Meet our featured bride & her groom

Married October 15, 2011

Jessica & Dan Mueller

What was it like working with Charlotte’s? Wedding dress shopping at Charlotte's bridal was amazing. I had been to several other shops throughout Wisconsin and this shop truly made my dress shopping experience like no other. The whole staff was so helpful and made me feel extremely comfortable throughout the entire process. There are so many types of dresses out there, and the staff helped me find the dress that was perfect for me! The atmosphere at Charlotte's is truly like no other shop.

How did you meet? My dad and Dan's dad worked for the same company years ago, so our families were friends well before Dan and I were born. I didn't meet Dan until my family moved back to the Onalaska area when I was in middle school. He and my brother were freshmen in high school and became best friends almost immediately. Being in middle school, I was more of the annoying little sister. Throughout the years, our families remained close friends and Dan and I would be around each other quite often. It was just over 7 years ago we started dating and the rest is history.

Florist: Sunshine Floral in La Crosse, WI

Hair & Make-up: Sue Kolve's Salon & Day Spa in Onalaska, WI

What was your ceremony site? First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI

What was your reception site? The Hospitality Center at City Brewery in La Crosse, WI

Favorite part of the day: The entire day was so amazing! It is so hard to pick the best moment, so I will share several. My first favorite moment was when I first saw Dan when I was walking down the aisle. The church was full of love and seeing him for the first time was a moment I will never forget. My second favorite part of the day was directly after the ceremony when Dan, me, and our photographer went outside to take some pictures. Dan and I chose not to see each other before the ceremony, so it was the first time we were able to talk to each other- the moment was truly irreplaceable. My third favorite part of the day was taking the Redneck Express party bus with our wedding party after the ceremony. We were able to take pictures and simply spend time together before getting to the reception. It was a blast! Lastly, being able to share the day with so many wonderful people. Dan and I are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful day!

How did he propose? Dan and I have been renting a cabin in Pine River, Minnesota for the past four years. On July 9th, 2010, Dan and i were spending our last night at the cabin. We were sitting around the campfire watching the sunset over the lake. Dusk was just setting in and the mosquitoes had started to come out, so Dan said he was going to get some bug spray. Dan was sitting on my right side and I had looked the other direction when I thought he was going to get the bug spray. He started talking and said, "Well, we can't stay here forever, but we can be together forever." I felt his hand touch mine and he was down on one knee with the open ring box. It was so very romantic and I was definitely not expecting a proposal; it is a moment we will never forget.

What is one piece of advice you would give brides that are just beginning their search for the perfect wedding gown?: Growing up, I was not the type of person that pictured my wedding day and the type of dress that I wanted, so I thought dress shopping would be really difficult. Be open to different styles, be honest if you try on dresses that you don't like, and simply enjoy the day. Dress shopping is hopefully something that will only happen once in your lifetime, so cherish the time. I would also recommend taking one person with you to give you advice and opinions; it helps narrow down the selections when there is someone to help you.

Is there anything special or unique about your wedding that you would like to highlight? My entire day was special and unique- it was absolutely perfect! From the flowers, to the bus, to the reception hall, to the food, to the photographer, to the amazing friends and family that helped us celebrate. Every moment of our wedding day made it so special; I would not change one thing about the day!

Photos courtesy of Kim Anthony