Woods & Co Wedding | Melissa + Derick
When a couple is dreaming of a modern Midwest wedding that still embraces nature, we happily think of this Woods & Co wedding day! From the Ceremony Bluff Wall to The Glass House reception room, this venue in Pepin, Wisconsin lets all the nature in, while still giving you the luxury wedding experience.
Melissa and Derick worked with lead planner and RE Owner Kellie to plan their wedding day at Woods & Co. Our team of wedding coordinators couldn’t wait to help the couple celebrate with their 100 guests!
THE MORNING
The ladies arrived bright and early to gather in the stunning Primrose Suite. They were joined by their expert glam duo. Pure Beauty Hair and Makeup perfected the ladies’ makeup while Blissful Beauty effortlessly styled their hair!
As the guys rolled in, they helped unpack all the decor boxes from the trailer before spending the morning hanging out in the moody Cedar Lodge groom’s suite.
Our coordination team got busy setting up decor and greeting vendors. Melissa and Derick had spent months planning with us, so we knew this day was going to be stunning.
It was important to the couple that all of the thought-out details and sweet moments were captured for them to reminisce on for years to come. That’s where their epic vendor team comes in! The couple made sure to have a great media team to capture their day. Lollipop Media’s team featured two photographers and two videographers, while Lux Wedding Edits captured everything as the couple’s content creator.
As the ladies were wrapping up their glam, Melissa stepped aside to slip into her dress from Xandy’s Bridal. The lace details on this gown were so stunning!
The RE team then popped into the Cedar Lodge suite to help the guys pin on their boutonnieres. They were all looking dapper in their suits!
The media crew then set Melissa up for her first look with her father. Family and friends gathered around to watch this meaningful moment. Her father’s reaction was filled with so much love and joy!
It was then time for Melissa and Derick’s first look and private vows. This moment always allows the couple to relax, take some time with each other, and really soak in what this day is all about!
After a few portraits of the couple, the wedding party joined for group photos. The couple’s dog, Lincoln, even joined! He stole the show (and the beautiful bouquet from Florals by Gina)!
Our coordination team then pulled the wedding party aside for a quick day-of rehearsal. This helps ensure that everyone knows where to stand and feels comfortable with every step before doing it in front of the crowd!
We then made sure the wedding party was tucked away before guests began to arrive. When guests entered the property, they were invited to grab a drink from the bar, play lawn games, and take photos at the photo booth provided by Rustic Elegance (that’s us)!
THE CEREMONY
We were blessed with the most beautiful day with perfect weather for an outdoor ceremony! It took place at the Bluff Wall ceremony site. We adorned the large wooden cross with the couple’s silk floral arrangements at the base, creating such a beautiful focal point for their ceremony.
Guests made their way down the path to the ceremony site with drinks in hand. The couple’s ushers greeted guests and handed out programs as they arrived.
Once guests were seated, our team began to cue the wedding party down the aisle. There were five members on each side, a ring bearer, and a flower girl. After everyone made their way swiftly to their designated spots, the ushers shut the doors and reopened them for Melissa’s grand entrance. She met both of her parents on the other side of the door and they escorted her down the aisle. She looked absolutely stunning with her veil trailing behind her!
The couple shared a wonderful ceremony surrounded by their loved ones before sharing a kiss and recessing down the aisle as husband and wife!
In lieu of a receiving line, the couple opted to take a photo with every group as guests exited the ceremony. This was such a special touch and was another step in ensuring that every detail of their day was captured!
The wedding party then made their way to the bridal suite for Melissa and Derick to sign their marriage license (and have a quick play break with Lincoln)!
THE RECEPTION
Cocktail hour took place outside, which was another win for the beautiful weather we were having! Guests made their second round of visits to the bar, enjoyed appetizers, played more lawn games, and used the RE photo booth. We loved the backdrop that the couple made and the props they provided for the photo booth!
Another fun activity the couple provided was an arm wrestling table. Guests had fun going head-to-head (and the groom made sure to take a turn, too)!
Meanwhile, the RE team was busy moving the ceremony decor to The Glass House reception space. We placed the ground florals at the front of the guest tables and started lighting the candles with the help of the venue’s team. Melissa and Derick wanted the space to feel romantic and glowy, so there were 375 candles to get the vibe just right!
Once we had all the candles lit and the decor moved over, the couple did a first look of the finished Woods & Co wedding reception space. They were so happy with the way their vision came together!
Soon after, we invited guests to take their seats. The entire bridal party lined up outside for a grand entrance and made their way inside as a group. Even their pup Lincoln joined in on the fun!
The groom said a quick welcome speech, which was followed with a prayer by the couple's good friend, Jenna. The RE team then dismissed tables for the delicious buffet provided by Creative Catering by Molly.
Dinner was spent chit-chatting, enjoying speeches, and eating good food! The couple also took a moment to do a cake cutting. We loved their simple two-tiered white cake for this photo op!
While guests enjoyed dessert and continued socializing, the couple went off-site to take sunset photos at Lake Pepin. These pictures turned out so dreamy!
Upon their return, DJ Chaunce with Ever After Entertainment got the party started! The couple did a choreographed dance, followed by the traditional parent dances. Lincoln even popped in for a dance photo with his dad!
After a big group photo, the night concluded with lots of dancing, drinks, and photos at the RE photo booth!
The RE team then set out pre-packaged treats for the late-night snack and began cleaning up the candles to load into the couple’s trailer. It was a great day celebrating this lovely couple!
Melissa + Derick, you two were such a pleasure to work with! We loved how every detail was so meaningful. Cheers to your love!
Woods and Co Wedding Vendors
Wedding Coordinator: Rustic Elegance - Kellie + Danielle
Venue: Woods & Co
Caterer: Creative Catering by Molly
DJ: Ever After Entertainment
Florist: Florals by Gina
Photographer/Videographer: Lollipop Media
Content Creator: Lux Wedding Edits
Photo Booth: Rustic Elegance
Hair: Blissful Beauty
Makeup: Pure Beauty Hair and Makeup
Bridal Gown: Xandy’s Bridal
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol