Music-Inspired Wisconsin Camp Wedding: Erin + John

Wisconsin Wedding

Erin + John are in a band together, and music is a huge part of their lives. Their day was inspired by their love and (of course) their passion for all types of music + melody. They had a bluegrass band and made an epic wedding playlist together – and Erin’s sister surprised everyone with a live serenade! To round out the celebration, they brought fun alt rock-inspired details to the day by way of little details + lots of DIYs. Let’s hear how they pulled it off:

We wanted to bring a somewhat throwback, 90’s, Alternative vibe to our wedding. We designed our save the dates, wedding invites, and programs. They were in the style of a rock concert flyer. I thought it looked really hip! We also designed a banner for our ceremony. The theme for the day was “John and Erin: A Three Part Rock Opera”. No concert is complete without buttons and I designed some for the big day! We had our good friend Matt officiate the wedding — it was short and sweet, poetic, with vows exchanged. The wedding party walked down the aisle to “If I Were A Bell” sung by Shirley Bassey. I absolutely love jazz and wanted something bright, happy, and brassy. Recessional song was “As” by Stevie Wonder, because Stevie always makes you feel good.

Thanks so much to Natalie Champa Jennings for sharing these gorgeous images from Erin + John’s day!

camp wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

ceremony program

bridesmaids

Can’t even get enough of that bridal party shot! So fun! And check out that awesome kale bouquet below…

cabbage flower bouquet

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Our favorite memory was definitely the ceremony where we both got to exchange our vows. Second favorite memory was sneaking away from the party to take pictures with the photographer, just the two of us, we got to breathe. And third was the epic late night dance party where we all danced to "All My Friends" by LCD Soundsystem (it's becoming a tradition at our friend's weddings).

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

acoustic

little ones

men on docks

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Erin scored her J.Crew dress from Tradesy for less than $100!

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

Wisconsin Wedding

camp wedding

simple plate setting

Wisconsin Wedding

wedding buttons

Wisconsin Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Stay true to you!! People will have so many opinions, learn how to smile and nod and then do whatever YOU want to do. Think about what makes you unique as a couple and incorporate those things into your big day even if it's small things (we had a "green" wedding-recycled cups, plates, glassware,etc). Take care of the big things first, the things that are time sensitive venue, photographer, caterer, etc. Once those things are booked you can breathe and take your time doing the fun stuff (crafting, etc.). I'm somewhat of a control freak and have a hard time telling people what I need help with. Having a good wedding party with great friends helps with this because when you're not able to say actual words, are speaking gibberish, and you're not making sense, they can understand your vision because they know you and are your best friends. Writing lists also helps! Note to self: When throwing a wedding in Wisconsin people don't care about fine wine, they want beer and whiskey-order more whiskey (maybe that's everywhere).

photography: Natalie Champa Jennings // venue name: Kamp Kenwood, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin // event design: Bride and Groom // planning: Bride and Groom // florals: Bride, Bridal Party, Farmers' Market // wedding dress: J.Crew from Tradesy // groom attire: J.Crew // catering: Bayport BBQ // music: The Melon Heads

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