Her ancestors built the very venue she would one day get married in – in other words, a historic wedding at Danes Hall Waupaca. She arrived in the same green 1940’s Oldsmobile that her grandmother arrived in on her own wedding day.

1894- Claire’s great grandfather, a Danish immigrant, built the very building in which Claire and Dan would say their vows on a rainy but brilliant day in 2022.

Soothing natural greens, blush pink accents and ivory details were their colors. Nostalgic and unforgettable was their theme. But above all, family was their reason.

Danes Hall Wedding

The walls of the Clock Room are where Claire and her dad shared a dad first look. The paintings in gilded frames have seen over a hundred years of memories, but we can’t help but think that this moment between father and daughter was one of the sweetest.

Through glass french doors is the Kitchenette, once the family library room. Gazing out the tall, slender windows you’ll see grandma’s green 1940’s Oldsmobile pulled up on the curb.

Claire walked down the the aisle as notes from the historic Steinway Grand Piano, dating back to 1896, filled the air. Dan’s face absolutely radiated glee and joy as his eyes came to rest on his wife-to-be.

Granite Cellar Waupaca

Glasses clink and laughter fills the air as rain merrily pelts the window panes. If you close your eyes for a moment and listen close, you’ll find yourself back at the turn of the century where the Larsen family was running their family restaurant in the basement of Danes Hall. Now that basement restaurant is called the Granite Cellar and is where Claire and Dan hosted their cocktail hour. Over 120 years between the two dates but that sense of joy, family, and good drinks has not aged one bit.

Incorporating family history into wedding

Throughout their wedding day, Claire squeezed my arm gently with a twinkle of pride in her eye and excitedly whispered historical nuggets about her family legacy into my ear. The line between 2022 and 1894 was blurred constantly in the most beautiful way.

Two beautiful families became one and are now forever part of Danes Hall history. The past and present were woven together and Claire and Dan are a part of that.

Finally, the newlyweds drove past Danes Hall in her Grandpa’s 1966 gold Catalina. Rain gently pattered down as they drove.

Vendors:
Venue: Danes Hall of Waupaca
Photographers: Us! O & B Photo Co
Coordinator: Eva at Marie & Co Events
Bar/Beverage: The Granite Cellar
Bakery: The Green Fountain Inn
Catering: Chef Sal
Hair: Simplicity Salon Spa
Makeup: LaBelle Bridal
Florist: Bonnie’s Bloomer
Wedding Gown: Loretta’s Bridal
DJ: Dunn Entertainment
Favors: Honey from Crystal Lake Bees

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“I have been consistently impressed by the quality and real-ness of your photography. You are constantly improving. ALSO you’re cool people.”

— Dan and Claire

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