A worrier by nature, these thoughts paced my mind until a very close friend of mine reminded me – registries can be updated whenever and if you have to, you can always return. Whew, relief.

While Milwaukee boasts many unique local registries, I chose to start at Crate&Barrel in Wauwatosa. While we went in on a whim (and there were at least 10 other couples who did the same), Crate&Barrel does host special events just for this occasion. The Wedding Parties events is a party just for you. According to Crate&Barrel, you’ll get inside tips from registry experts, create your perfect registry and celebrate with food, drinks and fun. Mark your calendars, brides, the next event is Sunday, June 2 from 9-11 a.m. at Mayfair Mall. RSVP here.

For those of you getting ready to start your own wedding registry adventures, here are a few tips that I’ll keep in mind for my next store:

1. Before stepping foot in the store, have a list on paper or in you mind of the items you need & don’t need.
2. When navigating the store, work through section by section. Completely finish the kitchen section before moving onto bedding.
3. If you come across an item you’re unsure about, scan it anyways! You can always remove the item later online.
4. Be practical about your choices but have fun too! It won’t hurt to throw in a couple items that you may not not need, but want.
5. Remember what other stores you are adding to your registry too, and what they might offer compared to your current location.
6. Last but not least – have fun!

The post Creating a wedding registry + a special Crate&Barrel event appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

Shopping habits are changing, and as Milwaukee’s retail landscape continues to evolve OnMilwaukee.com is pulling out the credit card for a full week of retail, shopping and commerce content. Stories about local stores, national retailers, online shopping and more. OnMilwaukee.com “Retail Week” will highlight shopping through a creative and diverse lens.

Right under your nose, hidden in plain sight, is a clothing store you have to see to believe. Frieschskys, 788 N. Jefferson St., isn’t actually that special to look at. But when you step out of the elevator on the seventh floor of the nondescript office building, it doesn’t take long to realize that something special does await you.

Imagine a one-off, super high-end clothing store. No sales associates are there to help you, no signs point you in the right direction. Look around a little and you’ll see some brands you’re familiar with, like Gucci and Prada and Zegna and Salvadore Ferragamo.

But something is amiss. That $1,900 House of Carrington Italian linen suit is marked down to $379.95. Those $265 John Varvatos brushed suede ankle boots are marked down to $139.95.

It’s sort of like TJ Maxx on steroids. Except with lots of photo light boxes, and the four owners are seemingly spending all day on eBay.

If you haven’t already guessed, Frieschskys does most of its business online, specifically on eBay. In fact, 90 percent of owner Tim Friesch’s business doesn’t exist in the brick and mortar world, and it hasn’t since he began selling on eBay in 1999, and as a real company in 2007.

“eBay brings in tons of traffic, particularly international traffic,” says Friesch, who’s seller profile has 22,413 pieces of feedback as of press time.

But all this merchandise – some 10,000 pieces of mostly men and some women’s clothing – needs a home. And if you want a private, very unusual shopping experience, Friesch will happily sell you anything off his rack.

Private is sort of the name of the game at Frieschskys. Athletes and other wealthy customers who can’t – or don’t want to – shop at, say, Macy’s, bring personal shoppers like OnMilwaukee.com style columnist James Lohmiller to handpick their wardrobe. Even Bucks and Packers like a bargain, but more importantly, they can buy high-end fashion that can’t be found anywhere else in Wisconsin.

“If Brandon Jennings comes in, we’ll just leave him alone and let him shop. If he picks out a suit, I’ve got chalk. We’ll send it a tailor and drop it off. It works well for us, because a shopper like James can guide them.”

So how does it all work?

Friesch and his partners gobble up inventory from bankrupt retailers, buying entire lines at pennies on the dollar. “A lot comes from family-owned stores in Chicago. I buy from Ohio, Michigan, the Twin Cities,” he says.

Sometimes it’s last season’s fashions, or he’ll grab bigger lots from suppliers in Italy. It’s actually the same business plan as sites like Gilt.com; it’s just the vehicle for selling that’s a little different. Of course, the physical store is less of a priority.

“Between shipping things out and taking pictures of stuff, I’m not looking for people to come in, but sure, I’m open to the public,” says Friesch. “I’ve had random people come in because there are attorneys on the floor. More so, the people who come in are referrals.”

Be prepared: if you visit and browse the racks at Frieschskys, you’ll see some unusual items. Don’t be surprised at the rack of white tuxedos or the shiny pink jackets or the blue plaid blazers your grandpa wore in the early ‘70s. Friesch points out the many of his clients are in Europe or Asia where, well, styles are different. A lot of the original price tags are in Euros.

But Friesch knows what he’s looking for.

“A lot of times I choose from a list. I usually take what’s left over from those big flash sales – they’ll sell off 80 percent of their stock, all on consignment; they don’t own it. But then the person who does own it will call me and will tell me that he has 20 percent of the Zegna pants left. I’ll lowball him a price and take the leftovers.”

The most you will pay here is half off retail, but Friesch says that a lot is much less. An $2,000 Armani suit, he says, will sell for $750, which is about 65 percent off retail. “You can assume I bought it for half of that or a little more.”

And some of the items are quite a bit cheaper. “We have all price points,” he says. “The House of Carrington was a Wisconsin company that went bankrupt and I probably bought 10,000 units for dirt cheap. So I have a couple thousand pairs of pants in the back room – that’s pretty fun to look at.”

Is this how the 30-year-old Friesch, a former corporate accountant, imagined his business would evolve?

“Pretty much, to tell you the truth,” he says. “All of this furniture … I got it all cheap, or else it would look like a warehouse. They gave us a killer deal here. The online side is where the growth is. As far as the walk-in traffic, I’m comfortable with the volume. I like it.”

Along with his three other partners, business is booming. But no, Friesch doesn’t wear the clothes he sells.

“I can’t afford most of this stuff,” he says with a smile. “I’m a jeans and T-shirt man.”

The post Downtown’s "secret" clothing shop sells high-end fashion at rock-bottom prices appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

The couture bridal gown collection features classic looks in combination with a modern fashion flare. Fabrics include silk, satin and traditional, romantic lace. Details include hand-beaded Swarovski Crystals, sculpted necklines and figure-flattering ruching.

Most recently a James Clifford gown was showcased on The Rachel Ray Show with the help of “Say Yes to the Dress” host Lori Allen, as a crowd favorite, seen here. Limited appointments for the trunk show are available. Contact 414.755.2900 or info@missrubyboutique.com to schedule yours.

The post James Clifford bridal trunk show appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

If the photo above looks familiar, that’s because it is. Hint: think Bridesmaids, the movie. We love couples who have fun with their photography! While most couples who choose Christmastime for their weddings are doing so because they love the holiday, Chris and Sarah chose December because they wanted to do something different.

“Our attendants wore green (a pale green so it wasn’t TOO Christmas-y!) and our flowers were red,” Sarah said. Among other Christmas touches, guests received small stockings to stuff at the couple’s candy table, ornaments to decorate the table and Christmas-themed stickers on the place cards.

“Everything went perfectly,” Sarah said. “Because we didn’t spend a lot of time on any one detail, there was nothing really to go wrong.” And the couple’s favorite detail of the wedding? “Our Homer and Marge cake topper! The cake was gorgeous and so perfectly us.”

For a couple who first met in sixth grade, this long awaited moment was the perfect day. Their advice to other couples – take your time. “Decide what’s important to you and spend your time and money on that,” Sarah says. “Talk to your future spouse beforehand to decide what is the most important to both of you. Each of us were able to get exactly what was important to us because we communicated what we wanted before we tried to make decisions.”

Location: Milwaukee
Date: December 1, 2012
Photographs: I Do Photography

Ceremony site: Marriott Milwaukee West; Officiant: Pastor Ben Kuerth, Victory of the Lamb church; Ceremony music: Echelon String Quartet; Reception site: Marriott Milwaukee West; Caterer: Marriott Milwaukee West; Gown: David’s Bridal; Bride’s hair/makeup: Anton’s Salon; Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal; Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse; Bride’s shoes: blue glitter TOMS; Young attendants’ attire: Men’s Wearhouse; Rings: Rogers & Hollands; Florist: Pick n Save; Baker: Sweet Perfections

The post Chris & Sarah’s Milwaukee wedding appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

While you’ll still get out with your girls after your wedding day, your bachelorette party is a tradition most brides-to-be are sure to take part of. It’s the perfect excuse to get your best girlfriends together to celebrate this very special occasion. One out-of-the-box Milwaukee bachelorette or bachelor party option is the Pedal Tavern.

Co-Owner Derek Collins says, “the Pedal Tavern is a 16 passenger fun machine! It is a giant bicycle that is centrally located in the heart of Walker’s Point and the Third Ward.” How does it work exactly? The Pedal Tavern supplies a licensed chauffeur to guide your party around the city, with an option to stop at over 20 participating bars with Pedal Tavern drink discounts.

“We encourage bridal parties to decorate our Pedal Taverns,” Collins says. “The more decorations usually leads to more fun. There are a few gem bars that we recommend, but the bridal party has full control of where they want to go.”

Since most bachelorette parties are a mix of high school friends, college friends, co-workers and family, the Pedal Tavern is the perfect way to bring all parties together to make memories.

“In the middle of the Pedal Tavern, there is an open floor. You are allowed to have two people stand in there…this usually leads to a heated dance battle between friends,” Collins says.

Since the Pedal Tavern is a popular option for Saturday bachelorette or bachelor parties, Collins recommends booking 3-5 weeks in advance. And, there’s no need to stop there – the Pedal Tavern can also be rented for your actual wedding day.

One of the reasons the Pedal Tavern is so popular is that it’s a great way to showcase the city. We asked Collins how he would plan the perfect bachelorette party, and here’s what he said: “rent out rooms downtown (Hilton, Hotel Metro, Iron Horse, InterContinental), organize a mani/pedi with everyone and bring your own champagne. Next, head to the Third Ward and get a bite to eat for lunch followed by the most amazing Pedal Tavern ride that you will ever have. Next, have dinner (either at our starting bar, Olydias or somewhere else in the Third Ward like Sail Loft, Ryan Braun’s Graffito or Ale House). After dinner, take a sunset boat ride with Captain Tim from RiverWalk Boat Tours followed with some after sunset dancing at Oak.”

Sounds pretty perfect to us.

The post Milwaukee bachelorette party: Pedal Tavern appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

Perhaps it was the fact that Cassey and Josh enjoy similar activities, or perhaps it’s because the two of them kept coming back to the same bar; either way, one thing is for certain, it’s that very word “perhaps” that brought the two together.

After a few encounters while Cassey bar tended and Josh was a faithful customer, he eventually asked her on a date and she simply answered with, “perhaps.” Still, that’s all it took. The couple now enjoys going to the movies, shopping, bike rides and working out together. Cassey says, “everything we do is better when the other person is there.”

Ready to combine Cassey’s vintage love with Josh’s modern style, the couple plans to meet in the middle when it comes to planning their October 2013 wedding. For engagement photos, they left the planning up to their photographer, Britt, and opted for a playful and intimate shoot in Brit’s studio loft.

Cassey reminds all brides-to-be, “what you’re doing and why you’re doing it is because you love the person you’re with and that’s what a wedding is all about. Don’t let the wedding plans become bigger than your significant other.”

Photos by Britt Taylor Photography

The post Cassey & Josh’s Milwaukee loft engagement appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

Your wedding colors set the tone for your entire affair. Most likely, your bridesmaids will adorn the color, your flowers will be speckled with it and your decorations will accent the event through varied hues. Question is, how do you choose your colors? A variety of factors can sway this decision.

Seven tips to keep in mind as you make your color choices:

1. Season: what color will the trees be? Will the sun beat down or winter clouds roll in? Consider all seasonal factors, and match accordingly. For spring & summer think light, bright hues. For winter & fall, go a little darker.
2. Venue: keep in mind what colors won’t go with your ceremony or reception site, and play up those colors that do.
3. Personal preference: what colors do you personally love (and hate!)? This is important too – keep these in mind.
4. Other key wedding elements: do you have a family heirloom you know will be a part of your big day? Will it match or clash the colors you choose?
5. Choose a dominant color: Start with a color you know you want. Then match appropriately by choosing different shades to accent with.
6. Set your mood: think about how your color combinations will set the tone for your event. Do you want your guests to feel relaxed, or lively and upbeat? Colors can evoke this.
7. Pictures: what colors will look the best in photos and video? After all, that’s where the memories live.

Take a look at how these Wed in Milwaukee brides incorporated color into their weddings, by clicking the photos below.

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Despite a slight bump in the road when the church was still yet to be unlocked just an hour before the ceremony – the couple’s family and florist worked to make sure everything started on time. This just proves, no matter what hiccups come across on your big day, as long as you marry your best friend, everything will be perfect. Kathy & Kevin chose to marry in St. Martin of Tours, the church where Kathy’s parents were married almost 40 years ago.

At the reception, Kathy says, “flowers and cake were an easy tie!” for which details were her favorite. And their chosen band, Velocity – ACA Entertainment, completely “rocked!” Although the couple attended the same high school, they didn’t reconnect until after Kathy moved back from La Crosse, after college. They sparked instantly and have been together ever since.

Location: Franklin & Milwaukee
Date: July 21, 2012
Photographs: I Do Photography

Church: St. Martin of Tours, Franklin; Officiant: Fr. Thi Pham, Franklin; Ceremony musicians: Caryn Reusch, Muskego (friend of the bride); Reception site: Clarion Hotel – Airport; Caterer: Cork N’ Cleaver – Clarion Hotel Service; Reception entertainment: Velocity – ACA Entertainment; Transportation: Chaffee Limo; Gown: Savvy Bride; Bride’s hair/makeup: Signature Salon; Bridesmaid dresses & accessories: Savvy Bride; Tuxedos: Savvy Bride; Young attendant’s attire: David’s Bridal; Rings: Kay’s Jewelers; Bride’s other jewelry: Savvy Bride; Florist: Garden Party Florist; Baker: Sweet Perfections; Favors: Party Picturebooth.

The post Kathy & Kevin’s Franklin wedding appeared first on WedInMilwaukee.com.

I’ll admit it, my fiance and I toured well over 12 Milwaukee-area venues, and our favorites (Cuvee and 1451 Renaissance Place) we walked through more than once. But you must! It’s one of the most important days of your life; and you’ll want to make sure your decision is what you have always hoped for. After all, the reception site most likely will set the tone for all of your wedding decisions to come. And just like you knew your fiance was the one and that feeling you had when you said yes to the dress – that will all come flooding back, when you find your venue.

Take a look at our list of possible venue & reception sites in the Milwaukee area to choose from. As you start your tours, use these 10 handy dandy talking points to find what’s right for you:

1. How many guests can the space hold?
2. Is your date available?
3. Can you use your own vendors?
4. What does the rental fee include? (Think chairs, parking, etc.)
5. On the wedding day, what time can you start setting up?
6. Is there space for the bridal party to get ready?
7. If you are having your ceremony & reception in the same venue, how long will it take to flip the room?
8. Are there bathrooms available on-site?
9. What form of payment do you need to give?
10. What other restrictions might affect the day?

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