September 12th, 2020 / Milwaukee, Wisconsin
How did your love story begin?: One day on a business trip, I went to Mike's yoga class. The next day, we went on a date before I left town, and we were both very certain where our future would go. Three years later, that one yoga class gave us way more than a great workout - it brought us a husband and wife! That's the nutshell version, but it really did all seem to happen so fast! Many things about our relationship have been very natural, and most times, just include the two of us. Our proposal was no different. Mike and I went to a three day concert in Chicago, and before we left our hotel toward the venue, Mike got down on one knee and explained he had a whole plan set in stone in Milwaukee, but he just couldn't stand the thought of dancing all weekend with his girlfriend - he wanted to be dancing with his future wife. I feel like I blacked out, but ended up on the ground with him, in tears, before saying yes! We spent the entire weekend alone, relaxing in love, before heading back home to spread the news.
What was your vision for the wedding?: Neither Mike or I had a picture perfect wedding day already crafted in our mind, so while planning, we really just knew we wanted it to feel rustic, relaxed, and romantic. Being entrepreneurs ourselves, we felt passionately about supporting local businesses, and honestly, knew they would put the most love into our day! During our planning process, we created the most fulfilling relationships, and were able to put our trust into each vendor by saying, "let your creativity fly!" After all, they are the experts!
Tell us all about your dress!: Having never shopped for dresses before, I had no idea what to expect other than what I had seen in movies. Honestly, it went pretty similarly - truly a fairy tale experience! I went in with no direction besides wanting to "feel like I could put leaves in my hair and walk through the fields barefoot." While I tried on many stunning dresses, there was only one that made me feel like the bride I imagined myself being. That's how I knew Miltonia was the one. Emily let me know that the dress could be further customized to include a slit that I had named "sexy leg," and the rest was history!
You planned and you planned, but how did the day ACTUALLY go?: Our plans changed a bit when we realized the pandemic wasn’t proving safe for large crowds. Though we were devastated to not have our friends near, we were over the moon to celebrate our love a month and a half sooner than planned with a small backyard ceremony with our immediate family. All of our vendors were still available, and they could not have created a more perfect wedding. With the most beautiful floral design and macrame backdrop, Belle Fiori turned our backyard into an absolute dream. Moving our date from October to September made the weather perfectly warm, and although it was raining, it was so much fun! The gloominess made for the most stunning photography, and the muddy ground encouraged me to get into the lake for pictures. Yes - literally - in the lake! It was a day we will never forget and the perfect way to start our life together.
What is your best advice for future brides-to-be?: Learned from our unexpected covid wedding, my advice to all brides is to take time to come back to WHY you’re getting married: your love and new commitment to your partner. There are so many components of a wedding, a long checklist of things to do, and the opinions of others in your ears. It’s easy to get stressed, but its way more fun to celebrate your future together instead.
Gown: Custom Miltonia by Alena Leena from Strike Bridal Bar
Veil: Bella by Laura Jane from Strike Bridal Bar
Photographer: LK Photography
Videography: Simply Finn
Rentals: Collins Custom Creations
Getting Ready Venue: Iron Horse Hotel
First Look Venue: Mob Craft
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Event Tent by Canopies Events with Distinction
Catering: Hidden Kitchen MKE
Floral: Belle Fiori
Rings: Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry + Manly Bands
Dessert & Cocktails: Greige Patisserie
