Invite Game Day into Your Main Day
True University of Wisconsin-Madison fans don’t just bleed red and white. They "Jump Around" Camp Randall and keep their beloved mascot, Bucky the Badger, on speed dial.
"The second we had our wedding date set and venue confirmed, my fiancé reached out to invite Bucky to our reception,” recalls Meagan Szydlowski, whose husband, Pete, bears a Bucky tattoo on top of his right foot. “Pete had gone to a wedding that Bucky attended a few years ago, and ever since, has wanted the same for his wedding.”
The Mad Town mascot was also an A-lister at Josselyn and Ryan Sawall’s reception this past fall. “We are both UW alums and huge Badger fans, as were the majority of our guests, so we thought Bucky would make a great surprise for them and the kids we’d invited,” says Josselyn. As always, the VIP Badger delivered.“Bucky danced with everyone, attempted to catch the bouquet, and even sat me on his lap for the garter toss,” notes Josselyn, who believes the celeb sighting furthered the fandom among her young guests (and hopeful future Badgers).
According to Michele Grasser, wedding coordinator at Geneva National Resort & Club, school spirit is on fire at receptions of late. “Many couples met at college or have a family tradition of attending a specific university, so alma mater pride is a big deal,” she says. “When a university represents the bride and groom as a couple and they share a passion for the school and team, the theme really works.”
For couples like Melissa and Dustin Richards, simply catching the Wazoo spirit on camera was a sentimental moment. All Winona State alums in attendance – from the couple and bride’s parents who met on campus to their wedding coordinator, Michele Grasser -- circled up for a Warrior snapshot.
Although just as loyal, not every couple heralds from the same turf, like Gretchen and Artem Beer. As the bride and groom waltzed into their reception, they were dazzled by cheering guests and booming brass belting out their respective Minnesota and UW fight songs. “My mom planned the surprise entrance and ordered pom-poms in each school’s colors,” said Gretchen.
"We had absolutely no idea this was coming. When we walked into Geneva National’s Legends Room, we were greeted with ‘On Wisconsin!’” Artem and his groomsmen immediately began singing and cheering along with all the Badger fans at the reception. After that, the ‘Minnesota Rouser’ started up – my school song!”
A former varsity hockey cheerleader, Gretchen said she loved singing again with her squad and alumni. “It brought back some great memories and demonstrated that the Wisconsin-Minnesota rivalry is still very much alive. What a great experience to top off an already perfect day!”
And that’s all for now, sports fans. Just remember: You’re a team now!
To learn more about Geneva National weddings, click here. To speak to the resort & club's wedding coordinators, call 262.245.7044 or complete the online request form.
Photo Credits (from start of slideshow): KimberleeB, Jolie Images, Greatest Story, Kristina Lorraine and Dory Tuohey.
About Geneva National Resort & Club
Geneva National Resort & Club is located along the wooded slopes and shores of Lake Como in the Newport of the Midwest - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Geneva National features a legendary trifecta of semi-private golf courses designed by Palmer, Player and Trevino paired with on-course lodging and award-winning dining at one singular and stellar location. Explore the possibilities at www.genevanationalresort.com.
