Real Wedding: Ellyn and Andrew at West Bend Country Club

Hailing from “the good land” of Milwaukee (now living in North Carolina), Andrew and Ellyn met through a group of mutual friends. When it came time to propose, Andrew had planned many things, “but the plans kept falling through,” says Ellyn. “We both kept getting sick and it was always below zero (Andrew proposed in December). So one night, when we were just sitting at home relaxing, Andrew started to talk about how much he loved me and wanted to be with me. The ring was in our bedroom — I had no words! I was not expecting such a beautiful ring or for him to propose that night. I loved that I didn’t even have to get out of my PJs!”

Ellyn and Andrew planned a simple, elegant wedding with plenty of fun, personal flourishes. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the West Bend Country Club. “Our wedding was outdoors with woods and rolling hills in the background. The venue was ideal because it allowed for guests to spend time indoors and outside.”

Were they nervous before the ceremony? “I was watching ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ before going out which took any nerves away,” Ellyn says. “I would have been more nervous,” Andrew says, “but I used up all my stress trying to solve mysteries with my groomsmen and friends at the Escape Room Milwaukee.” Both Ellyn and Andrew say that the day’s most memorable moment was when they first saw each other at the ceremony — Ellyn “getting those butterflies” and Andrew watching his bride walk down the aisle in a beautiful gown from Amelishan Bridal.

On to the reception, Ellyn says it “went so fast, I felt like I needed more than one of me! But it was the time of my life and I had so much fun.” Guests dined on steak and chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans; for dessert, chocolate and vanilla butter cake with raspberry and chocolate filling. Late-night pizza was a delicious bonus!

Working with the great outdoors at the West Bend Country Club, Ellyn and Andrew tackled DIY projects to enhance the natural ambiance. “We used wood and reclaimed items for a rustic touch. The dinner menus were placed in wooden picture frames, which we stained at home. The cake stood on a decorative tree stump, and the cake toppers were handcrafted from birch wood. The wedding favors were handmade candles in small mason jars, using sand and seashells from the beaches of North Carolina.”

Andrew and Ellyn made sure the cocktail hour and reception had a palpable party vibe: “The Schlitz Audubon Society brought various birds of prey for a photo-op during cocktail hour. We rented a photo booth for an easy way to capture highlights of the night (people tend to let themselves go in photo booths). The DJs from A Personal Touch worked guests’ requests into the music line-up — they nailed it!”

Since they planned their entire Milwaukee wedding from out of state, the couple says they couldn’t have lived without their wedding planner, Megan Potter from Dare to Dream weddings: “Our day wouldn’t have been possible in any way without her — she was amazing!” Beyond encouraging future out-of-state brides and grooms to hire a wedding planner, Ellyn and Andrew have just one final bit of advice: “Stay calm and take it easy. Everything comes together in the end. If you ever feel overwhelmed, turn to those around you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

[table]
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party~Wisconsin State Fair and Hotel Metro
Bridal Registry~Target and Crate and Barrel
Wedding Consultant~Dare to Dream Weddings with Megan Potter
Rehearsal Dinner~Dublin’s in West Bend
Ceremony, Reception, Catering~West Bend Country Club
Cake Designer~Audra’s House of Cakes
Flowers~Jane Kelly Floral
Music/Entertainment~A Personal Touch
Transportation~Go Riteway
Photographer~Nicole Schweiger
Dress~Amelishan Bridal
Formal Wear~Men’s Wearhouse
[/table]