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Wed in the Wonderground: Leah Clark & Terry McLaren

October 9  //  Engaged May 19, 2018  //  Madison Children’s Museum

Our ceremony was definitely unique. It was our second wedding; we had a mini-mony at the Goodman Community Center on 3/27/21 with Terry’s Mom and Leah’s immediate family. For the larger celebration, we were the first couple married at MCM’s Wonderground exhibit! The space was full of people we love, and the staff was wonderful. They made everyone feel comfortable and happy as we celebrated.

Unfortunately, some of our loved ones fell ill with COVID right before our wedding and were not able to attend. However, we were reminded of how blessed we are with our chosen family. Two wonderful kiddos stepped up last minute to present our rings and did a fantastic job! We also hired a great videographer so that our virtual attendees could be with us for the event. Photographer: Dutcher Photography

We Eloped!: Amber & Jenn Oberfoell

October 16  //  Engaged May 16, 2021  //  Diablo Lake, WA

When the officiant pronounced us as the “Oberfoells,” bystanders started cheering. A unique touch to the day was keeping it a secret. No one knew about it; they just thought we were taking a mini vacation.

We also made it unwieldy by leaving gifts back home to each of our parents with letters to them “on our wedding day.” Amber hid hers in her mom’s car and while FaceTiming told her to go look under the driver’s seat for the gift. Jenn secretly said her gift was for a birthday gift for her mom and asked her stepdad Leo to give it to her to open when we called to surprise them about the elopement. 

Jenn made a handcrafted wooden sign and gave it to Amber on the mountain. It said, “We eloped.” We wore matching hiking boots under our dresses to symbolize one of our passions. Photographer: Sean Carr

A Family Affair: Michelle Sawyer & Cheryl McCarty

October 16  //  April 16, 2021  //  Kentucky

Our story starts with a pandemic and TikTok. With the long days and nights of lockdown, we found ourselves checking out TikTok just for the fun of it. Michelle in Wisconsin, Cheryl in Kentucky. What started out as a friendship blossomed into a deep love. Cheryl relocated to be with Michelle in Wisconsin and the rest is history. 

On October 16, 2021, surrounded by family and friends, we wed in Cheryl’s hometown. It was a family affair as we were attended by both of our siblings and nieces, and the ceremony was officiated by Cheryl’s cousin. We bucked tradition and saw each other before the ceremony and walked hand-in-hand down the aisle to our future. Photographer: Alexandra Nance

Beauty on a Budget: Jordy & Shalene Egli

October 16  //  Engaged July 4, 2018  //  Fireman’s Park Pavilion, Columbus

When we began planning our wedding, we knew it would be on a budget. We are both simple people and didn’t want anything glamorous. We had just over two years of planning and preparation, and sometimes that didn’t even feel like enough.

We gathered many supplies through Facebook Marketplace, dollar stores, and sales at local craft stores to keep costs lower. We really tried to not break the bank with anything we purchased. We assembled all the centerpieces and decorations with the help of some family and friends. Overall, surrounded by those we love, our day was beautiful and exactly what we wanted. Photographer: Eve Photography

When You Know, You Know: Mark & Lucas Long

November 2  //  Engaged January 3, 2020  //  Mexico

Lucas and I were engaged back in 2020 right before the pandemic hit. COVID-19 threw quite a curveball in our wedding plans, but our priority was to always be safe. After a few trip cancellations, and postponing of wedding plans, we finally said our I-Dos near the beautiful Cancun in Mexico.

The resort was very LGBTQ+ friendly and beyond safe (requiring COVID-19 testing and vaccinations). We spent the week with our close family and friends as we fellowshipped and exchanged vows. I found my forever man, and he found his forever human. Love is Love!

We are so looking forward to a life together as we make Madison our new home. #WhenYOUknowYOUknow

Additional Weddings 2021

Submissions were requested at ourliveswisconsin.com/lovelist via open calls to readers in our November issue and on our newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Madison

April 17: Alex Herr & Ryan Kohler
April 30: Troyce Case & Steven Haltvick
August 22: Lori & Tia Kneebone-Karst

Monona

September 12: Sara Freedman & Carol Nikolaus

Wauwatosa

August 6: Jake Christian &  Dave Connell

West Allis

September 18: Robyn Finster & Madelynn Kutsch