Lush and Sophisticated Wedding Dream at the Edgewater Hotel in Madison

Liz Trautz was, to put it plainly, bored. Having just moved to Madison for graduate school, she had yet to make friends. “Not knowing anyone in the area, I made a Bumble profile,” explains Liz. “Tyce was my first match.” Two years later, Tyce Shirley proposed to his beloved girlfriend on her MBA graduation day. Once they began planning their big day, the sprawling grounds of The Edgewater Hotel in Madison called to them, speaking to their own romantic story. The elegant hotel’s location, view and culinary options made it a no-brainer for the couple. A balmy summer day played host to Liz and Tyce’s wedding, kickstarted by a breathtaking first look on the Edgewater’s pier. The bride wowed her groom—as well as her bridal party and onlookers—in a sleek sweetheart gown featuring a dramatic tulle mermaid skirt and a cascading train. Inside a billowing tent under an ample floral arch, Liz and Tyce—who sported a classic tuxedo in a deep midnight blue—said “I do.” Guests adjourned to the ballroom reception space to find tables covered with crisp, white linens, floating candles, goldrimmed charger plates and a variety of centerpieces featuring hand-massaged, reflexed white roses. Additionally, guests found the signature drink. “The ‘Dirty Shirley’ drink was a hit! Cute and delicious,” the bride notes. The newlyweds focused on statement elements for their décor: The lush arch drew the eye at the ceremony while the scrumptious, six-tier wedding cake anchored the sophisticated atmosphere of the reception. “We also kept our guests in mind throughout the entire planning process,” Liz explains. “We wanted everyone to have as much fun as possible, and we think we really did that.”