Some weddings feel like they’re pulled straight from a storybook—whimsical, heartfelt, and full of moments that catch you off guard in the best way. Emily and Adam’s wedding day at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens was all that and more. With a celebration that blended laughter, family, and a few unexpected surprises (like PB&J and spontaneous rain!), their day was as joyful and unique as their love story.

A Calm Start with a Hint of Rain

The morning was soft and gray, the kind of quiet that usually comes before something magical. Emily got ready surrounded by her closest people, radiating a calm that set the tone for the entire day. Rain was in the forecast, but she let go of the worry and leaned into the moment—because sometimes, the most meaningful days are the ones that don’t go exactly as planned.

Summer wedding colors at Green Bay Botanical Gardens

Details and Personal Touches:

From the moment they started planning, Emily and Adam knew they wanted to be intentional with every detail—and they absolutely were. Emily rocked arm cuffs and custom “hey dudes” under her gown (fashion meets function!) and filled the morning with sweet first looks—with her bridesmaids, her dad, and of course, with Adam during their private vow reading.

Summer wedding first looks at Green Bay Botanical Gardens

An Umbrella-Sprinkled Ceremony with Peanut Butter + Jelly

Their ceremony, held in the gardens and officiated by a close family friend, was both emotional and delightfully them. As the rain gently began to fall, clear umbrellas popped open across the crowd, creating an unexpectedly dreamy scene. But the real show-stealer? Emily and Adam sealed their vows with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—yes, really. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, it was the perfect representation of their playful connection and shared love for the little things.

Summer wedding at Green Bay Botanical Gardens

Golden Hour in the Gardens

After the ceremony, the sun peeked through just enough to give us a warm second wind. We wandered through the newly renovated Children’s Garden for portraits, where bright murals, flowers in bloom, and the lush greenery created a vibrant, almost magical backdrop. Every glance, every laugh, every quiet hand-hold—they were soaking in each other and the beauty around them.

Summer wedding photos at Green Bay Botanical Gardens

Reception at Olde 41: Full of Heart and Surprises

The party continued at Olde 41, a cozy venue tucked alongside Duck Creek. Guests sipped cocktails, played cornhole, and soaked in the early evening light before heading in for dinner. After Emily and Adam’s sweet first dance, guests were treated to something extra special: a gelato scooping ceremony! On a warm Wisconsin night, it was a playful and refreshing surprise.

But Emily wasn’t done with the surprises just yet.

Summer wedding reception at Olde 41 in Green Bay

Surprise Dances and a Whole Lot of Heart

After Adam’s sweet dance with his mom, Emily and her dad began what looked like a traditional father-daughter dance—until the music shifted. Suddenly, they were busting out choreographed moves from different decades, and the crowd loved it. It was fun, unexpected, and full of personality.

Then came one of the most emotional moments of the day: Emily and her two sisters surprising their mom with a mother-daughter dance. Each daughter took turns dancing with her, a simple but powerful gesture that left the entire room reaching for tissues. It was pure love in motion.

Cherographed dance at Olde 41 in Green Bay

Surprise mother-daughter dances for wedding reception

Sunset, Snacks, and So Much Celebration

Just before nightfall, we stepped outside for golden hour portraits while guests enjoyed late-night goodies. The light was soft and warm, wrapping around them like a quiet blessing. Then it was back inside for a dance floor that stayed full all night long, the perfect close to a day filled with laughter, thoughtfulness, and unforgettable joy.

A Garden Wedding to Remember

Emily and Adam’s wedding day was a celebration of love in full bloom—beautiful, sincere, and full of charm. From custom kicks to choreographed dances and heartfelt surprises, they created a day that was uniquely theirs.

Emily + Adam, thank you for inviting us to be part of your story. Your love is the kind that leaves an imprint—and we know your journey ahead will be filled with just as much joy, adventure, and magic.

With love,