A Dreamy Al Fresco Wedding on Stout’s Island
When your mom is a renowned wedding planner in the area, you know your wedding will be nothing short of EPIC! Carolyn & Austin took “unplugged wedding” up a notch by creating a fun-filled, Wi-Fi free wedding weekend for their family and friends at Stout’s Island Lodge. Morr Events planned and designed a gorgeous al fresco ceremony and tented reception filled with lush greenery and roses, lace table runners and a dessert table that we’ll be dreaming about from now until forever. From each tender moment to every breathtaking detail, M Three Studio Photography captured it all so let’s dive in, shall we?
From the photographer, M Three Studio Photography: This was a destination wedding held on Stouts Island, known as “the Island of Happy Days”. This 150 year old resort is an enchanting set of lodges and cabins on a 14 acre island in NW Wisconsin. Frank Stout was a prominent lumber baron who built the Adirondack inspired lodge and cabins for his family and children to enjoy. His friend, Andrew Carnegie gifted the iron bridge that connects the two parts of the island, and where the couple had their first look. The wedding inhabited the entire island for the weekend, drawing guests from all over the country to celebrate.
The bride’s mother is a locally renowned wedding planner in Milwaukee who coordinated and styled every detail of this vintage and romantic wedding day. Since the island is isolated and in a rural part of the state – every table, chair, linen and flower had to be brought in, and ferried across the lake.
From the bride and groom: When we looked at wedding venues, we wanted to create an experience that encouraged our guests to enjoy themselves. Once we visited Stout’s Island – we were hooked. The location was everything we were looking for: a beautiful, outdoor destination that would not only be the perfect environment for an intimate ceremony, but would allow our guests to feel like they’re on vacation. We had multiple friends and family members say their goodbyes on Sunday, and tell us that they haven’t been able to go on vacation in so long, and they were so grateful to have an excuse to take one for our wedding weekend. While Caroline was getting ready with her bridesmaids on Saturday morning, friends and family kept paddle boarding over to the cabin, meeting each other for lawn games, getting lunch, laying out and enjoying the sun, and spending time connecting with each other. One of the best aspects of Stout’s Island is that it forces people to disconnect with technology, with WiFi and TV’s, and promotes connecting with others. We felt like every single guest was present all weekend. We’ll never forget how much fun we had.
We love how the bride and groom created a full blown wedding weekend full of fun activities for their guests while on Stout’s Island! Just in case your mom isn’t a renowned wedding planner, here’s some inside information on wedding vendor tipping.
Wedding Vendors:
Event Planner, Designer + Stylist: Morr Events
Venue + Catering: Stout’s Island Lodge
Photography: M Three Studio Photography
Stationery + Day of Stationery: Evr Paper
Invitations, Place Cards + Menu: Dreams & Nostalgia
Tent, Chairs + Farm Tables: Canopies Events with Distinction
Table Runners, Napkins + Cocktail Linens: Tabletoppers
Vintage Rentals, Glassware, Dinnerware, Silverware: Relics Vintage Rentals
Florals: The Red Petal
Tent Fabric Installation + Lighting: Barking Pony
Desserts – Humble 4 Pie
Cocktail Reception Music: Dang It’s
DJ: Sound by Design
Bride’s Dress: Lela Rose purchased at Gigi’s of Mequon
Groom’s Custom Suit: Harley’s for Men
Bridesmaid + Flower Girls Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Make up Artist: Kate Troxell
Hair Stylist: Angela Trost of Texture Salon