As a vacation destination for more than a century, Fontana-on-Geneva Lake is the epitome of refined relaxation, exuding waterside elegance, showcasing serene views and embodying classic Wisconsin lake culture. Standing amid the lakeside charm, The Abbey Resort serves as a beacon of activity and class. Established in 1960, the resort offers an old-school getaway experience with all the amenities of a modern stay. Surrounded by glistening waters, an expansive lawn and beautiful accommodations, it is easy to see why couples gather here to tie the knot.
Having orchestrated countless events throughout Lake Geneva and beyond, Graceful Events channeled their affection for the region and wealth of experience into a wedding design that celebrated the essence of this charming village. By weaving together contemporary elements with the timelessness of the city, wedding planner and designer, Kaite Ogrinc and owner, Jaffe Wojcik created an opulent design by water’s edge. “We wanted to pair a romantic, elegant feel with a natural, organic touch,” Ogrinc said. “The lake was the perfect bridge to those two feelings.”
The invitation suite hinted at the magic to come, mirroring its picturesque surroundings with a soothing palette, striped envelope liners and classic fonts, all finished with a delicate white bow and a luminous iridescent shell. A cherished local tradition, a cruise on the water is a must for any celebration. Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s beautifully restored 41-foot cabin cruiser, The Lorelei, added an enchanting nautical touch with its gleaming teakwood decks and rich mahogany trim.
Onshore, a flourishing ceremony site unfolded. Highlighting raw beauty and natural luxury, Renee Cerny of Frontier Flowers of Fontana artfully framed a unique two-tier stage with an abundance of vibrant blue and crisp white blooms. “Against the backdrop of the lake, the flowers created an unforgettable, picture-perfect setting for the ceremony,” Ogrinc says. Silver chairs added a sleek detail, while a beloved corgi wandered the scene adorned in a delicate handmade floral collar.
Beneath the shade of pine trees, an open-air dining experience awaited. Echoing the envelope liner, a bold blue-and-white striped linen adorned the grand table. “We leaned into a palette of blues and whites to complement, rather than compete with, the surrounding scenery,” Ogrinc says. For contemporary flair, velvet dining chairs with silver hardware surrounded the table, while lush blooms served as a centerpiece, as if guests were dining among a field of flowers. Sea glass place cards with handwritten calligraphy enhanced the beachy atmosphere.
A bold blue bar stood as a symbol of celebration, serving “Harbor Breeze” as the signature cocktail. Gorgeous florals adorned the bar, complemented by a Capiz tapered table lamp. The pinnacle of creativity, April James, owner of Parker Drive, conceived a one-of-a-kind dessert wall to showcase sweet treats. “The wave-inspired wall was designed to echo the movement and serenity of the lakefront, bringing natural rhythm to the wall that was located by the lake,” James says. The dessert wall came alive with spoons that doubled as design elements, giving guests a tactile, stylishly curated experience. Atop each delicately extended spoon rested a creation by Julie Michelle Cakes: vanilla bean French macarons enrobed in edible sugar pearls and individual tarts filled with vanilla bean pastry cream, crowned with meringue, each shaped to add dimension and texture to the display. “We wanted to create a piece that was more than a display,” James says. “It was an art installation that married design and indulgence.”
