An Elegant Fall Wedding at Winnebago Springs | Emma & Tyler

Emma & Tyler met about four years before tying the knot when Tyler approached Emma while she was working as a server at Milwaukee Burger Company and asked her on a date. They spent the next few years side by side, growing together in their shared faith, and working toward their future together. When they felt ready, Tyler asked Emma to marry him, and they began eagerly planning their elegant fall wedding at Winnebago Springs.

The couple chose a burgundy, gold, and green color palette for their wedding day, with fall foliage and pumpkin décor adding seasonal orange accents throughout the celebration. They incorporated their engagement photos into DIY stationery that Jenna Walker Photography photographed alongside jewelry and perfume details. Emma accessorized with timeless pearl earrings and a necklace that blended perfectly with the vintage furniture in her getting-ready space.

Emma found her dream dress at Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear. She blended traditional with modern, choosing an A-line silhouette in a luxurious, understated fabric. The dress also featured a sweetheart neckline, an asymmetrical pleated bodice, and a full skirt with a chapel-length train. She accessorized with a cathedral-length, delicate tulle veil.

Gilded Tones provided hair styling for the bride and her bridesmaids. While every style was a little bit different, the overall look was soft and romantic, with loose waves, textured styles, and face-framing pieces. Emma’s hair was pulled half-up, twisted, and secured into a small bun to accommodate the placement of her veil while still looking polished by itself.

Tyler and his groomsmen wore matching taupe suits from Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear with white dress shirts and brown dress shoes. Tyler accessorized with a white tie, white pocket square, and white floral boutonniere, while his groomsmen wore burgundy ties, burgundy pocket squares, and floral boutonnieres with burgundy and white blooms.

For many couples, a first look offers a chance to share a quiet moment before the ceremony begins. Most couples who choose a first look, including Emma & Tyler, prefer to keep the experience intimate, with their photographer nearby to capture the genuine emotions. A first look can help ease nerves, create a little breathing room in the wedding-day timeline, and give couples an opportunity to focus on each other before celebrating with their guests.

First looks aren’t limited to the couple! Emma also chose to do a first look with her parents, where they stood hand-in-hand, opening their eyes to their daughter in her wedding dress—a sweet moment filled with emotion and anticipation.

Day-of Coordinator, Absolutely Events by Sierra, helped with timelines throughout Emma & Tyler’s wedding day, ensuring the couple was able to be present and enjoy every special moment.

The burgundy in Emma & Tyler’s color palette was especially evident in the bridesmaids’ dresses and floral bouquets. The bridesmaids chose individualized dress styles, all in the same color. This allowed the dresses to coordinate for photos while still respecting personality and comfort.

Romantic bouquets by Flower Moxie combined rich red dahlias, dusty mauve and blush roses, crisp white blooms, and soft greenery, with miniature white pumpkins adding a playful seasonal touch to the bridesmaids’ arrangements. This styling also continued to decorative floral arrangements at the ceremony and silk flowers from Ling’s Moment at the reception.

Located in Caledonia, Minnesota, Winnebago Springs is an event space, wedding venue, and campground for those seeking modern comforts surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces. Emma & Tyler exchanged vows in the air chapel, a stunning architectural blend of a park pavilion and a church. They entered through a grand barnwood door, which led down the aisle to a backdrop of arched windows framed by scenic views. The décor was seasonal and fairly minimalist, letting the scenery speak for itself.

As they exited the ceremony, Emma & Tyler stopped to ring the chapel bell in celebration.

With autumn foliage surrounding the venue, the couple didn’t need elaborate decorations to create a memorable ceremony setting. Their approach offers inspiration for couples drawn to scenic outdoor or open-air venues: consider the existing architecture and natural surroundings before deciding how much additional décor is needed.

After the ceremony, Jenna Walker Photography focused on couple portraits. Emma & Tyler posed in front of the air chapel and also ventured to a dreamy waterfall setting that showcased more of the surrounding Driftless Region.

Hosted in Winnebago Springs’ aptly named “reception hall,” the wedding reception gave Emma & Tyler plenty of opportunities to add personal details to their day. Guests enjoyed hot apple cider from a beverage cart before venturing inside to view or take photos in front of a photo wall of Emma & Tyler’s adventures and a custom neon sign.

Emma & Tyler also DIY’d a seating chart on rustic wooden boxes, with table information attached to strands of fairy lights using clothespins.

The couple sat at a sweetheart table in front of the venue’s cozy fireplace, with a custom wooden sign with their shared last name behind them. Everyone enjoyed entertainment from Ever After Entertainment, dinner from Southern Smoke and Chrome Catering & Concession, and desserts from Meringue Bakery & Cafe, who provided small bites as well as a three-tier white wedding cake and a smaller cake for Emma & Tyler to cut.

From the warm apple cider welcome to the fireplace sweetheart table, the reception embraced the cozy side of fall while keeping the couple’s story at the center of the celebration. Their photo display, personalized signage, and handmade seating chart added meaningful touches without requiring an elaborate theme.

There were many highlights in Emma & Tyler’s day, but a surprise fireworks show from the groomsmen made for unexpected fun—and gorgeous photos! For couples inspired by a fireworks finale, be sure to discuss venue permissions, local regulations, weather conditions, and professional safety requirements before making plans.

Find more wedding inspiration featuring La Crosse, Wisconsin—and nearby Minnesota—vendors on our blog!