FAQs
Question
Why Wisconsin?
Answer
We stumbled upon a photo of Burlap & Bells while curating a dream wedding Pinterest board, and at the time, we didn't realize the venue was only two hours away from Madison. We fell in love with the venue when we visited last November and decided we really did want the whimsical fairytale wedding of our dreams in the Wisconsin wilderness. We apologize that this means our friends and family must travel a great distance to celebrate with us, but we are so happy that you want to make the trek to our neck of the woods and will be coming to the place we've been calling home!
Question
What should I wear to the wedding?
Answer
In terms of attire, please dress in deep earthy colors, preferably warms (such as orange, brown, maroon, burgundy, and yellow ochre), and natural fabrics (e.g. no sequins please). We will kindly ask no one wear white or cream to the wedding as Syd's dress is ivory. Please bring along a warm coat that is presentable for photos. The ceremony and reception will both be outside in the woods, so it's a good idea to be prepared for anything; October in Wisconsin is beautiful but unpredictable! We would recommend you bring along a nice umbrella, extra layers including a coat as mentioned, and a blanket if you'd like to be extra prepared!
Question
Are you having a pagan wedding?
Answer
Syd is pagan, though that term is broad and we felt clarification would be helpful. She has a very close relationship with nature and usually describes this as nature spirituality. However, Shea is not pagan, so they are incorporating pagan elements into their union instead! They will be getting handfasted during the ceremony, and will have an altar at the reception pavilion if you would like to offer a small object to honor their new lives together (notes, words of love and encouragement, natural materials that have some significance or relation to Syd and Shea, flowers, bells to celebrate their marriage, etc). Syd has an altar at home which is adorned with leaves, flowers, candles, feathers, and other natural items and will add whatever you might decide to bring to it when she returns to Madison!
Question
How early can I arrive?
Answer
If you're willing to lend a hand with last-minute details for setting up, please feel free to come as early as noon! However, we will be occupied the entire day with set-up, photos, and getting ready, so unfortunately, we will probably not be able to spend time with you before the ceremony. If you do not arrive early, please get to the venue at least 30 minutes before the ceremony, which starts at 3pm. You'll need to take a wagon ride to the tree grove at 2:45 from the reception pavilion, and giving yourself more time is best. The road to get to the parking area runs right past the ceremony site, and we'd love to avoid dust kick-up and cars driving past while we're getting married... Not to mention, we really want you there!
Question
Notes
Answer
- Kids are welcome to attend all events of the wedding. - Shea and Syd will be staying at the venue's cabin from Sunday night (10/5) until Wednesday morning (10/8), so if you have time to pop by after the wedding, please feel free to do so! We'll be happy to give you directions. - As mentioned, it may get cold and/or wet, so please bring extra layers and a raincoat or umbrella just in case! - Please do not bring any alcohol with you; this is a policy of our venue, and we will be supplying light spirits!
