Creative people create creative weddings! Francesca, an art director, and graphic designer, and her fiancé, Brock, wanted to channel a super fan festival vibe into their big day. And their wedding venue? A Summer camp! Camp Wandawega set the stage perfectly for their festival dreams. They took over the camp for the day and branded everything “Camp Morlan”. From koozies to signs to invites and more, Camp Morlan was THE place to be on this summer night.
As we all know, no wedding is complete without some beautiful photography and planning to make the day come to life. And the design was…Francesca herself! As an expert in the creative field, she trusted her instincts to make their wedding vision come to life. And it absolutely did! She then trusted HUE by Sarah Davidson to execute the planning and Alisha Tova to photograph the affair. Talk about a dream team!
Love’s a Trip
We couldn’t dream up a better invitation suite than this. The font, colors, and designs all perfectly embody what we would imagine seeing at the festival of a lifetime.
This Rue de Seine gown is what boho dreams are made of.
The day I found my wedding dress was supposed to be a practice excursion. My mom had wanted to take a fun girl’s trip out of state to go look but we wanted to “practice” in Chicago first. When I put my dress on I did not want to take it off – it felt like pure magic. It was one of those moments where you can’t believe a dress like this existed and felt like it was made just for me. I waited a few days before pulling the trigger to make sure it was truly the one, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it every day after.
Let’s hear it for the boys! This photo is DEFINITELY one of our favorites that we’ve seen groomsmen take. It’s great inspiration to use at your own wedding!
Brock absolutely killed it in his forest green suit. Pure cool guy energy – and we’re so here for it.
The Grounds of Camp Morlan
Less is oftentimes more. A flowered aisle with bench-style seating was just the right fit for this wedding’s theme. Its subtle detail breathes life into the communal summer camp feeling.
A chalkboard sign detailing the intention of an unplugged ceremony was a gentle reminder for their guests.
Processional: River by Leon Bridges (performed by Francesca's brothers) Recessional: Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder First Dance: Across The Room by ODESZA ft. Leon Bridges
You are now husband and wife!
A flower petal sendoff is always a beautiful choice after saying “I Do”.
Let the Festiv(al)ities Begin
The coolest shots are always the ones you never think of. Francesca propped herself on a ladder and posed effortlessly next to her stylish groom. Serious power couple energy!
There are so many decisions you have to make when planning a wedding. We made a point to only choose things that felt true to us or made us happy and sprinkled in fun things that we enjoy throughout. Being a graphic designer/art director myself, I created all of the art. I loved being able to create unique pieces that were completely us and I had so much fun watching every piece come to life.
One rule: There are no rules! Do whatever you want, however you want. We only did things that made us happy or meant something special to us and in the end, we created a day that was such a reflection of us as a couple. Also, make a plan with your significant other heading into the weekend to make sure you two stick together. It's super easy to get pulled apart from each other. We were told that by a friend and so we made a point to always stay as near to each other as possible.
An all-brown table scape and chair theme brought back memories of childhood times at camp. But in a whole new, elevated way!
Exploding florals at the sweetheart table were the perfect place to express a love for color and fun. The rattan chairs tied it all together.
The menus were uniquely presented with a message that said “first we eat, then we party”. True words to live by.
It wouldn’t be a festival without a little neon! Camp Morlan will forever be memorialized in this absolutely amazing signage. Something their guests will not soon forget!
Okay – this one is a showstopper. Frankie worked with illustrator Nic Campa to create this custom poster. It shows the venue, date of the wedding weekend, their two adorable pups, and credits vendors at the bottom. Very similar to how performers would be listed for a concert lineup. Seriously amazing.
Dancing Into the Evening
String lights lit up the “dance floor” that was a basketball court for the couple to hold each other.
What a festival indeed! Frankie and Brock – congrats on your big day! We’re wishing you a lifetime of days like these.
photography: Alisha Tova // venue name: Camp Wandawega, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA // event design: Francesca Morlan // planning: HUE by Sarah Davidson // florals: Petals n' Bloom // wedding dress: Rue De Seine // wedding dress boutique: Alice in Ivory // hair stylist: Hannah Elisabeth Beauty // makeup artist: Hannah Elisabeth Beauty // groom attire: BLVDier and The Mischief Collective // videography: The Quail + The Dove // paper goods: Francesca Morlan // catering: 31 North Banquets + Catering // cake: Alliance Bakery // tabletop rentals: Dish + Decor Vintage Rentals // furniture rentals: A La Crate Rentals // specialty rentals: Capital City Tents // music: Unity the Band // cocktails: The Barmadillo // wedding poster: Low Tron Design + Illustration // printing: Fiore Press Letterpress // late night food: Buddy's Special Events // dj + lighting: Sound by Design
Super fun all the way. Looks like a burning man event. Love it!!