When asked about how they met, Lea & Ace had a few answers. They actually crossed paths many times before beginning a relationship, starting all the way to 5th grade, when they played on the same recreational basketball team.
They both grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and participated in many of the same activities, including playing in the band at their respective schools. They both later majored in education at UW-Whitewater, where the near-misses continued until they finally matched on Bumble. Their common interests and life paths made the relationship grow quickly. Lea and Ace moved in together after a few months of dating, and when the time was right, Ace proposed,
“With a mix of nerves and excitement, I planned a sweet picnic in a cozy downtown Kenosha park, complete with our favorite food and drinks from a local coffee shop we both loved. As we settled in on the grass, laughter mingling with the breeze, I grew visibly nervous—fidgeting and stumbling over small talk. After we each took a bite of their food, I blurted out, “Okay, I’m going to do it,” heart racing. Standing up, we faced one another under the open sky, and with endearing awkwardness and all the sincerity in the world, I asked Lea to be my wife.”
The couple planned their entire wedding in just two months, with Lea taking a lead role in the process. They prioritized the guest experience and the overall design of the day, ensuring everything felt intentional and thoughtful.
The barn at Justin Trails Resort was the perfect location for Lea & Ace’s rustic, early October wedding. The official color palette was maroon, pink, white, with all guests encouraged to dress within the color scheme—including their adorable dogs!
Ace wore a sharp ensemble from Mike Bjorn’s Formal Wear, which included a paisley-patterned button-up, suspenders, black pants, a black vest, and a luxury red velvet suit jacket with a black silk collar. Accessories included a red bow tie, a paisley pocket square, and a floral boutonniere.
Leah found her dream dress at Sunrise Boutique. The A-line gown featured a deep, illusion-v neckline, lace bodice, and shimmering tulle skirt. She wore her hair in a traditional up-do, with loose, face-framing pieces. A fingertip-length veil completed the look and made for some dreamy couple portraits later in the day!
The String Poets played live music during the ceremony, which also included more beautiful moments for the couple. Ace’s mom read a quote from the song “Love Someone” by Lukas Graham, which was especially meaningful to Lea & Ace.
The couple chose to forego a first look in favor of a first touch, standing back-to-back and exchanging vows before the ceremony. Upon seeing Lea for the first time, walking down the aisle, Ace reflected on a favorite moment from the day,
“This may sound cheesy, but I keep replaying the moment I saw Lea walking down the aisle—it’s something I continue to cherish. Just before she appeared, I was overwhelmed with emotions: excitement, nerves, curiosity all swirling together. Even now, whenever I hear the song she walked down the aisle to, I get goosebumps and feel completely giddy all over again.”
After the ceremony, it was time for photos! Since Lea & Ace decided not to have a bridal party, they were surrounded by those who decided to stay close and present during their photographs In addition to couple portraits, the result included spontaneous and artful group photos by Boxcar Photography, which the couple describes as “outrageously beautiful,” both in composition and personal meaning.
Later, Lea & Ace snuck away for sunset photos. They credit Boxcar Photography for helping them feel comfortable in front of the camera, for posing, and for moments that felt joyful and authentic.
The celebration continued at the reception, where the couple dedicated space in loving memory of family and friends who had passed away. This was important to keep their loved ones close and in their hearts on such a big milestone.
Guests enjoyed catering from Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, followed by a micro-cake and a dessert spread from Lovein Oven Cakery. The string lights in the barn lit up to set a warm tone for dinner, dancing, and speeches. Live wedding artist, Gilly Rose – Wedding & Event Painting, also painted a portrait of Lea & Ace’s wedding ceremony throughout the night.
For couples currently in the wedding planning process, Lea & Ace agree,
“All that really matters is that you are celebrating your love with your favorite people… Take time to simply breathe and enjoy this experience.”
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