Waves shimmered against the Lake Geneva shoreline as Claire and Kevin’s wedding weekend unfolded. The lake holds a special place in their story—Kevin proposed to Claire there—so it was only fitting to return for their wedding weekend.
The couple chose the Riviera Ballroom, a lakefront venue surrounded by water on three sides and featuring 20-foot ceilings, large windows overlooking the beautiful Riviera Beach, and a veranda set above the distinctive Lake Geneva Cruise Line docks and charter boats. We designed their day to feel bold and energetic, incorporating a summer meets fall color palette and lively entertainment.
Rather than leaning into the ballroom’s traditional character, our design took a modern, upscale direction, honoring the traditional setting while giving it a fresh perspective. For the ceremony, M&F Floral created a striking backdrop that blended summer vibrancy with early autumn depth. We brought in ruby red linens and acrylic pedestals to anchor the bold florals.
After the ceremony, we knew we wanted to immerse guests within an iconic Lake Geneva experience. Guests were escorted down to the docks and boarded the Grand Belle of Lake Geneva, a 1972 two-level vessel operated by Lake Geneva Cruise Line. As guests sipped cocktails—including Wisconsin’s classic brandy old fashioned—they cruised across the water as the sunset in the distance.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests returned to the Riviera Ballroom for an intimate supper club–style dinner. The room was transformed, drawing from the venue’s existing details—green tile, sun-washed yellow curtains, white plaster walls, and oak floors—and expanding them into a palette that amplified the space’s natural warmth. Sage linens, pleated table lamps, and lush autumnal florals featuring orchids, anthuriums, roses, and amaranthus lined the tables. Custom escort cards and dinner menus added subtle layers of texture and a personal touch to each place setting.
Guests enjoyed dinner and a show, listening to Dueling Pianos give a lively performance through the soft flow of the table lamps – right before the bride changed into her second look, signaling the start of an all-out dance party. Felix and Fingers kept the room buzzing late into the night as friends and family filled the dance floor.
Claire and Kevin’s Lake Geneva wedding at the Riviera Ballroom brought together everything that makes this destination so special—lakefront views, incredible food, live entertainment, and a wedding design that felt personal, vibrant, and full of personality.
Photo: Valerie Halling Photography
Content: 4 the Brides
Design, Styling & Planning: Q Jancola
Venue: The Riviera Lake Geneva
Cocktail Cruise: Lake Geneva Cruise Line
Dueling Pianos: Felix and Fingers
Florals: M&F Floral & Decor
Rentals: Event Essentials, Nuage Designs, Velvet Rentals
Bridal Stylist: Teak & Ivory Bridal
Catering: Blue Plate
