Ever After: Katie Schuppler & Michael Connell

In November 2014, Katie Schuppler thought she was enjoying a hike along the scenic trails of Delafield, Wisconsin, with Michael Connell, her boyfriend of 11 months.But her entire family was there hiding: Her parents were in a bathroom and her sister was behind a tree, filming everything, as Connell, 35, design/engineering manager at Phoenix Investors, got down on one knee. “I was shocked!” laughs Schuppler, 29, stylist and owner of KS Style Consulting.

The outdoorsy spirit continued for the pair’s June 4 nuptials in the woods of Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Fusing the bride’s vegan and bohemian lifestyle with Connell’s casual vibe, the West Loop couple created a woodland fairytale theme. It was a rainy day, so guests huddled under umbrellas as Schuppler walked out in a Cinderella-blue, lace and beaded gown with a bagpiper playing in the background.

“Getting up to the aisle and seeing Mike was very calming,” Schuppler says. “I thought ‘We did it, we’re here. Let’s get the ceremony over with and have fun!’ ” That’s exactly what they did: Later, everyone moved to a tent in a clearing of the woods to celebrate the happy newlyweds.