Peonies, Pearl Accents, and Packed Dance Floors at the Lake House Inn
Nicole & Evan’s Joyful Summer Celebration
When Nicole dreamed of her wedding day, it wasn’t just the flowers (peonies, of course) or the custom details that mattered most—it was how everything would feel. Elevated, but never stiff. Stylish, yet warm. And filled with just the right amount of laughter to carry everyone from a rain-drenched morning to a packed dance floor. With an aesthetic grounded in timeless beauty and unexpected whimsy—think pearl accents, signature cocktails, and illustrated tea towels featuring a horseshoe and golf ball—Nicole and Evan’s wedding was a masterclass in how to tell a love story through design, guided by the couple’s creativity and the vision of their trusted planner, Designs by Daisy.
Nicole generously walked us through her wedding journey—from her original vision (inspired by childhood dreams of peonies) to the joyful, detail-rich celebration it became. Her answers offer a window into not just the day itself, but the intention behind each choice, the laughter through unexpected weather, and the deep personal touches that made it uniquely theirs. I’m honored to have played a part in it.
What did you want your wedding to feel like?
Our dream was a wedding that felt stylish and elevated, but also warm, relaxed, and full of laughter
What was your inspiration for your wedding?
The original inspiration for our wedding was peonies. Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of having them as my wedding flower, so it felt only natural to build the entire aesthetic around them. Peonies are timeless and romantic, but their vibrant colors add a playful touch—perfectly capturing the balance of elegance and joy we wanted for the day
What made you choose a custom stationery designer to create your wedding invitation vision?
We wanted custom stationery that truly reflected our personalities—both individually and as a couple. It also allowed us to create a cohesive look and feel that carried through every detail of our wedding, from the save-the-dates to the final touches on our big day
How did your stationery set the tone for your reception or wedding day?
The stationery truly set the tone for our entire wedding, starting from our very first meeting with Amy to discuss the save the dates. We came in with a clear vision, and once we shared our ideas with Amy and saw them brought to life, that design became the foundation for much of our wedding decor. She beautifully incorporated pearl accents, our floral selections, and even found a way to include our beloved pups—who were part of the celebration. Throughout the process, Amy masterfully offered guests a subtle glimpse into the style and spirit of our big day, without giving too much away.
Take us back through your wedding day; share your wedding story.
Our wedding day wasn’t without its imperfect moments—but in many ways, that’s exactly what made it unforgettable. The day began with a huge storm that had everyone hoping for a break in the weather so we could hold our ceremony outdoors, just as we had envisioned. Thankfully, the skies cleared, and we were gifted a beautifully sunny afternoon for our photos and ceremony.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was having my husband’s father officiate our ceremony—it was incredibly special to us. We also included our two dogs in the procession, a personal touch that meant the world. From the ceremony to the reception, the day exceeded every expectation we had, both in atmosphere and emotion.
Amy designed custom tea towels for our cocktail hour, featuring a horseshoe and golf ball—an unexpected detail that perfectly captured our individual hobbies and left a lasting impression on our guests. So many people noticed and appreciated the thoughtful touches we wove throughout the day, and that’s what truly brought everything to life.
Our dance floor was packed from start to finish, with our band keeping the energy high and the celebration going strong all night. One of our favorite moments was a private last dance, just the two of us—a chance to soak it all in before joining our closest friends and family at the after-party
What was your first dance song?
Our first dance song was Take Forever (Hally's Song) By Cooper Alan
What was your favorite moment to see or create?
Walking into the reception for the first time and seeing how all the details came together was an unforgettable moment. With so many thoughtful elements and moving pieces, finally witnessing it all brought to life was nothing short of magical
How did you end the night? Did you have an after-party?
Our celebration continued into the night with a relaxed afterparty by the firepit, surrounded by our closest family and friends
What surprised you most about planning your wedding?
What surprised me most about planning a wedding was just how many tiny details there were—so many things I never would have considered on my own. Even as someone who’s naturally detail oriented, I was constantly amazed by the nuances that came up. I’m so grateful to have had such an incredible team guiding me through it all
What advice would you give your friends getting married?
The best advice I can give to friends planning their wedding is to surround yourself with a team you trust. We worked with Designs by Daisy, and from the very beginning, she provided us with invaluable guidance and connected us with incredible vendors like Amy. Thanks to the expertise and support of Daisy, her team, and Amy, I was truly able to relax and enjoy both the planning process and our wedding day. I couldn’t have done it without them
From their dogs walking down the aisle to a private last dance under the stars, every moment of Nicole and Evan’s wedding day reflected their personalities and deep love for their people. Designing their custom stationery was about more than just paper—it was about giving guests a glimpse of the celebration ahead and creating keepsakes to remember the day by. Take Forever played as they danced their first dance, but the parting memory that lingers is this: joy, woven into every detail. And a reminder that when you trust your team, magic follows.
Of course, a celebration this meaningful doesn’t come together without a thoughtful team behind the scenes. Nicole, Evan, and their families brought heart and intention to every decision—but it was the incredible group of professionals they partnered with that helped bring their vision to life with artistry, precision, and joy. From floral design to music to the tiniest day-of detail, each vendor played a part in creating a day that felt elevated, personal, and effortlessly beautiful.
Meet the team that made it all happen:
Planner: Designs by Daisy
Photographer: Katie Trauffer Photography
Videographer: Allure Films
Florals: Buttercup Florals
Stationery & Branding: Stone Hill Paperie
Band: The Bachelor Boys
Make up: Glam with Amber Helversen
Hair: Top Knot Hair
Dress: Bijou Bridal
Cake: Jeffrey A Miller Catering
Tuxedo: Ventresca Ltd
Signage: Mia & Co
If you’re planning a wedding and want your invitations and day-of details to feel like a true reflection of your story, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Whether you're drawn to something custom or semi-custom, it all begins with a conversation. Start your inquiry here.
