A Garden Party Wedding in Lake Geneva | Tess & Pat
Some weddings are beautiful because of the flowers, the venue, or the carefully planned details.
Others are beautiful because of the people.
Tess and Pat’s wedding was somehow both.
From the moment I arrived, it was obvious just how much intention had gone into creating a day that felt like them. Every detail looked as though it had been pulled straight from Tess’s Pinterest board—from the lush florals and timeless garden party aesthetic to the soft color palette that perfectly complemented a warm Wisconsin summer day. It was elegant without ever feeling overdone, and every corner felt thoughtfully designed.
As gorgeous as everything was, the people are what made this day unforgettable.
More than 200 of their closest family and friends traveled to Lake Geneva to celebrate the O’Connors, and there wasn’t a moment that didn’t feel filled with genuine joy. It was one of those weddings where every hug lingered a little longer, every laugh was contagious, and every guest seemed completely invested in celebrating these two.
Watching Tess and Pat soak in every moment together was one of my favorite parts of the day.
In the middle of all the excitement, they never seemed rushed. They were fully present, constantly stealing glances at each other, laughing together, and taking in the significance of the day they had waited so long for. As a photographer, those are the moments I love documenting most—the ones that can’t be planned.
Many people know Pat as an NFL player, but what stood out most throughout the day wasn’t his career—it was the way he and Tess interacted with every single person around them. They made everyone feel seen, appreciated, and genuinely welcomed. Their kindness and humility were woven into every part of the celebration, making the entire day feel incredibly personal despite the size of the guest list.
Of course, I have to talk about one of the most unforgettable moments of the evening.
The espresso martini tower.
I’ve photographed a lot of weddings over the years, but watching Tess and Pat kick off the celebration with an espresso martini tower is a memory that will live rent-free in my mind forever. It was the perfect reflection of the entire day: stylish, fun, a little unexpected, and completely unforgettable.
As the dance floor filled and the celebration carried on late into the night, it became clear that this wasn’t just a beautiful wedding—it was the beginning of an incredible marriage surrounded by people who love them deeply.
Tess and Pat, thank you for trusting me to document one of the most meaningful days of your lives. It was an honor to witness the joy, the emotion, and the overwhelming love that surrounded you both.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. O’Connor. Here’s to a lifetime filled with as much laughter, kindness, and celebration as your wedding day.
VENDORS:
Photography: Mikaila Dusenberry Photography
Venue: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Wedding Planner: Graceful Events & Weddings | Kate Chadick
Band: Derek Lersch Music
Florist: Frontier Flowers of Fontana
Hair & Makeup: Anomalie Beauty Agency
Bridal Dress: Jenny Yoo
