Inspired by coastal tones and refined simplicity, this Lakeside Luxury styled shoot at The Commodore in Hartland, Wisconsin, explores a fresh, modern approach to vintage wedding design through a black tie palette, layered with light blue details and ample greenery for a hint of color.
Set against the backdrop of a historic lakeside venue, each scene and detail came together to create a clean, design-driven aesthetic rooted in the beauty of its surroundings.
This clean, fresh wedding inspiration at The Commodore was coordinated, designed, and photographed by Makayla Mashlan Photography. Additional vendors included Ward 3 Media, Adeline Margaret, Events by Vanessa, Bucci’s Bridal, DuBois Formalwear, Melissa Ann Artistry + Co., Tablescapes Event Rentals, BBJ La Tavola, Mili Wonka Treats, Kesslers Diamonds, The Rock Agency, Bartolotta Wedding Catering, and Canopies Events.
Click the play button to watch all the beautiful moments unfold in this highlight video by Ward 3 Media, then keep scrolling to see all the details from this upscale, yet relaxed and joyful setting!
Located in Hartland, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, The Commodore is a premier lakeside wedding venue and restaurant with multiple spaces for preparation and gathering. Spaces showcased during this styled shoot included the Nagawicka Suite for bridal preparation, the Boat Room for groom preparation, the Baldwin Lounge, Pleasant View Pavilion for the ceremony, and the Grand Heritage Ballroom for the reception.
The venue dates back to 1902, offering beautifully renovated spaces, delicious menu offerings, and views of the Nagawicka Lake.
Adeline Margaret designed stationery and signage pieces for the day, beginning with a luxurious, torn-edge, vintage-inspired invitation. The pieces, ranging from neutral taupes to soft dusty blues and greys, also included a details card, printed envelopes, menus, welcome sign, name cards, and table numbers. Designs paired a calligraphic script font with text type, playing with ample negative space and intricate floral illustrations and patterns. A contour-cut tulip silhouette added a final modern touch.
Melissa Ann Artistry + Co. styled hair and makeup for The Rock Agency model, Dante. Her hair was parted slightly to the side and curled into loose, effortlessly beautiful waves. Makeup was natural and glowing, accentuating her eyes with champagne eyeshadow and long lashes. A soft rouge finish on the cheeks and a natural lip completed the editorial-worthy, subtle glam.
Bucci’s Bridal selected two distinct strapless gowns to transition from the ceremony to the reception. The first dress was an artful, modern take on the resurgence of the basque waist ballgown. Instead of a traditional basque waist, where the fabric meets in a “v” or a “u” at the center of the waist, this dress featured a sheath front, with dramatically ruched hips flaring into a full skirt. The dress was simple and elegant, made from luxe satin fabric, and paired with an elbow-length tulle veil.
Kesslers Diamonds provided shimmering drop earrings and a collection of diamond rings set against yellow gold.
Model Aiden wore a tasteful three-piece black suit from DuBois Formalwear, which also blended vintage and modern elements. Satin on the suit jacket collar added a touch of texture and movement, and he was also fitted with a white undershirt and accessorized with a black bow tie, floral boutonniere, and white pocket square. At the reception, he switched into a white suit jacket for a slightly more casual, carefree look.
The ceremony scene was set on The Commodore’s outdoor pavilion, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and lake views. Canopies Events provided the white ceremony chairs, which led down the aisle to a grounded floral arch, bookended by wooden pedestals topped with floral arrangements.
Florals for the day by Events by Vanessa combined a natural wildflower aesthetic with fresh and unexpected arrangements, like a cradle bridal bouquet of tulips, lilies, and green amaranthus. The flowers, which also included hydrangeas and white and blue delphiniums, were set against lush fern greenery and other elements, such as green grapes.
Several vendors contributed to the atmosphere at the reception, set in the The Commodore’s Grand Heritage Ballroom, one of the venue’s signature event spaces overlooking Nagawicka Lake. Tablescapes Event Rentals brought white table lamps, adding to the warmth of the sun streaming in the wall-to-wall windows and light from the chandeliers above. BBJ La Tavola provided pale blue linens, secured with pearl napkin holders.
Other important reception pieces included textured satin tablecloths, crystal glassware, mismatched scalloped and patterned plating, and towering floral centerpieces.
With its restaurant within The Commodore, Bartolotta Wedding Catering showcased its in-house offerings, including appetizers, salads, and delicious entrees at the reception tables.
Mili Wonka Treats took a twist on tradition at the dessert table, with a rectangular, one-tier wedding cake with ornate piped frosting. Set atop a round table and surrounded by florals, the wedding cake also included tall, interactive candles that the couple blew out.
Dante’s reception dress was a marriage of upscale cocktail dress and floor-length formalwear. The strapless gown featured a foldover neckline and a structured bodice that ended mid-thigh, cascading into a sheer lace skirt. Vintage lace gloves and strappy satin heels tied the look together, and the look was accessorized with a monobotanical purse bouquet of lilies wrapped in a satin ribbon and pearls.
Couple portraits concluded the styled shoot, as the pair ventured outside to The Commodore’s scenic swing and lakeside dock. Makayla Mashlan Photography moved her lens effortlessly through every space, ending the gallery with stunning sunset portraits overlooking Nagawicka Lake.
Each year, WedPlan has the opportunity to collaborate with an incredible network of talented local vendors to bring styled shoots like this to life. Click the links below to learn more about each vendor involved in this lakeside inspiration, then keep searching the blog for even more ideas!
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