An Elegant Rustic Lake Country Wedding with Gold Accents and Tuscan Hall Catering.

The Beginning

How They Met

Cameron and Gabriella became acquainted in high school through mutual friends when they were 16. Although, they never got the chance to actually meet in person until Gabriella invited Cameron to her graduation party in 2020. As soon as they saw each other, sparks flew!

How They Got Engaged

Cameron, his parents, and Gabriella all took a trip out to California to visit Cameron’s brother. While planning their itinerary, they all decided to explore one of the many beautiful state parks nearby and landed on the Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, just outside of Santa Cruz.

What began as a casual two-mile hike quickly turned into an unexpected all-day adventure — complete with a few wrong turns, creek crossings, and even forging their own path through the woods. All the while, Cameron carefully carried the engagement ring in his backpack, trying to keep it safe and a secret.

Once the family finally made their way back to familiar ground, Cameron suggested taking one last round of photos before heading out. He crossed to the other side of the creek and asked Gabriella to join him. As she turned away for just a moment, Cameron dropped to one knee and opened the ring box.

With an instant “yes” from Gabriella, a day full of surprises found its perfect ending.

The Details

Location:

The Bowery Barn

Season:

Fall

Style:

Elegant

Venue Type:

Barn/Rustic

Color Palette:

Green, Ivory and Gold

Wedding Guest Count:

150

First Dance Song:

“Baby I’m Yours” by The Artic Monkeys

The Planning Process

Wedding Date:
September 26, 2025

Colors and Theme:
The couple focused their wedding style on being timeless and elegant for years to come. They incorporated colors of green and ivory with hints of gold and brown throughout the day.

What Was the Favorite Design Element?
“Each part of the day included in the overall design mean a lot to us. It is hard to choose just one! But, we especially cherish the elements we crafted ourselves with the help of our parents and family.”

Wild Elegance Photography

Wild Elegance Photography

The Look

Bridal Gown: Bucci’s Bridal in Pewaukee
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse

How Many Dresses Did You Try On?
“I tried about 10-15 dresses. I knew my dress was the one the moment my mom told me that this was the dress that she saw on the rack and picked out! She knew immediately that I would love it, and she was absolutely right!

The Ceremony

Ceremony Location: The Bowery Barn
Photographer: Wild Elegance Photography

Ceremony Decor:
“We had white draping and hand crafted flower arrangements made by my grandmother decorating our altar. Candlelit lanterns guided the way down the aisle. There were two whiskey barrels on each side of the aisle, one with an “In Memory” sign with a candle burning.”

Ceremony Details & Favorite Moments:
“Our favorite part was having our family very involved in every process. My aunt, Sarah, was our officiant. My cousin, Josiah, played the piano. Cameron’s aunt, Natalie, did a reading. Everything was so beautiful and heartfelt and it was all the more special to have our family carry out those roles.

Wild Elegance Photography

Wild Elegance Photography

The Reception

Reception Venue: The Bowery Barn
Catering: Tuscan Hall Catering

What Made You Choose Your Venue?
“The Bowery Barn was the one and only venue we ever toured! While searching online, we kept coming back to this one. As soon as we saw the property, we knew this would be the place we would be married at. The barn, bridal house and ceremony space just worked so well with what we had always envisioned.”

Reception Details & Favorite Moments:
“Our reception was so much fun! We adored all of the speeches that everyone gave and our favorite part was dancing with all of our family and friends. Something unique I did was rather than a bouquet toss, I handed my bouquet to my mom as a ‘thank you’ for everything.”

Looking Back

Three Words That Described the Day:
“Unforgettable, Beautiful & Fun”

What Moments Stick With You the Most?
Gabriella – “Taking a step back during the reception and looking out onto the dance floor. Seeing our two families blended together; dancing, talking and overall just having a great time warmed my heart so much.”

Cameron – “During the very last song of the night, the DJ played “We Are Young” and at the end of the song, I scooped Gabi up in my arms and carried her out. It was a picture perfect moment, the best send off for the night.”

Advice or Tips for Other Couples Planning Their Wedding?
“Our biggest piece of advice would be to take it slow, there is no rush! Also, stay organized! It is so easy to drown yourself in all of the different components that go into one day.”

Wild Elegance Photography

Wisconsin Wedding Vendors

Vendor Service Website Social Media
Ceremony & Reception Venue The Bowery Barn @thebowerybarn
Caterer & Dessert Tuscan Hall Catering & Events @tuscanhall
Bartending The Bowery Barn @thebowerybarn
Photographer Wild Elegance Photography @wildelegancewi
Music & Entertainment D-Jeneration Music Services
Florist Sussex Country Floral Shoppe @sussexcountryfloral
Invitations Zola @zola
Wedding Gown Bucci’s Bridal @buccisbridal
Menswear Men’s Wearhouse @menswearhouse
Bridesmaids Dresses Azazie @azazieofficial
Hair Amy Stemo
Rings Barnes Jewelers @barnes_jewelers
Wedding Show Attended Wonderful World of Weddings @wiweddingshow
Rehearsal Dinner Cornerstone, Oconomowoc @cornerstonepuboconomowoc