Mark + Mackenzie: Elegant + emotional wedding day by candlelight dinner, Appleton, WI 

As I was taking photos of the reception details there was a guest around me and with her jaw on the floor, looked at me and said “Oh my gosh, this is THE most beautiful wedding I have EVER SEEN!” She was snapping photos with her phone at all of the gorgeous details and like her, I couldn’t stop taking photos and being wide eyed by the drippy glowing candles, the flowers and the draped sleeves on her dress, the pretty calligraphy and the signs and the different little desserts. The Warch felt like a castle and it was a really fun experience for everyone who was there! Aside from all of the beauty, I’m all about how the day felt and Mark and Mackenzie just had this relaxed, easy going, happy vibe to their wedding all the way though. A lot goes into a wedding and there wasn’t one thing that could take away that happy and calm presence that they both carried.

Mark’s dad helped him while he was getting ready and I really liked this little addition to the day! Mackenzie’s dad read a letter and opened a sweet gift from Mackenzie, Mark did the same. Mackenzie popped champagne with the moms and her best girls and also read a letter and opened a sweet gift from Mark. These little things set the tone for the day and let us catch a glimpse of all the care and love that was ahead for their ceremony and reception. They were married at a stunning church in Appleton (full of character!) and we felt spoiled being able to take photos at The Paine Art Center and Garden <3 The sun that day surrounding this space just felt magical for their photos! Amazing speeches and a full dance floor followed thanks to Green Fourteen!! Thank you for having us there to celebrate with you and google eye over all of your thoughtful ideas! It was all executed SO beautifully!

Meet: Mr. and Mrs. O’connell!!

Their wedding day vendors!:
Brides dress: White Dress Bridal Boutique (Milwaukee, WI) – Pronovias designer // Bridesmaid dresses: Biss Bridal (Brookfield, WI) – Wtoo & Hayley Paige designers // Grooms attire: Bill Paul (Neenah, WI) – Savvi Black Label // Groomsmen attire: Bill Paul (Neenah, WI) – Paul Betenly // Wedding planner: Blue Thistle (Day of Coordinator) (Appleton, WI) // Florals: Ebb & Flow Floral and Event Styling (DePere, WI) // Hair stylist: Anagen 11 Salon (Appleton, WI) // Make up: Anagen 11 Salon (Appleton, WI) // Ceremony location: St Joseph Catholic Church (Appleton, WI) // Reception location: Lawrence University Warch Campus Center (Appleton, WI) // Invites / paper goods: Paper Refinery (Dallas, TX) // Cake / cupcakes: Monzu Bakery (Green Bay, WI) // DJ / band: Green Fourteen (Chicago, IL) Catering: Bon Appétit – at Lawrence (Appleton, WI) // Videographer: True Shot Studios (Lake Geneva, WI) // Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bride’s hairpiece: Sara Gabriel // Rings: Avenue Jewelers (Appleton, WI) // ring box – the mrs. box // Bride’s Jewelry (earrings & bracelet) – Sara Gabriel // Bridesmaid jewelry (earrings & bracelet) – olive + piper // Robes & Pajamas – Le Rose