Sam & Alysia’s Rustic Wedding at The Hay Loft

Sam, a guitar tech, and Alysia met through a mutual friend at a show in Sam’s home town of Watertown. “My friend Mike introduced us, and the rest of the night we couldn’t help but keep staring at each other!” Alysia fondly recalls. The band, along with Sam, left the next day to tour the U.S.—but not before he and Alysia found each other on social media. “We started chatting more and the rest is history!”

Sam planned an elaborate proposal at Silver Springs State Park in Florida, roping friends into the plan to help bring everything to fruition. While in Florida, Alysia’s friend Emma suggested a girls day at Silver Springs. “When we got there, Emma asked for a letter from the ticket booth,” Alysia says. Turns out, Sam had written a series of 10 letters detailing what he loves about Alysia.The last note was in a small amphitheater on the park grounds. “There was a white arch with flowers and tulle. After I read the letter, Sam came out from hiding, whispered sweet words, then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!”

The happy couple planned a June wedding with a ceremony and reception at The Hay Loft Barn in Watertown. “We loved working with The Hay Loft. They were very helpful with information, and they were amazing the day of the wedding with turning around the barn very quickly. The venue is beautiful and has so many amazing details!”

For the style and theme of their wedding, Alysia describes it as rustic and delicate. “We had the barn take care of the rustic theme for us. We also used touches of blush and rose gold to soften it up and give it a warm vibe.” To decorate the space, Sam and Alysia did a lot of projects themselves, with the help of their mothers.

“My mother-in-law cut and stained all the hand-lettered boards we had. My mom and mother-in-law also assembled the centerpieces and added beautiful flowers. I loved being able to look at these things and take pride in all our hard work.”

Sam and Alysia’s ceremony focused on their love for each other and their shared Christianity, while including those of different faiths, too. “A really unique element was that we had our wedding party come around us and lay hands on us to pray over our marriage. We wanted the people that came to our wedding to feel a part of it. Our pastor also did a congregational vow of accountability, where everyone in the audience verbalized their support of the vows we made to each other that day.”

When it was time to take photos, the bridal party took a five-minute drive via GO Riteway to a bridge in Watertown called Tivoli Island. While the bride and groom took photos, the rest of the guests got the party started. “We had people exit the top of the barn where the ceremony was and go into the lower level and backyard, where we had snacks, drinks, and yard games. It was awesome to see kids and adults alike having a blast.”

For dinner, Alysia and Sam opted for a barbecue with pulled pork sandwiches, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken, and donuts for dessert. “We barely got in a few bites before we started greeting each table,” Alysia laughs. “I am a social butterfly, so it was so much fun to have all my favorite people in one place!”

What surprised Alysia about her and Sam’s wedding? “It was nothing like I envisioned growing up! The things I thought I wanted, I ended up not wanting — and vice versa. I went in thinking I’d get a dress with long lace sleeves and bought one with straps!” Her WTOO dress came from Miss Ruby in Milwaukee. “When you’re planning your wedding with the love of your life, things change in what you want, whether it’s compromise or your tastes change.”

In the end, Alysia suggests that future brides include those wedding traditions that are important to them and not sweat the rest. “You don’t have to do every single wedding tradition out there. It’s your wedding, and I think that your wedding should look like an extension of yourselves and your personalities, but also an extension of your values. We value faith, so that was a big aspect of our ceremony. We also value community, so we had games for guests to play together.”

[table]
Invitations~Shutterfly
Ceremony & Reception~The Hay Loft, Watertown, WI
Catering~Glenns Market + Catering
Donuts~Krispy Kreme
Music/Entertainment~DJ Dylan
Transportation~Go Riteway
Photographer~Huntley & Shay
Videographer~Memento Video Production
Gown~WTOO from Miss Ruby- A Bridal Boutique,Milwaukee
Formalwear~Men’s Wearhouse
Rings~Kessler’s
[/table]