Mt La Crosse Wisconsin Wedding Box Car Photography

Some wedding days feel charmed from the start. For David and me, June 3rd at Mt. La Crosse was one of those days—a celebration of love surrounded by joy, a few surprises, and the people who matter most.

A Proposal on the Water (Against All Odds)

Years before our wedding, David proposed on June 24, 2016. I had always told him—half-joking, half-serious—that he could propose however he wanted, as long as it wasn’t on the water. I’m famously clumsy, so the idea of dropping the ring was not far-fetched.

So of course, on that summer morning in Madison, he led me out to a dock at the Memorial Union Terrace. As I sat with friends, eating breakfast and chatting, I didn’t think anything of it—until he suggested we take a walk on the dock…alone.

David got down on one knee. I remember asking through laughter and disbelief, “Are you kidding? You’re not kidding. Are you kidding?” Thankfully, he wasn’t—and even more thankfully, I didn’t drop the ring in the lake.

Our Mt. La Crosse Wedding

The weather forecast had me on edge, but the skies held off just long enough. We had time for wedding party photos at Riverside Park and the family farm—two places that held deep meaning for us.

Even when a quick rain shower arrived in the evening, it brought something beautiful: a rainbow. That rainbow photo became a perfect metaphor for our day. The weather wasn’t perfect—but what mattered most still shone through.

Personal Touches and Sentimental Details

It was important to us that our wedding reflect both our personalities and our families. My veil was made from my mom’s. Our dog, Misha, joined us for portraits. And the ceremony at Mt. La Crosse, surrounded by the wooded bluffs and ski chalet charm, was the perfect blend of cozy and scenic.

Despite a few hiccups—a slightly delayed ceremony due to a late bus and some classic family-photo herding—the day felt relaxed and deeply personal. Our photographer helped us prep a shot list in advance, which made things smoother and gave us more time to soak in the moments.

Favorite Images + Moments

Two photos stood out above all:

David and me in front of the gazebo on our family farm. The emotion, the location, and the history of that place made it unforgettable.
David laughing while my veil blew in front of my face. That’s us—goofy, relaxed, full of joy. That single frame captured the tone of the entire day.

And there was that quiet moment at the head table, just sitting beside David, listening to the speeches. Seeing our families and friends together—cheering, laughing, merging into one beautiful community—it felt like the heart of our story.

Closing Thoughts

We ended the evening with a photo of us beneath that rainbow—a reminder that even when things don’t go exactly as planned, there’s beauty in the unexpected.

To our vendors, family, and friends: thank you. You helped us create a wedding day filled with light, laughter, and love. It truly couldn’t have been more “us.”

Thinking About Getting Married at Mt. La Crosse?

We’ve put together a full Mt. La Crosse venue guide with tips, photos, and everything you need to know about planning a wedding or elopement at this unique bluffside venue. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy winter wedding or an outdoor summer ceremony with views, this guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.