Erika + Jake's Horseshoe Bay Beach Club Wedding in Door County
Some wedding days feel like the whole world is in on it. The sun came out, the lake sparkled, and every single person at Horseshoe Bay Beach Club seemed to know they were part of something special. Erika and Jake's Door County wedding had it all: happy tears before noon, a trolley full of their favorite people, a dessert table I am still thinking about, and a dance floor that glowed until the very last song. Grab a Ranch Water and come relive it with me.
Getting Ready: Pearls, Letters and a Little FaceTime Reveal
The morning started calm and sunny, with the guys trading jokes and Erika slipping into her gown from Vow'd. Jake took another look at his vows before the Firt Look, and Erika gave someone special a sneak peek over FaceTime. Erika’s maid-of-honor had recently given birth and was unable to attend the wedding, but Erika made sure they got to see one another on her wedding day. Erika’s mom helped with the final touches, and just like that, it was time for the couple’s First Look.
The First Look: Happy Tears on the Water
We set up the first look right on the waterfront, in a spacious and private spot. The second Jake turned around and laid eyes on Erika, the tears started. Once everyone caught their breath, Erika and Jake shared their vows privately, just the two of them with the water sparkling behind them. It was quiet, sweet, and completely theirs. These are the moments I live for.
Just the Two of Them
With the nerves officially gone, we wandered down the pier and into the dune grass for portraits. Erika's train caught the breeze, Jake couldn't stop making her laugh, and the weather? Absolutely perfect. Not a cloud of worry in sight.
The Crew
Can we talk about these wedding party dresses for a second? The blue floral gowns from Revelry were a dream against the lake, and they paired perfectly with the folks in their DuBois Formalwear navy. This crew was all in, from the big group hugs to making sure Erika and Jake wanted for nothing on their big day.
The Ceremony: Vows on the Lake
At 3:30, guests found their seats on the lawn overlooking the water, surrounded by baskets of white blooms from Flora Flower Shop. A dear friend of the couple officiated, which made every word feel that much more personal. Erika and Jake tied a rope knot for their unity ceremony, a lovely nod to building something strong together, and then sealed it all with a kiss as their guests cheered for them.
All Aboard the Door County Trolley
While guests headed to cocktail hour, the wedding party hopped on an iconic bright red Door County Trolley for a joyride. Picture it: big windows, wood seats and a whole lot of laughter (and great music). We made a quick stop for a few photos with the trolley before rolling back to the party.
The Details: Blue Glass and a Crossword
The reception tent was full of thoughtful touches. Blue water glasses adorned every table, and guests worked together on a custom crossword all about the couple. The bar served up two signature cocktails, a Ranch Water and a Pimm's Cup, and everyone went home with a jar of cherry preserves, because what is more Door County than that?
A Grand Entrance (Soccer Fans, Take Note)
Erika and Jake kicked off the reception with a soccer-themed grand entrance, complete with the wedding party escorting them in and plenty of cheering. Then came the toasts. Erika's dad had the whole tent laughing with a nod to their long-running "#1 daughter" inside joke, and the speeches that followed were the perfect mix of heartfelt and hilarious.
Something Sweet
If you know me, you know I love a good dessert table, and this one delivered. Angel food cake, cookies, macarons, and pizzelles from Naturally Delightful and Monzù Bakery & Custom Cakes lined the table, and Erika and Jake dipped outside the tented reception for a private cake cutting. A little frosting, a lot of laughing, and a sweet moment for just the two of them.
Golden Hour on the Pier
Just as the sky started to glow, we slipped over to the pier next door. The water went soft and gold, Erika's veil caught the wind, and we got one of my favorite silhouettes of the year. They practiced their First Dance, shared a few romantic kisses, and slowly walked back down the pier. Pure magic.
Dances to Remember
Erika and her dad surprised everyone with a choreographed Father/Daughter dance, ending in a hug that had half the tent reaching for tissues. Jake's mom could not stop grinning through the Mother/Son dance. Then Erika and Jake took the floor for their own choreographed First Dance, and it was every bit as romantic as you would hope.
Let's Party
Erika dabbles in DJing herself, so you know the party had to be good. We were so happy to recommend SoundFire DJ because they are experts at mixing, and they did not disappoint. After a big group photo, the glowsticks came out, the face signs went up, and Erika changed into a short beaded fringe dress made for dancing. The tent did not slow down until the very last song.
Thank you
Erika and Jake, thank you for trusting me with a day this full of joy. Here is to a lifetime of happy tears, trolley rides and dancing until the lights come on. Cheers to you two!
xo,
Kate
The amazing vendors that made this day possible:
Venue and Catering: Horseshoe Bay Beach Club | Planner: Door County Event Planners | Bridal Gown: Vow'd | Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry | Tuxedos: DuBois Formalwear | Florals: Flora Flower Shop | Hair: Breanna Dahl Beauty | Makeup: Sara Miller Makeup Artistry | Jeweler: The Diamond Center | DJ: SoundFire DJ | Desserts: Naturally Delightful and Monzù Bakery & Custom Cakes | Rentals: Elite Rentals, Event Essentials and Ruby Design | Transportation: Door County Trolleys and Door County Personal Drivers | Videography: Sikora Film Co. | Photography: KLEM Studios | Second shooter: Kristin Reuter
Planning your own Door County wedding? We would love it if you considered KLEM Studios for your wedding photography! Tell us about your day through the inquiry form on our contact page.
