If there’s one thing I’ve learned from poring over dozens upon dozens of weddings here on SMP, it’s this: personalization is key to the perfect day. I’m talking about weddings that feel thoughtful and authentic; where, if nothing else, guests can walk away saying, “That was so them.” And this Midwest affair fits that bill to a pretty little T. Erin Jean Photography captured every eclectic-loving detail, and there’s a million more moments to be swooned sitting right here.
From Erin Jean Photography…Melissa and Ryan are a modern couple. It’s a love story of photographer meets teacher. That produces a beautiful wedding. They had gorgeous details that scream personality. It was an urban meets vintage affair. Dream wedding! The grooms words were, “this is an etsy wedding!” From the bow ties to the paper elements surrounding the room, it was a handmade affair.
From the Bride and Groom… Like any other couple anxiously awaiting the day they finally get to marry the one person who makes their heart sing, Melissa and Ryan had a definite vision for their wedding day. Luckily for them, that day became everything they had dreamed and more. Their picturesque Milwaukee wedding landed (coincidentally) on the first day of summer, and after heavy rains and thunderstorms pushed through, their big day became one for the books.
Ryan, a musician and history teacher, and Melissa, a photographer and graphic designer, could not have selected a more beautiful venue for the day, historic Turner Hall Ballroom, a local and national landmark, built in 1882. Decorated in an eclectic but simple taste, they wanted the celebration to truly represent them as a couple. Making use of antiques they have been collecting since they’ve met, the assortment of their own vintage pieces merely enriched the distressed, but elegant environment of Turner Hall. The couple wanted to focus their wedding around local and handmade goods that would make their day one of a kind, including the handmade lace wedding dress, paper goods designed by the bride, and antique windows and picture frames painted and labeled with signage and seating arrangements.
Surrounded by the people that mean the most to them, the couple exchanged vows in a succinct ceremony officiated by their good friend, heard music performed by the groom’s bandmates, and dined on a vegetarian meal catered by Beans and Barley, a local vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant and market. They also provided the rustic floral arrangements of wildflowers on each table, as well as the delicious vegan red velvet wedding cake. Erin Jean Photography beautifully captured this stunning event.
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Photography: Erin Jean Photography | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Turner Hall | Paper Goods: The Bride | Wedding Dress: Custom by Sue Lindgren in Green Bay, WI | Mens Attire: Various | Bridesmaid Dresses: Various