Classy, Simple, And Loud In The Best Way | Abbey & Elliot

Abbey and Elliot described their day in three words: classy, simple, fun. That is exactly what their Swan Lake Resort wedding felt like from start to finish.

It had the kind of timeless structure that keeps the day meaningful, and the kind of energy that makes the reception feel like a full-send celebration. Elegant where it mattered, playful when it counted, and never trying too hard.

Why They Chose Swan Lake Resort

They chose Swan Lake because of the classiness. The first time they walked in, they were genuinely in awe at how beautiful and timeless the inside felt, and that is the exact vibe they wanted for their reception.

If you’ve ever stepped into a space and immediately thought, “Yep, this is it,” you get it. Swan Lake has that effect. It feels polished without feeling stuffy, and it gives you a clean backdrop that makes your photos look expensive even when your decor stays minimal.

Getting Ready With Calm Energy And Real Anticipation

Abbey got ready at her parents’ house, which always brings a relaxed, grounded feeling to the start of the day. It’s comfortable, familiar, and it usually comes with the best kind of in-between moments, the ones that happen when you’re surrounded by your people and the day finally feels real.

Elliot and his crew got ready at the church, and their “fun topic” answers were exactly what you’d expect from a solid group of guys. They can make anything interesting, but realistically it’s sports, video games, and apparently thinking about the Roman Empire.

A Full Catholic Mass With A Timeless Church Setting

Their ceremony took place at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church, and Abbey loved how old and beautiful it is, with stained glass everywhere. It set the tone immediately.

They chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony, and they both said that moment at the altar is something they’ll cherish forever. That first look isn’t a staged moment. It’s the real one, in front of everyone who showed up for you, with your entire day about to begin.

Also, they weren’t anxious leading up to the day, which is rare and honestly impressive. It felt like they were ready to celebrate, and you could feel that calm confidence in how the day unfolded.

Portraits That Felt Natural, But Still Guided

Abbey and Elliot said it best: they’re not models. They wanted their photos to feel natural, but they also wanted direction throughout the day.

That’s our favorite combo.

We keep it relaxed, we guide you through what to do, and we make sure you never feel awkward or stuck. You get the cozy, romantic stuff, the playful and silly moments, and the clean, classic portraits that your parents will want framed immediately.

Cocktail Hour, Then A Reception That Knew How To Start Strong

After the ceremony, the day shifted into Swan Lake’s reception energy, and it was exactly what they hoped for. Spacious, classy, and ready for a party.

The reception kicked off with bridal party entrances, followed by Abbey and Elliot coming in to “Fireball” by Pitbull, which is a statement. They even had Fireball shooters for a select few so they could do a shot together, which is such a fun way to make the entrance feel like an actual moment instead of just walking into a room.

Dinner followed with a quick toast from Abbey’s dad and a short prayer, then later the maid of honor and best man speeches brought the room together before the dance floor took over.

First Dances And Then The Party Actually Began

Their first dance song was “Conversations in the Dark” by John Legend, and it matched the romantic side of their day perfectly. From there it flowed into parent dances, and then it was exactly what they promised.

Then the party begins.

And with a guest count like this, it was no surprise that the room felt full and alive. Abbey and Elliot were even surprised by how many people attended, especially at the ceremony, and you could tell it meant a lot to see that many faces show up to celebrate them.

Personal Touches That Made It Feel Like Family

Abbey added wedding pictures of parents and grandparents throughout the day, which is one of those simple touches that hits harder than people expect. It’s a quiet way to honor family history, and it gives guests a chance to slow down and connect the dots between generations.

She also dedicated a bouquet to her mom, and that moment mattered because her mom was deeply involved in planning the entire wedding. Abbey wanted her recognized, and honestly, that’s the kind of moment that makes a wedding feel personal instead of just pretty.

Quick Planning Tips For Your Swan Lake Resort Wedding

If you want a clean, elegant wedding that still feels fun, keep your design simple and let Swan Lake’s space do the heavy lifting. Abbey’s approach was proof that “simple and clean” reads as classy, not bare.

If you’re doing a full Catholic mass, plan your portrait flow with intention so you’re not rushed. Build in time for family photos and couple portraits, then you can actually enjoy cocktail hour and the start of your reception.

If you want your reception to feel instantly hype, pick an entrance song that makes people laugh and cheer. Fireball by Pitbull did exactly that, and the shooters made it even more memorable.

And if you’re debating a party bus, Abbey and Elliot said it was their favorite part of the day. Singing and dancing with your people is never a bad decision.

Abbey & Elliot’s Wedding Day Vendors

Photography: @WestleyLeonStudios // Venue: Swan Lake Resort // Ceremony: St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church // Rings: Brilliant Earth // Abbey’s Attire: Something Blue Bridal (Martina Liana) // Abbey’s Shoes: Lulus (heels) and Steve Madden (sandals) // Abbey’s Jewelry: Etsy // Elliot’s Attire: Louie’s Tux Shop // Bridal Party Attire: Birdy Grey (dresses) and Louie’s (tuxes) // Bridal Party Jewelry: Etsy // Hair: Beauty and Bliss // Makeup: Beauty and Bliss // Florist: Country Florist and Gifts // Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes // Stationery: Shutterfly // Rentals/Linens: Swan Lake Resort // DJ: DJ Tim Prescott // Transportation: DW Luxury Transportation

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