Nearly anyone who’s ever grown up in Elkhart County has at one time or another attended an event at Nelson’s banquet hall in the quaint small town of Wakarusa Indiana. It’s been the venue of choice for celebrations in the Wanee area for decades, and besides hosting some of our close friends’ weddings over the years, it is even the location of our own DJ Sticky Boots very first paying gig (which happened to be the Northwood HS prom when he was just 13 years old!). Well that venerable building recently underwent a complete transformation, and it definitely is NOT your daddy’s “Port-o-Pit” event hall anymore.
The property has been rebranded as “The Blue Teal”, and we’re happy to report that the teenage Sticky Boots would certainly not recognize it. The venue now boasts two different meeting spaces, one a refreshed original space with new flooring, lighting, wall treatments and trim, and the second being all new construction with vaulted, beamed ceilings, a gorgeous fireplace, and a private outdoor courtyard. There’s also a brand-new stone covered drive-up entrance, beautiful bathrooms, and even a super-cute bridal suite! Just about the only thing that hasn’t changed is that signature Nelson’s food, which remains one of Elkhart County’s most talked about specialties.
It goes without saying that all these features were a perfect fit for Brooke when it came to planning her and Zach’s dream Fall reception. After becoming engaged in March just at the start of the COVID pandemic, Brooke felt confident in booking us in June of this year and knowing that we along with the other pros in their vendor team would be able to execute a safe and yet still fun event in October.
And execute we did! All the careful planning paid off as the 150 guests arrived masked up and ready after a lovely ceremony at Sugar Grove Church. As this was a relatively short reception, the vendors kept things right on schedule with the grand entrance, blessing, dinner buffet and speeches all taking place as planned and guests never feeling like things were dragging or behind.
After the delicious cake from Adam’s Cake Shop was cut, it was time to cut a rug on the dance floor, with guests keeping a fun circle of friends around the bride and groom for the rest of the early evening, before an awesome sparkler send-off just after dark.
Congratulations Brooke and Zack! It was our honor to be part of such a lovely evening!
Reception song selections:
Grand Entrance: Can’t Stop The Feeling - Justin Timberlake
Cake Cutting: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
First Dance: Speechless - Dan + Shay
Father-Daughter Dance: Half The Man - Jennifer Smestad
Mother-Son Dance: Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Anniversary Dance: Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Bouquet Toss: Single Ladies - Beyonce
Garter Toss: Sexy Back (Instrumental) - Justin Timberlake
Vendors:
The Blue Teal
Nelson’s Catering
Stephanie Debolt Photography
Adam’s Cake Shop