Theresa & Ryan's River Hills wedding

A lovely spring day was the ideal setting for Theresa and Ryan’s elegant April wedding, which took place at two historic Milwaukee venues. Uncommon and not-so-traditional details, such as herb centerpieces and a lavish dessert spread, contributed to a day that made a big impression on the newlyweds and their guests. “The number of thank-you notes that we received from our family and friends after the wedding would suggest that they felt it was truly a success as well!” Theresa says.

She first met Ryan at Alterra on the Lake, where they’d come to discuss volunteer opportunities at her school. “He did end up volunteering,” she says, “And we realized that our dedication to our work, the importance of family, love of sports and good food were just a few of the things that we had in common!”

Family and friends pitched in to make the day truly personal, from doing Theresa’s hair and makeup and designing the jewelry she wore, to creating the wedding stationery and offering heartfelt toasts at the reception. Perhaps the most unique detail of all, however, was the bride’s gown, which her mother made by hand.

“I never really understood the phrase ‘radiant bride’ until Theresa walked through the doors at the church,” Ryan says of the first time he saw her that day. “I’ve never seen someone so excited and happy.”

Locations: Milwaukee, River Hills
Date: April 14, 2012
Photographs: Leo and Jenny Photography

Church: St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church; Officiant: Bishop Donald J. Hying, Fr. Kevin Schneider; Reception: Milwaukee Country Club, (414) 362-5200; Reception entertainment: Sound By Design; Gown: Anne Erbe (bride’s mother); Bride’s shoes: Gigi of Mequon; Bride’s hair/makeup: Friends and family; Bridesmaid dresses: Savvy Bride; Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse; Rings/bride’s jewelry: Powers Goldsmith Shop Ltd.; Bridesmaid jewelry: Ann Taylor; Florist/herb favors: Jaimer’s Floral; Stationer/calligrapher: Sisters of the bride; Transportation: Blackline Limousines, Cheesehead Limousine

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.