A Dinner Cruise Rehearsal Dinner in Madison, Wisconsin

To kick off their wedding weekend in Madison, Wisconsin, Olivia and Jason hosted a dinner cruise around lake Mendota, through Betty Lou Cruises. One thing I loved about their wedding is how much thought went into creating an experience for their guests and families, and this rehearsal dinner was the ideal place to start, giving their party a scenic tour and a unique way to socialize and share a meal. Creating a personalized and special experience for your wedding is part of being a good host as I have learned from my Southern upbringing, and I am glad to see this mentality thriving in the Midwest as well.

Guests walk the docks outside Madison, Wisconsin, to begin a rehearsal dinner cruise around Lake Mendota. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
Picture of the interior of a yacht with the Betty Lou Cruises Logo and a white life preserver. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
The bride and the junior bridesmaid laughing and recreating the famous Titanic boat pose. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
View from the side of the yacht, including the white railing and the front of the boat. The water is a deep grey-blue. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.

Of course everyone had to take turns driving the boat.

Wedding guests take turns steering the boat on a rehearsal dinner cruise around Lake Mendota. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Madison Wisconsin wedding photographer.
Wedding guests relax on a yacht during a welcome dinner cruise on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
Wedding guests wearing captains hats and pointing into the distance on a dinner cruise rehearsal dinner on Lake Mendota. Moody Madison wedding photographer.
View of Lake Mendota during a wedding weekend welcome dinner cruise in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
A bride and groom posing for a photo on a rehearsal dinner cruise on Lake Mendota, Madison Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer.
Wedding guests relax on a yacht during a welcome dinner cruise on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
View of Lake Mendota during a wedding weekend welcome dinner cruise in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
Wedding guests drive a boat during a rehearsal dinner cruise on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.

Once the tour took us closer to downtown Madison with views of historic buildings, campuses, and lake side parks, the whole party began emerging for the photo ops.

View of Lake Mendota and downtown Madison during a wedding weekend welcome dinner cruise in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
View of Lake Mendota and downtown Madison during a wedding weekend welcome dinner cruise in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
Wedding guests posing on a yacht with a view of downtown Madison, Wisconsin behind the,. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
Couple posing on a yacht with Madison, Wisconsin behind them. Moody downtown wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
Couple posing on a yacht with Madison, Wisconsin behind them. Moody downtown wedding photographer. Documentary Madison wedding photographer.
Couple kissing on a yacht with a view of downtown Madison, Wisconsin behind them. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.

Once the wind picked up, it was time to head back to shore and prepare for the main event, Olivia and Jason’s wedding at Harvey House, a renovated train depot turned restaurant in downtown Madison. This has remained my most unique rehearsal dinner experience, and some of my favorite photos from my travels. The lake and the view of the city were such beautiful backdrops, and the laidback and joyful mood of the whole weekend made this such a lovely celebration to be a part of.

View of Lake Mendota during a wedding weekend welcome dinner cruise in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
Two cranes flying over Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
View of Lake Mendota during a wedding weekend welcome dinner cruise in Madison, Wisconsin. Moody Madison wedding photographer. Documentary wedding photographer.
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