Carly & Nick’s Laid-Back, Joyful Wedding at The Edgewater Hotel

A Lakeside Wedding in Madison, WI

A Celebration That Felt Like Home

From the moment Carly slipped into her Pronovias gown at The Edgewater Hotel, you could tell this wasn’t going to be a “production.” Their Madison wedding wasn’t about formality—it was about people. It was about joy that came naturally, laughter that bubbled up without effort, and two best friends who never stopped checking in with each other all day long.

As their officiant (Nick’s aunt) so beautifully put it: Carly has never met a stranger. On their wedding day, that warmth and openness shone through. She knew everyone’s name, lit up for every guest, and made sure no one felt overlooked. And when she was with Nick? She was home.

How They Met

Carly and Nick first crossed paths in a year-long finance class. Carly still remembers being the only girl in the room while Nick casually showed up in sweatpants (when everyone else wore khakis). They didn’t talk much at first, but fate had other plans. A few months later, Nick slid into Carly’s DMs, and before long he was driving four hours just to spend time with her. Their first “official” date? Culver’s, movies, and hours of conversation that left Carly nervous and Nick quietly confident they were onto something special.

The Proposal Story

Fast forward a few years and a lot of cross-country long distance (Carly even moved to NYC to be with Nick). By the time the ring arrived, Carly had a hunch it was coming—she claims Nick could never get anything past her. He carried the little box with him on their trip to Lake Placid, planning to propose by the lake before dinner. Nervous jitters got the best of him—he even dropped the ring box on the ground by accident—but eventually, with the lake as their backdrop, Nick asked, and Carly said yes. People nearby clapped, and one even offered to buy them dinner.

Favorite Moments from Their Edgewater Hotel Wedding

Their Edgewater Hotel wedding was everything they dreamed of: romantic, elegant, but mostly fun. With nearly 200 guests gathered on the Edgewater Plaza, overlooking the lake, their vows unfolded in the golden Madison light. Carly and Nick opted for a first look at the same spot they would later exchange vows—a choice that felt full circle.

Some of the most memorable touches included:

The Vibe: Laid-back, party-first energy. Carly and Nick wanted their day to feel like a gathering of best friends, not a formal production—and it showed.
The Details: A live painter captured their first kiss on canvas, Brandi Mueller’s blooms added elegance to the lakeside setting, and Baked Lab’s wedding cake was as delicious as it was beautiful.
The Music & Traditions: Carly’s side of the family kept their tradition alive with “Piano Man,” a must-sing moment that had everyone belting along.
The People: From joyful bridal party portraits on the Edgewater Plaza to the packed dance floor with Sound by Design, every moment radiated connection and fun.

As photographers, what stood out most was Carly + Nick’s constant connection. They didn’t just pose for photos—they laughed, whispered, and checked in with each other throughout the day. It was obvious to everyone present: this love is deeply rooted in friendship.

Vendor Love:

Planning Your Own Edgewater Hotel Wedding in Madison?

The Edgewater’s plaza overlooking Lake Mendota is a dream for couples who want an outdoor ceremony with both elegance and natural beauty. The golden light, the lake backdrop, and the city vibe combine for unforgettable photos. If you’re considering this Madison wedding venue, we can’t recommend it enough.

Planning your own Madison wedding? Whether you’re eyeing The Edgewater Hotel or another lakeside venue, we’d love to document your day. Reach out to start the conversation!

Curious about what it’s like to get married at The Edgewater Hotel? Drop your questions in the comments—we love helping couples plan their best day.

Carly & Nick’s Laid-Back, Joyful Wedding at The Edgewater Hotel | Madison Wedding Photographers

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