Filled with sentimental details and heartfelt intention, Sarah & Alex's La Crosse wedding beautifully honored their love story, family traditions, and personal style. See how their meaningful celebration came to life with timeless design, cherished heirlooms, and local Wisconsin vendors.
Sarah & Alex shared a lot of mutual friends, so it was only a matter of time before their paths finally crossed in 2020. Although times were uncertain during the height of the pandemic, they immediately found comfort and stability with one another, and it quickly felt like they had known each other for years. Sarah described their connection, "I wish there was a better way to describe the elusive and vague, 'when you know, you know' cliche, but that is what happened to us."
Alex planned a swoon-worthy proposal with the help of friends--and a sneaky boss, who convinced Sarah she was attending a meeting. Instead of work, when she arrived, Sarah was led down an aisle of candles and romantic music playing. Alex got up on stage and proposed with a ring he had lovingly created with the diamonds from the wedding rings of both Sarah's maternal and paternal grandmothers.
The couple carried the sentimental details into their timeless garden party wedding day. Alex wrote Sarah letters in the months leading up to their wedding and gave them to her, which she will cherish forever. Sarah also had a seamstress make her mom's wedding dress into a robe she wore to get ready for the day. Additionally, tulle from the gown was also used as a bouquet tie and worn as a veil in some of the day's photos.
For their fathers, Sarah & Alex gifted ties featuring childhood photos sewn in. The couple reflected, "Both fathers had pictures of their kids on their wedding day ties to thank them for helping us grow into the people we are today."
As one final family tribute, the couple tied the knot on the same day as Sarah's paternal grandparents' wedding anniversary.
Having previously worked in the wedding industry, Sarah knew she and Alex had many talented local vendors to choose from when planning their wedding. Ultimately, she hoped to find a team she could trust with the details, so she could relax and stay in the moment (which can be a tough ask for Type As!).
The couple credits the venue manager at The Greenhouse Bittersweet, as well as resources like WedPlan La Crosse, for helping narrow the focus and find their perfect vendors. Sarah reflected, "While not officially our wedding planner, [Ann Myhre] does take care of each and every one of her brides with the utmost care! She pointed me to all the right things for my sources of wedding inspo."
In addition to hosting the couple's reception, The Greenhouse Bittersweet provided bar service, rentals, and florals. Their tranquil grounds feature an authentic country barn, a stunning greenhouse, and ample space for lounging outdoors and taking in the fresh air.
The venue was made even more beautiful with rental and decor items from Orange Door Weddings & Resource Vintage Rental. Inside, greenery and rattan lanterns hung from the greenhouse ceiling, and the tables were tastefully set with crystal glassware, woven placemats, candles, vases, and other decorative elements. A lounge area was also set up outside for mingling, sipping, and watching the sunset in comfort and style.
After exchanging vows in a traditional ceremony at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Sarah & Alex ventured back to the reception venue for photos. Their wedding colors included black, white, blush, and sage green.
Sarah wore a luxe, off-the-shoulder gown from Charlotte's Bridal and Formal Wear. The dress featured a criss-cross bodice, a sweetheart neckline, and a full skirt, perfect for twirling. Makeup By Sarah Koblitz Team styled the bride and her bridesmaids with subtle, glowy makeup that brought out their natural beauty. Sarah had shimmering eyeshadow, lightly rouged cheeks, and a soft pink lip. JLS Studios softly curled her hair, then pulled it back into a textured low ponytail with loose waves framing her face.
Alex chose a monochromatic ensemble, consisting of a black suit, black undershirt, black textured bow tie, and black shoes. The groomsmen wore black suits, white undershirts, and matching green patterned ties for a pop of color.
Sarah & Alex chose a nontraditional route for dinner and dessert. Instead of a plated meal, they brought in a food truck, Rubio's Taco Truck, and opted for a dessert table with a variety of sweets by Linda's Bakery instead of cake. Guests were able to graze and enjoy the food, then dance the night away to music provided by Exceeding Sounds. Live artist, Hailey Puent, also drew portraits of guests as a unique keepsake favor.
From details, dances, and more, Emily Jean Photography and BVisions Media did a beautiful job preserving the emotions, joy, and intentionality of the day. Golden hour was the prime time for couple photos, and we are absolutely loving the warm, radiant, sun-soaked backdrop!
When it comes to planning a wedding, we could not agree more with this advice from the bride:
"Make sure to incorporate things that are important to you, as the couple, first and foremost (you are the MVPs, not the hosts). Sometimes it can be hard to focus on that when there are so many of your closest friends and family there. But ensuring that you do will help you and your partner have the best day with each other, which is what the entire day is all about.
Also giving some grace on the expectations of "the perfect wedding day". The perfect wedding day is you both getting to marry your best friend. There will always be something that doesn't go 100% according to plan, but in the end, it is being able to celebrate each other with all the people you love."
Inspired by Sarah & Alex's beautiful day? Grab your own copy of WedPlan La Crosse to start planning your perfect wedding! View our digital magazine here, pick up a free copy from one of our local vendors, or request one to be mailed to you by filling out our contact form. Happy planning!
