The Abbey Resort Wedding in Lake Geneva | Shayla and Dave
In the gorgeous lake country of Wisconsin is a little resort called The Abbey Resort, where Dave spent many summers as a child. So, between his nostalgia for the resort and his fiancée Shayla’s love for gardens and nature, they knew an outdoor summer wedding in Lake Geneva, WI, was the perfect choice for them!
Shayla and Dave’s love story started during a ski trip when Dave’s friend secretly took Dave’s phone and swiped right on Tinder. Shayla swiped right back, thinking it was Dave, of course! When she went to The Vista Lounge bar, Dave and his friends were all there. This could have been intimidating, but Shayla took it in stride! Dave showed his funny side, and the two immediately hit it off. Shayla and Dave decided to ski together the next day, which was, in true rom-com fashion, New Year’s Eve! With a first kiss under the NYE fireworks that night, their love story couldn’t get any better.
But of course, you have to try to one-up your love story on your wedding day! And Shayla and Dave certainly pulled out all the stops to do so. Centered around the theme of light-blue hydrangeas—Shayla’s favorite flower—this Abbey Resort wedding had the fresh, vibrant look Shayla envisioned when we first spoke in our consultation call.
The day began with the couple getting ready while I grabbed detail shots, including the ski ticket from the day they met! I couldn’t believe they’d saved it all those years, and I loved that they included that special item for me to photograph. While I finished up the detail photos, Shayla got dressed in her fitted gown from White One Bridal with a sweetheart neckline, a lace overlay, and a long train. She had a first look with her dad, stepdad, and then with her bridesmaids, who wore light blue dresses from Bella Bridesmaids. When the first looks were complete (and a few tears shed), we headed out for the ceremony.
The ceremony was held in a grassy field with a white gazebo overlooking the lake beyond. Like the rest of the wedding decor, the Treasure Hut Events team had covered the gazebo in blue hydrangeas. And when the rain began to fall, the gazebo became the perfect spot for pictures! Shayla’s delicate blonde curls, styled by Refeyeance, contrasted with the deep greens and blues around us. Then, after a surprise bagpipe player jumped on the scene and played a few songs, off to the reception we went!
Shayla knew she wanted a big day that included a garden theme, so inside the large air-conditioned tent were blue, green, and white flowers, as well as a hanging chandelier dripping with gorgeous green leaves. As the bridal party made its grand entrance, a bridesmaid and groomsman pair surprised everyone by swapping their outfits! Now, that got a huge laugh out of everyone!
After the parent dances, the party rocked on into the night! The band, D’lite Duo, kept everyone on their feet. People only took a dancing break to grab ice cream provided by Dip in the Bay. Because Shayla and Dave booked all-day coverage, I was able to be there all the way up to the grand exit when Dave gave Shayla a dramatic dip beneath a shower of sparklers. I was thrilled these two booked a full day, because without it, I would have missed photographing the epic dance floor and the sparkler exit!
Venue : The Abbey Resort
Coordinator : Graceful Events
Invitation Suite : Carlson Craft Products
MUAH : REFeyeANCE Makeup & Hair
Bridal Boutique : Jade Bridal
Bride’s Dress : White One Bridal
Groom’s Tux : Men’s Wearhouse
Bridal Party Attire : Bella Bridesmaids
Floral Design : Treasure Hut Flowers
Bakery : Lake Geneva Bakery
Ice Cream : Dip in the Bay
Band : D’lite Duo
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding photographer who’s down to travel and comfy photographing places they’ve never been, I’d love to chat! Head to my contact page, and let’s talk about how I can photograph your wedding as beautifully as Shayla and Dave’s big day at Abbey Resort. Check out some amazing Wisconsin weddings below! I don’t get to spend a lot of time in this beautiful state, but I always love it!
xx,
Jennifer Lourie
