Emma + Andrew’s Aldo Leopold Wedding || Madison, WI

ALDO LEOPOLD WEDDING

Emma and Andrew were wed on April 29, 2023, with a ceremony and reception at Aldo Leopold Nature Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

MEET EMMA + ANDREW

Emma is optimistic, upbeat, and outgoing. Andrew is introverted, witty, and thoughtful. He’s a very creative guy, even if he doesn’t believe so himself. Both of us are a bit awkward when we get in front of a camera, in the “I don’t know what to do with my hands” way, so we’re excited about guidance on how to look good in our photos!

They met when undergraduates at Clemson University. They both applied and joined the same research team that was working on developing artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically color correct brand colors in broadcasting. So they had weekly research meetings together. Both of them were resident assistants at the time, so they bonded over mutual resident stories and complained about the job since it was certainly the overworked and underpaid type. Andrew came and kept Emma company on an overtime desk shift she had one Saturday and they played Mario Kart after. They also both mentioned wanting to watch Brooklyn 99, and Emma had a Hulu account, and watching episodes of that show every night evolved into dating!

They love to play Dungeons & Dragons together with our friend group from college. Emma and Andrew also like to go on walks, play co-op video games, or just find a good show to watch together

THE PROPOSAL

In mid-October 2020, Emma was informed (over text) that Andrew’s family wanted to do family photos over the holidays. They had already planned to go visit his family in Aiken, South Carolina for Christmas, and since he and his brothers are all in serious/committed relationships, it felt like a good year to get some nice family photos done. Emma was a little suspicious given she had outfits vetoed by both her mom and his family’s group chat over the next couple of weeks. When the photo session came along on December 20, 2020, in the end, the photographer said “we should do some couples photos to wrap up”. Andrew and Emma were designated as going last. Everyone did fun poses, and so when they were walking away from the photographer to get ready, Emmna kept asking Andrew if he had any ideas on what to do, because Emma surely didn’t without copying what someone did before them. Andrew said “I have a good idea” and then got down on one knee. All of that, along with Emma’s profuse crying, was captured in high definition. Turns out, Andrew wanted this to happen in front of a good photographer, and his family helped him devise the perfect ruse for it! Emma’s parents also knew; Andrew asked for their blessing when he was visiting her family in Virginia over Thanksgiving. Andrew woke up early on the last day of his visit to ask before Emma woke up. It makes sense in hindsight considering how Emma’s mom kept sending her scarves I could pair with her dress and how she insisted on a manicure a couple of days beforehand.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

Flowers were one of the couple’s favorite pieces – they commissioned Lisa with TheHardwoodForest2 on Etsy to make felt flower bouquets and boutonnieres, which made for a unique splash of color while also creating bouquets that they can keep forever. For dessert, Emma and Andrew are having chocolate mousse from the caterer, Chef Dave, as well as cupcakes from Craig’s Bake Shop.

DIY ELEMENTS

Almost everything was DIY or thrift finds. Emma scoured thrift stores for almost a year collecting stemmed color glasses that could be used as water glasses. The flower centerpieces were all hand-dyed wood flowers and thrifted greens. Another unique choice was in our wedding bands, where Emma and Andrew both chose to have blue sapphire incorporated into their bands to make them a matching set.

ADVICE TO OTHER BRIDES

Take it week by week to whittle down the to-do list, and don’t get caught up in social media and comparing yourself to Pinterest weddings. Make sure you are both involved so that it is a day for both of you and don’t be afraid to lean on your support network.

MEET THE VENDORS

Huge thank you to all of the amazing wedding vendors that made Emma and Andrew’s day run seamlessly. Congratulations Emma and Andrew on the start of your next great adventure 🙂

INVITATIONS: Minted
CEREMONY VENUE: Aldo Leopold
OFFICIANT: CJ Gott
PHOTOGRAPHER: Allysha Noelle Photography
MEN’S SUITS: Men’s Wearhouse
WEDDING DRESS SHOP: Moments to Cherish
BRIDESMAIDS DRESS SHOP: David’s Bridal
FLORIST: Felt Flowers from Lisa, TheHardwoodForest2 on Etsy
HAIR STYLIST: Blush & Braids Beauty Bar- Candice Sandvick
MAKEUP ARTIST: Blush & Braids Beauty Bar – Katie
RECEPTION VENUE: Aldo Leopold
DJ/MUSICIAN: Celebrations Entertainment
CATERER: Chef Dave