The Planning Process

Wedding Date:
September 13, 2025

Colors and Theme:
The couple wanted the day to be very personal to them, focusing the day on their favorite things. From a lake venue to adding hints of dusty blue throughout. They wanted the vibe to be easy going and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.

Wedding Coordinator:
Jessie Austin

What Was the Favorite Design Element?
“Our floral arch was stunning!”

The Look

Bridal Gown: Watters from Bliss Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse

How Many Dresses Did You Try On?
“I tried on about 15 dresses. My dress was the 1st one I tried on! I found myself comparing every other dress to that one and I knew it was the one. I felt so comfortable, and it was so me!”

The Ceremony

Ceremony Location: The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant
Photographer: Allysha Noelle Photography
Florist: Reflections of You

Ceremony Decor:
“Our ceremony backdrop was Nagawicka Lake, which was so stunning in itself. Our florist made a stunning 2-piece floral arch, which was the focal point of our ceremony. We also had two floral arrangements at the start of the aisle. Besides that, the view was perfect!”

Ceremony Details & Favorite Moments:
“Our ceremony was officiated by our friend who we’ve known our whole lives. It really made our ceremony so special. We did not do a first look, so our ceremony was the first time we saw each other. It was so perfect! We wrote our own vows. It’s tough to capture our 10 years together in a few short minutes, but it was so special and beautiful. We had my mom and brother do readings, which helped incorporate faith into our day. We laughed, we cried. It was special and personal.”

The Reception

Reception Venue: The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant

What Made You Choose Your Venue?
“The Commodore is absolutely stunning. The views were unbeatable and the indoor reception space had so many small details that made the space unique and beautiful. We loved the bridal suite, and the men got to hang out in the boat house on property. It was so cool and amazing! We loved the idea of having on-site catering with Bartolotta, and we know their food is absolutely delicious! We really valued a team who was easy to work with and responsive, which we got! We also wanted a space that comfortable fit our guests.”

Reception Decor:
“The ballroom at The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant was already so beautifully decorated, but we loved adding personal touches that reflected us and our story. We repurposed the bridesmaid bouquets along the head table and kept simple greenery on the guest tables for an elegant, timeless look. Our floral arch was moved into the lounge and paired with a neon “The Simons” sign, which created such a fun photo spot for our guests, and we lit up the dance floor with large marquee letters that said “C & K.”

We also added meaningful details throughout the space, including a custom wooden seating chart with our names and wedding date, plus a wedding newspaper filled with stories about us, our love, and our families. Instead of traditional favors, we created dog treat bags with a sticker of our dog for guests to take home to their pups. In place of a guest book, we had a custom wooden “S” engraved with our name and wedding date for guests to sign, which is now hanging in our home as one of our favorite keepsakes from the day.”

Reception Details & Favorite Moments:
“We knew that by choosing a venue from Bartolotta Restaurants, the food would be unforgettable, and it truly was. We served NY strip, red wine braised chicken, and pesto fettuccine, and our guests raved about every bite. Some of our favorite appetizers were the crab cakes, petite Reubens, and arancini rice balls. We had a small cutting cake for ourselves, our wedding party, and immediate family, then chose miniature desserts for guests, including two of our favorites: crème brûlée and chocolate cake.

We also added custom details throughout the reception that made the night feel especially personal, from bar signs featuring our dogs to foam glow sticks and oversized cutouts of our pup that kept the dance floor full all night. One of our favorite parts of the evening was having a live saxophone player perform alongside our DJ – it brought such an incredible energy to the celebration.

One of the most meaningful moments of the night was when I took a moment during our welcome toast to honor my mom. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999 and once thought she may never be able to walk at my wedding. Not only did she walk, but she looked amazing doing it. Surprising her in that moment brought so many tears, and made it even more unforgettable. Ending the night with a private last dance to Love Story by Taylor Swift is a memory I know I’ll always hold onto.”

Looking Back

Three Words That Described the Day:
“Heartfelt, Authentic & Unforgettable”

What Moments Stick With You the Most?
“Our intimate ceremony overlooking Nagawicka Lake, surrounded by all of our family and friends. It was the perfect ceremony full of love, laughs, tears and absolute happiness.”

Advice or Tips for Other Couples Planning Their Wedding?
“Definitely book your vendors early and remember that it is YOUR wedding day! It’s a day to celebrate your love, so make it all about you. I also recommend at least a month of coordinator to help with the last minute details you wouldn’t even think of!”

Extra Moments:
“We enjoyed our stay at the Delafield Hotel, and their room was so great to get ready in and start out wedding weekend! Cannot recommend it enough! Our day was perfect and we have all of our amazing vendors to thank for that!”