As Jane Yovovich and John Tough began to plan their early fall nuptials, her family’s lake house in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, seemed like an ideal setting. After all, John had proposed while the two were out on the lake on a beautiful sunny morning. Though the property was not logistically feasible, the couple liked the idea of having the vow exchange in the area. When they toured a historic country club on the south shore of Lake Geneva, “we knew it was the perfect spot,” recalls the bride.

Since Jane was living in New York City at the time, she had to make decisions for their “rustic luxe” event remotely. “I relied on family members to meet with vendors for me and generally prepare everything. My family [and planner were] invaluable throughout the entire process,” she declares. “They were the best team I could have asked for.”

The vow exchange took place in cozy space with dark wood details. White roses and verdure accented the chairs along the aisle and filled two urns. Bridesmaids wore sleeveless sapphire dresses with vanilla stripes on their skirts. A special flower girl and ring bearer also made an appearance. “My sister and one of John’s sisters had each had a baby a couple of months before the wedding, so we wanted to include them in the [celebration],”says Jane. “We had their dads carry them as part of the processional.” Jane was a lovely bride in a strapless gown with a sash and floral embroidered lace overlay on her skirt.

Guests strolled to the nearby tent for the reception. Escort cards were placed on farmer tables decorated with rustic wood lanterns, bundles of blush and vanilla roses, and votive candles in gilded mercury-glass vessels. Loved ones were also invited to share well wishes for the newlyweds on Wisconsin postcards that would later be periodically mailed by the maid of honor to Jane and John, as a reminder of the big day.

The posts surrounding the dance floor were entwined with branches, lending a natural air of the outdoors. Crystal chandeliers were suspended overhead, and pearl linens featured a touch of silver. Floral runners composed of white and pastel pink roses, accented with greenery, draped over the sides of long tables. The same blooms, along with varied candlestands and mercury-glass vessels, topped square and round tables.

In honor of Jane’s father’s family’s Serbian heritage, the newlyweds incorporated one their wedding traditions by drinking plum brandy from a canteen, called a buklia. “One of my favorite pictures from the whole day is of John making a terrible face after his swig!” shares the bride.

During dinner, friends and family were treated to a special presentation: The band’s violin ensemble played a variety of hits accompanied by choreographed dance moves. “Everyone loved the music and thought it was amazing that they got to watch such a unique performance,” says Jane. At the end of the night, guests were gifted chocolate pops in the form of a Labrador Retriever, “a nod to our chocolate Lab, Lola,” she explains.

When asked, Jane is hard-pressed to pick a favorite moment of the wonderful day. “I remember loving every second of it,” she affirms.