Geneva National Fall Wedding

Rachel and Shane’s sweet wedding story is definitely one worth telling! The couple had two weddings, one in January of 2022 at the local courthouse, and one in October of 2022 at Geneva National that both held so much meaning!

But first, some relationship history: Rachel and Shane first met in college at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and they’ve been together ever since! Shane proposed to Rachel in September of 2021 during a trip to Chicago. He planned an entire day exploring downtown, and he topped it off with a romantic proposal at the top of the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel!

At the beginning of 2022, Rachel’s father, George, was battling cancer and was given a few weeks to live. Rachel wanted her father to be a part of her wedding day, so she and Shane decided to have a small wedding with just their families in January. They got ready in Rachel’s childhood home, and she did a first look with her father in the family’s living room. It was such a sweet moment and I’m so grateful that Rachel got to experience it with her father. From there, the entire family went down to the local courthouse to witness Rachel and Shane’s marriage. The day was a celebration of life and love! There was so much joy, and Rachel’s dad had a permanent smile on his face the entire day!

About eight months later, On October 8th, 2022, Rachel and Shane had a larger wedding at the Geneva National Resort and Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This wedding venue was pure elegance. If you’re looking for a classic venue with beautiful scenery to hold both your ceremony and reception, I highly recommend a Geneva National wedding!

Rachel and Shane’s wedding ceremony took place at Geneva National’s Lakeview Terrace. The views of Lake Como were amazing, and the fall colors were just starting to make their appearance. It was a little on the chilly side with the wind, but the sun was shining all day long. It was truly the perfect backdrop for Rachel and Shane’s sweet I dos!

Rachel’s bouquet featured a small charm with her and her dad’s photo from her January wedding so that he could be with her on her big day. She also had a piece of his tie sewn into her wedding dress! I loved these special pieces that she could carry all day!

We took all of the wedding party and family photos before the ceremony, so everyone got to enjoy cocktail hour before the reception started. Rachel and Shane’s wedding reception was in the Legends Room, which was Geneva National’s newest reception space!

Shane’s father gave a touching speech during the reception in honor of Rachel’s father. The couple also had a seat reserved for him at both the ceremony and reception. Instead of providing their guests with favors, Rachel and Shane made a large donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of Rachel’s father on behalf of the guests. I really loved this idea and I know the guests appreciated it as well! The couple and their guests had a blast at the reception. The dance floor was packed the whole night!

Rachel and Shane – It’s clear to me that you are the best of friends, and your relationship is truly beautiful. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your story. I’m so grateful and honored to be the one who captured your big moments. Happy first anniversary! Here’s to many more years to come! Hugs – Taylor

January Wedding