This wedding is proof that elegance and simplicity never go out of style – at least in our book. And it’s proof that when you mesh a classic color palette, romantic details and a restored warehouse reception venue – you’re left with a day that’s both untraditional and timeless all wrapped into one. Anna Page is to thank for the oh-so-pretty photos, and you can feast your eyes on every moment right over here.
From the Bride… Charlie and I have known each other since middle school, I even had a crush on him then; but he was more focused on sports than girls. So it wasn’t until the summer of our junior year of high school that our relationship began. My parents invited Charlie’s family up to our lake home in Elkhart Lake, WI. It was a day of boating, sun activities and enjoying meals…but Charlie and I managed to spend almost the entire day getting to know each other down at the beach. Fast forward 8 years, and on that same beach 4th of July weekend, Charlie proposed.
We both knew from the start that we wanted something unique for our wedding; which is why when we first stepped foot into the Historic Pritzlaff building nestled in the Milwaukee’s Third Ward we instantly fell in love with this venue. We loved that this restored warehouse, adorning infamous Milwaukee Cream City brick, was a blank slate and a space we could truly make our own. The Pritzlaff is so unique and provided the vintage, rustic and urban feel we were looking for.
Our wedding day was perfect – it was a beautiful and breezy summer day. Downtown Milwaukee was bustling with 4th of July Weekend festivities and we were surrounded by an abundance of our family and friends.
Our bridal party looked amazing. The bridesmaids were outfitted in soft blush chiffon J. Crew dresses that were flowy and feminine. The dresses were accented with nude heels and Stella and Dot earrings. The guys were outrageously handsome in Vera Wang Black Tuxedos with crisp white shirts and shiny black patent leather shoes. All the attendants looked elegant yet comfortable for a day of radiance and dancing!
Our ceremony was held at the beautiful Old Saint Mary Church in downtown Milwaukee. It was the same church where Charlie’s parents were married 27 years ago. We were so blessed to have my childhood priest and dear family friend as the celebrant. He gave the message that marriage was a lot like dancing and that it will be unique to each of us. He encouraged us and all our guests to dance their way through life. Our guests took his message to heart and we all danced the night away – Charlie and I were thrilled to see the dance floor packed the entire night!
One of my favorite memories from our wedding day was our first look. We were overwhelmed with excitement and emotion and Anna Page captured it perfectly. It brings tears to my eyes just reminiscing about sharing that moment with Charlie. Both sets of our parents just happened to witness this exact moment side-by-side. Again, Anna captured their expressive looks of love and contentment. This memory will forever be etched in my mind
Many people told me to take some time during the wedding day to reflect and live in the moment. We did just that. While guests were being seated we quickly escaped to the rooftop of the Pritzlaff building and enjoyed some of the best views of the city both of us call home. It was a beautiful and peaceful moment and one that I will always treasure.
We worked with Shully’s Cuisine to create one of the most spectacular meals we have ever had. Dinners in our households were an experience and that is what we wanted for our wedding. The evening started off with a fabulous outdoor cocktail hour with a spread of various meats, Wisconsin cheeses and oyster shooters (my dad’s favorite!). Our Tuscan themed dinner cuisine was served family style creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere for all. The dishes were served in waves, starting with a fresh Italian summer salad followed by roasted pork loin, shrimp arrabbiata, chicken marsala, sweet summer pea risotto and roasted vegetable pasta stacks. Guests were able to have it all! Not to mention our decadent red velvet cake by The Cake Lady, served alongside an array of petite desserts. For a late night treat we served an assortment of pizza from our favorite college pizza place – Ian’s Pizza.
Our wedding day was better than I could have ever imagined. We are so thankful for the vendors who helped make our wedding day perfect and are so blessed to have shared this day with the people we love most.
Photography: Anna Page Photography | Florist: Impressions by Esther Flemming | Cake: The Cake Lady | Ceremony: Old St. Mary's Church | Reception Venue: Pritzlaff Events | Brides shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Shully's | Hair: Erik of Norway | DJ: Sound by Design | Bow ties: Calvin Klein | Bridal Party Transportation: Badger Bus | Brides Earrings: Stella & Dot | Brides Gown: Palazzo | Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men's Wearhouse | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Photobooth: Beyond the Booth Photography