Nikki & Graeham first met while working at Tradehome Shoes in La Crosse, where small flirtations developed into a relationship with a solid foundation built on friendship and common interests. The couple shares an adventurous spirit and a love of the outdoors, taking many vacations camping at National Parks over years of dating.
Marriage was always the end goal for Nikki & Graeham, but it never felt like quite the right time to start planning. Everything changed when Nikki was seriously injured in a ski accident, where Graeham’s quick thinking saved her life. Over the next week, during which Graeham spent day and night in the hospital by Nikki’s side, the couple found a new perspective on what matters most. They made plans to get legally married as soon as Nikki was well enough, tying the knot in a small backyard ceremony on February 10, 2024.
From there, Nikki spent the next few months of her recovery planning the wedding of their dreams, a celebration where all of their friends and family could be present. They set the date of their vow renewal for February 8, 2025, nearly a year after their marriage.
The couple loves wine and wineries, so naturally, they chose a winery for their wedding venue. Located in Blair, Wisconsin, Copper Ridge Event Center at Tenba Ridge Wintery overlooks thousands of acres of woods and features plenty of rustic details and natural lighting. The color palette for the day was a combination of winter-holiday hues: blush, burgundy, deep green, white, and brown.
Nikki & Graeham prioritized DIY elements and sentimental details throughout the planning process, beginning with a custom flannel worn by Nikki during hair and makeup. Nikki’s mom cut lace from her own wedding dress, sewing it into the flannel in the shape of a “C” in honor of her daughter’s new last name. Doilies that belonged to Nikki’s great-grandmother were also placed as bases for the centerpieces at all the reception tables.
Friends and family joyfully gathered for Nikki & Graeham’s ceremony, where they reaffirmed their vows framed by a wooden mountain backdrop built by Nikki’s dad. The couple switched out their silicone bands for traditional rings, shared their dream kiss, and walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, to enjoy the awaiting celebration.
Despite her injury, Nikki still has a love for skiing and snow. There was no snow predicted for their winter wedding, so the couple was delighted when a beautiful blanket surprised them just in time for photos. Abigail Peters Photography fully embraced the unexpected weather, racing outside with the couple and their wedding party to capture the whimsy of the gently falling snow.
Nikki wore her dream dress, a high-neck, lace-overlay, open back gown from Wilderly Bride, perfect for a warm shawl blanket for outdoor photos. Graeham wore a pine-green suit from The Wedding Tree, with a white undershirt, a paisley-patterned tie, and brown shoes. The wedding party added texture and color, with bridesmaids in blush or burgundy velvet dresses and groomsmen in taupe suits with blush ties.
Nikki recommends Pinterest for couples, especially for projects you’d prefer to do yourself. However, she cautions,
“DIY is a fun way to make your wedding special, but do not take too many projects on, it’ll become too stressful, or at least recruit your friends and family to take on projects. It goes so much smoother when you spread out the work, and trust me, they want to help and be involved!”
Nikki’s mom also assisted with florals for the day. Instead of traditional blooms, she hand-dyed wood florals for bouquets, boutonnieres, and décor. She even gathered pinecones to sprinkle throughout, as a nod to the season.
Guests enjoyed catering and desserts from Famous Dave’s BBQ, then finished the night dancing to music—and eventually switching to karaoke—from DJ & Entertainment: Rustic Memories Events, Sounds, & Designs.
As a final bit of advice, the couple writes,
“Your wedding is not going to go exactly how you plan or have always imagined it, but the surprises are the best parts that you will always remember, just be open to them!”
Find more La Crosse, Wisconsin, wedding inspiration on our blog and on social @wedplanlacrosse!
