Brooke and Steve became fast friends in their first job out of college. “We bonded over a love of Downtown, the Brewers, margaritas and staying physically active,” says Brooke. The more they discovered they had in common, the deeper their feelings for one another grew.

When the couple got engaged, they aimed to fulfill Brooke’s dream of a classic black-and-white wedding. “We wanted a very traditional church ceremony followed by a formal reception,” the bride says. She and Steve immediately chose their home church, and loved the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton as soon as they stepped inside. “The ornate and elegant décor of that room fit with our style perfectly,” she says.

Instead of booking salon appointments, Brooke and her attendants got ready at home. “The girls and I enjoyed having hair and makeup done right at my condo, without having to rush around to different places,” she says. “It was a relaxed morning!” And that laid-back morning flowed into a snag-free day.

From beginning to end, Brooke and Steve’s wedding was punctuated with memorable moments for them and their guests: a poignant sermon, a stroll down Old World Third Street (where strangers clapped and cheered!), handmade centerpieces, meaningful toasts and a packed dance floor. “I teased afterwards that if anything went wrong,” the bride says, “I didn’t know about it—which is how it should be!”

Location: Milwaukee
Date: May 12, 2012
Photographs: Sarah Immel Photography

Church: Grace Lutheran Church; Officiant: Rev. Lindemann; Reception: Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Crystal Ballroom; DJ: Midwest Sound; Bride’s hair and makeup: Hair Design by Amy & Co.; Bridesmaid dresses: Specially Hers; Bridesmaid accessories: Charming Charlie; Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse; Young attendants’ attire: WeddingDress.com; Rings: Kesslers Diamonds; Bride’s other jewelry: Kesslers Diamonds, Charming Charlie; Florist: Blooming Perfection; Baker: Milwaukee Cupcake Company