Cozy Lakeside Wedding Day with Playful Blooms and Elevated, Laid-Back Ambiance

When Lauren Herker and Michael Gottwalt met during an outing with mutual friends—the result of some lighthearted matchmaking—they never knew what was in store for them. After several months and uncoincidentally ending up at a cabin weekend with the same group of friends, Lauren agreed when Michael asked her out; from there, the couple’s romance quickly bloomed. While planning their wedding, they sought a fun, stress-free day that cherished all their loved ones. Hosting the wedding at the family’s private cabin on Horseshoe Lake was an easy decision—the couple spends most of their time and got engaged at the lake, making it a meaningful and incredibly picturesque place to get married. The natural setting created a unique ceremony in which the couple said their vows on the soft sandy beach, covered in sunlight. Every detail of the day prioritized what felt meaningful and natural. The lakeside reception unfolded beneath an enormous sailcloth tent for 225 guests. Lauren’s mom served as the wedding’s main planner and florist who executed the couple’s creative vision and even grew flowers in her basement from seeds just for the special day. Family moments were woven throughout the day, like when Lauren’s dad surprised everyone by learning how to play guitar just to sing his hilarious 15-minute toast. As the night went on, guests loved the exciting dueling pianos performance, and blankets were passed out so guests could stay comfortable in the cozy couches throughout the tent. Lauren and Michael set out to create a wedding that was laid back, joyful and full of love, resulting in an unforgettable day they will never forget.