she turned around, her first words were, “Are you kidding me?!”

The Dress

Taylor found her wedding dress at Strike Bridal Bar in Milwaukee. She tried on upwards of 15 gowns, and knew it was the one when she simply couldn’t stop smiling. She didn’t want to take it off!

The Ceremony

Taylor and Nathan’s wedding ceremony was held at The Farm at Dover in Kansasville, Wisconsin. They selected this classic venue as it had aspects that appealed to both of their individual tastes. Nathan liked the rustic, outdoorsy feel, and Taylor loved that it was romantic and vintage. They also loved that they could do everything at one place, including getting ready, taking photos, the ceremony, and the reception. It was the first and only place they toured.

Nathan’s sister Sarah served as the ceremony’s officiant, which was very special to them. While the newlyweds exchanged vows, they participated in a handfasting, which is a Celtic ritual in which the hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives.

The Reception

The reception was also at The Farm at Dover. Their first dances veered a bit different from tradition; they saved their first dance as husband and wife after the father-daughter and mother-son dances.

The Food

All Occasions Catering and Bubb’s BBQ catered the delicious food for Taylor and Nathan’s celebration. During cocktail hour, guests nibbled on three different hors d’oeuvres: bourbon-glazed meatballs, bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, and Italian bruschetta with balsamic reduction, along with fruits and vegetables. For dinner, guests had the option of chicken Parmesan with garlic-smoked cherry tomatoes, apricot and prosciutto-stuffed pork loin, or roasted squash ravioli in brown butter topped with sage, candied walnuts, and Parmesan.

The Cake

For dessert, Taylor and Nathan enjoyed a small, beautiful red velvet cake baked by Mili Wonka Treats in Hartland all by themselves. Their guests indulged in an array of Crumbl Cookies. The delectable flavors included Red Velvet White Chip, Confetti Cake, and New York Cheesecake.

The Honeymoon

Taylor and Nathan began their journey of newly wedded bliss in Las Vegas! They were extremely grateful that they made plans to leave for their trip two days after their big day instead of the very next morning. This way, they had a nice “recovery day” to bask in all of the amazing moments together as husband and wife.

Words of Wisdom from the Bride

“My biggest piece of advice is to do what you and your future husband want to do for your wedding. My next piece of advice would be to have a day of coordinator – there are so many little things on the day of that should be handled by someone else that is not you, your parents, in-laws, or bridal party!”