It was quite possibly the windiest wedding day on record. Women in billowing skirts narrowly avoided Marilyn Monroe moments, while gents’ ties flapped like flags in the breeze. Despite the gusty conditions, Ellyn and Danny’s August wedding felt warm, relaxed and infectious, which, if you know them, is pretty much an extension of their personalities. When you’re with them, it’s comfortable, like coming home — probably because these high school sweethearts have been together for 11 years. With a focus on family, they elected Danny’s grandparents’ cabin for their ceremony location. The grandmas were designated flower girls, and the wedding party gathered at the end of a sun-bleached red dock, white caps lapping on either side. For the record, any wedding that lets me shoot barefoot while wading in the cattails is my happy place!

What’s more, the host grandparents, Bernie & Bette, celebrated nearly 60 years of marriage that very same day! Almost every element of Ellyn and Danny’s day was DIY, from the grilled salmon BBQ, to the bridesmaid-crafted wedding cake, to the gathered garden flowers. After an intimate family afternoon, they ventured to Park Point Beach House in Duluth for a grand hootenanny of dancing & drinks with more of their favorite humans. Days like this are proof that simplicity is stunning, and that being present matters most.

Ceremony Location: Private Home in Gordon, WI // Reception Location: Park Point Beach House // Officiant: Billy Wagness // Catering: DIY // Floral Design: DIY // Hair & Makeup: DIY // Cake: DIY // Entertainment: Rockabilly Revue