Guests must have known they were in for a treat when Emily and Jerad’s wedding invitation arrived in the mail—these two know how to throw a party. “Jerad and I love to have a good time and be surrounded by our loved ones,” Emily says. “We love to entertain our friends and family, whether it’s the annual New Year’s Eve party, summer grill-outs or our ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving where Jerad plays chef and I play Martha Stewart.”

Having always dreamt of an October wedding, Emily got her wish—read all about their engagement here. To pull off this extra-special occasion, the Milwaukee pair planned for about 18 months, weaving an autumn theme throughout the day, complete with branches, maple leaves and candles. “I couldn’t have been luckier to have such an organized bride!” says Jerad. “Her attention to detail, planning and creativity really paid off!”

“Time just seemed to fly all day!” notes Emily—but some of the wedding’s events are etched in her memory. “My dad and I stood in the doorway for a few moments as the processional changed to Canon in D,” she says. “I will never forget the organ singing gently, my dad squeezing my hand, and my groom’s eyes on me.” The bride also had her grandpas’ photos added to her bouquet wrap. “It truly meant the world to me to carry them down the aisle and throughout the day,” she explains. “I know it meant a lot to my grandmas and other family members as well.”

Because, as Jerad says, “every little special moment counts,” the couple took plenty of opportunities to enjoy them. “From getting ready with all my girls at the salon, to seeing my groom standing at the end of the aisle, to visiting with our guests at the reception, and dancing the night away ‘Gangnam Style,’ it really was the perfect day!” Emily says. “I would relive it over and over if I could!”

Locations: Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee
Date: October 6, 2012
Photographs: Dennis Felber Photography

Coordinator: All Dressed Up Event Planning; Church: Holy Cross Lutheran Church; Officiant: Rev. Meredith Bedker Musaus; Ceremony vocalist: Mark Glatzel of Milwaukee band I’m Not A Pilot; Reception site: Turner Hall Ballroom; Caterer: Grill on the Go; DJ: Rob Kinsley of Complete Music; Gown: Oleg Cassini from David’s Bridal; Bride’s shoes: MyGlassSlipper.com; Flower girl dress and bride’s accessories: David’s Bridal; Bride’s hair: Pink Lemonade Salon & Day Spa; Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff from Amelishan Bridal; Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse; Rings: Rogers & Hollands Jewelers; Florist: Mayflowers; Baker: Brookfield Wedding Cakes; Photo booth: Vital Image Photography; Stationery: DIY; Favors: The bride’s aunt