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Nestled away in a private corner of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, you'll find a luxurious and beautiful venue for even the most stunning weddings. Tucked away on 6.5 acres, Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue has it all. Immediately upon turning off the main road, you'll find yourself driving down an enchanted lane, lined with vintage-style street lamps and wide-open fields. The parking is ample (No need to stress over the parking situation!), and you'll notice a sense of serenity the moment you step foot out of your car. And don't even get me started on the gorgeous landscaping and countless photo op spots!




The layout of this venue couldn't be any more perfect. Upon entering, you're greeted with an open and airy feel. In the entry, you'll find ample space for a gift table, guestbook set up, or a wedding favors table. Straight ahead is the entryway to the main area, where all the dining and dancing can be done. On both sides of the entryway, two staircases lead up to the bridal suite. But if you take a moment to peek to your left, you'll notice a true gem, the piano room. As a photographer, this little room is a dream! Lined with windows to let in light, it provides excellent lighting for bride and groom portraits. In the center of the room is a gorgeous black grand piano. This room can be used for portraits, detail flat lays, a private moment between the bride and groom, or as a meeting room for the wedding party before a grand entrance. The options are endless!

Going up to the bridal suite, you'll find a breathtaking space. Large windows letting in lots of light and clean white walls, the photographer's dream! There's a bathroom, so you don't need to run downstairs while getting ready, lots of counter space to get ready, and a plethora of mirrors (no fighting over spots to get ready)! And one of my favorite features...the double door opening up to the main area. From above, you can peek down at your beautiful wedding in the works. And even cooler, it's a gorgeous spot for photos!



Through the main area, you'll find the guys' area for getting ready. It's easily accessible, has its own bathroom, and has plenty of personality!


Outside, there's a beautiful covered patio (hello, cocktail hour!) and a stunning setup for outdoor ceremonies. If you take the time to scope out some photo spots, you may want to sneak around to the side of the building, by the vendor entrance. You'll find a small trail that leads to a grassy opening, grand trees, and a rustic wooden fence. It provides privacy for bride and groom photos, and a stunning backdrop as well.




I could go on about all the amenities and gorgeous little details, but you truly need to see it with your own eyes. If you're still looking for a venue, I highly recommend checking out their website , and setting up a meeting to see it for yourself. You won't regret your wedding at this picturesque venue!


Click here to see additional Lilydale photos




For the wedding vendors, lovers, friends and family who will be on the go from sun up to sun down come wedding day. Basically, a "How not to pass out today" guide.



I've worked a lot of 12 hour wedding days. Believe it or not, the 12 hour wedding package was actually my most popular. I've since removed it from my regular offered packages since they are so hard on the body (Don't worry, if you truly feel you want 12 hour coverage, I still take the longer days!). But I feel confident in saying that I know a thing or two about not only surviving such a long, physically active day....but thriving during and after the long day. So, let's get to it, here are my must follow wedding day pre-game and tips:


  1. Drink plenty of water the day before.


    I recall reading a long time ago that "You're only as hydrated as you were the day before". You can chug all the water you want the morning of your wedding, but that won't change the fact that your body is already dehydrated. So the day before every wedding, even the shorter days, I drink as much water and electrolytes as I can.


  2. Get a good night of sleep the night before.


This means no staying up late, no hanging out at the bar getting totally hammered, no passing out on the couch. Follow a good routine to ensure you get a full night of restful sleep.


3. Eat a good breakfast that morning.

I prefer to keep it simple, protein and fiber. My wedding day breakfast typically consists of a big heap of eggs, some fruit, and water. Choose something that will give you energy and keep you full for a long time.


4. Stock up on water and electrolytes.


I typically bring 3 to 5 of my own beverages with me, on top of drinking what is offered at the venue. I would plan on packing 1 to 2 bottles of water for yourself, as well as a few bottles of something full of electrolytes. Some of my go-to faves are coconut water, Bai, water with a pinch of sea salt, Liquid IV, and the occasional sports drink.


5. Pack up some protein.


Working a wedding day often feels like a big workout, or even a marathon. You're typically on your feet all day, lots of squating, reaching, odd positions and angles, and carrying heavy equipment and bags. It's this reason that I prefer to pack a lot of protein rich foods to keep me going throughout the day. I eat these as snacks, and for lunch. Some of my favorite treats to bring along are: jerky, trail mix, cheese or cheese crackers (parmesan crisps or so good!), Cliff Bar or Luna Bar, and a P3 pack.


6. Sit down when you can.


Seriously, don't feel guilty to take a seat and rest your body from time to time. As a photographer, I take the couple minutes of downtime here and there to sit, go through my camera and check my work and my settings.


7. Bayer Back and Body


Alright, this one isn't my favorite, since I try to follow more of a holistic approach to life. But believe me, this stuff is a gamne changer to get you through the day. I take one once I arrive at the venue, and a couple once I start to feel the back pain setting in.


That's the gist of it. I can honestly say that incorporating these things into my "pre-game" has made it easier to get through the day with energy and without pain, as well as the recovery period the day after.




  1. Sleep. Sounds too simple, I know. You'd be surprised how a good night of sleep can set your mood for the day. Too restless at night? Try cutting caffeine before 2pm, brew up a cup of sleepy time tea or take something like melatonin or valerian before bed. (Obviously read up on melatonin or valerian if you have medical issues and aren't sure if you should take it!)

  2. Hydrate. This one is always easier said than done. But hey, this is your excuse to go buy that cute water bottle you've been eyeing up!

  3. Delegate. You can't do it all, babe. Your aunt that wants to do the invites? Let her! The bridesmaid that wants to pick up the floral arrangements? Go for it, babe.

  4. Prepare a wedding day emergency kit. Safety pins? Check. Hair pins? Check. Advil? Also check.

  5. Remember, you aren't preparing this wedding to impress anyone or please anyone. This is your day to celebrate!

  6. If you can afford one, hire a wedding coordinator.

  7. Hire an awesome wedding photographer. Let me introduce myself......

  8. Have an itinerary. And share that itinerary with your wedding party, coordinator, your vendors, everyone in involved in your day! We are here to help things move along smoothly!

  9. Don't sweat the small stuff. Things will go wrong, we can't control it all. If it makes you feel better, I had an outdoor wedding and the wind blew a bunch of the vases over, leaving a beautiful, glassy mess.

  10. Relax, take a deep breath and remember...you get to marry your best friend!

Maddie Heinen
spiritedsagephotography@gmail.com
612-751-5273

Elopement Photographer

Copyright 2025

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