June 14, 2025, was the kind of summer wedding day that felt effortlessly joyful from beginning to end.
Zach and Annette celebrated their marriage at The Shore Club Wisconsin in Elkhart Lake, surrounded by their closest college friends and family. With bright June sunshine, a beautiful lakeside setting, vibrant florals, and a reception that ended up being one giant polka party, their wedding day was filled with personality from start to finish.
As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I loved how naturally the entire day came together. The ceremony, cocktail hour, portraits, dinner, and dancing each had their own atmosphere while still feeling like one seamless celebration.
And, perhaps most importantly, Zach and Annette made the day their own.
An Outdoor Summer Wedding at The Shore Club
Zach and Annette's wedding ceremony took place outdoors on the lawn at The Shore Club in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
Their wedding color palette paired soft light blue with vibrant magenta, creating a beautiful summer combination against the green lawn and Wisconsin sunshine. The bridesmaids wore flowy, relaxed dresses, while lush floral arrangements brought in creamy white blooms and bold pink peonies. The result was colorful and romantic without feeling overly formal.
The Shore Club's historic architecture and lakeside setting also gave us plenty of variety for portraits. Before the ceremony, we found a tucked-away nook of greenery just outside the venue for bridal party portraits. Then we incorporated the property's classic architecture and grand staircase for a few more timeless group photos.
The combination of greenery, historic details, and the relaxed energy of the wedding party made these some of my favorite portraits from the day.
Lakeside Cocktail Hour at The Tiki Bar
After the ceremony, guests made the short walk to The Tiki Bar at Elkhart Lake for cocktail hour.
Located at 276 Victorian Village Drive in Elkhart Lake, the Tiki Bar provided the perfect setting for a sunny Wisconsin afternoon. Guests could grab a drink, enjoy the lake views, and spend time catching up with friends and family before heading back for the reception. One of the best things about this wedding was how easy the transition between locations felt. There was no complicated transportation schedule or long drive between ceremony and cocktail hour. Guests could simply walk, relax, and enjoy the afternoon. For couples considering an Elkhart Lake wedding, that kind of relaxed flow can make a huge difference. Instead of spending a large portion of the day moving from place to place, more of the celebration can actually be spent together.
Dinner at The Shore Club
After cocktail hour, guests returned to The Shore Club for dinner and the reception. With the historic character of The Shore Club's Theater surrounding the reception, the atmosphere shifted from relaxed summer afternoon to lively evening celebration. The music was provided by The Rhythm Kings, whose jazz sound brought an energetic and sophisticated feel to the reception. But the biggest surprise of the night was waiting for the dance floor.
Their First Dance Was a Polka
Zach and Annette are devoted polka fans, so a traditional slow first dance simply wasn't going to cut it. Instead, they opened the dance floor with a spirited polka. It was one of those moments that immediately told you everything you needed to know about this couple. They weren't choosing a first dance because it was expected. They chose something they genuinely loved. And their guests loved it, too. After Zach and Annette's polka, Annette shared an upbeat dance with her father before inviting everyone else onto the dance floor. Within moments, the reception had turned into a full-on celebration. The energy was infectious, and the dance floor became one of the biggest highlights of the evening.
A Sweet Finish from Johnson's Bakery
The wedding cake was provided by Johnson's Bakery in Sheboygan, Wisconsin,
Photographing Zach & Annette's Elkhart Lake Wedding
As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I couldn't have asked for a more joyful day to document.
Zach and Annette surrounded themselves with the people who knew them best, chose a beautiful lakeside Wisconsin setting, and filled the day with the traditions and details that actually mattered to
For couples planning an Elkhart Lake wedding and looking for a photographer who wants to document more than just the pretty details, Zach and Annette's wedding is a perfect example of why the in-between moments matter just as much as the big ones.
Venue: The Shore Club Wisconsin, Elkhart Lake
Photography: Jenna Lavonne Photo | Wisconsin Wedding Photographer
Hair & Makeup: Jomaji Salon & Spa
Catering: Vu's Garden | Cascade, Wisconsin
Cake: Johnson's Bakery | Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Band: The Rhythm Kings
Cocktail Hour: The Tiki Bar at Elkhart Lake
If you’re looking for photography that feels calm, candid, artful, and completely true to the people in it, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
If you’re looking for photography that feels calm, candid, artful, and completely true to the people in it, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.