Boy meets girl. Girl woos boy in ballroom dance class. The rest is history.

But seriously: Could you ask for a sweeter story?

Jess & Sam are true old souls, and I love them for that! With an appreciation for the finer things in life (art, opera, ballroom dance, and world travel), these two stole my heart at once. In the same token, they’re lighthearted & side-splittingly witty.

In addition, bride Jess blew me away with her multi-lingual prowess. With several international friends attending the wedding, Jess danced between English, Japanese, and Italian with astounding ease.

And there’s nothing lovelier than a couple forging their own traditions. On the big day, Jess & Sam awoke in separate, charmingly-appointed rooms in Bayfield, Wisconsin’s Old Rittenhouse Inn. After exploring the Inn’s expansive wrap-around porch and flowering gardens for photos, they traveled on foot down to Memorial Park, a stone’s throw from Lake Superior.

For the ceremony, Sam’s Jewish faith set the tone. Perhaps one of the loveliest moments happened toward the beginning, when the bride’s parents walked Jess down the aisle partway, and Sam came to meet her there. Allow me to wax philosophic for a moment: Isn’t that what marriage is all about, meeting halfway & compromising? It was lovely.

Later in the Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion, their evening featured twinkle lights, sumptuous cakes & pies (seriously, your mouth will water), and the big band sounds of The Big Woods Big Band. In keeping with Jewish tradition, they danced the Hora upon hoisted wooden chairs, then headed outside for a private twirl overlooking the marina.

Although I don’t really believe in “perfect” wedding days, theirs came mighty close: It was luxuriously elegant yet completely comfortable. Mazel Tov to these two love birds!

                  

Getting Ready Location: Old Rittenhouse Inn // Ceremony Location: Memorial Park in Bayfield, WI // Reception Location: Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion in Bayfield, WI // Catering: Candlelight Catering  // Floral Design: Ashland Floral  // Cakes: Dorothy Budiash // Music: The Big Woods Big Band