Boerner Botanical Gardens Wedding | Noelle + Noah
Noelle + Noah
A Fall Wedding at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Noelle & Noah’s Fall Wedding at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Noelle and Noah had three first dates before they officially became a couple. There were two coffee dates, a few years in between, and eventually a picnic that Noelle packed before driving up from Milwaukee to see Noah.
Years later, they were standing together at Boerner Botanical Gardens, getting married in the late afternoon sunshine. Their October wedding brought together warm fall flowers, candlelight, a live band, and little pieces of their life together. Even their dogs, Ivy and Scooter, made an appearance on the cocktail napkins.
Three First Dates
Noah first spotted Noelle at a college party. He walked over and asked if she wanted to talk on the balcony, away from the noise. They chatted, went their separate ways, and kept crossing paths until they eventually exchanged numbers. Years later, Noah told Noelle he still remembered what she was wearing that night. It’s her favorite part of their meeting story. His recollection? “I saw you across the room and thought you were smokin’ hot.”
Their first date was coffee on campus. A handful of dates followed, but when the conversation turned to making things official, Noah said he wasn’t looking for a serious relationship in college. Noelle still likes to remind him that he dumped her. About two years later, Noah asked her to coffee again. This time, Noelle wanted to stay friends. Noah maintains that he knew they would end up dating. It was just a matter of time.
Eight months later, Noelle packed a picnic and drove north to see him. They ate at a park in Elkhart Lake, and their third first date became the one they count as the beginning. Proof that timing is everything… and when you’re meant to be together? It will work out. Noah was right.
Building a Life Together
When Noelle shared how she knew she wanted to marry Noah, she talked about a difficult stretch of life. She was working full time, pursuing her master’s degree, and navigating family challenges. Noah cared for her through all of it, offering encouragement and reminding her to give herself grace. That was when she knew she could do life with him forever.
“To me marriage is not about butterflies and romantic dates,” she wrote. “It’s about showing up for each other when times get tough, being able to rely on them, and making each other laugh when there are tears in your eyes.”
For Noah, that certainty grew over the years as their bond deepened. They’ve also made plenty of room for adventure. One of their favorite trips was ten days out west, tent camping, hiking, and cooking over an open fire. They still take every opportunity to cook outside together.
And in March 2025, during a moonlit hike at Iguazu Falls in Brazil, Noah proposed beneath a waterfall with a lunar rainbow overhead. Noelle called it their best vacation ever. We can understand why!
A Fall Wedding at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Noelle described the wedding she envisioned as romantic, cozy, and warm. Rust and burgundy flowers from Flowers For Dreams, clusters of pillar candles, and the garden setting brought those words into the day. Before the ceremony, Noah got ready with his dad, just as he’d wanted. Noelle had a gift for him, too: a handkerchief embroidered with a message in her handwriting: “You are my everything and beyond. Forever by your side.” Later that evening, they would share their first dance to “Beyond” by Leon Bridges, bringing it full circle yet again.
Noelle and Noah chose to wait until the ceremony to see each other. Before walking down the aisle, though, Noelle had a first look with her dad in the Rose Garden (which was an absolutely STUNNING location for us all day– we revisited it for sunset photos with Noelle & Noah, and just… WOW).
Their outdoor ceremony began at 4:30, and the light turned from bright bold sunshine to a soft glow that ended up backlighting their vows, while they were surrounded by bold florals and warm candles (and the love and support of their family & friends).
Candlelight, Music, and Ivy & Scooter
Dinner was held in the atrium, where candles and string lights carried the warmth of the ceremony into the evening. Blue Water Kings played for the reception, including Noelle and Noah’s first dance. And we have to mention Ivy and Scooter’s contribution with the cocktail napkins read, “Drinks on us! Love, Ivy & Scooter.” (They may not have been there in person, but their dogs were very much included.)
Getting Married at Boerner Botanical Gardens
For Noelle and Noah’s wedding, having the ceremony, portraits, and reception at Boerner meant they could spend the afternoon and evening in one place. Noelle got ready at the venue, they married outside in the gardens, and everyone gathered in the atrium for dinner. There was plenty of variety for photographs within walking distance, from the garden paths to the stone pergolas. We especially loved being able to spend that late afternoon light outside with them before joining the celebration indoors.
Noelle & Noah
Thank you for inviting us to photograph your wedding and for sharing so much of your story with us. Reading what you wrote about caring for each other made documenting this day even more meaningful. We’re so happy for you both and hope there are many more camping trips, evenings around the fire, and walks with Ivy and Scooter ahead.
Vendor Love:
Photography: The McNiels | Venue: Boerner Botanical Gardens | Planning / Coordination: Brooke McMichael, Light as a Feather Events | Decor Rentals: Relics Rentals | Videography: Salem Media Productions | Florals: Flowers For Dreams | Hair: Lexi Lee Hair | Makeup: Lauryn Marie | Cake: Whisk Chick | Band: Bluewater Kings | Wedding Dress: Renhue from Lovely Bride | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey in Martini | Menswear: NL Suits
