Boasting a rich history in the charming town of Lake Geneva, Maxwell Mansion stands as an iconic estate with endless stories within its walls. From Prohibition era to present day, the property has hosted generations of celebrations. Today, the distinguished mansion serves as an escape for vacationers and nearlyweds alike. With opulent rooms in the main house and revitalized horse stables converted into guest quarters behind the courtyard, it is a paradisiacal retreat for those who wish to revel in the rich history while creating their own memories to contribute to the Maxwell Mansion legacy.
With a vintage equestrian, Ralph Lauren-inspired vision, Renee Tantillo, owner and creative director of Renee Breanne Design + Co. drew from the venue’s character, architectural details and wood tones to craft a wedding design radiating old-world sophistication. Setting the tone for the overall atmosphere, Debbie Pape, owner of Paper Envy, captured the venue’s beautiful composition. White ink on dark cardstock, paired with minimal and modern style fonts, made a bold statement. Patterns and shapes added depth and reinforced the equestrian aesthetic while a hand-dyed silk ribbon offered a delicate touch. “Every piece is intentionally thought about and designed to make the most impact,” Pape says. The stationery theme carried throughout the design, from the signage, menus and place cards to the cocktail napkins, stirrers and matchbooks.
Instead of fighting the space, we embraced it — choosing florals with movement but in deeper tones, incorporating tailored table linens and styling details that felt collected rather than trendy .
—Renee Tantillo, Renee Breanne Design + Co.
Moved by the heritage of Maxwell Mansion, Hattie Roepcke, owner and lead designer of Twin Blooms Floral Co. layered billowing hydrangeas with spirals of calla lilies to frame the fireplace to create an intimate ceremony vignette. The beautiful blend of sepia-toned hydrangeas paired with artistic lilies perfectly captured the theme of lived-in elegance mixed with contemporary charm. “I wanted the hydrangeas to feel old and antiqued, with the calla lilies acting as the resilient flower sprouting out from the hydrangeas,” Roepcke says. “The curling and knotting techniques for the calla lilies was a way to lift the designs into a modern space.”
Polished style brought the narrative of enduring luxury to life. A structured gown from Miss Ruby Bridal paid homage to the Ralph Lauren vision, featuring a Basque waist and draped empire bodice. The finishing touch? A chic purse-style bouquet of calla lilies. Menswear echoed the timeless nature of the theme; a classic tux from DuBois Formalwear embellished with a vintage brooch and horse cufflinks fortified the collected feel of the space.
Its architectural detailing, rich wood tones and intimate, manor-like feel encouraged us to lean into depth and texture rather than bright or overly airy styling.
—Renee Tantillo, Renee Breanne Design + Co.
Cocktails and caviar, anyone? As a toast to newlywed bliss, celebratory caviar and oysters on ice from Third Coast Provisions elevated the evening’s sense of indulgence in the Cognac Room. The space’s red velvet booth hints at the hidden speakeasy below, which still requires a password for entry.
Just few steps away, cocktails in the Apothecary Bar await. As a tribute to the original owner, Dr. Philip Maxwell, the 1800s bar features libations handcrafted by talented mixologists. The signature cocktails du jour were pisco sours and, of course, infamous Wisconsin old fashioneds.
As a planner and designer, I'm always thinking about the guest experience, even in an editorial setting. This wasn't just visually beautiful—it told a story of a couple hosting an intimate, elevated celebration that felt personal, warm and undeniably classic.
— Renee Tantillo, Renee Breanne Design + Co.
A masterclass of moody refinement, textural layering and intentional luxury, the ballroom reception was a feast for the senses. Tall candelabras and organic floral arrangements anchored the tables, yielding a bold design. Dazzling chandeliers cast an ambient glow over the meticulously curated tableaus. “Tailored linens paired with vintage silver flatware, romantic candlelight and florals that felt lush but not overly abundant,” Tantillo says. “It created depth without feeling busy.” Mini, garden-style and mono-botanical arrangements adorned the tables, while pedestals of blooms at the center highlighted the reception’s unique layout.
The art of cohesion extended to the secondary fashion looks. A strapless fit-and-flare Rita Vinieris gown in airy, beaded lace, cinched with a taffeta cummerbund sculpted into a cascading bow, perfectly complemented the floral-forward reception. The textured linens and abundant blooms inspired the menswear: a dusty rose velvet coat accented with a floral-patterned pocket square, adding an effortless touch of je ne sais quoi.
The concept offered an immersive experience, with intentional design details around every corner of the legacy-filled mansion. “We weren’t just designing something pretty—we were building a world inspired by heritage, craftsmanship and enduring style,” Tantillo says. “The goal was to show how a wedding can feel deeply rooted in tradition while still feeling fresh and relevant.”
