Time and distance were no obstacle for Grace & Keiler. They began dating while in their junior year of college, deciding to give long-distance a try while juggling busy class schedules and lives. After graduation, they moved from Springfield, Illinois, to La Crosse, Wisconsin, when Keiler accepted a job offer.
Years of dating, long-distance to moving in together, created a strong bond between the couple. They began building a life together, culminating in Keiler’s proposal while on a family vacation in Bayfield, Wisconsin. He popped the question while on a private sailboat on Lake Superior, then the couple immediately got to celebrate with their families over a long 4th of July weekend.
Grace & Keiler wanted to take their time with wedding planning, opting for a 2-year engagement so they could enjoy the excitement together. During this time, they used WedPlan as a vital resource, finding their wedding planner, photographer, and cake bakery through our directory and planning companion. Grace also credited WedPlan for inspiration, color palette ideas, and décor.
The couple wed in a Catholic mass ceremony at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. They chose a traditional ceremony that was meaningful to them, and Grace also wore her grandmother’s wedding diamond and Keiler’s mom’s Greek evil eye (culturally considered a powerful charm for good luck and protection).
Grace wore a silk fit-and-flare dress from The Dress Theory, with a sweetheart-cowl neckline and spaghetti straps. Her hair and makeup, by Pamperin Salon & Spa and The Missing Element, respectively, were similarly simple and elegant. Grace’s hair was loosely curled and set into a low up-do, perfect for her cathedral-length tulle veil.
While remaining soft and natural, Grace’s makeup leaned into the warmth of the day’s sunset pastel color palette. Her final look was warm and glowing, accentuating her eyes with full lashes.
Her bridesmaids wore their choice of pale blush dresses in various cuts, styles, and lengths.
Keiler and his groomsmen found their fashions at Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear. They kept their looks classic, with black suits, white undershirts, and white pocket squares. Keiler stood out from the crowd, wearing a black bow tie and a floral boutonniere, while his groomsmen wore black ties.
Couple portraits, a walk along the Mississippi River, and a reception at the formal The Waterfront Cargill Room followed the ceremony.
Skyler & Vhan used their creative eye to capture details, pet moments, and all the romance from the day. From their website, the husband-and-wife team embraces every unique couple and story, writing,
“We’re all about capturing you as you are, honestly, the in-between and the big and bold. We capture more than the “perfect moments”. We document the everyday in-between that made you two fall for each other.”
Florist Pennycress Studio brought a curated wildflower aesthetic to their bouquets, a floral boutonniere, and an array of vases at the reception. Prominent blooms included daisies, chrysanthemums, ranunculus, chamomile, carnations, and baby’s breath in shades of blush, peach, and white. Arrangements were full and freeform, allowing the individual parts to stand out in playful and unexpected ways.
Additional rental pieces from Orange Door Events set the tone for the reception.
Grace & Keiler’s day concluded with dinner, cake from Meringue Bakery, and a full dance floor thanks to live music from Miles Wright Music and DJ Entertainment from DJ Brettly.
If you’re planning a wedding in La Crosse or surrounding Wisconsin communities, we’d love to see your day and share your story. Real weddings, creative inspiration, and thoughtful vendor collaborations are what help future couples dream, plan, and find the right people for their celebration.
Vendors, if you’ve been part of a wedding you’re proud of, this is your invitation, too! From florals and film to planning, design, venues, and everything in between, we’re always looking to spotlight the work happening across our local wedding community.
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