When Wauwatosans Katrina and Josh decided to wed in Milwaukee, they knew that most of their guests would have to travel. “We wanted them to be able to see what a great city Milwaukee is,” says the bride. So the couple set to work. They assembled hotel welcome baskets packed with local items and a map of their favorite spots, hosted their rehearsal shindig at the Miller Inn at MillerCoors, and chose Pier Wisconsin as their reception spot. “We really wanted to have the reception by the lake and let people be able to walk around downtown and see the city,” Katrina explains.
The couple made all of their plans with their guests’ enjoyment in mind, choosing elements that would make for a fun and relaxing day, but with touches of class. “The decor was minimal,” says Katrina. “We didn’t need much, because the space was so interesting all on its own…We had our dance floor outside under the stars and were able to see the sunset from the promenade where we had the dinner.”
Katrina and Josh enlisted a host of wedding pros to work behind the scenes, including a day-of coordinator from Evenement Planning. “It lets all of your guests feel like guests,” explains the bride, who felt just as special. “During the reception, Josh and I had a sweetheart table and it was nice for us to be able to talk, take it all in, and enjoy the experience.”
“The entire weekend turned out great,” Katrina says. “Our friends and family got to see what a great city Milwaukee can be, which was just what we wanted. I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Location: Milwaukee
Date: August 27, 2011
Photographs: Champagne Studios
Day-of coordinator: Janelle Meyer-Brown at Evenement Planning; Church: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist; Officiant: Fr. Mike Hammer; Ceremony musician: Michael J. Batcho; Reception site: Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin; Caterer: Bartolotta Catering and Events; DJ: Sound by Design; Gown: Vineyard Collection; Bride’s shoes: Nina; Bride’s earrings: Mother of the bride’s; Bride’s hair & makeup: Well Spa & Janice Salon; Bridesmaid dresses: Alvina Valenta; Tuxedos: DuBois Formalwear; Rings: Kessler’s Diamonds; Cinematography: Champagne Studios (shown here on Vimeo); Florist: Belle Fiori; Baker: Simma’s Bakery; Stationery: DIY; Favors: Personalized pint glasses; Trolley: DMI Limousine Service
Want to see your wedding featured here? Send us a link to your professional wedding photos, along with a note that includes your wedding date and location.
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.
SIGN INTO YOUR ACCOUNT
This looks like a fabulous wedding. The Pier and the lakefront area are so beautiful, it would be the perfect location. The pictures that were taken on the three master and in the aquarium area are unique and special. The idea of “showing off” Milwaukee is great as the city does have so much to offer.
It seems the bride and groom were more concerned about their guests than themselves. What a wonderful way to treat their guests. The tall ship was a nice touch.
Loved how the couple included the tradional rites (church wedding) along with fun ideas like the Grateful Dead socks and aquarium. What struck me most was how relaxed the bride and groom looked, totally enjoying themselves on their perfect day.
Elegant and charming! The wedding seemed to have classic tradition with a splash of fun!
Pingback: Best of Wed in Milwaukee 2012 - WedInMilwaukee.com
Pingback: 2013 wedding guide: florists - WedInMilwaukee.com
Pingback: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wedding DJs, bands, lighting and photo booths
Pingback: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wedding planners and coordinators