Hayward Wisconsin Backyard Wedding / Julia + Ryan

Julia and Ryan met at a friend’s wedding in Oregon. They hit it off right away, and despite Julia living in Minnesota, they started their relationship.  They both are silly, fun, and live for to travel, and made plans to visit each other as many times as possible.  Julia was offered a job in Portland a few years later, and moved out to Oregon where they were finally in the same state.  They were married this past July in Hayward, Wisconsin in a backyard wedding at Julia’s family cabin.

Hayward, Wisconsin has been a second home to Julia and her family.  Their cabin sits on the calm, clear waters of Round Lake and is a place where you can’t help but relax.  Ryan has spent many summers at the cabin as well and they couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate their wedding.

Julia and her ladies dressed in the cabin closest to their ceremony.  Since many of their guests came in from all over the country and Canada, the cabin was full of people getting ready.  Julia’s mom showed up as she put final touches were put on, and she gave her daughter a big hug.

Ryan wore a blue shirt and stripped tie.  He looked comfortable but classy, perfect for a warm summer wedding.  Julia came down the cabin stairs and greeted him at the bottom.  Ryan’s eyes lit up, he knew she would look amazing.

They walked down to their favorite part of the doc for some privacy and pictures.  They made their way around the property stopping in the sunlight and soaking it all in.  We hopped in the car and brought Julia’s dress fluffer, Janae, and drove to the boat landing.   It was a great spot for photos with sandy shores and a beautiful view of the lake.  We returned to the cabin for family photos then Julia and Ryan tucked away until the ceremony.

Family and friends were shuttled over to the cabin.  They grabbed a cold beer or a glass of wine and mingled until Julia’s father, Tim, announced it was time for the ceremony.

Family made their way down the aisle and took their seats in the front row.  Julia and her father were the last to walk, then Tim took the mic as the official officiant.  Julia and Ryan read their own vows to each other, and most of their guests (including me) had to wipe a tear or two from their eyes.  Tim shared his martial advice by talking about how love needs to be stable like a tripod, then wished the couple the best.  Julia and Ryan shared a kiss then made their way back down the aisle to celebrate.

Dinner started shortly after and six of the couple’s closest friends shared toasts.  Everyone cleared their plates then made their way to the dance floor to party.  It started tame, but like most dance parties, things got real exciting.  Costumes made out of recycling, a parachute from Gymboree, and a sassy blonde in a sparkly dress all made an appearance.  It was a fantastic night for all that attended.

Julia and Ryan-  I’m so grateful to call you both friends, and J- thanks for including me in all this.  You are the best and I am so happy for you.   What a beautiful day for two of the most wonderful people I know.  Love you both so much, Tom and I are so lucky to be in your lives.  Let’s hopefully meet up in Chili!  PS- your dress fluffer, Janae, did a great job.

Thanks to these wonderful vendors for making the day so great!

Coordinator: Danielle Dale from the the Sylvan Dale Barn

Vintage China: Vintage Soiree 

Live Band: Charles Otto and This Must Be the Band

Like the look sand feel of a backyard wedding?  Me too!  Here’s another one from Stillwater, MN.

Stillwater Minnesota Backyard Wedding / Katie and Ethan / 7.22.17