Jenna and Travis are such a sweet couple. We were thrilled to be hired as their wedding planner! We’ve got so many insights and beautiful photos to share, thanks to Blessed & Beautiful Photography, so read on.
But we did not meet these two for the first time during their engagement! Many years ago, Mr. Van Ark (my husband, Marsha speaking!) was Jenna’s 5th grade teacher. And for her wedding, he got to be the officiant while we were hired as the planner! We think the world of these two, and it has been very special to know Jenna for many years, and to be in this role for the best day of her life.
After being patient with a 2.5 year engagement, the time had finally come for their wedding! With the hashtag #wannabeweisenberger ready to go, these two wanted to plan an elegant, romantic, and whimsical wedding. First up, time to get some first looks underway so the wedding magic can begin.
Then, it was time for a beautiful ceremony at Wausau’s Yawkey House Museum. This stunning venue offers lush, colorful gardens, a courtyard space perfect for a wedding ceremony, and with the addition of a string quartet, it felt very magical! Unfortunately the rain came just in time for the ceremony, but Jenna & Travis wanted the show to go on rain or shine, so we grabbed umbrellas and made the most of it.
Jenna was excited to share personally written vows so she could “say what she’d like to say without thinking of anyone but Travis”. And, how special that their officiant was Steve, my husband, and Jenna’s elementary teacher!
Jenna & Travis were able then to move to Rib Mountain State Park, home of Granite Peak, where the reception would take place. They knew that they wanted to plan for photos here because the Wisconsin autumn colors were peaking, and with the contrast to the wedding party in all black, it was a gorgeous moment!
What about a chair lift ride to take in the reality of being married and to enjoy the fall colors? We loved this moment and chance for the bride & groom to get a minute to breathe together.
Party time. We love the Granite Peak Sundance Chalet for wedding receptions – it’s such a great space that can be made lush and beautiful with the help of amazing florals and rentals. Jenna & Travis also had their dog, Kona, featured on their wedding cake! She was too anxious to be there on the wedding day, but they knew they wanted their fur baby there in spirit.
The reception was beautiful, joyful, and a perfect celebration.
Without a team of experts by our side, this wedding would not have been possible! A HUGE thank you to this list of incredible wedding pros for executing a beautiful day. To be directed to each wedding pro’s website, click on the business name.
Hair Salon: Wes & Co
Makeup Team: V Beauty House & Vanexa Yang
Ceremony Venue: Yawkey House Museum
Reception Venue: Granite Peak Sundance Chalet
Rentals: Accentu Rentals
Photography: Blessed & Beautiful Photography
Wedding Planner: Us! (Distinctly Yours Wedding & Events)
Officiant: Steve VanArk
Ceremony Musicians: Florence Strings
Caterer: Rockman’s Catering
Transportation: Xtreme Party Bus
Late Night Snack: Polito’s Pizza
Jenna & Travis, thank you for trusting us to plan your wedding! We loved our time together dreaming and planning the details of your day, and we really enjoyed our time spent with you. We miss you! We hope this blog has been a sweet reminder of the best day.
Love,
Marsha & Team