The Proposal

Not even a month into our relationship, Mason invited me to join his family on their annual trip to the Rushes the following June. He was upfront, saying, “I know we’ve only been dating a short time, but this trip means a lot to me. Would you come along?” Without hesitation, I was in. I put in my PTO, and what seemed like a casual “yes” turned out to be a pivotal moment in our story. That first visit to the Rushes wasn’t just another trip; it became a memory lane we’d walk together for years to come.

Fast forward to June 2023, during Mason’s family’s yearly summer week at the Rushes, Mason proposed on Beach One, our favorite spot on the property. The calm waves, the golden evening light—it felt like a scene straight out of a dream. The Rushes had already woven itself deeply into our relationship, and it suddenly became the backdrop for one of the happiest moments of our lives.

When it came time to plan the wedding, the choice was obvious. We both agreed that there was no better place to say “I do” than the Rushes. Sure, there were destination weddings and fancy wedding venues to consider, but nothing felt as personal as the place where we’d shared so many important moments. We envisioned spending a full week with our loved ones at the resort, making it more than just a wedding day but a celebration everyone could savor and remember.

The team at the Rushes was incredibly mindful of the different aspects of wedding planning. The staff’s thoughtfulness really touched us – from arranging early condo cleaning to offering us congratulatory wine and friendly assistance, they felt like an extension of our family.

We invited our family and closest friends to celebrate with us at the Rushes. About ten of them stayed for the entire week, including Mason’s parents, and I can still remember their reactions when they arrived. They walked in expecting a standard hotel room but were instead greeted by a warm, inviting condo with a wood-burning fireplace, a whirlpool tub, and even complimentary firewood. You could see their eyes light up as they realized that this wasn’t an ordinary stay—this was something special.

The Rushes condominiums became a home base for Mason and me and the new Door County fans we brought along. Our guests loved the amenities, from the peaceful trails and nearby shops to the ability to simply wake up and take a morning walk along the shore of Kangaroo Lake. We carefully tailored our wedding website with local recommendations and made it a priority to ensure our loved ones felt at ease. Soon enough, everyone understood why this place was so meaningful to us.

The Perfect Accommodations For Friends And Family

The week of the wedding wasn’t just about us; it became a way to introduce our families and friends to a place we loved. Some of our guests had never been to Door County before, and while we knew they’d travel with a little hesitation—the thought of driving 5+ hours north can be daunting—everything changed once they arrived. Door County has so much to offer, from Egg Harbor to Fish Creek to Sister Bay the quaint pathways leading to the Bay of Green Bay, our friends and family were enchanted by the area. The quiet beauty of November in Door County, even in the off-season, allowed everyone to relax and truly enjoy every moment. Our guests and us were able to experience the Rushes and Baileys Harbor area, as well as our wedding venue on the bay side of Door County.

Now, looking ahead, it feels serendipitous. Family and friends who fell in love with Door County during our wedding are already planning next year’s trip to join us for Week 23 at the Rushes. AirBNBs are being booked, calendars are being aligned, and we’re thrilled to continue what is now a shared tradition.

Our Cozy Ceremony And Reception

The actual wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Log Den in Egg Harbor, a venue that perfectly captured the rustic ambiance we were going for. It was an unforgettable night. The bartenders were incredibly kind and personable, mingling with our group like they had known us for years. The venue’s open layout meant we could see the guests at the bar as we danced the night away. They even joined in, cheering and celebrating with us. My parents repeatedly mentioned how they loved this friendly and relaxed atmosphere, how the community welcomed us with open arms, and how the entire day felt so effortless.

And for us, the greatest testament to the love we share was the rings we wore, crafted by a local jeweler in Wisconsin. It’s a sweet coincidence that an entire friendship circle of ours got engaged and married in Door County, wearing rings made by the same jeweler. Our journey was enhanced by the local vendors who were simply phenomenal in every aspect. I got my hair and makeup done by the Blush Bridal team in Fish Creek. They were absolutely phenomenal.

After the wedding, some guests stayed a bit longer, turning the trip into a vacation. On Wednesday, Mason and I found ourselves with just a few remaining family members, giving us a chance to explore more local gems. We visited mom-and-pop shops, wandered through the nearby forests, and admired the breathtaking views at Cave Point. Even though it was the off-season, there was so much to do and see. Fall festivals were wrapping up, the leaves were changing, and we had the Door County Peninsula mostly to ourselves. It was a perfect balance—the businesses were still open, but it wasn’t overly busy.

My parents especially appreciated how conveniently close everything was in Door County. Whether it was a hike in the forest, a day at the beach, or a stroll through local shops, everything was just a short drive away. They fell in love with the variety, saying they could easily spend a summer week going from the sandy shoreline to a rugged hike without missing a beat.

What stood out most, though, was the sense of community. People made us feel welcome everywhere we went—bartenders, shopkeepers, even strangers on the street. Wearing our “Mr. and Mrs.” hoodies (not my idea, but Mason insisted!), people would stop us to congratulate us. They’d strike up a conversation as if we were long-lost friends, showing us the warmth and hospitality that Door County is known for. The local business owners, from places like the Rushes to Newport and Gordon Lodge, took such pride in creating an atmosphere that felt like home. You weren’t just paying for a room or a bed; you were paying for an experience, a connection, something beyond the ordinary.