Rich Chocolate Hues and Organic Florals in Elegant Wedding Day at Yerkes Observatory

After seven years of making memories together, Wyatt Shodeen proposed to Abigail Daugette on a picturesque rooftop in the French Alps during their annual ski trip. To kick off their wedding festivities in style, the couple hosted a rehearsal dinner featuring a home-cooked meal prepared by the groom’s mother and her best friend, followed by a welcome party that included a scenic sunset cruise the next day. Honoring a Shodeen family tradition, Wyatt and Abby were driven to their wedding at Yerkes Observatory by his uncle in a 1954 Rolls-Royce—complete with the same champagne flutes and bottle on ice once used at his aunt and uncle’s wedding, where Wyatt’s late father had been the driver. After Abby’s aunt, an Episcopal priest, officiated the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour and explored Yerkes Observatory’s telescope and rich history. An earthy fusion of greens, browns, and textural elements set an organic tone inside the tented reception, which was affectionately named “Shodeen Supper Club.” The theme paid homage to the classic Wisconsin supper club and the couple’s love of hosting. “The intent was less of a wedding feel and more of a giant dinner party with all of their favorite people coming together to drink and dine in one of their favorite places,” says Jaffe Wojcik, owner of Graceful Events. After a cozy feast, the newlyweds slipped into baby blue velour tracksuits, joined by their wedding party in coordinating black, before a night of dancing and an after-party at local favorite Gordy’s Boat House.