Andrew & Melissa

The Story

While attending the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Andrew had became friends with some of Melissa's best friends from high school. Soon after he had became roommates with these friends. Andrew and Melissa had met at a New Year's Eve party at Andrew's house. They had known each other for years, but didn't actually hit things off until Melissa came to Oshkosh to visit a friend (and Andrew's future best man) graduation weekend.

The Proposal

There was a tradition in Melissa's family, that each year her and her dad would attend opening day for their favorite team, the Chicago White Sox. As the years went on Andrew had joined in on this tradition. Andrew had always known that this would be the perfect occasion to pop the question. While at a game they had the privilege of going to the "Home Plate Club". At the club they had received Cracker Jacks. Inside of the Cracker Jacks box was always a big blue fake engagement ring.  There had always been a joke between both of them that if Melissa would ever accept that fake ring, then Andrew would propose sooner. Melissa always said that "It would have been so perfect if you had put a real engagement ring in here and proposed!" Little did Melissa know that Andrew had that idea all along. Andrew grabbed the fake ring and started to get down on one knee. Melissa was so embarrassed, she told him to get up right away. That's when Andrew pulled out the real ring and asked Melissa to marry him!

The Wedding

The couple knew that they wanted to get married in Wisconsin since it was near their families. Andrew and Melissa both liked the idea of a barn venue that had outdoor space for their guests to enjoy. The Landing was exactly what they were looking for. 

When it came to a dress, Melissa knew she wanted a more fitted gown with an open back. She also knew that she wanted her gown to have straps, this was a must for her. After looking on Pintrest, Melissa noticed that she kept pinning Stella York dresses. She then deiced to attend a Stella York trunk show. Melissa thinks she tried on every fitted gown they had with straps and an open back. but nothing was perfect. As soon as they thought the day was coming to an end, the consultant had one more dress. The second she tried it on Melissa and her family knew it was THE dress.

The first look took place at Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, WI, Melissa's hometown and the city their wedding took place in. They were both so excited to see each other, it was a mutual feeling to say the least. Andrew couldn't believe that the beautiful girl in front of him was the women he got to marry.

The ceremony was supposed to be held outside along the river at The Landing, but due to the record rainfall and severe flooding the week of our wedding. Their ceremony site was completely underwater. Even up until 8 pm the day before their wedding the venue still didn't have any power and the road to the venue was underwater. That would scare any couple. But luckily the owners of their venue also owned another bar venue right down the street called The Rustic Barn at Prairie Gardens. This venue was unaffected by the flooding. The couple was able to move their ceremony to that location and still have the beautiful outdoor ceremony they had dreamed about.

Andrew and Melissa decided to go with Bubb's BBQ because who doesn't love BBQ??!! They knew that they would enjoy it much more than just choosing the standard choices. Everyone raved about how good the food was.

When it came to decorations they didn't want to over due the decor. Andrew and Melissa wanted to go more with the vintage/shabby chic look. Also didn't want to go with the traditional barn decor either. Burlington Flowers and Formalwear provided their gorgeous flowers and really bought the outfits and decor to another level.

For Andrew and Melissa, it was hard for them to pick one part of the day because it was so amazing. They loved having their first look together, they thought it was nice to have a little time just the two of them to soak it all in. Another favorite part of theirs was that they recited their own vows to one another. It was so romantic. And of course they didn't forget how fun it was dancing the night away with all of their family and friends.

Andrew and Melissa shortly after went on a European vacation through Amsterdam, Portugal and Dublin!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Statz!

Featured Vendors:
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Ceremony: The Rustic Barn
Reception: The Landing, 1841
Floral: Burlington Flowers and Formalwear
Music: Anna Newbury(string duo), Blue Light Scene (band)
Dessert: Gooseberrie's cupcakes
Photography: Kallidoscope Photography
Dress: Stella York, Diana's Bridal
Hair: Olive Grace Collective
Make up: Kate Troxell