Laura and Mark celebrated their timeless, elegant wedding at Garver Feed Mill with personal details, meaningful family tributes, lush spring florals, and stunning photography by Birch Laine Photo. From a heartfelt proposal surrounded by family to custom accessories, emotional ceremony music, and delicious catering, their day reflected love, joy, and thoughtful touches.
A first date can feel like a lot of pressure, so after meeting on Bumble in early October 2022, Laura and Mark decided to mix things up by wearing their best sweatshirts to meet up for dinner and drinks. They quickly bonded over a shared love of practical shopping lists, good drinks, and beautiful views.
Over a family holiday in July 2023, Laura’s brother suddenly stopped their boat, seating the couple, Laura’s mom, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew, in the middle of the river. While initially confused, Laura soon realized Mark had planned a beautiful proposal surrounded by her family. He got down on one knee and presented her with an engagement ring, and even an adorable toy “diamond” ring for Laura’s niece. Of course, Laura said yes!
The couple arranged many personal details for their timeless, elegant, and classic wedding, beginning with small gifts and accessories. Laura had a custom embroidered handkerchief made for Mark, writing, “See you at the altar! 4.27.24.” She also gifted him custom cufflinks with their cat, Addi, on them to include their beloved pet in the day.
Lettered by Shi designed a gorgeous stationery suite for the couple, using neutral creams, blushes, pinks, and browns.
Garver Feed Mill was the perfect modern, industrial venue for the couple, with enough space and character to fit their understated aesthetic as well as their guest count.
When it came to fashion, Laura and Mark decided on a twist on the traditional black tie celebration. Mark and his groomsmen wore matching black tuxedos with crisp white undershirts, while the ushers dressed all in black with mauve ties. Mark finished off his look with a black bow tie, while
his groomsmen wore ties in black.
Laura said yes in her dream dress from Premiere Couture, a gown with simple, sleek fabric, a sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, tie corset back, and a flowing lace train. Her hair was styled into a low bun, while her makeup accentuated her natural beauty, with rosy cheeks and a bold red lip. Her bridal party also added a pop of color with matching v-neck mauve dresses that coordinated perfectly with the groomsmen’s ties.
During the ceremony, Laura wanted to include tributes to her father, who passed away in 2016. Her mother sewed a piece of one of his dress shirts to be carried in her dress pocket as she walked down the aisle. Camerata String Quartet played music throughout the ceremony and also performed one of Laura’s dad’s favorite songs, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,“ to begin dinner hour.
In addition to the rentals provided by Garver Feed Mill, Event Essentials provided many supporting details and decor throughout the day. The couple’s vendor team worked together to create an artistic backdrop for the ceremony, full of lush white florals with plenty of greenery.
After the ceremony, Garver Events catered a cocktail hour where guests mingled and snacked on a charcuterie assortment of Wisconsin favorite cheeses. Later in the night, they also served a delicious dinner. Guests signed a copy of “Madison in Focus” to highlight the city’s history, which was a creative nod to the venue’s history.
Birch Laine Photo captured thoughtful and stunning photos, both indoors and outdoors, throughout the day. Since Laura and Mark were married in April, they took advantage of early spring blooms for a natural, swoon-worthy backdrop.
The night continued with dinner, desserts, speeches, and plenty of dancing. Craig’s Cake Shop served a minimalist, single-layer cake for the couple, surrounded by a variety of smaller bites like cupcakes, cake cups, and delicious cream puffs. Other interactive experiences included a photo booth from Complete Weddings and Events, and yes–bubbles!
Reflecting on their day, Laura credits her experienced vendor team for helping make the process and planning stress-free. Her best advice to couples currently planning? “Take a deep breath and ENJOY this time! Control what you can and let go of the rest. Your guests are just excited to celebrate and to love on you as you begin this new journey!”
