Leslie & Brett – A Wedding that has it all

by Niki in , — Updated October 17, 2019 — Reading Time: 8 minutes

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What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?

Brett and I went to high school together, but him being a senior and me, a freshman, made dating difficult, so we stayed friends. Brett went off to college and we continued to stay in touch. He came home to visit a few times, but I soon left for college in Michigan. We would email each other randomly once a year or so. After we had both graduated college, I was living in Michigan and he was living in North Carolina where he was stationed in the Army. Brett sent me another yearly email, and we decided to get coffee (which I was quite nervous about) while we were both home for Christmas break in our hometown in Minnesota. Neither of us knew what to expect after nearly 5 years of not seeing each other, but we were both immediately smitten! We spent the rest of break together, dated long distance, and soon after, I quit my job in Michigan and moved down to NC and we have been together ever since!Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL125 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL156_1 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL164_1 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL093_1

What inspired your wedding day outfits?

Brett didn’t really care to have much input in the wedding; except for his outfit! He was sure he wanted the groomsmen in gray suits, and with all different body shapes, we were lucky to find a perfect Ralph Lauren suit. I loved the Hugo Boss ties the second I saw them. They’re a traditional blue and white stripe, but the horizontal stripe gave it a modern feel! Brett’s tie, tie tack, and pocket square are from J.Crew.

I knew I wanted a simple dress with big impact. I fell in love with my Alvina Valenta gown because of it’s strong seams and structured peplum skirt without beading (the belt is an add on). However, my favorite part is my headpiece. It is the same headpiece my Grandmother wore at their wedding 61 years prior. I was blessed to have both Grandparents attend the wedding! With such a busy/unique piece, the dress made for a perfect canvas.

My family has gone to Bayfield, WI every 4th of July for the previous 12 years to participate in the sailboat races. I knew this is where I would want my future wedding to be. It is a nautical feeling Bay town, so it would have been impossible NOT to have used the natural scape as an influence! My favorite color is also navy. The mint color happened as a happy accident when we found the perfect bridesmaid dresses. I also love all things gold, so that was used as our accent color.Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL078 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL006_1 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL068_Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL064flowers

What makes the two of you a perfect match?

I think we are a perfect match because we have so much in common, shared interests, and he makes me laugh!Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL196

Any advice for engaged couples still in the planning process?

My advice for engaged couples still in the planning process: Pick things you like and don’t get stuck on a theme. If you do this, things will come together and you will enjoy the little things more. Don’t get stuck on a tradition: we had an uneven number of groomsmen/bridesmaids. Rather than picking another person for the sake of numbers, we made it work. Lastly, don’t ask for too many opinions, because chances are it will make the decision process all that much harder and longer!
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Did you have any Do it Yourself {DIY} projects?

Almost everything in the wedding was DIY!

  • Guests snacked on bags of mixed nuts and mini water bottles with custom labels that we made and assembled
  • We were welcomed to the reception by guests donning cap guns with tags that read “When the Nelsons Arrive, Shoot Off Five!”. We designed and printed the tags, and tied them onto the cap guns with baker’s twine.
  • Guests sipped on the Bride and Groom’s favorite drinks, “Mint To Be” and “G&T” I spray painted ornate frames gold, and designed signs to be placed at the bar
  • In place of the tired Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling, my Father and I designed mid-century modern inspired gold lanterns made from aluminum roof flashing, fastened with gold paper brads. The same design was used for centerpiece vases on the tables. We also used the same method to make covers for the succulents on each table.
  • My father also made nautical monkey fist knots to display table numbers.
  • I found a large old gold frame, and attached a sailing chart of the area. We designed and printed name tags for the escort cards
  • I designed Custom goody bags which were filled with local saltwater taffy and pecan clusters for the guests.
  • Unable to find the perfect napkin, we found mint-colored, mini chevron fabric that was cut and finished by the Groom’s mother and local seamstress.

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What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?

We were so lucky to have so many talented family members and friends. Coming from a musical family, the ceremony musicians were all close friends and family. My brother played guitar, and my brother in law sang a solo for the family prayer portion of the service. My brother’s band also played for the reception, and my pseudo brother, a skilled wedding DJ, acted as MC and post-band DJ. He also mixed a game show theme excerpt for welcoming in the wedding party! Another family friend is a talented designer, and she was so helpful in designing the reception decor. Getting help from family and friends who are willing, really helped with budget but is also a tip/trick. Get all the help you can. You are surrounded by talented people who want to help!

One of my highlights from the day was the boat ride back from the ceremony.Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL419 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL289 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL357 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL371 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL382 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL388 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL397 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL401

Did you have a wedding theme?

Our ceremony was held on Madeline Island, and the reception was on the mainland, so we had to ferry the guests and wedding party back for the reception. -The wedding party were transported from the ceremony to the reception on the vintage Army boat. Brett and I rode in a Vintage Chris Craft Boat – a surprise for the groom! Because Brett was active duty, we were escorted across the bay by the Coast Guard!Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL220Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL725 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL596 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL640 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL654 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL682 Marcus_Nelson_ON3photography_BL721

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Because Brett has an unpredictable schedule, we were happy he was able to attend the wedding, so we didn’t want to press our luck planning a honeymoon! When he returns from his next deployment we are hoping to finally get a honeymoon a year later :).

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Unique Wedding Details

  • The Bride wore her Grandma’s headpiece from her Grandparent’s 1953 wedding. They were both there to celebrate!
  • In honor of the Soldiers in attendance, a local man borrowed us his vintage Army Boat, Chris Craft Boat, blue vintage jeep, and California Station Wagon
  • Guests snacked on bags of mixed nuts and mini water bottles with custom labels.
  • The wedding party and couples were transported from the ceremony to the reception on the vintage Army boat, and the Bride and Groom rode in a Vintage Chris Craft Boat – a surprise for the groom! All were escorted across the bay by the Coast Guard. We were welcomed to the reception by guests donning cap guns with tags that read “When the Nelsons Arrive, Shoot Off Five!”
  •  Guests sipped on the Bride and Groom’s favorite drinks, “Mint To Be” and “G&T”
  • In place of the tired Chinese lanterns hung from the ceiling, the Bride and her Father designed mid-century modern inspired gold lanterns made from aluminum roof flashing. The same design was used for centerpiece vases on the tables.
  • The Bride’s father also made nautical monkey fist knots to display table numbers
  • Custom navy and white striped runners and curtains (compliments of a very special auntie) donned the tables and windows to add a classic look
  • Custom goody bags designed by the Bride were filled with local saltwater taffy and pecan clusters for the guests.
  • Unable to find the perfect napkin, the family was donated mint-colored, mini chevron fabric that was cut and finished by the Groom’s mother and local seamstress
  • The guests were served beef tenderloin, and chicken saltimbocca dinners, as well as delicious Blueberry-filled cake (keeping with the navy blue theme!) which were catered by a local restaurant and bakery.

Photographer: ON3photography
Reception Venue: Bayfield Pavillion
DJ: Sounds Unlimited Entertainment

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