Lindsay + Bobby’s most favorite thing in the world is to escape for a weekend of beers, good food, sun and music with loved ones. So, when it came time to plan their wedding, they thought why not do just that and toss a wedding in the middle! Pretty perfect, right?! They both live in San Francisco with friends and family in Chicago,Wisconsin and Michigan, which made Camp Wandawega‘s Wisconsin location totally perfect.
From Lindsay: “The number one, most important, super critical, non-negotiable item we had when we began planning our wedding was that it be held someplace that could function on multiple levels: as lodging for us, our close friends and family, as a ceremony and reception site, and as a place for guests to just lounge about and catch up and simply take advantage of being in the same place over the wedding weekend. When we found Wandawega, which fit all of the above and then some, everything else just fell into place, inspiration wise.”
Thanks so much to Sergio Mottola Photography for the photos and congrats to Lindsay + Bobby!
We were drawn to Camp Wandawega for more than logistics though, of course. It was such a perfect reflection of our style and interests. It was so great to walk through camp and at any given time seeing random groups of our favorite people taking turns on the tree swings, or shooting at the archery targets, or hanging out in the treehouse, or fishing off the dock. Just having a ball. It was the best.
So so so so many. But top four for both of us are: our first look in the woods; our dear friend and officiant, John Zeien, having to pause and collect himself just before he pronounced us husband and wife; our first dance (surprisingly emotional moment for us); and the truly epic dance party that was our reception (especially the group circle sing-a-long to LCD Soundsystem's "All of My Friends").
Processional: Everyday – Rogue Wave
Recessional: Vivrant Thang – Q Tip
First Dance: Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez
I cannot overstate how rad it was seeing everything that we had spent months picturing in our heads come to life, thanks in great measure to generous contributions of time and hard labor from our friends and family. The only reason our wedding came together the way we’d dreamt it would was because we had an army of awesome helpers moving tables, hauling kegs, putting pretty flowers into vases, shoving hundreds of fringed crepe paper strips into chicken wire, etc etc etc. It takes a village to have a camp wedding.
Do whatever you can as early as you can. Procrastinating is your worst enemy. Get a coordinator! While we felt more than up to the task of planning our wedding, having a professional to take the reins and run things was the best thing we did for our sanity and enjoyment of the weekend. Ask for help when you need it, involve your partner, and let the wedding reflect both of you.
photography: Sergio Mottola Photography // catering: Underground Food Collective // music: Style Matters // ceremony: Camp Wandawega // reception: Camp Wandawega // day-of coordination: Anticipation Events // tent: Sperry // lighting: Sperry // doughnuts: Elkhorn Bakery // florist: Abundance Acres // vintage dishes: Frances Lane // aisle poofs: Marcie Lynn Walker // vintage napkins: Midwest Textiles // reclaimed wood bar: Dan Ryan // dress designer: Miss Tashina // suit: Hugo Boss // hand-painted signs: Jared Grellner // boutonnieres: Jared Grellner // welcome bag artwork: Jared Grellner
What a wonderful and unique wedding, full of character!!! I love all the personalised signs! :)
This is pretty much the plan that we have in mind for our own wedding- so great to see that it can be done, and so prettily too!
The couple did a fantastic job picking out their location/venue. Gorgeous space and exceptional images!
What a unique idea! I never would have thought of a camp as a wedding venue. I love that your friends and family could spend the weekend with you!
Unique….Looks like a lot of fun!
Beautiful! Love the guidebook to the wedding.
It’s always so refreshing and inspiring to see a weekend camping wedding. Everything looks so relaxed and genuine. I love the paper goods and “guidebook” as well! Who did the paper design?
this looks like an amazing fun wedding. And that bride has a brilliant smile! Really love all the creativity and personality here!
very pretty pictures! i hope to visit camp wandawega this summer!
I love the weekend camp guides! Who did the paper design?
This was such a beautiful unique wedding! Love the little details. I’m still tripping (yeah I said tripping, lol!) over the fact that they used Vivrant Thang by Q-tip for their recessional. That song is a hip-hop classic and makes you want to dance, how fun!
I love how simple but awesome this whole wedding looks!