Fans of history and culture, Abby and Joel found the perfect spot for their wedding reception right in Downtown Milwaukee. “The Milwaukee Public Museum is a place that brought us both great childhood memories,” say the couple, who have been friends since high school. Add to that a historic Milwaukee church they love, and the bulk of the planning for their turn-of-the-century style wedding was complete.
“Picking out the rest of the details was easy,” agree the West Allis pair. Abby and Joel accessorized with retro pieces, including a parasol and lace-up boots for her and a top hat for him. And when guests looked at the cake, they couldn’t help but be reminded of the bride and groom’s interest in science. “Joel assembled the Lunar Excursion Module for the cake,” says Abby, explaining that they joke about going to the moon. “I don’t know many grooms that make the cake topper themselves.”
“Planning for the wedding was a lot of fun when we both stuck to our opinions,” Joel says. Two of his favorite decisions: a honeymoon in Japan and a rehearsal dinner at Izumi’s. “It was a fantastic way to bring our friends and family together,” he says.
Joel and Abby got to enjoy plenty of time with guests on their wedding day, too. “We had attendants and vendors whom we could trust,” Abby says, pleased that the day went so smoothly. “It’s almost overwhelming to put everyone who loves and cares for you in the same room!”
Location: Milwaukee
Date: October 13, 2012
Photographs: Laura Zastrow Photography
Church: Grace Lutheran Church; Officiant: Rev. James Huebner; Pianist: Kevin Becker; Reception site: Milwaukee Public Museum; Caterer: Zilli Hospitality Group; Reception entertainment: Andy & Rachel; Gown, tuxedos: Amelishan Bridal; Bride’s shoes, parasol: Historical Emporium; Bride’s necklace: Yarmilla from Amelishan Bridal; Bride’s fascinator: IceGreenEyes; Bride’s hair: Kirkman’s Split Ends, (262) 763-2771; Bridesmaid dresses: A Savvy Bride; Groom’s top hat: The Brass Rooster; Men’s ties, accessories: Tie Drake; Rings: Rogers & Hollands Jewelers; Florist: Belle Fiori; Baker: Simma’s Bakery; Favors: Candy from museum candy store
By the end of high school, Ellie Martin Cliffe was completely enamored of journalism, so she chose the most logical college major possible: anthropology. Disappointed by the minimal emphasis on writing and editing, she changed tracks and earned a comm degree from Carroll College. Ellie has since tackled many facets of the field including books, magazines and the Web at places like The Knot and Reader's Digest. She now works full time in book publishing, and is thrilled to get her wedding fix with WedInMilwaukee.com. When she isn’t wielding her (red) pen, Ellie can be found in the garden, at any concert that showcases a fiddle, playing pub trivia or in the kitchen. She and her husband live in Riverwest with their hedgehog, Guinness, and grapefruit tree, Sprout.
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joel & abby’s wedding was fabulous and so them. thanks so much for featuring my photos of their wonderful day, wed in milwaukee!
Good friends and a great wedding, a solid day all around!
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