Minnesota Vikings Guard Will Fries and his bride, Isabella, celebrated their romantic wedding at Pleasantdale Chateau with a blend of elegance and personality. Captured by Courtney Shea Smith and married on what they deemed “Friesday,” their wedding felt like a beautiful reflection of the life they’ve built together, full of personal touches that made their wedding uniquely theirs.
The Details
Isabella envisioned a romantic, European-inspired aesthetic that was brought to life through paper details, gold foiling, and a hydrangea motif that tied into the florals. Because they grew up near the beach, subtle coastal elements appeared throughout their day, including a watercolor seascape, ceremony petal cups, and matchbooks for their guests.
Fashion Moments
Isabella fully embraced the fun of wedding fashion, wearing four distinct looks from two designers throughout the day. Her bridesmaids and mother also changed outfits for the reception, adding to the stylish energy from morning to night.
The Couple
Will, now in his fifth year in the NFL and playing for the Minnesota Vikings, spent his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Their wedding brought together an incredible circle of support, including many of Will’s former and current teammates.
Athleticism runs deep in Isabella’s family as well. Her father played 11 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Philadelphia Flyers, and Isabella followed in those footsteps with her own collegiate basketball career at Loyola Maryland. She played alongside her middle sister, Ava, while their youngest sister also suited up for Loyola. The family legacy continues with her brother, who is headed to Villanova to play football.
The Ceremony
Their ceremony was soft, romantic, and filled with small details that felt true to them. Hydrangeas framed the aisle and altar, echoing the stationery design, while guests were given petal cones featuring the same watercolor shoreline artwork. The setting felt intimate and elegant, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfectly suited for this romantic wedding.
Cocktail Hour
Food played a central role in their celebration. Cocktail hour featured an abundant spread: ice bars, sushi, pierogies honoring her Polish heritage, fresh pasta, a margarita cart, and a shellfish station.
The Reception
At the reception, tables were marked with illustrations of their favorite restaurants, seating assignments appeared on wood-burned charcuterie boards, and guests filled out recipe cards instead of a traditional guest book. Guests received engraved olive oil bottles paired with artisan pasta, complete with illustrated tags highlighting the couple’s sports journeys.
Polish Tribute
A standout moment came when the Polish American Woodland String Band performed during the reception, honoring Isabella’s maternal grandparents and their Polish heritage. The music brought guests to their feet and filled the room with joy.
A Chic Ending
The night wrapped up exactly the way Will and Isabella imagined, a perfectly chic ending to their unforgettable “Friesday.” As the celebration shifted into full party mode, Isabella slipped into her final look of the night, a stylish change that echoed the romantic, European-inspired aesthetic woven throughout their day. With the dance floor packed and the energy soaring, the celebration closed on a high note.
Will and Isabella’s romantic wedding was full of meaningful design choices and unforgettable food moments. It was a day that felt deeply personal, beautifully curated, and truly reflective of the life they’re building together. If you enjoyed this feature, be sure to explore An Autumn Vineyard Wedding in Paso Dobles for more inspiration.
