Maren & Craig's Milwaukee wedding

The photos from Maren and Craig’s gorgeous wedding day say a lot about them, but certainly not that they pulled together the event in just eight months. “Everywhere we went, the only date available was September 3,” says the bride, who admits she had always hoped for a fall wedding. “It was fate…serendipity.”

“We wanted a classic look with a modern twist,” explains Maren. “That’s why we thought the Wisconsin Club was a perfect venue. It is beautiful, with an ornate design and a wonderful history.” Once the spot was booked, the Wauwatosa pair chose details to infuse contemporary flair: a plum-and-charcoal color scheme, a modern invitation design, custom lighting, a photo booth and more. Framed photos from their parents’ and grandparents’ weddings and bios about each of the attendants lent a personal, welcoming touch.

“My favorite part was taking pictures between the ceremony and the reception,” says Craig. “It was a time to decompress and just relax with close friends and family, have a drink or two, and enjoy the day between the rushing around.”

For Maren, the most memorable part of the day was at the church, when she knew all the pieces had fallen into place. “My Dad walked me down the aisle and put my hand in my husband’s. I can still see Craig smiling at me as the doors opened,” she says. “At the end of it all, we were happily married and looking forward to starting our life together.”

Location: Milwaukee
Date: September 3, 2010
Photographs: Valo Photography

Church: Redeemer Lutheran Church; Officiant: Rev. Dr. Lonnie Richardson; Ceremony musicians: Jack Schuknecht, Jenny Schwingle and Kara Christensen; Reception & transportation: Wisconsin Club; DJ & lighting: Paul Hackbarth at Sound by Design; Gown: Allure Bridals from Vera’s House of Bridals; Bride’s hairpiece & veil: Jaxie Bridal; Bride’s earrings: Diane Charlton; Bride’s shoes: Joan & David from Nordstrom; Bride’s hair & makeup: Liza Cohen-Avila at East Towne Spa & Salon; Bridesmaid dresses: Bill Levkoff from Kay Bridal Shop; Tuxedos: Joseph Abboud by Nedrebo’s Formal Wear provided by Kay Bridal Shop; Rings: Kesslers Diamonds; Florist: Mayflowers; Baker: Brookfield Wedding Cakes; Stationer: Bride designed; Stationery printing: HM Graphics; Photo booth: Picture This! Photobooths, (414) 881-1750

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Ellie Martin Cliffe (104 Posts)

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.