Ok, y’all. Get ready to swoon over Lauren and Will’s wedding at The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva. From start to finish, their day brimmed with beautiful details, endless laughter, and overflowing love. Warning: this post is loaded with photos because, honestly, I couldn’t leave out the amazing candid moments!
Early Fall Engagement Vibes
Our journey began at Lighthouse Beach in Evanston for Lauren and Will’s romantic early fall engagement session. We hit it off right away, chatting and laughing like old friends. They were game for all my creative ideas, making it a session to remember and leaving me pumped for their wedding day!
Wedding Day Magic at The Abbey Resort
Before we knew it, it was May, and we reconvened at the stunning Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, just over the Illinois border. Although I’d been to Lake Geneva before, this was my first wedding shoot here, and I was thrilled!
Note: Abbey Resort is a fabulous option if you’re looking for a full-service lakeside wedding venue in Fontana, Wisconsin. It checks all the boxes: incredible service, memorable experiences, lakeside views, tons of year-round amenities, delicious food, live music (and yes, a jaw-dropping state-of-the-art Avani Spa to enjoy).
For couples who aren’t able to honeymoon right away, Abbey Resort is the perfect way to soak up some post-wedding bliss over a long weekend. The resort connects to the Abbey-Gordy Marina, where you can choose from various rental boats to cruise the lake. I’ve always thought sunset couple’s portraits on a boat would be so much fun! With champagne in hand, of course.
All that to say, ninety acres of lakeside beauty?! I could spend at least a week here. I was beyond impressed with their event team and overall wedding experience and can confidently recommend it to couples. (And if you need a photographer, you know where to find me!)
Morning Moments on Lake Geneva
The morning of Lauren and Will’s wedding day involved capturing those intricate details, allowing me to craft some real art that will forever remind them of their special day. And can we talk about Lauren’s bridesmaids? They were a blast, and the getting-ready shots were pure gold. The father-daughter first look to follow was absolutely heart-melting!
Then came the much-anticipated and emotional first look between Lauren and Will. When a groom tears up, you know the photos will be unforgettable. Despite the rain, we had a ball with cute umbrellas, capturing a captivating variety of couple and wedding party photos. Lauren’s smile and laughter in these shots are simply priceless. Pure, infectious joy from beginning to end! I’m telling y’all, it’s not perfect hair and makeup that makes a person photogenic. It’s your real, raw happiness as you enjoy each moment to the fullest.
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour at The Abbey Resort
Next up: the ceremony! Against all odds, we managed to have it outside. The floral arrangements on the gazebo were breathtaking, creating the perfect backdrop for their vows. The elegant outdoor cocktail hour followed, and we sneaked away for surprise sunset photos and some of the best wedding party shots ever (hello, perfect champagne pop!). The reception was a dream come true; I adore a tented wedding! You can create an al fresco ambiance while staying protected from the elements. The elegant, pastel florals and decor were so stunning I could have photographed them all night.
Lakeside Reception Fun
The day wrapped up with heartfelt speeches, champagne toasts, touching first dances, and an epic dance party thanks to a live band that kept everyone on their feet. Lauren and Will’s last dance and midnight flower petal toss were the cherries on top of an unforgettable day.
This day was pure joy, filled with candid moments and so much love. Scroll through to the end—you won’t want to miss Lauren and Will’s delightful photos from their big day. Cheers to the happy couple!!
A Note from Yours Truly
Hi there! I’m Danielle, your go-to wedding photographer (and more–I’ve been known to coral a few groomsmen and troubleshoot a hiccup or two). I want you to feel free to be yourselves and enjoy your day to the fullest, trusting me to capture every moment in intricate, intimate detail. You can expect fine art quality and candid authenticity. From the quiet, stolen glances to the boisterous laughter shared with loved ones, I aim to encapsulate the essence of your unique love story.
My approach is professional yet personable, ensuring you feel at ease while I work my magic behind the lens. With a blend of creativity and technical expertise, I promise to deliver images that document your wedding day and evoke the emotions and memories that make your celebration truly one-of-a-kind. So, let’s embark on this beautiful journey together, creating timeless keepsakes you will adore forever.
Congrats on Your Engagement!
Be sure to check out more love stories on the blog and inspirational photoshoots on Instagram.
I’m always just a click away if you have any questions. As exciting as it is, I know wedding planning comes with a list of important decisions, and I’m happy to offer any insight I’ve gathered over the years as a wedding photographer. I’ve documented everything from elaborate destination weddings and traditional local affairs to adventurous elopements and intimate gatherings. I’d love to hear what you have in the works, too!
Head this way for more weddings!
