Meagen & John | A Relaxed Northwoods Wedding at Otter Point Lodge

Some places just feel like home, and for Meagen and John, that place is the Northwoods.

After meeting at work and later getting engaged on a trip through Europe, they knew exactly where they wanted to celebrate their wedding. They chose Otter Point Lodge on Mamie Lake in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin, because it's a place they've spent a lot of time together, and they wanted to give their family and friends the chance to experience everything they love about being Up North.

With 75 of their closest family and friends, they planned a day that was simple, relaxed, and full of personal touches. Since this was a second marriage for both of them, they skipped the traditional wedding party and instead included their kids in meaningful ways. Meagen's son walked her down the aisle, her daughter carried her bouquet, and her stepdaughter held the rings, making the ceremony even more special.

As family and friends gathered by the lake, local Northwoods band Old Pine Road filled the ceremony with live music. Having heard them perform over the years at Bent's Camp Resort, Meagen and John knew they would be the perfect fit. Meagen walked down the aisle to the band's cover of "Snow Outside" by Dave Matthews Band, one of the couple's favorite songs. Of course, every wedding has a story, and theirs happened just seconds after being pronounced husband and wife. As Meagen reached up to hug John, the strap on her dress broke! Luckily, it became one of those moments they'll laugh about for years to come. The wedding was also filled with thoughtful DIY details. Meagen did her own makeup, while a close friend traveled from Chicago to style her hair. She also created all of the floral elements herself using faux flowers, including her bouquet, the ceremony arch, and beautiful hanging floral light fixtures inside the reception tent. With help from friends and family, every detail reflected the couple's vision and added a personal touch to the celebration.

Wedding photography by Philip Alan Photography.

The biggest challenge came just two days before the wedding when their caterer canceled. Thankfully, Bortolotti’s Cin Cin stepped in and saved the day, helping everything come together beautifully.

As the celebration continued into the evening, The Tim Stop Band, whose members come from across the Midwest and frequently perform throughout the Northwoods, kept guests dancing all night long. Like Old Pine Road, they were another favorite the couple had discovered while listening to live music at Bent's Camp Resort.

When asked about their favorite part of the day, it was hard to choose just one, but watching fireworks over Mamie Lake at the end of the night was definitely at the top of the list. Their advice for other couples?

"It's your day, not anyone else's. Don't feel obligated to make accommodations or change your plans for other people. Do what feels right to you."

Looking back, they wouldn't change a thing.

As if they didn't already love sharing this special place with others, Meagen and John have even begun renting out their waterfront cabin to couples looking for a beautiful Up North setting to celebrate. They're currently exploring what it would take to turn the property into an official wedding venue, helping even more couples create unforgettable memories in the Northwoods.

Congratulations, Meagen and John! Thank you for letting us share your beautiful Northwoods wedding. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Otter Point Lodge on Mamie Lake

Photography: Philip Alan

Ceremony & Dinner Entertainment: Old Pine Road Band

Reception Entertainment: The Tim Stop Band

Catering: Bortolotti’s Cin Cin

Tent, Tables & Chairs: Sam's Rentals Have an Up North wedding or engagement you'd love to share? If your celebration took place in Northern Wisconsin or Michigan's Upper Peninsula, submit it here for a chance to be featured on The Up North Bride.