We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Find our story, wedding details, and RSVP right here.

Lily Michele Allen

Alexander Martin Molenda

Lily Michele Allen

Alexander Martin Molenda

October 10, 2026

Oconomowoc, WI

How We Met

In October of 2020, during our freshman year of college, the world was still turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes were online, campus life was quiet, and meeting new people felt almost impossible. But somehow, that was exactly when our story began. We first connected online. We quickly realized we both grew up in the same town, Oconomowoc, and had mutual friends. Even before we met in person, there was an easy flow between us that made those uncertain days feel a little brighter, and a moment where the world had finally brought us together after being not so far from each other. Not long after, we decided to meet for our first date at Colectivo by the lake in Milwaukee. Like everyone else in 2020, we showed up wearing masks. It was a funny way to meet someone for the first time, but somehow, it made the moment even more memorable. Lily’s first impression of Alex was that he was very outgoing. He kept the conversation going, asking questions and sharing stories, while Lily was shyer and quieter at first, as many may know when first meeting Lily. But he made it easy to relax, and before long, we were talking like we had known each other for much longer than just one afternoon. Even though Lily was a bit quieter at first, her warmth and genuine kindness stood out to Alex right away. What started as a simple coffee date during a strange and uncertain time turned into something neither of us expected. In the middle of a pandemic, when everything felt distant and disconnected, we found each other.

Our Celebration

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Ceremony

1:00 pm

St. Jerome Catholic Church

995 South Silver Lake Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits/nice button ups/dress pants and cocktail dresses.

Please keep in mind this is a Catholic Church, so please dress accordingly, and please arrive early to find your seats prior to the wedding party entrance; late arrivals won't be let in until the ceremony has started.

Reception

3:30 pm

Oconomowoc Golf Club

W360N5261 Brown St, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits/nice button ups/dress pants and cocktail dresses.

Cocktail hour will have drinks and light bites to eat, starting at 3:30 PM. The grand entrance will take place roughly around 4 PM.

Wedding Party

We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people on our big day. Each member of our wedding party holds a special place in our lives, and we’re so grateful for their love, support, and friendship over the years.

Evelyn Praeger

Maid of Honor

Sister of Bride

Carter Griffioen

Groomsman

Friend of Groom

Abigayle Molenda

Bridesmaid

Sister of Groom

Sam Lowry

Groomsman

Friend of Groom

Marlee Hoadley

Bridesmaid

Cousin of Bride

Liam Allen

Groomsman

Brother of Bride

Mason Hoadley

Usher

Cousin of Bride

Maxwell Hoadley

Usher

Cousin of Bride

Chris Allen

Father of the Bride

Jessica Praeger

Mother of the Bride

Brian Praeger

Father of the Bride

Mark Molenda

Father of the Groom

Laura Molenda

Mother of the Groom

Out-of-Town Guests

We’re so excited to celebrate with you in Oconomowoc! To help with your travel plans, we’ve shared a few nearby hotel options. October is a busy time in the area, and rooms are filling up quickly for our wedding weekend, so we recommend booking as soon as you’re able. Because of the high demand, we weren’t able to reserve a room block. We’re so sorry for any inconvenience, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to be with us!

Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Oconomowoc

1443 Pabst Farms Cir, Oconomowoc, WI

Phone number: (262) 200-2222

View similar hotels

Hotel

Staybridge Suites Milwaukee West-Oconomowoc by IHG

1141 Blue Ribbon Drive, Oconomowoc, WI

Phone number: (262) 200-2900

View similar hotels

Hotel

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Oconomowoc

1242 Corporate Center Drive, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

Phone number: (262) 266-1900

Shuttle

Need a lift?

October 10, 2026 2:00 pm - 11:30 pm

Shuttle Transport will be shuttling guests to and from the three main hotels in Oconomowoc. These include: Staybridge Suites, TownePlace Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn in Oconomowoc. Shuttle will start at 2 pm for our reception and go until 3:15 pm where it will stop at our reception venue. For those looking to get a head start back to the hotels, the shuttle will stay parked in the reception parking lot if there is a need to leave. Shuttle will resume near the end of the night at 10:30 pm with the last shuttle pulling out of the venue at 11:30 pm to return guests back to hotels. Uber is also available for those who may not be staying at nearby hotels.

FAQs

Question

How should I RSVP?

Answer

The online RSVP will be available once invitations are sent out. Please submit your response by September 1, 2026, so we can plan accordingly. If we don’t hear from you by then, we’ll assume you’re unable to attend.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

As much as we love your little ones, we’re hoping to make this a special date night for our family and friends. Only children in the wedding party will be included. We appreciate your understanding!

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

Due to limited space at our venue, we’re only able to accommodate those listed on your invitation. If you have a +1, it will be clearly indicated.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Yes! We recommend semi-formal attire. The ceremony will be held at St. Jerome’s Church, so please dress accordingly. Our reception venue also has outdoor space, and October weather can vary, so we suggest bringing layers just in case.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony to allow time to find your seat and for a smooth start. Guests arriving during the wedding party entrance may be asked to wait until the ceremony begins.

Question

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

We kindly ask that guests unplug during the ceremony. Our professional photographers will capture every special moment so everyone can relax and enjoy the day!

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Yes, free parking is available at both locations. Parking at the reception may be somewhat limited due to earlier use of the space, so we recommend using Uber, Lyft, or our shuttle service to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Please visit the "Stay Nearby" page on our website for options.

Question

I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?

Answer

Absolutely! We’re happy to try to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions. Please let us know in advance. Our baker is already preparing all desserts to be tree-nut and peanut-free.

Question

Will there be alcohol?

Answer

We’ll be offering limited beer and wine, followed by a cash bar for additional drink options.

Question

Do you have a wedding registry?

Answer

For those who wish to give a gift, our registry is available on the website. That said, your presence means the world to us. Please don’t feel obligated. We’re just excited to celebrate with you!

RSVP

Please RSVP here by September 1st. We hope we get to see you soon and can't wait to celebrate!

Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.

Registry

We are excited to celebrate with you, and having you celebrate with us is a gift in itself. So do not feel the need to purchase us a gift unless you feel inclined to do so.