Eric & Ashley’s Woodland Celebration at Chula Vista Resort

Deep burgundy, white roses, and a live painter working in real time while vows echoed through the trees. Eric and Ashley’s Chula Vista fall wedding had the kind of layered, personal details that make a photographer lean in and stay close. From a secluded ceremony tucked into the woods to a reception filled with hand-lettered signs and cupcakes stacked high, this day felt completely theirs.

A Ceremony in the Trees

Eric and Ashley chose a wooded clearing on the Chula Vista property for their ceremony. It was unlike anything we’d shot before at this venue. A rustic log arch with a single cluster of white flowers stood at the front, framed by towering oaks and pines. The canopy filtered the light into something soft and green. Honestly, we barely had to adjust a thing. Nature did the work for us.

One of the standout details? A live painter capturing the ceremony on canvas in real time. While guests watched Eric and Ashley exchange vows, the artist was a few rows back translating the scene into brushstrokes. That’s the kind of thing you don’t see often. It gave us a whole second layer of storytelling to document.

If you’re considering an outdoor fall wedding in Wisconsin Dells, the wooded areas at Chula Vista are worth knowing about. The ceremony felt private, almost hidden, even though the resort was right there. That balance of nature and convenience is hard to find.

Burgundy, White, and All That Energy

The color palette was a photographer’s dream. Ashley’s bridesmaids wore deep burgundy gowns. The groomsmen matched with burgundy suspenders and bow ties against light grey. Those rich tones popped against every backdrop we put them in front of, from the dark forest floor to the tall grass at the edge of the property.

Both groups brought genuine energy to portraits. The bridesmaids were laughing the entire time. The groomsmen were all trying to out-pose each other. Those are the moments where our best candid work happens. Everyone forgets about the camera and just has fun.

Ashley’s bridal portraits were a highlight for us. She stood near a pile of fallen logs with pines towering behind her, bouquet in hand, completely calm. The light was soft and overcast, so there were no harsh shadows. Just a gentle glow across her gown. Then she looked down at her bouquet and smiled. That frame became one of our favorites from the entire gallery.

Reception Details That Told Their Story

The reception moved indoors to one of Chula Vista’s ballrooms. Eric and Ashley filled it with personal touches. Hand-lettered seating charts on kraft paper. Wooden signs with their names and wedding date. White roses and greenery running down every table. The warm lighting inside gave everything a golden feel, and we leaned into that energy with every frame.

Instead of a traditional cake, they went with a full cupcake spread and a chocolate cheesecake. A gold hexagonal topper reading “Eric & Ashley” sat right on top. Neat-O’s Bake Shoppe delivered on that one. The dessert table had its own personality. It was one of those details that told you something real about this couple.

This Chula Vista fall wedding reminded us why we love shooting in the Dells. The woods, the light, the shift from rustic outdoor ceremony to polished indoor reception. That contrast gave the gallery real range. These two made every frame easy.