Today at The Wilds, we are thrilled into introduce you to McKayla and Samuel. This pair threw a knock-out late winter wedding full of chic wedding inspiration and personal details. Knowing that they wanted an outdoor wedding in January, our turn-key venue at The Wilds fit every need. From there, this monochrome wedding full of chic and modern touches came together beautifully.

A college romance and a chic wedding

McKayla and Samuel met during their time in dorm leadership at their college. Planning activities for groups introduced the two, and after McKayla made the first move asking Sam out on a date, the pair were soon inseparable. On a sentimental and snowy date in Chicago, Sam popped the question and McKayla said yes! Wedding planning began with some long-distance variables for the couple. After falling in love with The Wilds, this couple leaned on our knowledgeable team to help pull all of the details together.

The day started with their formal looks, a romantic ballgown from Sophia’s Bridal for McKayla, and an ultra classic tuxedo for Samuel. For a stunning late winter wedding touch, the bride wore an elegant pair of white gloves. Family heirloom jewelry pieces paired perfectly over the gloves as well, honoring the bride’s grandmothers. We absolutely love this stylish and practical touch for cold weather glam.

A perfect late winter wedding setting

Surrounded by an intimately draped pavilion, McKayla and Samuel had a quiet moment together at the start of their late winter wedding. The pair shares that their first look was their most anticipated moment of the day. The time to quietly take it all in and exchange private vows was a special highlight for the pair.

The pair, now living in Australia, are excited that after long seasons of being a long-distance relationship, they can just enjoy life together. The bride adds her vision for the future, “I hope we are settled somewhere near home. After years of travel, I hope we finally find somewhere to grow roots and in 50 years just enjoy all the life that has happened in that space. “

Chic wedding inspiration for an outdoor winter ceremony

Cozy comfort and a classic look were key for this couple as they created their guest experience. They knew they wanted an outdoor wedding in winter, and knew they needed a venue that had it all. Loved ones were kept sheltered under our ceremony pavilion. At the entrance, they were greeted by cozy blankets to bundle up for the ceremony and space heaters to ease the cold air. The Brown County woods are a beautiful soft-toned backdrop in late winter. The addition of romantic drapery along the borders was a perfect compliment.

For their joyful ceremony, McKayla donned an ethereal cape with cascading lace details. Her bouquet was the first hint at the floral designs to come. Lush with wintry greenery and luminous white blooms, we love this accent of green on a black and white color palette.

Advice for a seamless winter wedding at The Wilds

We asked our bride for a bit of advice she’d wished for in hindsight. Her top tip? Start a shared wedding email address as the first step of your planning process! Easily sharing details, especially for couples planning long-distance, goes miles toward easy communication.

She also shares these sweet words about their experience with The Wilds:

The Wilds team was AMAZING! We had tons of questions leading up to our wedding, even the week of. The team was very helpful as we were planning our unique vision from having the wedding outdoors in January to having candles and plants as part of the wedding reception. The fact that The Wilds provides the Online Wedding Planner and day-of coordinator is FANTASTIC. We loved every step of the wedding planning process alongside The Wilds! 

A cozy reception full of late winter wedding inspiration

Next, the party started, full of chic wedding inspiration! Guests entered our luminous reception hall to enjoy a wonderful celebration. Tables were adorned in black and white plating with our in-house rental lanterns and candles. Banquet-style arranged tables looked beautiful draped with lush greenery for the perfect fresh pop of color and texture. As a sweet personal touch, the couple wrote Thank You notes to each guest and paired them with petite honey favors, sourced from the bride’s family farm. Continuing from the ceremony, romantic hanging drapery framed the fireplace. The result? An elegant reception that left guests entirely delighted.

An evening to remember

McKayla enjoyed formal dances with one another, as well as with their family members. McKayla chose to share a dance with both of her parents and her brother, and reflects on that being a favorite element of the wedding day. As the dance floor opened, she and Samuel opted for an outfit change. His and hers Converse sneakers and a party gown for the bride brought the fun for the evening. A special nod to their long-distance engage days, the gown was found while she was studying in Belstaf, Ireland shortly after the proposal.

To close the evening, an epic sparkler exit out our sweeping back stairway was the perfect finish to this lovely late winter wedding.

Vendor Team

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