A matchmaking sister and a case of mistaken identity on Facebook brought Kari and Dave together, but it wasn’t until the two met in person—and she saw his Harley Fat Boy—that Kari “fell head over heels in love with him,” she admits.

The Franklin couple’s fun-loving personalities informed the wedding details, resulting in a classy celebration punctuated with color and sass. “I really enjoyed the fabric draping off the chandeliers in the Polish Center,” says Kari. “It gave the whole thing a put-together finishing touch.” She was also thrilled with how the cake turned out: “Five tiers of pure deliciousness!”

As they do in many weddings, family and heritage played special roles. Guests were encouraged to browse a table of framed family photos, and Dave’s mom let Kari in on a Polish wedding tradition: Kari’s veil was removed, and she was given an apron—the same one used at Dave’s parents’ reception.

The day was full of touching moments between the newlyweds, but also between the bride and her dad, who had recently overcome a life-threatening illness. “Our whole family was so thankful he was able to walk me down the aisle,” explains Kari. And that, as she would say, is “most excellent.”

Locations: Greendale, Franklin
Date: May 28, 2011
Photographs: JBe Photography

Church: St. Alphonsus Parish; Officiant: Rev. Alan Jurkus; Ceremony musician: Terry Piontkowski; Reception site: Polish Center of Wisconsin; Caterer: Jack Norman Catering; DJ: Midwest Sound; Gown: Amelishan Bridal; Bride’s hair: Shantay at Steven Edwards Color Group; Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal; Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse; Rings: American Antiques and Jewelry; Bride’s custom wedding bands: Lampone Jewelers, (414) 529-3515; Florist: Four Sisters Floral Co., (414) 483-4444; Baker: Aggie’s Cakes and Pastries; Stationer: KM Strunsee Designs, kmstrunseedesigns@gmail.com