Raise a Glass to this Boujee Backyard Wedding in Kenosha, Wisconsin: The Real Wedding of Audrey and Mike Zappala

Photos ByArtisan Events

Written By

Chrysa Keenon

Date

May 19, 2021

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Audrey crossed paths with Mike at a small bar in a lakeside town in New York. There for a weekend getaway with her friends, Mike charmed her and won the opportunity to take her on a date. The pair hit it off and sparks flew! On a trip to the Faroe Islands, Mike dropped to one knee, officially asking Audrey to be his best friend for life. She of course said 'yes!'

The couple initially had a large guest list but was forced to cut it down due to COVID-19 restrictions. The reception was held in Audrey’s parents' backyard, which added to the sentimentality of the day. “I feel like we planned 5 different weddings in the span of a few months,” she jokes.

Audrey found her gown at a chance last-minute appointment with her sister at a bridal salon that was going out of business. “When she was getting married the year before me, I made her try on hideous dresses for the fun of it so she was paying it back,” she explains. Turns out, her sister’s joke led to her finding the most perfect gown a girl could ask for!

Catering by Michaels created a delicious spread that looks almost too good to eat!

What we love

Audrey wanted her reception to have an eclectic, backyard feel. For an added touch of personalization, her family pulled things from their house to use as decor, and she and Mike hand wrote notes to each guest at their seat!

Advice from the couple

Audrey says, “Plan your wedding as if there was a pandemic! I’m kidding, but also somewhat serious. Mike and I had originally thought we wanted a huge wedding but at the end of the day, having a small group of 70 made it all the more special. We were able to make our wedding more thoughtful and personal.”