Wisconsin Bride's Best of 2025 | Editor's Choice

Best Real Wedding - Chelsea & JJ, Pink Door Events

With deep ties to Washington Island, Chelsea Peppa and JJ Hafermann hosted a colorful celebration filled with personal touches, thoughtfully planned by Rachel Pinkham of Pink Door Events. A cheerful palette of red and white, with pops of pink, evoked a sense of nautical nostalgia, fitting for the island soirée. The artistic stationery and signage, crafted by the bride, incorporated meaningful iconography from the island, adding a playful element to the design. Embracing a vintage flair, the bride wore her grandmother’s wedding dress, accessorized with the same beaded bridal bag her grandmother had carried on her own wedding day. She also honored the ‘60s with a chic second look, featuring an oversized bow. JJ looked dashing in a custom double-breasted ivory suit paired with a pink and white striped shirt, adhering to the celebration’s color scheme. The sailcloth reception tent was a work of art, featuring red and white striped linens, white lanterns and custom-embroidered napkins placed at each setting. The cherry on top? A cherry pie dessert made by the groom’s mother, a tribute to the beloved Door County classic. 

Bridal Attire: PREA JAMES FROM BELLE BRIDAL ATELIER (SECOND DRESS); MANOLO BLAHNIK | Catering: CRAVE CUISINE | Florals: FOLKLORE FLOWERS | Groom Attire: ARTHUR & LUCCA | Hair & Makeup: WIDE EYED BRIDE | Music: PLATINUM BAND | Officiant: NICHOLAS BRUHN | Photography: XOME STUDIO | Rentals: EVENT ESSENTIALS | Transportation: WASHINGTON ISLAND FERRY | Venue: THE OLD POTATO FARM | Wedding Planning & Bar: PINK DOOR EVENTS

Best Event Design - Briar Loft & Elevate Events

Briar Loft and Elevate Events collaborated seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind wedding for Molly and Ryan Simon at The Edgewater Hotel. Elements of Madison were effortlessly woven through the design, with hues of green inspired by the “Up North” vibe, the rich colors of a Wisconsin Fall and the picturesque backdrop of Lake Mendota. Inspired by the couple’s first meeting at a dive bar, Elevate Events brought that nostalgic essence to life with bar signs, leather chairs and pool cues. From the espresso bar and escort card display featuring handwritten notes to each guest to the classic black-and-white checkered dance floor and tablescapes illuminated by olive taper candles, every detail was carefully chosen to yield an unforgettable experience. 

Working alongside the stunning design from Elevate Events, Briar Loft composed an enchanting atmosphere that left guests speechless. A floral arch, a staircase draped in lush greenery and a breathtaking floral installation over the dance floor transformed the venue into a blooming fairytale. In a beautiful gesture, the floral arrangements were donated to Petal It Forward, which created over 70 bouquets for local nursing homes and hospitals.

Bridal Attire: WHITE DRESS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE | Cake & Desserts: THE BAKED LAB; MIGGY BAKES; CRESCENDO ESPRESSO BAR | Florals: BRIAR LOFT | Hair: AU FAIT HAIR | Makeup: OPAL BEAUTY MADISON | Photography: KRISTINA LORRAINE PHOTOGRAPHY | Rentals: DAVID CHARLES PRODUCTIONS; EVENT ESSENTIALS; CEDAR & SPICE (INSTALLATIONS); BARTIQUE BARS (BAR) | Stationery & Signage: ALYSSA AMEZ | Wedding Planning: ELEVATE EVENTS | Venue & Catering: THE EDGEWATER | Videography: OLSON FILM

Best Stationery Suite - Bay View Printing Co.

Hinting at the vibrant celebration to come, this funky stationery suite features an array of bold elements like drawings of iconic Milwaukee buildings to show the couple’s admiration for the city, overlapping halftone patterns of florals, unexpected patterns and fun shapes.

Florals: IMPRESSIONS BY ESTHER FLEMMING | Wedding Planning: ÉVÉNEMENT PLANNING | Photography: THE MCCARTNEYS PHOTOGRAPHY

Best Moment - C.Mae Photography

A heartfelt first look moment, captured by Cass Stone of C.Mae Photography, where Travis and Brian reminisced about their 20-year relationship. Surrounded by loved ones, they finally tied the knot in an emotional celebration. Among the touching moments was a speech from Brian, expressing his gratitude to everyone who fought for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Florals: PISTIL & VINE | Venue: GENEVA NATIONAL RESORT

Best Bouquet - M&F Floral + Décor

A creative twist to the traditional monochromic white bouquet, Milwaukee-based florist, Fanny Müller, floral designer and owner of M&F Floral + Décor, utilized unique blooms and cascading elements to add a layer of dimension and uniqueness to this artistic masterpiece. 

Photography: KRYSTA HOLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY