Once a travel nurse, settling down seemed like a distant goal for Lauren. Still, she stayed open to love, meeting Eric on a dating app just three weeks before she was scheduled to leave for a new assignment in Texas. Instead of being deterred, Eric recognized their potential and confidently replied, “I guess that means I only have 3 weeks to make you fall for me.”
A month later, Lauren took a leap of faith, moving in with Eric while pursuing a permanent full-time nursing job in La Crosse. Just a few months later, they adopted an adorable puppy named Milo. Eric proposed in 2024, planning a special moment at the Chicago Botanical Gardens near Lauren’s hometown.
The couple then began planning their classic, elegant, and family-oriented wedding at the La Crosse Country Club. Their color palette was clean and simple, including black, white, and a dusty blue toile.
When asked to share some advice for engaged couples, Lauren & Eric agreed that a calm morning set the right tone. They wrote,
“We wanted to prioritize keeping the wedding party together the morning of our wedding. Everyone got ready at Lauren and Eric’s home. The morning was very relaxing and enjoyable as the families got to hang out together before the party started.”
Emma Cross Photography documented every detail, from preparation to last dance.
Lauren and Eric faced heartache along their journey to the aisle when Lauren’s dad got sick. With the help of Lauren’s family (and witnessed by nearly 50 close friends and family who made quick travel plans!), they put together a “small” wedding ceremony in the house Lauren grew up in. Now in hospice, Lauren’s father was able to walk her down the aisle, and they performed a ceremony using his wedding ring in the place of Lauren’s, which was not ready yet.
Lauren’s father passed away three months before their official celebration, and the couple took additional steps to honor his memory. Lauren kept and displayed the flowers from her first ceremony, her bridesmaids placed white roses on a seat reserved for him, and she carried a pendant with a photo from their small wedding on her bouquet.
Despite a few clouds, the couple wed in an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by golf course greenery, Wisconsin landscapes, and their loved ones. Milo even made an appearance, walking the aisle before witnessing from the front row.
Lauren found her dress, a simple, elegant A-line, at Charlotte’s Bridal. The understated gown featured a square neckline, shoulder straps, and a beaded waist. She added a subtle pop of color with her cathedral-length, layered tulle veil, bordered by pale blue embroidered floral motifs.
Alexandra Hair curled the bride’s hair into loose waves, secured into a voluminous half-updo. Lauren’s makeup, by the Sarah Kobitz Team, was soft and natural. Her eyeshadow was dimensional, yet neutral, paired with a natural lip and rosy cheeks.
Eric and his groomsmen were outfitted in classic black suits from Men’s Wearhouse. They paired their suits with white dress shirts, black bow ties, floral boutonnieres, and silky white pocket squares. Eric stood out from his groomsmen in a subtle way: his dress shirt buttons were dark, while his groomsmen’s were white.
Personality and fun were important to the couple on their wedding day. Lauren’s bridesmaids selected their own dresses, each in a unique shade of blue.
Florals from Monet Florals, stationery and signage by BP Creationery, and rentals from Orange Door Event Rentals helped shape every space. The blue toile color scheme shone at the reception, adorning paper goods, linens, and tablecloths. Additional décor pieces included blue glassware, candle centerpieces surrounded by vining greenery, gold silverware, and gold-edge plates.
Guests enjoyed drinks and catering from the La Crosse Country Club, followed by cake from Creative Confections by Alicia. The three-tier dessert featured hand-piped frosting pearls between layers and hand-painted blue flowers.
When the couple came across Sarlas Music the summer before their wedding, they knew live music was a must. Though the band was from the suburbs of Chicago, they took a chance and asked if travel would be possible. Sarlas Music agreed, keeping the dance floor, lit by a custom marquee, packed all night.
The reception concluded with a second look for Lauren. Made for dancing, this cocktail-length dress featured floral appliques, puff shoulders, and sheer long sleeves.
Find more La Crosse, Wisconsin, wedding inspiration on our blog and on social @wedplanlacrosse!
