THE GO-TO FOR YOUR ‘I DO’: The Winners of Our Best of Weddings Poll 2025
We asked voters in our Best of the Chippewa Valley Poll wedding-related questions. Here are their faves and go-to's!

So you’re ready to start planning your wedding. Where do you start? Well, roll out the red carpet and cue the music for the winners of our Best of Weddings & Occasions poll, part of our 2025 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll. While you wait for the results of the entire poll (which will be published in our Feb. 6 issue), here’s a peek at what our readers love the most (besides their fiancés!) when walking down the aisle.
BEST BAND
1st Place: Uncommon Denominator
2nd Place: Them Coulee Boys
3rd Place: Crimson Theory
Want something a little classier for your wedding music than your uncle’s high-school buddy playing “The Chicken Dance” on a bluetooth speaker? Uncommon Denominator has snagged the first-place spot again for best overall band in the Valley. They offer a full repertoire of classic funk, rock, and pop hits that’ll get your guests out on the dance floor. In second place is Them Coulee Boys, the long-running local outfit that tops the local lists of favorite bluegrass and folk bands. Rounding out the list is Crimson Theory, which can do just about anything – country, rock, and pop – with both male and female vocalists.
BEST HAIR STYLIST FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
1st Place: Allure Salon
2nd Place: Bliss Salon & Day Spa
3rd Place: Caitlyn Goldsmith Hair
Looking your best on your big day starts at the top, and that means finding a hair stylist who can make you look like a star. Moving into the top slot among Best Of voters is Allure Salon (3502 Oakwood Hills Parkway, Eau Claire), whose master stylists – Alliana Hoyer and Mariya Ouimet – have a passion for bridal hair, and can work their magic in the salon or at your wedding venue. Bliss Salon & Day Spa (961 Pine St., Stanley), can help create stunning hairdos for you and your bridal party, while Caitlyn Goldsmith Hair has years of experience beautifying brides (Caitlyn owns Ivy & Sage Hair Co., 2524 Golf Road, Suite A, Eau Claire).
BEST HOTEL
1st Place: The Lismore Hotel
2nd Place: The Oxbow Hotel
3rd Place: Metropolis Hotel & Chaos Waterpark
Finding a good place to stay while you’re in town (for a wedding or otherwise) is important. Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Eau Claire is The Lismore Hotel (333 Gibson St.), a repeat winner. In addition to its central location, The Lismore boasts cozy rooms and a restaurant (The Informalist), a bar (Dive), and in-house coffee shop (ECDC). A few blocks away is downtown Eau Claire’s boutique hotel, The Oxbow Hotel (516 Galloway St.), which dials in the details from in-room art to a vinyl record library. Plus, you can enjoy its attached eatery and bar (The Lakely). Rounding out the top three is Metropolis Hotel & Chaos Waterpark (5150 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire), which offers fun and relaxation for all ages.
BEST LOCATION FOR WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
1st Place: Beaver Creek Reserve
2nd Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
3rd Place: Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue
Whether you’re getting snaps to announce your upcoming nuptials or you’re in the midst of celebrating your new union, high-quality engagement and wedding photos are an absolute must. Placing No. 1 for the first time is Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek), where Mother Nature will provide gorgeous scenery whatever the season. A close second place is Dixon’s Apple Orchard (22404 20th Ave., Cadott), which for the fourth consecutive year is rated among the very best places in the Valley to capture your memories forever. Making its debut at No. 3 is Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue (6343 County Highway N, Chippewa Falls), a stunning countryside photo setting.
BEST MEN'S FORMAL WEAR
1st Place: Muldoon’s Men’s Wear
2nd Place: Men's Wearhouse
3rd Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
Gentlemen, you deserve to look sharp on your wedding day, too, and here are the places in the area that can get you spruced up. Since 1950, Muldoon’s Men’s Wear (1506 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) has been helping Chippewa Valley men dress with style and confidence, and they repeat as winners in this category. No. 2 finisher Men’s Wearhouse (4619 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire) sells and rents a wide selection of brand-name menswear, while third-place Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire), can hook you up with the best-looking (and fitting!) tuxedo or suit.

BEST WEDDING VENUE
1st Place: West Creek Event Center
2nd Place: The Florian Gardens
3rd Place: Lilydale
Making its debut in first place for Best Wedding Venue, the freshly remodeled and transformed West Creek Event Center (S7650 Highway 37, Eau Claire) offers spacious indoor and outdoor settings for your ceremony, whether you’ve invited 300-plus guests or are planning a smaller, more intimate celebration. Placing No. 2 is the Florian Gardens (2340 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire), which has served the area’s event needs with sophistication for nearly 20 years. And in the third spot, Lilydale Dance Hall & Event Venue (6343 County Highway N, Chippewa Falls) is a stunning, versatile spot offering a country feel with modern touches.
BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING CAKE / DESSERT CATERER
1st Place: Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets
2nd Place: Bloomer Bakery
3rd Place: Josef's Cheesecake
Having a tasty wedding cake is right up there with exchanging rings as a marital must-have: We’re no legal experts, but if there isn’t something sweet for your guests to scarf down after the ceremony, did the wedding really happen? For the second consecutive year, the buzz among our readers is that Beez Neez Cheesecake & Sweets (Eleva) is the best around, offering cheesecakes, cupcakes, bride and groom cakes, and more. Second-place Bloomer Bakery (1415 Main St., Bloomer) is an award-winning small town bakery, while No. 3 Josef’s Cheesecake (343 E. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls) is known for its delectable goods like cheesecake cupcakes.
BEST PLACE TO GET RINGS
1st Place: Lasker Jewelers
2nd Place: Eric’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry
3rd Place: Williams Diamond Center
The Chippewa Valley has been saying it for decades: Ask her, then see Lasker! For the fourth year in a row, Lasker Jewelers (3705 Oakwood Mall Drive, Eau Claire) is our readers’ No. 1 go-to for the sparkling rings that accompany those wedding bells. Ringing endorsements also go to two other longtime local jewelers, both of which have new owners in the past year: Eric’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry (111 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls), a favorite in downtown Chippewa Falls, and Williams Diamond Center (2823 London Road, Eau Claire), where personalized service shines.

BEST PLACE TO GET WEDDING GIFTS
1st Place: The Local Store
2nd Place: Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe
3rd Place: Forever Flowers by Abbie
Turns out it isn’t only brides who blush: We’re blushing because our readers chose Volume One’s own retail arm, The Local Store (205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire), as the Valley’s favorite go-to for wedding gifts – from art to apparel to jewelry to bath and body goods and much more. No. 2 is the well-stocked bottle shop at Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe (1444 Front Porch Place, Altoona), where you’ll find something to toast those wedding memories. Rounding out the list is Forever Flowers by Abbie, which transforms floral bouquets into artwork that will stand the test of time.
BEST PLACE TO GET A BRIDESMAID DRESS
1st Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
2nd Place: David's Bridal
3rd Place: Off the Rack Bridal World
Always a bridesmaid and never a bride? While we can’t help with that situation, we can help direct you to the places our readers say make bridesmaids look their best. Jumping to the top of the list this year is Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire), which simplifies the process by offering dresses in hundreds of styles and colors in a full range of sizes. In second place, readers selected David’s Bridal (4840 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire), which provides expertise as the biggest bridal chain in the nation, while No. 3 Off the Rack Bridal World Consignment Boutique (123 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) beckons you to say “yes” to the (bridesmaid) dress.
BEST PLACE TO GET A WEDDING DRESS
1st Place: Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear
2nd Place: David's Bridal
3rd Place: Off the Rack Bridal World
This year, voters said what’s good for the bridesmaid is also good for the bride: The top three finishers for Best Place to Get a Wedding Dress are identical to those in the bridesmaid dress category. For the second year in a row, Charlotte’s Bridal & Formal Wear (2120 Highland Ave., Eau Claire) reached the top; whatever your bridal style, they’re sure to have something that fits – literally and figuratively. Off the Rack Bridal World Consignment Boutique (123 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) maintains its commitment to bridal beauty at an affordable price. Rounding out the top three is David’s Bridal (4840 Keystone Crossing, Eau Claire), with its extensive collection and national reputation.
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP DONE
1st Place: BeautElla
2nd Place: Barstow Beauty Bar
3rd Place: The Hair Refinery
With a whole new lineup of winners this year, it’s clear there is some serious emerging talent in the local makeup artistry community! Earning the No. 1 spot is BeautElla, a young and seriously skilled makeup artist based in Holcombe, specializing in event makeup and spray tanning. The runner up is no stranger to the Best Of poll: In addition to makeup, Barstow Beauty Bar (515 S. Barstow St., Suite 115, Eau Claire) offerings include spa and hair services. Rounding out the top three is The Hair Refinery (120 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire), a boutique salon with a team of stylists ready to prep and pamper you for the big day.
BEST REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE
1st Place: Beaver Creek Reserve
2nd Place: Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
3rd Place: Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe
Breaking into this category’s top three for the first time, Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Highway K, Fall Creek) nabbed the No. 1 slot thanks to its incredible natural views and variety of facility options fit for intimate or 100-plus guest gatherings. Moving up in the ranks this year, runner-up Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (4751 Owen Ayres Court, Eau Claire) specializes in steaks, Italian dishes, and cocktails, served in an upscale setting. Helix Wine, Craft Bar & Cafe (1444 Front Porch Place, Altoona) has become a fast favorite in the Chippewa Valley thanks to its curated beverage options, delicious food menus, and comfortable yet luxe environment.
BEST RUSTIC WEDDING VENUE
1st Place: Beaver Creek Reserve
2nd Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
3rd Place: The Barn at Mirror Lake
This year’s No. 1 spot goes to Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Highway K, Fall creek), a true local gem for education, experiencing the Chippewa Valley’s natural beauty, and now weddings! Dixon’s Apple Orchard (22404 20th Ave., Cadott), which has placed in this category for three consecutive years, is a year-round venue with all the charm you could ask for across its 100 acres. The Barn at Mirror Lake (656 N. Eau Claire St., Mondovi) takes third place for the second year, the lakeside barn a stunning venue with a rich historic background.
BEST VENUE FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION
1st Place: West Creek Event Center
2nd Place: The Florian Gardens Conference Center
3rd Place: Dixon’s Apple Orchard
Landing in this category’s top three for the first time – and taking the top spot at that! – West Creek Event Center (S7650 Highway 37, Eau Claire) is a family-owned and operated venue that has quickly risen in popularity thanks to the owners’ hands-on approach and amenities, including beautiful interior and outdoor spaces. The Florian Gardens Conference Center (2340 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire) is a longtime local favorite for weddings and events of all kinds, known for its beautiful ballroom overlooking the outdoor gardens. Dixon’s Apple Orchard (22404 20th Ave., Cadott), which has been part of the list for all three years we’ve included this category, is an area favorite featuring accommodations for intimate to large gatherings all year-round.
BEST WEDDING DJ
1st Place: Kramerica Entertainment (DJ Kramer)
2nd Place: Boiling Point Entertainment
3rd Place: Kaleidoscope DJ Entertainment
Kramerica Entertainment (DJ Kramer) is the top wedding DJ for the second year running, with proprietor Mike Moulton providing top-notch entertainment at weddings, parties, and more. Boiling Point Entertainment moved into the runner-up spot this year, bringing high-energy DJing to all types of events plus add-on options like uplighting and live musicians. Kaleidoscope DJ Entertainment returns to the top three this year, offering more than 20 years of experience in customizable wedding and event entertainment.

BEST WEDDING FLORIST
1st Place: Brent Douglas
2nd Place: Allure Premiere Events Florists
3rd Place: Chippewa Valley Floral
A longtime Valley favorite, Brent Douglas (610 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) has officially claimed the throne in this category. The florist’s work speaks for itself, offering a large variety of blooms and plants for all your wedding needs. Allure Premiere Events Florists (1802 Stout Road, Menomonie) makes its top three debut this year, backed by 15 years of experience and aiming to offer budget-friendly, high-quality options for all special occasions. Chippewa Valley Floral (507 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) also debuts in the top three for 2025, offering a variety of floral styles, set-ups, and preservation.
BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
1st Place: Availeth Photography
2nd Place: Seelhammer Media
3rd Place: Jessica Brooke Photo
Availeth Photography claims the crown for Best Wedding Photographer for the second consecutive year. Owner Kelsey Jonas has about 15 years of experience, specializing in unposed prompts, detail shots, and outdoor photos. Runner-up for the second year in the row, Seelhammer Media (a.k.a. Cole and Mackenzie Seelhammer) offers photography and videography services with a timeless feel. Jessica Brooke Photo brings more than a decade of experience to round out the list.
BEST WEDDING PLANNING SERVICE
1st Place: Zane Weddings & Events
2nd Place: Sweet Legacy
3rd Place: Kim Louise Xperience
Winning the top spot in this category for all three years we’ve featured it, Zane Weddings & Events is a small-and-mighty team of coordinators offering a variety of services, including day-of planning, complete wedding management, wedding website creation, and more with 15 years of experience. Sweet Legacy (3031 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) is a local favorite for rentals of all kinds, including seven customizable planning and design packages with a range of prices to fit your budget and vision. As Kim Louise Xperience says, “X marks the spot!” With more than 25 years of event design and planning experience, Kim offers design and decor skills on top of planning expertise for intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.
BEST WEDDING RENTAL COMPANY
1st Place: Sweet Legacy
2nd Place: Angell Mirror Photo Booth
3rd Place: The Joy Booth
Sweet Legacy (3031 N. Hastings Way, Eau Claire) has claimed the throne in this category for all three years it’s been featured. They’re a local favorite for wedding and event rentals of all kinds: Arches and backdrops, seating and tables, signage, textiles, accent pieces, and more. Runner-up Angell Mirror Photo Booth offers an interactive, unique photo booth experience thanks to its touch-screen mirror technology. Paired with professional studio lighting, deluxe props, professional prints and more, it’s sure to be a hit. The Joy Booth has placed in this category’s top three for three years running; the on-site photo booth continuing to add pizzazz to events of all kinds.
BEST WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER
1st Place: Seelhammer Media
2nd Place: Austin Bower Videography
3rd Place: KV Films
Jumping from last year’s third-place win to top of the list is Seelhammer Media, a locally owned photography and videography biz specializing in wedding videography. Relive the big day for years to come by capturing it through their high-quality, authentic lens. Austin Bower Videography snags the runner-up spot for the second year running, offering a wealth of experience in wedding videography. The local videography team immortalizes the emotion and energy of the special day to look back on for a lifetime. KV Films specializes in wedding photography and documentary-style wedding films, promising a heartfelt, unique look into the day. The creatives behind KV Films are based in Eau Claire but will travel to wherever love takes them – like your special day’s venue!