A beautiful Blackhawk Country Club wedding

Natalie and Evan had a stunning Blackhawk Country Club wedding this July. This gorgeous country club is tucked away in one of my favorite neighborhoods in Madison – Shorewood Hills. The ballroom and the 10th tee (also the outdoor ceremony space) overlooks Lake Mendota – one of Natalie’s favorite features of the venue! Their story started thousands and thousands of miles away though, when fate brought them together in one of the most romantic countries on earth. I love their story because no matter how dreamy it sounds, they recognized the fact that they had to push through years of difficult circumstances to get to their wedding day. Just a little reminder that fairytales take hard work and perseverance too!

When in Rome

Natalie’s sister said she was, understandably, a little skeptical when Natalie called her and said she met a guy on her study abroad trip in Italy. She was worried Natalie was swept away in the romance of Italy.

Although Natalie and Evan were in separate study abroad groups, a coordinated weekend trip brought them together. The two hit it off pretty quickly, and started talking more while they were still in Italy.

The true test of their relationship came when the study abroad trip ended. They spent years in a long-distance relationship as they finished their schooling. As Evan said in his vows, they would sometimes drive for hours just to have lunch together, or fly on a plane just to spend a day together.

They finally got to start their happily ever after when Evan got a job in Madison, where Natalie was working.

A Blackhawk Country Club Wedding

Natalie and Evan’s wedding at Blackhawk Country Club was simply beautiful. From their gorgeous flowers by Felley’s to their succulent terrarium centerpieces to Natalie’s stunning dress (take a look at that lace back!). Natalie and her girls had a relaxed morning getting ready in the club’s locker room. We didn’t have to go far for a beautiful backdrop for her first look with her dad, and then her first look with Evan. We stayed right around the 10th tee for wedding party photos and all of their couples portraits.

A few storm clouds had other plans for their outdoor ceremony, but these two were so easy going, and flowed effortlessly with the indoor ceremony. Their personal vows to each other made even the small thought of being inside disappear.

They got to relax with their guests during cocktail hour, and almost as a gift for putting up with the rain, Mother Nature gave us the most gorgeous sunset! If you’re looking for a wedding venue with a beautiful view of the sunset – this is it.

We snuck out just after their first dances to catch the last few minutes of the sun on the horizon. It was perfect.

As I write this, Natalie and Evan are probably enjoying a romantic gondola ride in Italy. They left for their honeymoon a few days after their wedding. Back to the country that first brought them together. I can’t quite think of anything more romantic.

Take a look at some of my favorites from their wedding gallery below!