driftless
Weddings
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER – SO ARE WEDDING TATTOOS
Riley Bodley, Trystan Riley put personal details into their wedding
BY DENISE LANA DECORAH LEADER STAFF WRITER
When fresh-faced elementary school teacher Riley Bodley met Trystan Riley at Goodfella’s Bar in early 2021, she knew it was the beginning of something special.
“I had a really good feeling, and when I found out his last name was Riley, I made a joke,” Riley said. “We began talking, and I said, ‘If we got married, I would be Riley Riley!’”
Trystan asked her to dinner the very next day, and Riley was smitten from that day forward. The relationship between the two 23-year-olds blossomed over the next two years.
In late 2022, Trystan visited Elliott Jewelers to find an extra special jewel for his special jewel.
Riley explained Trystan didn’t want to propose in an over the top
way and, unbeknownst to her, he carried the ring in his pocket for several months whenever the two were together so he would be prepared to spontaneously pop the question, should the moment arise.
And eventually, it did.
“We were out driving around, one random night — nothing planned. My grandparents have these woods I just love. I spent a lot of time there as a kid, and it’s just a spot that is really special to me,” said Riley. “He was like, ‘Can we go to the woods?’ And I was like ‘sure,’ and he proposed to me there. We hope to build a house there someday.”
That was in January of 2023, and
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PHOTOS BY KEELA JO PHOTO
Clockwise from top- The newly married couple stroll along bluffs at their wedding site in Dorchester; An intimate moment shared; Mr. and Mrs. Riley with their four-legged ringbearers, Boog and Dale; Husband and wife show off freshly-inked initials on one another’s fingers above their wedding rings.
CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE THEIR OWN WAY
M addie Putnam-Keck and her father Dale Putnam were extremely close. And as she grew older, Maddie, like many daughters, assumed there would come a time when her dad would walk her down the aisle on her wedding day, give a special toast and share the traditional father-daughter dance at the reception.
But three years before her wedding, Dale passed away after battling Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disease. So, when Maddie married Caleb Keck on Sept. 14, 2024, the couple made Dale a special part of the wedding ceremony and reception — keeping his memory sacred and celebrating his role in the family.
BY ZACH JENSEN DECORAH LEADER STAFF WRITER
Maddie and Caleb first noticed each other as they repeatedly sat at the same table during a 2017 Decorah High School science class. Caleb, whom the couple said was considered a jock, rarely had his homework done and, although she wasn’t aware of any feelings for Caleb, Maddie did his homework and her own, so they both would pass the class.
Three years went by before fate placed them together again — this time working as summer employees for the Decorah Park and Recreation Department. One day, after working at the Decorah softball field together, they took a fateful drive after work which ignited the flames of romance between them.
“We were officially dating for three weeks, and I knew I loved him,” Maddie remembered. “He just made me feel seen and cared about, and I just decided I loved him and didn’t want to spend a day without him. And that was that.”
Maddie started college a few months after the couple began dating.
“A couple of months after she graduated, we purchased my parents’ house and moved in together,” Caleb said. Putnam Keck wedding
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Clockwise from top right- Maddie carried a photo of her father with her bouquet designed by The Country Garden in Decorah. Caleb said his favorite part of their wedding was the unity ceremony, during which the couple watered a maple tree together. Maddie’s gown, Caleb’s suit and the groomsmen’s attire were all provided by The Dress by Morgan Lynn.
PHOTOS BY ALECCA
Alecca Synclair Photography
“We lived together for a full year before getting married. I enjoyed getting to cook and eat dinner together every single night. It was really nice getting to be together and figure out our routine.”
To celebrate the third anniversary of their first date, one June night in 2023, Maddie and Caleb drove their side-by-side to Luna Valley Farm — a place where they’d had many previous dates. After getting their pizza, Caleb suggested going to what they called “the lookout” — another place they’d had many dates. Eventually, the couple arrived at the location where they shared their first kiss, and it was there that Caleb dropped to one knee, reached into his pocket and pulled nothing out saying, “Oops, I guess there’s nothing there.” Caleb reached into his pocket a second time, pulled nothing out and said, “Still nothing there.”
Finally, on the third reach into his pocket, Caleb held out the ring, looked up at Maddie, and said, “Well?” Maddie responded by dropping to her knees and vigorously nodding her head.
“I knew it was time to propose, because I was ready to make it official,” Caleb said. “I didn’t want to just be dating anymore. The ring
is ‘Maddie-Proof.’ Maddie is prone to dropping things, getting things caught and running into things, so I wanted to make a ring that would withstand her daily wear.”
With that goal in mind, Caleb visited Hammel Jewelers in downtown Decorah and worked with Joe Hammel to design a custom ring with Maddie’s tastes and lifestyle in mind.
The two were engaged for 15 months, making plans for a fall wedding as was Maddie’s preference.
“We both run warm and didn’t want to chance a hot day,” Maddie said, “and I always envisioned rust and gold bridesmaid dresses for my wedding.”
Maddie’s gown, Caleb’s suit and the groomsmen’s attire were all provided by The Dress by Morgan Lynn. Camrin of Main Street Hair Stylist and Jenna of Hair by Jenna did the hairstyles, while Gemini Salon and Spa did the makeup. The Country Garden in Decorah was the couple’s florist, and sunflowers were chosen for their special day — the distinct blooms are Maddie’s favorite and were one of her father’s favorites as well.
“I had a specific vision for the flowers — to tie all the colors of the bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmen’s suits together,” Maddie said. “I wanted big, colorful, sunflower-filled bouquets to bring another piece of my dad into our day, and JoEllen (Foels with Country Garden) absolutely delivered.”
After they set the date, the couple realized Maddie’s aunt and uncle would be celebrating their 50th anniversary the same mid-September day, which the couple said made their wedding date even more special.
Between 250 and 300 people attended the wedding and reception which were held at Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins, on Highway 9 just west of Decorah. The newlyweds invited all their loved ones, ultimately welcoming guests from 13 states to celebrate their union. Maddie said holding both the wedding and reception at Pinter’s was important, adding that having both events at one location was more convenient for all their guests.
Maddie was walked down the first half of the aisle by a brother-in-law and the second half by her mother. When they arrived at the front, Mad-
die and her mother laid a sunflower on a chair reserved for her father — pausing a moment to honor his presence — before the bride and groom met in front of their officiant.
“Getting to Caleb and just seeing him there — then looking around at all of our people was a moment I’ll never forget,” Maddie said. “We were surrounded by so much love, it is truly indescribable.”
Caleb said his favorite part of their wedding was the unity ceremony, during which the couple watered a maple tree together.
“We picked out the spot we were going to plant the tree in our yard, so it was really special knowing a part of our day would be with us forever,” he said.
Maddie said Calmar resident Nick Wallin, a family friend who works with her mother at Seed Savers Exchange, acted as the couple’s officiant.
“Nick’s personality is infectious, and he was
Putnam Keck wedding continued
Putnam Keck wedding continued
PHOTOS BY ALECCA SYNCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY
Between 250 and 300 people attended the wedding and reception which were held at Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins, on Highway 9 just west of Decorah. The newlyweds invited all their loved ones, ultimately welcoming guests from 13 states to celebrate their union.
B-4 photos, clockwise from left- The wedding couple, both wearing attire from The Dress by Morgan Lynn in Decorah; center top: Boog Riley, ringbearer extraordinaire, strikes a pose for the photographer; center bottom: The bride and groom each had custom-crafted leather bound books for their personalized vows to one another; right: The gorgeous couple — the bride’s makeup was completed by Bailey Davidson, the bride’s hair was styled by Bailey Davidson and Chelsea Provost, and the bride’s flowers were created by Country Garden in Decorah.
B-5 photos- Riley and Trystan’s ceremony took place along scenic bluffs in Dorchester. The couple opted for a low-key ceremony attended by close family and friends, and they didn’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen. They instead enjoyed the intimacy of just the two of them at the altar as they exchanged vows — the only other person with them was Trystan’s dad, Chico Riley, who officiated the union. INSET- The couple raised a glass together at the end of their ceremony, with Trystan enjoying a favorite bourbon while Riley sipped on Strawberry Fest wine from Eagle’s Landing Winery in Marquette.
PHOTOS BY KEELA JO PHOTO
they tied the knot June of 2024. The couple selected a beautiful overlook in Dorchester as the location to hold their nuptials. They didn’t have bridesmaids and groomsmen, choosing to keep the ceremony intimate. Parents, grandparents and select friends attended the ceremony. The couple’s two retrievers, Boog and Dale, delivered the rings during the ceremony.
“Boog was very photogenic, but there are no good pictures of Dale, he was just a goober and so energetic,” said Riley. “They each had one of our rings around their collars.”
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During the wedding ceremony, live acoustic music was presented by JR Brink, who performed a selection of songs Trystan had dedicated to Riley throughout their courtship. After exchanging vows, Riley and Trystan travelled to Waukon to Erbal Ink Tatoo, where Jay Erb inked the first initial of each spouse on the other’s ring finger. Friends and siblings then joined the newly weds as they traversed to nearby Waterville
Bodley Riley wedding
PHOTOS BY KEELA JO PHOTO
Bodley Riley wedding
Bar for a few cocktails before heading back to Goodfella’s in Waukon to celebrate where their relationship began.
Eventually, the party made its way to the wedding reception, located at the Waukon Event Center.
“Trystan owns the event center,” Riley said. “He bought it back in 2022, and we bartend there together on the weekends part-time.”
The couple shared their first dance to Kameron Marlowe’s “Steady Heart,” which was performed live by JR Brink, who also provided deejay services throughout the evening. In lieu of traditional wedding cake, the couple chose to cut a
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blackcap pie made by Trystan’s mother, and guests enjoyed an assortment of bar desserts made by grandmothers, aunts, great aunts and other family members.
“We’re not big cake or cupcake or icing people — the pie we had is Trystan’s favorite,” Riley said. “That made it even more special.”
Now, as the 27-year-old pair are enjoying their first year of marriage, Riley says they aren’t in any hurry to rush life. They currently live in Waukon but have hopes of one day making their way to the country and still hold fast to the idea of building their dream home at the woods where Trystan proposed to Ri-
ley. The one thing Riley can say with certainty is she loves her ‘T’ tattoo on her finger and wants more in the future.
“I love it, and I look down at it every day,” Riley said. “I want to get my maiden name somewhere, and my grandpa’s handwriting. Whatever I get, it’s gotta really connect with me. And I want to get more tattoos with Trystan for sure.”
PICTURE PERFECT!
Whatever the future holds for Riley and Trystan Riley, diamonds may be forever, but their wedding day tattoos are also permanent and eternal.
Clockwise from left- Between ceremony and reception, Trystan and Riley stopped off at Erbal Ink Tattoo in Waukon, where Jay Erb etched permanent initials of each spouse on the other’s ring finger. The new Mr. and Mrs. Riley raised a glass of bubbly, toasting themselves and a very successful wedding day celebration.
Variables to consider before picking a wedding date
After announcing their engagement, couples may need to get used to being asked if they have chosen a date to tie the knot. Friends and family members who are thrilled for the happy couple may want to know when the partnership will become official, but choosing a date is not always so simple. A host of variables must be considered before couples pick a wedding date. Though the choice of date is ultimately a couple’s decision to make, consideration of the following variables can help engaged individuals make the most informed choice.
Season Time of year is an important consideration when picking a wedding date. Summer was once the season-of-choice when tying the knot, but data from the online wedding resource The Knot indicates that has changed a little in recent years. The most popular day to get married in 2024 was Saturday, Sept. 21, which the experts at The Knot said reflects a notable shift in couples’ preferences that began in 2015. Since then, fall has been the most popular season to tie the knot. Moderate temperatures and less rainfall likely contribute to that popularity. Before picking a date, couples can consider which time of year they prefer to get married.
Convenience
The convenience of a particular date won’t be the same for everyone, but couples may want to consider a date or season that is amenable to as many bridal party members and guests as possible. Couples planning to invite children to the wedding may learn from parents that fall, winter and spring are tough times of year due to youngsters’ hectic school and activities schedules. Summer may be more convenient, but it’s also likely
that some guests with preexisting vacation plans may not make it if the date chosen coincides with their trips. There’s no way to accommodate everyone, and couples should make their own preferences their top priority. But those with no such preference may want to look for a time of year when traveling to and from the wedding is convenient for as many guests as possible.
Holidays
Holidays are another variable to consider. Travel and accommodations tend to be more expensive on holiday weekends, and roadways also can be crowded during threeday weekends. In addition, many people look forward to their own traditions during the holiday season and other notable events, such as July Fourth and Labor Day. Before choosing a wedding date that coincides with a holiday, it might be a good idea to get some feedback from bridal party members and other trusted confidantes.
Local event schedule
It’s common for couples to inquire about other events a wedding venue may be hosting when shopping for ceremony and reception sites. But it can be equally important to consider events in the area where you plan to get married on and around the days you’re considering. For example, tying the knot on the same weekend as the Super Bowl in the city where the event is taking place may not be wise, as hotel availability will likely be limited and room rates may be much higher than normal. Even more localized events like harvest festivals may affect the availability of accommodations, so this important variable merits consideration.
These are just a handful of variables couples should consider before choosing a date to tie the knot.
PHOTOS BY KEELA JO PHOTO
A rundown on sustainable weddings
Wedding trends come and go, but an emphasis on sustainability is one practice that could exhibit some staying power in the years to come. As the world confronts climate change, sustainability is gaining steam as a sound and vital practice.
Modern couples recognize the significance of sustainability. In fact, a 2022 Sustainable Wedding Alliance poll of couples planning their wedding found that 78 percent of respondents identified sustainability as important to them. As couples plan their big day, they can keep these sustainability practices in mind to ensure their wedding reflects their desire to protect the planet.
• Repurpose for the big day. Repurposing is a tenet of sustainability, and that pillar is easily applied to weddings. Brides can repurpose wedding gowns used by family members, which can add a touch of sentimentality to a sustainable wedding, particularly if the dress is being handed down from a previous generation, such as a parent or grandparent. Furnishings and
decor also can be repurposed after the wedding. For example, couples can encourage guests to take centerpieces home after the reception so they get a second life and are not simply discarded after a single use.
• Focus on reducing waste. Weddings are not the first event to come to mind when pondering eco-friendly affairs, and waste contributes to that less than environmentally-conscious reputation. But there are plenty of ways to cut back on wedding waste. When shopping around for a reception venue, prioritize those that do not use single-use plastics. Cocktail hour plastic utensils might be convenient for venues, but they contribute to a substantial amount of ocean pollution. For instance, the Ocean Conservancy notes that volunteers removed nearly two million plastic knives, forks and spoons from the world’s waterways in a single day.
• Arrange for leftover food to be donated. Food waste is another notable area where weddings tend to be less eco-friendly. When discussing
Vinta
reception plans with their wedding venue representative, couples can express their desire that any leftover food be donated to a local organization catering to those in need. This is an especially effective strategy, as the organization Feeding America notes 92 billion pounds of food are wasted annually in the United States. Donating leftovers ensures that all the energy that goes into planting, harvesting, transporting, preparing, and serving food is not for naught.
• Host a local wedding.
Destination weddings appeal to many couples, but those focused on sustainability may want to stay closer to home. Doing so decreases the likelihood that most guests will have to travel great distances to attend the wedding. That can help lower the carbon footprint of a couple’s big day by lowering guests’ overall fuel consumption in relation to the wedding.
Sustainability is having a moment, and couples can embrace the practice when planning their wedding.
Did you know...
Large weddings are in style
According to The Knot Real Weddings Survey, 57 percent of couples invited 101 or more guests to their weddings in 2023, suggesting that large weddings are in style. The survey found that the average wedding size in 2023 was 115 guests, and that only 13 percent of couples invited between one and 50 guests to their big day. Warm weather weddings tend to lead to larger guests lists, as the survey found that weddings were largest in July, with such affairs averaging 121 guests. By comparison, November and December weddings averaged 110 guests. Geography also appears to affect the size of a couple’s guest list. Weddings taking place in the midwestern United States averaged 139 guests in 2023, which was the highest among six regions noted by The Knot survey. Weddings
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that took place in the south/ southeast and the west had the smallest average size among those regions, averaging 102 guests. Destination weddings
also tend to be smaller affairs. Domestic destination weddings in the U.S. averaged 77 guests, while overseas affairs averaged 69 guests in 2023.
the best officiant,” she said. “He made the ceremony so special, because he hand-wrote, planned and organized the ceremony himself. He weaved elements of our personalities together in the narrative and public vows to make our ceremony 100 percent unique.”
The couple chose to say they’re “welded together forever” — a nod to Caleb’s work as a welder.
“We chose to handwrite and do private vows during our first look, so we could get the inside jokes and stories out of the way before doing our shorter personalized vows during the ceremony,” Maddie said. “Everything about the ceremony was unique to us and our relationship. We also had beer boys open up the ceremony — throwing drinks out for those in attendance — which set the tone for a fun and relaxed ceremony.”
A special treat, Maddie said, was the food provided by U-2 BBQ and Catering of Calmar.
“The food was delicious, and we got multiple compliments from friends and family — especially those who haven’t had U-2,” she said.
The couple also had cupcakes made by Café Hope in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
“Their cupcakes are amazing, and we love supporting their cause,” Maddie said. “They went above and beyond to make sure our cupcakes were perfect for our day.”
Maddie’s sister Brecka made the couple’s wedding cake.
“She has been making cakes
for all our birthdays’ since I was in elementary school,” Maddie said. “I gave her full creative design to do whatever she wanted for the cake, and it was super special having our cake be made by her.”
Grace Howe Designs of Prairie du Chien printed the invitations, while Party Island Wedding and Party Rentals of Decorah and Borrow My Vintage of West Branch provided decorations. The Wedding Nest of Waukon provided wedding day coordination, and Epic Wear of Waukon provided hats. Caleb said one especially fun part of their reception was that
the newlyweds changed outfits between the wedding and the reception.
“Maddie changed into a different, shorter dress, and we both changed into matching Nike sneakers,” he said. “We reentered the reception changed, and it was like the party started all over again. We had glow sticks and a packed dance floor all night. No one was sitting or standing around — everyone was dancing all night, including myself, someone who never dances.”
Maddie added that one of her favorite parts of the celebration involved temporary tattoos.
Clockwise from top leftThe couple chose to say they’re “welded together forever” — a nod to Caleb’s work as a welder. Maddie said holding both the wedding and reception at Pinter’s was important, adding that having both events at one location was more convenient for all their guests. Caleb said one especially fun part of their reception was that the newlyweds changed outfits between the wedding and the reception. Maddie danced with her mother to the song “But-
“We created temporary tattoos that we passed out, so everyone was tatted-up with tattoos that were special to us,” she said. “One had our dogs on them, another was the Luther L and said ‘Skol Norse,’ and we had one that said ‘What the Keck??’ It was so fun seeing everyone with our tattoos on.”
But, even more meaningful were all the ways Maddie, Caleb and their families remembered Maddie’s late father.
“My dad used to sing the song ‘Butterfly Kisses’ to me, and I always assumed that would be our first dance song,” she said.
After honeymooning for five days in Belize, the newlyweds returned to their Decorah
and continued to enjoy their marital bliss.
“I love being married,” Maddie said. “We cook and eat dinner together every night, have a routine with our dogs, workout together and are building a life that we want together. It’s the best feeling knowing you’re coming home to your best friend.”
“Since he wasn’t able to be there, before we opened up the dance floor, I spoke about my relationship with my dad — the importance of the song — and then invited everyone out onto the dance floor with their kids, parents or loved ones to share a dance to me and my dad’s song. It was such a special moment — seeing everyone dancing to the song that meant so much to my dad, and I’ll never forget all the other dad and daughter pairs out dancing. It was such a special way to honor my dad and our relationship. He was always the life of the party, so after that song, we opened up the dance floor to party the rest of the night.”
PHOTOS BY ALECCA SYNCLAIR PHOTOGRAPHY
home,
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terfly Kisses” — the song she had assumed would be played during the father-daughter dance at her wedding — and she invited guests to join them on the dance floor, making for a special moment during the reception. Maddie said one of her favorite parts of the celebration involved temporary tattoos. Maddie’s sister Brecka made the couple’s wedding cake, and Maddie said that made it “super special.”