A Romantic Rustic Barn Wedding in Wisconsin

Emily and Nick

Emily and Nick Birren met at a basketball game during freshman year of high school. The connection was instant. Twelve years later, on August 20, 2011, they tied the knot, in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, near the bride's family's summer home.

01 of 23

A Warm Welcome

Guests received custom canvas welcome bags printed with the phrase "Happy Day" upon their arrival created by Wedding Chicks. They were filled with the couple's favorite local treats, a map of nearby attractions, and a weekend itinerary.

Get More Welcome Gift Ideas

02 of 23

The Location

Emily and Nick chose Woodwalk Gallery for their ceremony and reception. Its historic farm elements, like a silo and restored barn, and a working art studio were a great mix of rustic and modern.

03 of 23

The Fashions

Emily looked stunning in a Kenneth Pool gown and custom-made veil, blusher, and hairpiece from Ultimate Bride. She also wore professional dance heels so she could dance the night away in comfort.

Nick wore a charcoal Burberry suit with a custom-designed shirt and Hugo Boss tie.

04 of 23

The Bridal Party

The bridesmaids and brides-man posed for portraits with M Three Studio before the ceremony. The girls wore light blue BHLDN dresses, which the bride chose for their casual elegance and handy pockets. A light blue tie on Emily's male attendant linked everyone's looks together.

05 of 23

The Groomsmen

Nick's guys wore simple black suits along with monogrammed tie clips given to them by the groom.

06 of 23

The Signage

This fun wood sign directed guests to various wedding activities.

Get More Wedding Sign Ideas

07 of 23

The Ceremony Decor

The venue's distressed silo provided a photo-worthy backdrop for the ceremony, and an arch made of old farm machinery and covered in colorful flowers served as an altar.

08 of 23

The Seating

Aisles, flanked by mixed floral arrangements, designed to look like wildflower bunches, gave way to quilt-covered hay-bale seats.

09 of 23

Ring Pillow

The ring bearer carried a simple lace-covered pillow made by Duryea Place Design. A toy horse was tied to it to symbolize the wedding's farm-like venue.

Get More DIY Ring Pillow Ideas

10 of 23

The Program

The program's fan design helped keep guests cool (and ward off bugs).

See More Ceremony Programs

11 of 23

The Flower Girl

Elise, Emily's niece, wore a dress handmade by the bride's mother and carried a vintage pail filled with rose petals.

See More Flower Girls from Real Weddings

12 of 23

The Ceremony

The bride and groom honored their Catholic and Jewish faiths by incorporating elements from each. They also added personal touches, such as live musicians, a friend's original song, and a wedding blessing.

In addition to traditional vows, Emily and Nick included a religious unity braiding ceremony.

13 of 23

Husband and Wife

Newlyweds Emily and Nick recess down the aisle.

14 of 23

Cocktail Hour

Two signature drinks were served. One cocktail, the "Cherry Bomb," contained the area's famous cherries. The second beverage, a "Thai Mojito," paid homage to the couple's Thailand honeymoon.

15 of 23

Picture Perfect

Photos of the pair were hung from clothespins to give guests an inside peek into their relationship.

16 of 23

The Reception

The seated dinner was held in the venue's century-old barn-turned-art-gallery. Romantic lighting and long, elegant tables added sophistication to the rustic space.

17 of 23

Reserved Seating

Emily and Nick marked their chairs with multi-colored ribbons and "Mrs." and "Mr." signs.

See More Chair Decor from Real Weddings

18 of 23

The Favors

Since the Door County area is known for its plentiful cherry orchards, guests received jars of homemade jam decorated with burlap, twine, and a personalized "spread the love" tag.

Get More DIY Favor Ideas

19 of 23

Postcard Messages

Instead of a traditional guest book, the couple created "vintage" postcards for friends and family to write their well wishes upon. A sign saying, "Send us away with a message today," let attendees know the notes would be read on the couple's honeymoon.

20 of 23

The Cake

The almond-and-buttercream cake baked by FlourGirl Patissier boasted delicate sugar flowers made by Sugar Flower Cake Shop.

See More Wedding Cakes

21 of 23

A Photo Op

An old red truck adorned with a "just married" sign made a great backdrop for photos.

22 of 23

The Dancing

Emily and Nick slow-danced to "Making Plans" by Miranda Lambert, and then surprised guests by breaking into a choreographed number to "Still the One" by The Orleans. Earlier in the reception, the newlyweds kicked off the party with a group routine to Pink's "Raise Your Glass" that had them and their bridal party making more than just a grand entrance.

23 of 23