A Modern Lakeside Spring Reception at Milwaukee Art Museum

When a couple gets married in spring, and their first vendor booked is the florist, you know it’s going to be one gorgeous day of blooms! Their wedding day was filled with modern, romantic, spring-inspired details. Candlelit tables, soft and elegant banquette seating, and abounding spring florals set the tone for the celebration. Michaela’s 14 bridesmaids brought the colors of spring to life, dressed in various textures and pastels, setting the tone for the florist’s palette and design. Texture was played with in both the dresses and the reception space to help balance the modern Art Museum, creating a picture-perfect scene for their special day. Michaela’s gown also had a floral textured skirt to enhance the spring theme. and to top it off, the apple trees surrounding the venue were perfectly in the height of their bloom, which gave extra beauty for guests to take in as they sipped cocktails on an already stunning lake view on the patio. Michaela and Andrew’s wedding day was a reflection of their journey together—a day filled with love, laughter, tradition, and unforgettable new moments shared with family and friends in the city they love.

From the Bride: While dating and attending college at Notre Dame, Wisconsin became an integral part of our relationship, as we often traveled back home together. It was only fitting that Andrew chose to propose in this special place, surrounded by the people we love. On the Fourth of July, at a charming church near my family's lake house, Andrew got down on one knee, completely surprising me! The joy continued afterwards with both of our families who came to join in on the special celebration, and with of course, fireworks!"

Michaela quickly booked a wedding dress appointment the weekend after the engagement in hopes that her 4 sisters could all make it. She was shocked to find out that Aleena Leena's newest collection was in-store that very weekend—the same designer who had crafted her older sister's wedding dress! With her mom and all four sisters by her side, Michaela found "the one" in the very first dress she tried on. The romantic and modern gown was the perfect choice for their spring wedding with its floral textured skirt and unique sheer bodice.

Michaela’s 14 bridesmaids certainly brought the colors of spring to life, dressed in various styles and textures of pastel pinks, blues, and greens. They each carried a monochromatic bouquet to match the tone of their dresses.

Guests were greeted at cocktail hour with three signature drink menu options, "hers", "his," and "ours." Being from Wisconsin, they both agreed a signature Brandy Old Fashioned was a must! Their other two included Michaela's "The Firing Squad" for tequila lovers, and for Andrew's choice, a classic Gin & Tonic.

The floral design was a major visual statement for the day and was included in nearly every photographic detail. From the styling of the invitation suite that bride Michaela designed, to the handheld monochromatic bouquets each bridesmaid carried in their corresponding color, to offering privacy screens for their banquette seating. During their reception, the florals not only were elegant and a textural vision to look at, fully bringing to life this springtime vision and adding interest to an otherwise modern blank space. But also served their functional purpose as well! Other textural items included a mix of french blue velvet and floral lace tableclothes. Tapestry candles and wooden chairs helped bring a welcoming warmth and coziness to the space.

Following their grand entrance into their first dance, the couple cut their simple, white, two-tiered cake with added floral, playing off the ambiance of their modern white venue and floral-filled reception as guests looked on from their tables.

Several months prior, Michaela had sent Andrew many photos of white convertible wedding photos. "She loved that aesthetic, particularly the idea of us in the convertible with the Milwaukee skyline behind." Over the months of planning, they decided to drop the idea. However, leading up the big day Andrew secretly secured a white BMV from his aunt to surprise her with when they headed out for sunset photos. The reaction of her seeing the car parked out front as they headed outside was of such genuine excitement, and made for such a romantic evening taking the car for a quick spin as the sun set.

While most of their day leaned into the modern wedding day, their shared faith and love of family and rooted traditions played an important role in strengthening their special bond. After their traditional catholic ceremony and mass at the Basilica, they handed out "Grandpa D’s snacks" - sharing Andrew's family chex mix tradition with all their family and friends to enjoy!

They are very much friends & family people and love to be surrounded, as if their wedding party size wasn't any indication! Even on international trips, they have always traveled with their families. However, not taking anyone else along on their honeymoon - it would be the big test! Their first solo trip together to Portugal. During their travels, they shared a funny moment during their time in the city of Lisbon. They had signed up for a group food tour (main detail here being with other people) but they ended up being the only two to show up. What would probably have been an awkward 4 hour experience turned into one of their favorites of their entire trip as they ate and drank all sorts of delicious food with their new personal tour guide bestie!