For Haley Elpers and Karoline Chraponski, their college degrees also led them to their wife. Haley, who grew up in Evansville and graduated from Mater Dei High School, met Karoline at the University of Evansville during sorority recruitment in 2018. After one conversation, they felt drawn to each other and became best friends. “In January 2020, we decided to take the leap and explore our potential as a couple and have been together ever since,” Karoline says. After dating four-plus years, they arranged dual proposals at their home in summer 2024.
Planning their May 31 wedding was a DIY-filled process. They prioritized choosing vendors they trusted to bring their vision to life and cherished being surrounded by their bridal party and officiant. An outdoor ceremony at The Bauerhaus fulfilled their dream of a floral paradise, complete with a serpentine aisle and a meadow of blooms surrounding them. One of their best friends officiated.
“We did personal vows at our main ceremony, but afterward, we went off during cocktail hour and said private vows to one another,” Haley says.
The day was infused with meaningful details: Haley wore a vest sewn by Karoline’s grandmother from leftover dress fabric, and their favors were matchbooks featuring their wedding monogram, just like the favors at Karoline’s parents’ wedding.
For the reception, the couple meticulously crafted a dance floor-ready playlist with input from guests. They personalized the space with flowers, photos, and neon lights. The full dance floor — complete with sunglasses, light sticks, and playful fat-head cutouts of their dogs — delivered the party atmosphere they were aiming for.
When recalling their favorite moments, Karoline described surprising Haley’s grandparents — recently celebrating their 55th anniversary — by dancing with them to the songs they wished they had danced to at their wedding. Both Haley and Karoline savored being surrounded by their loved ones and dancing all night.
Venue, Catering, DJ & Cake: The Bauerhaus and Bauerhaus Catering
Photographer: Citrus Collective Co.
Florals & Decor: Red Daisy Floral
Hair & Makeup: Lauren Smith-Reed and Skylar Austin Esthetics
Wedding Dress: Wild Rose Bridal Effingham, designed by Maggie Sottero, styled by Derrick-Marie
Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry
Suits: Express
