For their wedding, Jenny and Craig chose the peaceful and serene Riverbend venue in Kohler, Wisconsin over their busy and lively Chicago hometown.

After having a few dinners at the location with one of the couple’s sisters, they knew it would be a unique wedding venue. At first, not everyone was on board with the idea of a destination wedding. Their families worried that people wouldn’t be able to attend the wedding.

“Our location was only three hours outside of Chicago and ended up having a great turn out,” the couple says.

Leading up to the wedding, the couple put a lot of effort into making sure everything ran smoothly. They made long distance work by scheduling to meet with the vendors all on the same day, so they could make the most of their time.

The couple enjoyed planning a destination wedding because they were able to make it into a fun weekend for their guests.

 They made programs that included a pocket of confetti for the guests to throw as the couple walked back down the aisle. The couple also made Wisconsin themed welcome bags for when their guests arrived.

“We didn’t want it to feel like the normal hustle and bustle of city living,” the couple says.

 On the big day, they achieved that goal. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they said “I do” on the secluded and tranquil grounds of Riverbend.

The couple says the wedding would not have been as special if they had it in their hometown. They were able to create an escape for both themselves and their guests.

“We would not have changed it for the world.”

Vendors: Wedding Location: Kohler Wisconsin, Photographer: Gerber+Scarpelli Weddings, Ceremony/Reception Site: Riverbend, Florist: American Club Floral, Stationery: Checkerboard, Cake: American Club, Hair & Makeup: Jackie Van Riet, Gown Designer: Elaya Vaughn by Kate Pankoke, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Black Tie Formalwear, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Lula Kate, Videographer: Andrew Kazlauskas