🌲 A Lakeside Camp-Themed Wedding in West Virginia That Took Over 900 Days to Plan
Some weddings are worth the wait—and for Emily and Matt, their big day was the perfect example. After nearly 900 days of planning, dreaming, and navigating unexpected delays, the couple finally tied the knot with a nostalgic, camp-themed wedding on the shores of a scenic lake in West Virginia.
The vibe? A mix of summer camp charm and elevated elegance, with cozy cabins, canoe rides, campfires, and even friendship bracelets—but also heartfelt vows, beautiful lakeside views, and well-curated design details.
Here’s a look inside their one-of-a-kind wedding weekend, the love story behind it, and how they turned a childhood favorite setting into the most unforgettable celebration of their lives.
💌 Why a Camp-Themed Wedding?
For Emily and Matt, the idea of a traditional ballroom wedding never quite felt right. They both grew up going to summer camp and shared a love for nature, canoeing, hiking, and late-night bonfires. When it came time to plan their wedding, they asked themselves:
“What if we made it feel like one big summer camp reunion—with all our favorite people, surrounded by nature, and packed with fun, relaxed vibes?”
The result was a camp-inspired wedding weekend that celebrated both their love and their shared history—with just the right amount of nostalgia, nature, and romance.
📍 The Venue: A Lakeside Retreat in West Virginia
Their dream setting came to life at a private camp-style venue nestled along a lake in West Virginia, surrounded by lush forests, trails, and rustic cabins. The space offered everything they needed for a multi-day wedding experience:
- A peaceful lakefront ceremony space
- Cabins for guests to stay in throughout the weekend
- Open fields for lawn games, yoga sessions, and stargazing
- A central campfire pit for s’mores and singalongs
The venue provided the perfect mix of natural beauty and camp nostalgia—and gave them the flexibility to make every element of the wedding feel personal.
🗓️ 900+ Days in the Making
Yes, you read that right. Emily and Matt spent over 900 days planning their big day. Originally set for 2020, their wedding was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic. But rather than give up or drastically change their plans, they used the extra time to fine-tune every detail, from handmade decor to customized camp signage.
“It gave us a chance to slow down, savor the process, and focus on the experience we really wanted for our guests.”
In the end, the delay made everything feel even more special. Their guests weren’t just attending a wedding—they were witnessing a long-awaited celebration full of heart, hope, and hard-earned joy.
👰 What They Wore
Emily’s Look:
Emily kept things natural, boho, and romantic. She wore a flowy A-line gown with floral appliqué details and sheer long sleeves. Her hair was styled in loose waves with a simple flower crown, and she carried a wildflower bouquet bursting with color and texture.
Her makeup was fresh and glowing, with subtle earth tones that matched the setting.
Matt’s Look:
Matt went for a casual-meets-classic camp counselor look—a tailored navy suit paired with a white linen shirt, brown leather boots, and a boutonniere made from dried grasses and greenery.
He skipped the tie, opting for a relaxed vibe that still felt polished.
🌿 Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony took place on a grassy patch overlooking the lake, with the trees swaying gently in the background. Guests sat on benches made from reclaimed wood, and the aisle was lined with simple lanterns and flower petals.
Their ceremony was deeply personal—officiated by a close friend and full of vows that had been rewritten and refined over the course of two years. There were happy tears, belly laughs, and one very emotional ring exchange.
🎉 Camp Activities, Rustic Decor & Party Time
This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a weekend-long experience full of fun and creativity.
☀️ Pre-Wedding Events Included:
- Welcome bonfire night with cider, s’mores, and acoustic guitar singalongs
- Morning canoe rides and group hikes
- Friendship bracelet making station (yes, really!)
- Lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and archery competitions
🛶 The Decor:
Think: vintage camp signs, string lights, woodsy textures, and pops of color.
- Hand-painted directional signs pointed guests toward cabins, the lake, and the “mess hall” (a.k.a. reception tent)
- Escort cards were attached to miniature compasses
- Tables were named after nostalgic camp memories like “Canoe Cove” and “Arts & Crafts Hut”
It was playful, personal, and perfectly in line with their theme.
🕺 Reception Highlights
The reception took place under a sailcloth tent strung with fairy lights and chandeliers made from reclaimed branches and Edison bulbs.
Food & Drink:
Dinner was buffet-style with camp comfort food:
- Wood-fired pizza
- BBQ brisket and mac & cheese
- Roasted veggie skewers and cornbread
- A self-serve “trail mix bar” and homemade pie station instead of cake
Signature cocktails included “The Campfire Old Fashioned” and “Lakehouse Lemonade.”
First Dance & Music:
Emily and Matt’s first dance was to a live acoustic version of “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros—surrounded by cheering guests holding sparklers.
A live folk band played well into the night, switching to upbeat hits as the party moved from the tent to the campfire pit.
💡 Pro Wedding Planning Tips from Emily & Matt
Here’s what the couple learned from their extended planning journey:
1. Patience Pays Off
Waiting isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s worth it. Use the time to plan details that truly reflect your story.
2. Design with a Theme in Mind
Even playful themes (like camp!) can be elevated. Stay consistent with your fonts, signage, materials, and color palette.
3. Make It a Weekend, Not Just a Day
If you have access to a venue that offers overnight stays, consider turning your wedding into a full weekend experience.
4. DIY Thoughtfully
You don’t have to make everything yourself, but DIY a few key things that matter to you—like welcome signs or favors.
5. Have a Backup Plan for Weather
Lakeside and outdoor weddings are beautiful, but weather is unpredictable. A sailcloth tent saved the day when light rain rolled in!
🙋♀️ FAQs About Camp-Themed & Outdoor Weddings
Q: Is a camp wedding more expensive than a traditional wedding?
A: Not necessarily. Many camp venues offer weekend packages with lodging included, which can actually save on accommodations and allow more time to celebrate.
Q: Can guests of all ages enjoy a camp-style wedding?
A: Absolutely! Kids love the activities, and adults enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Just be sure to include some comfort options like coffee stations, heaters, or cozy lounges.
Q: What should guests wear to a camp wedding?
A: It depends on the formality. For Emily and Matt’s event, it was casual chic—dresses, slacks, and flat shoes. Communicate the dress code clearly on your invites or website.
Q: How do you plan for bugs, rain, or heat?
A: Offer bug spray, provide shaded lounge areas, rent fans or heaters, and have tents or indoor backups just in case. Comfort is key for outdoor weddings!
Q: How far in advance should you book a camp wedding venue?
A: At least 12–18 months out, especially for popular summer weekends. Camp venues often host retreats and events, so availability can be limited.
✨ Conclusion: The Wait Was Worth It
Emily and Matt’s camp-themed wedding wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. After waiting nearly 900 days, they finally got to say “I do” in the most authentic, joyful, and memorable way possible.
From s’mores by the fire to canoe rides at sunrise, their wedding weekend captured everything they love about each other—and about life. It reminded everyone there that weddings don’t need to follow a script. They just need to feel like you.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s more about connection than convention, take a page from Emily and Matt’s love story:
Go outside the box. Embrace the wait. Celebrate your way.