TRENDY WINTER WEDDING at ST. JOHN’S + FRATELLOS, DOWNTOWN APPLETON

If Lucy had it her way, every day would be her wedding day, and she would marry Derek over and over and over again. For obvious reasons, there’s a lot of hype around wedding days. The planning and the pinning, the decorations and the honeymoon and picking out the perfect songs. Derek and Lucy did it all right, every single drop, with the most heart and the most intention. They went with their vision, chose songs that gave them goosebumps, danced the night away in a space that was filled with character and tall windows surrounded by decorations handmade by Lucy’s dad. You could pinpoint their biggest fans at the wedding, the ones who were clapping the loudest and cheering for their happiness, and that would be their parents and siblings. They were helping them through this process from the day Derek put the most beautiful ring on Lucy’s finger. Her brother designed their invitations and paper goods, while her dad had a hand in almost every inch of the decor, from the tall birch and planters, to the chalkboard frames and cake platters. If you haven’t noticed already, this day was centered around family. Being able to celebrate with their families, and to become a family themselves is what truly brought them the most joy on their wedding day. (We were even able to visit Lucy’s adorable grandma Eleanor in the nursing home after the ceremony! She was all dressed up and ready to smother her grandkids with kisses and love. The sweetest stop ever!)

The morning started with dancing and singing to Adele, mostly to calm the jitters, and also because I think we can all agree that Adele is the bomb. The girls got ready at Lucy’s parents home, one that was adorably decorated and had fresh sprinkle donuts ready and waiting! Her mom helped her slip into her gorgeous lace Reem Acra gown, and her girls adored and watched as their very best friend was becoming a bride right before their eyes. Derek was in awe when those church doors opened (see his face below, love a great groom reaction!), and that was a preview to just how wonderful and emotional the rest of their wedding day would be. Each portion of their wedding day held so much meaning, from getting ready, to the processional and their vows, to visiting grandma, to pretending we were in the topics while taking photos outdoors, to speeches and dances, it was all so memorable and meaningful.

I’m right with you Lucy, I want it to be your wedding day every day! Cheers to one gorgeous wedding and to an even more beautiful marriage! I feel the luckiest to have been there through the process and to watch the entire day unfold so flawlessly. Much love to you, Peeters!!

Meet: Mr. and Mrs. Peeters:

Vendors, you deserve 10 rounds of applause! Amazing!

Bride’s dress: Reem Acra, purchased at Belle Vie Bridal Couture, Chicago // Bridesmaid dresses: ASOS // Bride’s shoes: Gilt // Groom’s jacket: ASOS // Groom’s pants: Macy’s // Groom’s shirt: Men’s Wearhouse // Groom’s tie: Express // Groom’s pocketsquare: Nordstrom // Groom’s shoes: Aldo // Groomsmen attire: Macy’s // Wedding planner: Bride’s mom 😉 // Florals: Branching Out // Hair stylist: Abbie Vanden Heuvel, Mint Salon // Barber for groom, father of the bride + brother of the bride: Shear Chaos // Make up: Anagen 11 // Ceremony: St. Johns, Little Chute // Church choir: Satin Dolls // Reception location: Fratello’s, Appleton // Invites + paper goods: Quinn Lemmers (brother of the bride)// Envelopes: Paper Source // Cake: Rebecca’s Sweet Boutique // DJ: Nite Lights Entertainment // Rings: Avenue Jewelers // Cake platters, table number holders, planter + birch decor, chalkboard frames: James Lemmers (father of the bride) // Live painting of first dance: Maggie Smith Kuhn, I am not Maggie //