Bethany and Tristan's love story is a beautiful blend of fate, adventure, and family connections. Their wedding was a true reflection of their personalities--timeless, personal, and fun--featuring a classic black-and-white color palette and thoughtful touches, including henna, a flower grandpa, and a nod to their beloved dog.
From an international love story to a stunning celebration at The Tinsmith, Bethany and Tristan's wedding was pure magic. Get inspired by all the thoughtful details and personal touches below.
Bethany and Tristan's love story is a true testament to fate and how small the world can be, even for those who love to travel. It all began when their mothers attended elementary school together. When they reconnected at a high school reunion many years later, Tristan's mom offered to host anyone visiting London. Little did she know, her future daughter-in-law would take her up on the offer during an adventurous semester studying abroad.
Bethany and Tristan clicked immediately upon meeting and spent four months exploring London together, working in coffee shops, and taking impromptu weekend trips to Italy. After Bethany finished her semester in London, the couple stayed connected long-distance through Facetime, Zoom, and Messenger. It would be several years before they took the leap and moved in together, along with their beloved--and spoiled--dog, Basil. Soon after, despite discussing marriage regularly, Tristan still managed to completely surprise Bethany with a swoon-worthy proposal while on a sunset hike with Basil.
When it came to planning the wedding, the couple strove to create an atmosphere that felt authentic to them: clean, timeless, personal, and fun. With stunning natural light, modern architecture, and plenty of greenery, The Tinsmith was the perfect location to bring that vision to life. Most of the wedding planning happened prior to moving to Madison, so Bethany selected a team of vendors who were willing to customize the day, brainstorm ideas, and were very communicative.
The ceremony was full of special moments, including music by string-trio Quartessence Strings, and Bethany's 92-year-old grandfather as a "flower grandpa," a role he took seriously (we think he did a great job!). At the reception, table numbers and bar signage featured their dog, Basil, so she could also be included in the celebration.
There was nothing but praise for the vendor team. Bethany and Tristan were especially thankful to their florist, Lily Forest Designs, for her expertise and advice, Studio KH for capturing the joy in a genuine and beautiful way, and Blue Plate Catering, which served a delicious and completely custom menu at the reception.
The couple chose a classic black-and-white color palette for the day, beginning with a white dress and black tuxedo. Since Bethany is half Indian and half American, it was important for her to include her heritage. She wore detailed henna on her hands for the occasion, and both she and Tristan changed into Indian clothing (lehenga and sherwani) for dancing at the end of the night.
For couples in the wedding planning process, here is Bethany's advice for crafting a magical day:
"The more planning you do early, the less stressful/more fun the weeks leading up to the wedding will be. Finding vendors who understand your vision and who you can trust will make all the difference - wedding day will be busy and knowing that you find the right people to bring it to life means you can focus on really being present and enjoying the day."
For more Madison, Wisconsin area wedding inspiration, visit our blog and follow us on social @wedplanmadison!
