Fall 2015 issue

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

FALL 2015

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Celebrating 10 years of STYLE

the perfect location Your commitment of love– framed in a work of art.

With breathtaking views, a grand hall of unrivaled elegance, and inspired menus, the Milwaukee Art Museum creates priceless memories for your wedding day.

Book your event today, contact 414-224-3287 or rentals@mam.org.

photo courtesy of front room photography

Letter from the

Publisher denise & weldon Liles It’s been over 13 years since I met and married the love of my life, the man of my dreams, my soul mate. But even after 13 years I can still remember all of the excitement and the stress of planning our wedding.

Veil Magazine exists because of the support of my husband Weldon, our families, our Veil team, and our incredible and talented advertisers. We all love what we do and it shows through the pages of Veil Magazine.

As I sit here and ponder what to say on our celebratory 10-year anniversary issue, I find myself reminiscing over these wonderful years and how quickly they’ve flown by. I’m so proud and truly in love with each and every one of the 192 pages, all of which are filled with a love and commitment that celebrates marriage. My Veil girls have been an amazing, strong, passionate set of young women who have touched my life in each and every way. I want to congratulate our team for having the tenacity and fervor to move forward through the strife and the triumphs. I couldn’t do it without any of them.

We all have enjoyed being a part of each love story that has graced Veil Magazine over the years. We are so honored you let us into those intimate moments that brought you and your spouse to where you are today; your first date, your engagement, your “I dos” and all of the sweet stories in between.

Many of our advertisers have been with us for all 10 years. We have put together a page (190) of some of our favorite covers over the past decade, and have highlighted our 10-year advertisers. Every single vendor that we have ever had the privilege of working with or featured has been a true delight. They’ve worked hard and been by our side every step of the way.

Every photo and word in this magazine comes from the passion they have to share with you.

Finally, Congratulations! Cheers to your love-filled journey, your wedding day, and your many years of happiness together! I’m lucky that Veil Magazine keeps the romance of weddings alive for me every single day.

denise m liles president & publisher theveilmagazine@wi.rr.com m three studio photography

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

get to know

our team

Creative Director

Social Media/Web Specialist

Ashley McDonell

Michelle drewek

Laura Vietmeyer

I got an amazing opportunity to design pages for Veil Magazine two years ago.

Now I get to design the whole magazine with Denise, design miscellaneous collateral, and help plan and work at photo shoots. Being part of Veil and the wedding industry, talking to brides and working with advertisers, I have learned so much and could not imagine doing anything else.

I started at Veil in 2012 after obtaining my graphic design degree from UW-Milwaukee.

As a newlywed, I’m able to help brides dream up ideas, find resources, and answer any questions they may have, all thanks to the easily accessible information on VeilMagazine. com and our social media sites.

I began with Veil in 2011 after graduating from UW-Milwaukee with a Journalism degree.

Writing has always been my passion, and combining that with the innate allure of the wedding industry has been beyond fulfilling. Being happily married myself, I love this opportunity to help couples plan their dream wedding and write about newlyweds’ Happily Ever Afters.

I’m a Chicago-native who moved to Milwaukee for college to study English. After moving around a bit, I’m back in Milwaukee and have been lucky to write and edit for Veil! Sharing love stories and advice to couples for such an important event in their lives is very gratifying work!

Favorite Wedding Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Favorite Wedding Song: Lucky by Jason Mraz feat.

Colbie Caillat

Terri Blahnik

Favorite Wedding Movie: Runaway Bride Favorite Wedding Song: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran Favorite Flower: White Daisy Favorite Wedding Memory: Being the Maid of Honor and seeing my twin sister/best friend get married.

Favorite Wedding Movie: Bridesmaids Favorite Wedding Song: Hundred More Years by Francesca Battistelli Favorite Flower: Stargazer Lily Favorite Wedding Memory: Our first dance was a mashup routine of “I Had The Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, “The Twist,” “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” “Jump On It” and back to Dirty Dancing.

Managing Editor/Writer

Favorite Wedding Song: Crazy Love by Michael Bublé Favorite Flower: Pink Rose Favorite Wedding Memory: At the beginning of our ceremony, my husband held my hands, rubbed his thumbs over the tops of them and whispered, “So pretty” to me.

Writer

Favorite Wedding Movie: The Wedding Planner

Favorite Flower: Tulip Favorite Wedding Memory: Taking trips to attend weddings!

I’ve been to Portland, Oregon and Xalapa, Mexico to attend friends’ weddings.

VeilMagazine.com

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about us

& Our Covers

Summer 2015

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

262-895-4713 theveilmagazine@wi.rr.com veilmagazine.com

President & publisher Denise M. Liles

vice president & cfo Weldon R. Liles

associate publisher Donald F. Hurtikant II

administrative assistant Terri Blahnik

creative director Terri Blahnik

Photography m three studio photography Bridal Gowns Left: Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC., Middle: Bella Bridesmaids, Right: Gigi of Mequon Hair Left & Right: Beauty Milwaukee, Middle: The Colour Tube Makeup Left & Right: Halo Salon, Middle: The Colour Tube Draping, set design, fabric & installation Barking Pony Studios Lighting Sound By Design location Historic Pritzlaff Styling Terri Blahnik & Anne Sorensen Models Elyse C., Hanna E., & Jemme L. from Ohlsson Model Management page 118

Fall 2015

fashion styling & Production Terri Blahnik Gabrielle Loomis Anne Sorensen

Managing editor/writer Michelle Drewek

contributing writers Terri Blahnik Katie Carlson Rachel Chapman Deserae Constantineau Sara Dahmen Michelle Drewek Carolyn Hartnett Jenna Kashou Gabrielle Loomis Jon Murrish Jessica Pairrett Laura Vietmeyer

social media/web specialist Ashley McDonell

contributing photographers Front Room Photography frphoto.com

Heather Cook Elliott Photography HeatherCookElliott.com m three studio photography mthreestudio.com Manning Photography manningphotography.com Studio 29 Photography & Design foto-29.com Photography Manning Photography Bridal Gowns, Grooms Formalwear & jewelry Stone Manor Bridal Hair & Makeup Halo Salon Groom's ring David Liska Custom Jeweler location Historic Pritzlaff ottoman événement lounge Models Bella W., Jemme L., Kyle B., Rachel K. & Willow S. all from Ohlsson Model Management

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

*Covers change quarterly, content changes bi-annually.

The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However WD Publishing Designs, LLC dba Veil Magazine cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. All Rights Reserved. Veil Magazine will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of WD Publishing Designs, LLC. dba Veil Magazine.

Whether you are planning an intimate wedding or a party for 1,000 guests, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has exquisite rooms to meet your every need. And, our professional catering managers are ready to help you create an event that perfectly suits your style.

The addition of our 381-room hotel will make planning your wedding that much easier. Visit paysbig.com or call 414-847-8600 to see how we can help bring your vision to life.

1721 WEST CANAL STREET • MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 • 1-800-PAYSBIG • PAYSBIG.COM • AGE RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY • MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS ©2015 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN

VeilMagazine.com

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Cherished Moments PHOTOGRAPHY (This page) Top Left & Middle: Matthew Warren, Top Right & Bottom: Clique Studio (Opposite Page) Top Left & Middle Right: Clique Studio, Middle Left: Matthew Warren

Amid some of Mequon’s most immaculate land lies a sanctuary that, like most everything at The River Club, was created with romance and magic in mind.

The spectacular Grand Ballroom is the very manifestation of contemporary elegance and can accommodate receptions from one hundred to over five hundred guests. The River Club features $1.5 million in programmable theme lighting that compliments an array of stunning vistas overlooking the golf course and countryside.

An expansive outdoor covered veranda called The Sunset Deck further enhances a sensory experience that justifies The River Club of Mequon’s standing as a dream destination for receptions aiming to be remembered forever.

Dining at The River Club features the kind of contemporary American Cuisine that becomes a buzz unto itself. Whether it’s a sumptuous entree or a lavish buffet, you can be assured that your meal

will be one to savor from the start to a finish that longs to be prolonged.

Brides are fast to embrace The River Club’s warm and welcoming Bridal Suite, replete with comfortable appointments, private bathroom and flattering mirrors.

Should you want to dazzle-up your evening with waterfall fireworks cascading across the western wall of windows or have a helicopter deliver a bride or groom or both, simply ask.

Weddings at The River Club have a reputation for converting the blur of accelerating events into an indelible memory of a storybook evening. As invaluable as anything is the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail has been covered by a gracious staff committed to delivering in ways that exceed your dreams.

Receptions. Ceremonies. Rehearsal Dinners. Bridal Showers. Post Wedding Day Brunch.

Larry Kreiner Event Sales Director “At The River Club, it is our privilege to deliver a wedding that will surprise and delight the senses and swell the hearts of our guests. Moreover, it is our never-ending quest to uncover new ways to sincerely touch the souls of our brides.”

From its inception, The River Club of Mequon has been the home of the redoubtable wedding maestro, Larry Kreiner. Mr. Kreiner grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and graduated with a Masters degree in Communication and Hotel Management from the University of Johannesburg.

Now in the US and loving life on Milwaukee’s north shore, Larry has been cultivating his own brand in the banquet arts by delighting bridal parties with his enlightened and singularly exquisite special event design and execution.

That reputation speaks to why Larry Kreiner has played a large part in orchestrating galas for VIPs ranging from former Presidents to Hollywood starlets. Just ask the man whose accent never sleeps; he’ll tell you stories that’ll make you glad you asked.

www.riverclubofmequon.com 12400 North Ville Du Parc Drive Mequon, WI 53092 | 262.242.1400

 Spectacular setting with breathtaking vistas  Magnificent Ballroom accommodating 100 to 500 guests  The Sunset Deck – our 3500 sq. ft. covered veranda $ 1.5 million in state of the art programmable theme lighting  Splendorous outdoor ceremony options available  Comfortable bridal suite with private bathroom  The finest in contemporary American cuisine and service to match  Mind-blowing outdoor and indoor fireworks available

Featuring ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING RINGS

by

E TACORI HEARTS ON FIRE GABRIEL & CO. SIMON G. ASPIRI

Engaged by Husar THE PRIVATE COLLECTION

8

BROOKFIELD | www.lylehusardesigns.com Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

|262-789-8585 |

SUMMER / FALL 2015

Table of Contents 118

52

102

132

160

Be inspired

OnSite & upClose

5 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

6 River Club of Mequon

8 Lyle Husar Designs

10 Milwaukee Art Museum

12 Dynamic Events By David Caruso

14 Sound By Design

18 Marcus Hotels & Resorts Features & fashion

20 Saz's Hospitality Group

52 Extraordinary Table Décor

22 événement planning

74 Floral Headdresses 24 Historic Pritzlaff

76 How To Propose To Your Bridesmaids

26 Two-Gether We Wed

90 LOVE: Custom Rings Set to Perfection 106 Enchanted Beauty Every issue 118 True Romantic Elegance

2 Letter from the Publisher & Our Team 132 Well-Tailored Men 32,34 Reception Site Directory 146 The Sweet Tooth 40,42,44 Party Locator 150 What's In A Name?

191,192 Advertiser’s Index 156 The Paper Artistry

102 132 149 160 171

Beauty Looks Men's Formalwear Wedding Cakes Invitations & Stationery Floral Bouquets

Bridal shows

80 Milwaukee's Magnificent Bride 82 The Bridal Show at Overture VeilMagazine.com

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The Art of Creativity: The Milwaukee Art Museum Continues to Wow

Micah Kaufman & Katie Shorts milwaukee art museum

Whether it’s the exquisite beauty of the architecture, the exciting blank canvas of white and glass, or the amazing and massive amount of art housed within its walls, the Milwaukee Art Museum continues to be an extraordinary wedding venue for Wisconsin brides. In the words of the on-location chef Micah Kaufman: “Simply put, the Milwaukee

explains. Plus, with the special exhibitions changing three times a year, the pair works on introducing new and innovative experiences and menu items, and using the feedback given by previous brides and grooms to make updates. “Our goal is to give each couple their perfect day, in the perfect setting,” Katie says.

“As an art museum, encouraging creativity and expressing oneself is a given.

It’s almost like the setting of the Museum inspires couples to be more creative!”

That creativity is also captured often by Chef Micah and his staff within the Museum’s catering department. He often looks to local vendors and farms for his delectable suggestions on the menu, and because of that, his favorites to serve wedding guests moves with the season. “The art in the Museum and the menu are constantly changing, so the beauty of it never gets old,” he offers. “The architecture cannot be out done; it’s bright, fresh and clean, a perfect marriage of landscape and industry. A Chef can’t ask for a better stage than this.” Micah and his team meet with every couple for tastings, spending many hours planning and preparing dishes that are as remarkable as the venue itself.

Katie also invests herself in each bride and groom that walk in the door, so their entire experience of the Museum, as well as their guests, is fresh, professional and yet still creative. “I work with each and every couple that walks through the door to see to every last detail,” she reveals. “With some basic restrictions to protect the art, couples have a lot of freedom to use the indoor and outdoor spaces to make their ceremony and reception personal and intimate.” She points to Windhover Hall as an example. The light-filled, column-free space is breathtaking in and of itself, but allows for an enormous amount of leverage in creating a completely customized look for a wedding.

Whether you want a simple, cozy affair or a huge extravaganza, an outdoor cocktail party or indoor formal meal, the Milwaukee Art Museum is the perfect place to get creative, focus on what style you want for your wedding, and execute it against a stunning backdrop.

You can’t go wrong here.

“The art in the Museum and the menu are constantly changing, so the beauty of it never gets old”

front room photography

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Art Museum is an icon. We are a symbol of Milwaukee, exemplifying the majesty of the landscape and representing the city and its people.” 2013 marked the 125th anniversary for the Museum, and with the ability to seat upwards of 400 guests, with stunning views of the lake and city, and with both indoor and outdoor locations to hold events, the Milwaukee Art Museum is capable of making anyone’s wedding dreams come true.

So many brides and grooms want the “wow” factor of holding their most special day within the walls of the Museum that Veil Magazine decided to sit down with Katie Shorts, Wedding Coordinator, and Micah Kaufman, Chef de Cuisine.

Both Katie and Chef Micah recently joined the staff at the Museum, but already they’ve refined the catering menu, elevated the personal service offered, and refocused the entire planning process inward toward the Museum’s best features: art and architecture.

The Quadracci Pavilion and Burke Brise Soleil (the Museum’s “wings”) have been adopted as an icon for the city. “The Quadracci Pavilion has put Milwaukee on the map,” Chef Micah

SUMMER / FALL 2015

Table of Contents 84

50 146

28

30

172 unVeiled love stories

28 kamyia & damone 50 stephanie & brian 62 dana & henry 72 tina & taylor 84 briana & david 92 jenna & ramsey 104 robyn & andrew 126 lauren & bryan 138 melina & chris 152 carolyn & brendan 164 anne & glenn 186 katie & beau

details

30 Venue & Food Pairings 36 The Reception Sequence of Events 41 Prepare, Party & Plan 45 Party In Brew City 46 Perfect Custom Cocktails 48 A True Coffee Obsession 52 Extraordinary Table Décor 64 Covered in Quality 66 Choose Canopy Rentals 70 Wedding Décor & Design

76 How To Propose To Your Bridesmaids 78 The Show Experience 86 Peace-Of-Mind Planning 90 LOVE: Custom Rings Set to Perfection 94 Revitalized & Refreshed 96 A Radiant Regime 100 Hair Affair 106 Enchanted Beauty 112 Dressed In Love 114 Inside Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC. 117 What Shape Are You? 118 True Romantic Elegance 128 Power to the Men 132 Well-Tailored Men 140 Truly Customized 142 Gift and Register 144 Candid Photo Booth 146 The Sweet Tooth 150 What's In A Name?

154 Personally Penned Mementos 156 The Paper Artistry 166 Fresh Décor Blossoms 174 Memories Set To Music 176 Beyond the Lens 188 Dream "I Do" Destinations VeilMagazine.com 11

onSite

& upclose

from Left to right: Josh, Torie, Paul, & David

Sound By Design: Entertaining on Every Level The name Sound by Design (SBD) immediately conveys a sense of creativity. Something that is designed specifically is, by name, customized. Personalized. Suited specifically for you. That entire concept is exactly what the team behind Sound By Design aims to do: give you a completely customized entertainment for you, your guests, and your senses. And because entertainment is such a gigantic part of your wedding day, you want to make sure the people you hire to make that happen are intensely genuine about you, your day, and your desires. Creating an exhilarating experience for you and your guests is paramount to the team inside Sound By Design, and they each have their own specialties that have been cultivated to perfection to make sure your day is seamlessly perfect.

When Paul Hackbarth, owner and president, started Sound By Design, he curated a group of loyal, honest, and passionate people to learn, and then grow, the business with him. They began by providing

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

by Sara Dahmen

stylish and present disc jockey music and Master of Ceremonies services for weddings - an award winning service that continues to be what drives couples to speak with Sound By Design. What many brides and grooms don’t expect is a DJ service that comes with many entertainment options rolled together in one package. Torie Gamez, the Director of Operations at SBD, spends a lot of one-on-one time with couples who come in looking for said amazing DJ entertainment. “Even after 13 years in the industry, I still love hearing about couples’ wedding days when I first meet them,” he admits. “And I get to share with them how SBD can help with so many aspects of entertainment.”

Once you’ve received an overview of Sound By Design’s capabilities from Torie, you’ll establish a very full, personal and warm relationship with Josh Erickson, the Director of Client Services. “I provide couples with a carefree experience once they come on board with us,” he explains.

“Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and my goal is to make

photography by front room photography

the entertainment side as easy as possible, from helping the Lighting Division design the reception room or recommending vendors.” With the family oriented baseline that is SBD’s mantra, Josh strives to make couples feel like part of that family as well. “You should never feel like a number,” he says. “We’ll stay away from the gimmicks and let the music do the talking.” Paul, looking at the business from over 17 years in the industry, also advises couples to be budget conscious about your wedding at all times, “But make sure you allocate your funds to the most important areas. Make sure you invest in the entertainment because that truly is the backbone of the reception.”

But sometimes entertainment for your wedding reception needs to be even more interactive, because entertaining is most definitely a myriad of dynamic pieces beyond music. “We do an open concept photobooth or standard inclosed one,” Torie says. “But we have a modern approach that uses a backdrop and allows for more movement, bigger groups, and

Make sure you invest in the entertainment because that truly is the backbone of the reception..

- Paul Hackbarth

We don't do the gimmicks or the games but instead help you throw an amazing party.

- Torie Gamez

VeilMagazine.com

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Each and every person has so much pride and passion for this company that it really shows in the end result - Josh Erickson

Lighting is a compliment and a statement to illuminate the most important aspects of a wedding and it's design - David Hackbarth

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

can let guests leave video messages for the couple.” Josh agrees. “People love them and the quality is great.”

With that evolving, unique, modern approach to entertainment, Sound By Design really does customize a wedding package to help create a day with all the elements handled. Entertaining your guests is of course important - providing a killer sound and music experience is what can make a reception memorable. But there are the other parts of entertainment that all come together to make the overarching day that much better. David Hackbarth is the Director and Founder of Sound By Design’s Lighting Division. He works to create lighting design that is customized to your colors, your overall wedding vibe and be smashingly gorgeous all without breaking the bank. “I help clients put together lighting packages that will make the most impact for the budget they can afford,” he explains. “And I love problem solving and learning how to make things happen in some of the most impossible lighting situations.”

This, once again, is how SBD’s team strives to entertain you and your guests - lighting can be a feast for the eye, and give an entirely new meaning to a space that might have usually been quite ordinary.

Plus, the product is top notch and plays with the newest up and coming options. “We are very careful about selecting the lights,” David says.

“By buying the newest equipment in uplighting, we’re able to provide a lot of light with very little hassle.” Some of those ideas are whole room washes, which almost ‘paint’ a room with an intense wash of color, or using creative cording to light the interior of a tent with unique

chandeliers. “Lighting is a compliment and a statement to illuminate the most important aspects of a wedding and it’s design,” describes David.

Lighting is essential to creating that high energy entertaining vibe, which dovetails nicely into Sound By Design’s overall prerogative for your wedding; they want the whole room to feel the music, get caught up in the party atmosphere, and feel as though they’ve been transported into a wedding fantasy exclusively yours.

And what better way to make sure that entertainment vibe is exactly what you wish for yourselves, your memories, or your guests than with an extraordinarily professional and warm group of individuals, who together make a seamless team? Sound By Design will have worked with, and followed you, through the whole wedding process - from lighting decor, planning photobooths and coordinating speeches and introductions, to

the dance party itself. They have an innate understanding of who you are and what makes your love story special. How more personal and customized to your style can it get? Plus, everyone is invested in your entertaining experience from Day One, which is a huge part of why Sound By Design is so well loved in Wisconsin.

“Each and every person has so much pride and passion for this company that it really shows in the end result,” reveals Josh. “We are so much more than the guys who push play.” Paul, who makes the big management decisions at Sound By Design, agrees wholeheartedly.

“SBD’s backbone is our amazing staff. We continue to employ only those that are closest to us, who are willing to look forward to how to make SBD better, so that we can continue to guarantee premier quality in every avenue of entertainment we offer.”

front room photography

disc jockey, lighting services, and photo booth rentals soundbydesign.org • 262-968-9586 VeilMagazine.com

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Sydney Johnson Waisanen Marcus Hotels & Resorts MARKET DIRECTOR OF CATERING

Do You Believe in love at first sight?

You will soon!

“Our hotels offer a variety of style options which suit the needs of the For a wedding you’ll cherish, look traditional bride to the modern bride. to Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Milwaukee Your wedding can be part of the rich properties. From the historic Pfister Pfister history, a timeless celebration Hotel, stylish InterContinental Milwaukee at Hilton Milwaukee or a chic affair at and classic Hilton Milwaukee, each InterContinental Milwaukee," says Sydney goes the extra mile to ensure a flawless Waisanen, Marcus Hotels & wedding.

For more than 115 years, The “Our hotels offer a variety of style options Resorts’ Market Director of Catering Sales. "Your event Pfister Hotel has established a which suit the needs of the traditional will be created with the utmost tradition of elegance. Spectacular care as we work with you to architecture, luxurious accommobride to the modern bride” transform your dream wedding dations, unrivaled venues and into a reality.

Let us worry about the For a sophisticated affair, look to a sense of grandeur position this historic hotel for an unforgettable event. A storybook InterContinental Milwaukee, which brings details while you enjoy celebrating with backdrop highlights its Imperial Ballroom contemporary style to the downtown family and friends. We look forward to while The Grand Ballroom combines business and theatre districts. Its Grand welcoming you and your guests with our old-world sophistication and contemporary Salon is spectacular with the warmth gracious Marcus hospitality.”

You’ve been dreaming about your of the chocolate brown suede walls and appointments. wedding your whole life. Start planning it contemporary lighting.

For an intimate Charming weddings are the specialty of Hilton Milwaukee, a city landmark setting, choose The Lobby Salon, which today with Marcus Hotels & Resorts. For located in the heart of downtown. In its is located across from InterContinental package information and more on each Crystal Ballroom, your wedding will be Milwaukee’s art gallery—guests can browse property, visit MarcusWeddings.com. as timeless as the room itself, which art and enjoy cocktails before entering. defines grace through art-deco details, high ceilings and brilliant mirrors. Every bit as impressive is the Empire Ballroom, a tiered space boasting rich woods, gold-leafed adornments, gorgeous carpets and textured window treatments in deep russets.

Kerry Doyne Marcus Hotels & Resorts Private Dining Sales Manager Though the wedding day may be “The Big Day,” a wedding is an event spread over weeks and months for many brides and grooms.

Bachelor parties, wedding showers and rehearsal dinners require excellent locations, and none are better than those from Marcus Restaurant Group: Mason Street Grill, Kil@ wat, Milwaukee ChopHouse, and Miller Time Pub & Grill.

Though helping shape a wedding is never a simple task, having great restaurants certainly makes the work of Kerry Doyne, Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Private Dining Sales Manager, a little easier.

“Our restaurants offer different experiences for brides and grooms looking for special ways to celebrate,” Doyne said. “Their private

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

dining rooms, unique in décor and size, create a personal setting for a memorable experience that is truly ‘theirs.’”

For pre-wedding parties and post-wedding receptions, The Pfister Hotel—Milwaukee’s premier hotel—has plenty to offer. Located adjacent to the hotel, Mason Street Grill has three private dining rooms that can fit up to 40 guests. For spectacular sights, nothing beats Blu, The Pfister’s 23rd floor lounge.

“Mason Street Grill’s private dining rooms are equipped with complimentary flat screen TVs and menus everyone will enjoy,” Doyne said. “Follow dinner with cocktails in Blu to enjoy the best views of the city.”

Next to Hilton Milwaukee you’ll find Milwaukee ChopHouse, which is tailor-made

for one last night with the guys.

“The private dining room seats up to 30 guests and is perfect for a pre-bachelor party dinner,” Doyne said. “Our chef can even create a special menu for you featuring your favorite beer pairings.”

Looking for a spark? Look no further than Kil@wat, located on InterContinental Milwaukee’s second floor. “’The Loft’ [at Kil@wat] is perfect for a reception or casual brunch,” Doyne said.

“Its location makes this a great venue for a wedding shower, the complimentary flat-screen TV is perfect for pictures or videos of the couple-to-be and the sunny décor makes a great daytime setting for a gift-opening brunch.”

Your

FAIRY TALE deserves the perfect setting

Celebrate life’s greatest moments in luxury in one of Milwaukee’s most elegantly appointed ballrooms. Our expert staff will help you design an event dreams are made of. Consult with our wedding specialists by calling 414.390.3802.

MarcusWeddings.com

VeilMagazine.com

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Endless Possibilities

Catering to Romance

Saz's Catering Saz's State House Restaurant

Creating World Class Cuisine at Stunning Wisconsin Locations

Saz's Catering offers an especially diverse selection of authorized venues for your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, and showers. Our broad array of location choices include 1451 Renaissance Place, the Historic Pritzlaff Building, Villa Terrace, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Miller Inn & Caves, Milwaukee County Zoo Peck Pavilion, and many more.

The State Room - Casual Elegance that is Perfect for Bridal Showers and Rehearsal Dinners

Whether your dream wedding is the most elegant celebration imaginable or a more casual gathering, we can pair the perfect setting and our creative menus to make your day absolutely sublime.

Saz's State House Restaurant is located in a charming historic building on State Street in Wauwatosa. The State Room is an ideal setting for bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. It is a beautifully designed private dining room with rich wood architectural accents, etched glass windows, and a custom designed bar that is reminiscent of the great pubs of Europe. There is an attached coat room and a separate entrance for your convenience.

Saz's Catering 5420 West State Street Milwaukee, WI 53208 414.256.8765 | sazs.com

Saz's State House Restaurant 5539 West State Street Milwaukee, WI 53208 414.453.2410 | sazs.com

Sazama's Fine Catering At the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Sazama's Fine Catering at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts will make your wedding day spectacular and stress free, with exceptional cuisine, impressive service and attention to detail.

The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts offers an outstanding setting along the Milwaukee River and has a variety of spaces that can accommodate almost any size guest list. For a special touch, enjoy cocktails and appetizers al fresco on the Fitch Garden Patio, Riverfront, or Colonnade.

Sazama's Fine Catering 929 North Water Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 414.276.2030 | sazamas.com

Saz's Catering Lake Country

Exclusive Caterer for Western Lakes Country Club

Saz's Catering Lake Country calls the beautiful banquet facilities at Western Lakes Golf Club home, but also caters to choice locations and private homes throughout Waukesha and Pewaukee, and west to Madison.

You will find many beautiful settings for your wedding photography, and the golf course offers a stunning backdrop for your reception through the expansive floor-to-ceiling picture windows in the banquet room.

Saz's Catering Lake Country W287 N1963 Oakton Road Pewaukee, WI 53072 262.961.9796 | sazs.com

The Memory Makers

by Michelle Drewek

événement comes from the French word for “event.” Although simple in definition, the name itself holds behind it a reputation for sensational event planning and styling. “I wanted something that caught the eye and was unique,” Janelle Meyer-Brown, the extraordinary owner of événement explains. “It forces people to wonder what it is, and they then look us up on the website. It shows some personality, which we have tons of to go around!”

Ironically enough, événement didn’t start out as a planning business. It actually began as event lounge rentals, knowing there was a local need for affordable styled lounge access for events. But about one month after leaving her Director of Catering and General Manager position at Pier Wisconsin, Janelle was getting many calls from industry people and past clients who had an interest in her helping with events. So, she decided to add planning to the mix.

As business grew, Janelle began to grow her team as well, seeking out talented individuals with great spirits, personality and who truly care about the clients. And, she wanted them to be willing to get their hands dirty. Janelle has two seasoned planning professionals— Amanda Bird and Anne Radtke—who dedicate every ounce of their passion into their events.

“I am a fun, loving, caring person who uses humor in almost all situations,” Amanda says. “I am known for my honesty and candor when it comes to helping people plan their perfect event and will not promise what I cannot deliver.”

Equally charming and brilliant, Anne believes that being the calm among the chaos is her forte. “I thrive in a busy and sometimes hectic environment and have the ability to stay calm under pressure,” she says. “I love helping a couple connect with the best vendors and turn their wedding vision into a reality.”

No detail is left untouched by the charismatic personas planning

by Janelle’s side, and their culmination of experience has set them up to provide the best vendors, best service and best day-of execution any couple would be stoked to have. “I love when you see the look on the bride’s or groom's face where everything clicks,” Anne says. “It's

Left to Right:

Anne, Janelle & Amanda

like you see a light bulb go off and a sense of calm washes over their face. That's my favorite moment; when they see their vision coming together.”

Aside from the superb planning aspect of événement are their unique é-lounge rentals. Offering luxury event furnishings and décor items to make you event extra special, their services go far beyond the products themselves. New to the concept are custom covers. They can customize anything from white leather to custom damask. “If you want purple velvet, we make you purple velvet!” Janelle gleefully adds.

More recently, événement became the exclusive event company for Ramhorn Farm Wisconsin, a beautiful venue in the Milwaukee area. Ramhorn reached out to Janelle because they were looking for a partner who would love their property as much as they do, “and we sure do!” Janelle elates. événement has taken on all event aspects of the property including styling shoots, table designs and sharing this magical location with others. It’s absolutely sensational!

From weddings and corporate events, to photo/TV shoots and design consulting, to customization of lounges and unique touches to everything they do, événement is no one-trick pony. They work tirelessly for their clients because to them, their clients are their family.

“We become family in the planning process, and are a support system for them as we create an experience that always represents them,” Janelle says. “We care about our families!”

Pho tos by

design

262.617.8826

plan

consult rentals

• evenementplanning.com • 7208 W North Ave, Wauwatosa

Rob yn vi nin g

the artist group

the artist group

the artist group

the artist group

the artist group

front room photography

Boutique photographer

molly jo collection

HISTORIC PRITZLAF F

Special thanks to Front Room Photography

Special thanks to Front Room Photography

Special thanks to Dynamic Events

Inside or out.

A few dozen or hundreds.

We don’t just hold events, we host happenings.

Welcome to the Historic Pritzlaff.

Constructed in 1875 and recently renovated, the Pritzlaff has been transformed into a breath taking example of not only what was, but what can be.

With 4 unique spaces your guest will be surrounded by Victorian era arched windows and gritty cream city brick.

Above, you’ll find industrial age beamed ceilings curiously supported by elegant wood beams.

Special thanks to Heather Cook Elliott

Versatility Flow Energy Allure In the end it’s all about creating a memorable experience. And your Pritzlaff event will be one they won’t soon forget.

414 | 433 | 6088 pritzlaffevents.com Special thanks to Heather Cook Elliott

onSite

& upclose

photo courtesy of Paul owen photography

Finding an fficiant

by Sara Dahmen

photo courtesy of Paul owen photography

Front Room Photography

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

For many brides, the choice is an easy one: marry inside the church. Whether it’s the local place of worship you attend every weekend, or where your parents were wed years earlier, there’s usually a sentimental or traditional reason to share your wedding vows where you often say your prayers. However, for some couples, a house of worship doesn’t make sense. Perhaps you come from two very different faiths, and to choose one over the other would offend family or feel odd for both of you. Maybe you are outdoor adventurers, and saying “I Do” on a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan makes far more sense than under a roof. Whatever the case for the significance of your more unusual, outdoor, or unorthodox ceremony locale, finding an officiant to oversee properly and legal sanction your vows is both a personal and necessary piece to your wedding day.

Usually, officiants who marry couples outside of a church environment are nondenominational, which means they are able and willing to marry brides and grooms of various faiths, traditions and backgrounds. While he or she will come equipped with a long list of activities that can occur within the ceremony, they are always

Wedding Tips

Front Room Photography

open to interpretation of traditions that may be special to you as a couple, or incorporating new ideas that would not be allowed in a more traditional setting. An officiant will also usually come with a “bare bones” script, which is the minimal that must happen and be said during a ceremony to make it legal and binding. However, there is also a huge amount of leeway and room for addition within that script, allowing couples to add one or multiple readings or write their own vows, for instance.

Officiants can be lawyers or judges, practicing or retired. They can be nondenominational ministers, rabbis or ordained through online services such as those offered through Universal Life Church. It’s especially important to vouch your officiant. Ask for references and actually speak to past couples about their experiences with the officiant in the planning stages and during the actual wedding day. Meet with your intended officiant before booking to see if you feel comfortable with him or her and where they are open to unique additions to your wedding day. Veil Magazine also offers options for you to consider.

A professional officiant will be able to offer information that will help you coordinate your wedding ceremony so that it runs smoothly and appropriately. Below are some pointers to help you get started in the planning of your own vows.

elax! Everything has been set R and it’s time to enjoy.

Attendants are a great help. Ask them to run errands like buying an extra pair of pantyhose – this way, you don’t look stressed or worn out.

Walk down the aisle imagining what you will be thinking when you kiss your groom; this will help you maintain your confidence even if you are nervous.

Never drink anything colored.

Abstain from drinking alcohol until after the photographer is finished to keep from filling your album with intoxicated expressions or bloodshot eyes.

Don’t lock your knees at the altar; it can cause you to faint.

t wo-ge t her

We wed

Ceremonies performed throughout Wisconsin.

Personalized and Customized, Non-Denominational, Inter-Faith, Civil, and Vow Renewals

Saying 'I Do' with Reverend Weldon | 414.813.7498 | TwogetherWeWed.com VeilMagazine.com

27

love story

Veil Advertisers Ceremony & Reception location

Milwaukee Art Museum Floral Décor

Dahlia Blooms men's formalwear

Harleys The Store For Men Photography

Front Room Photography Staging & Equipment rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Wedding planning & design

Dynamic Events By David Caruso

DJ Services: Double Platinum DJ Entrance Lift: Majic Productions Invitations & Stationery: Paperwhites Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Officiant: Judge Derek Mosley Transportation: Milwaukee Coach & Carriage Videography: One Fine Day Productions Wedding Cake: Cakes by Erin Salerno Wedding Gown: Lazaro

Intimate Moment

A Love So Grand

by Michelle Drewek

q

From exotic flowers and vibrant décor, to a stunning Lazaro gown and breathtaking bridal grand entrance, KaMyia and Damone’s wedding day was truly spectacular in every way. Having been the sparkle in each other’s eyes since their first meeting in early 2007, it comes as no surprise that this vivacious couple would set fire to an out-of-thisworld celebration of their love beginning with Damone’s unforgettable proposal.

How did he propose? Damone proposed at a big birthday party he gave me on Jan. 19, 2013. Everyone close to me was there, including some family members from out of town. Damone had a local rap artist from the Green Bay area come and rap a song I was very fond of. While he was rapping — and I was singing — Damone got down on one knee in a room full of close to 200 people and asked me to marry him. Sweet! Before Damone proposed to me he did ask my father for his blessings, which my father gave with no hesitation.

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

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What resource did you find most helpful in planning your wedding? No one was more beneficial to planning our wedding than our wedding coordinator David Caruso and his team. They were beyond amazing providing ideas, resources and allowing our vision to take part in every decision.

q

What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? My dress! I knew it had to be amazing and compliment

kamyia & damone married 08-31-2014

my entrance. It was a gorgeously designed gown by Lazaro with a mermaid fit and a sweetheart corset top. I also wanted the venue flowers to stand out and leave guests in awe.

q

What was your biggest surprise when planning your wedding? The live entertainment Damone surprised me with. One of my favorite R&B singers, R.L., performed during the reception and I had no clue he was going to be there.

Damone did an excellent job in giving me the wedding of my dreams.

q

necklace my grandmother allowed me to wear, and the garter I wore under my dress was Something Blue.

q

Were there any aspects of DIY that you incorporated? We definitely wanted our two small children, ages 2 and 4, to be a part of our wedding, but feared they would be all over the place. So we got a wagon that we had spray painted gold and white, strapped them in it and had them pulled down the aisle by one of our ushers.

This way, we got them down the aisle with no problem and they sat still during the ceremony (for the most part).

q

Were there any funny things or moments that happened at your wedding?

I forgot to tell my father I would be coming up on the lift behind him when I made my entrance, so while everyone was looking around to see where I was coming from so was he. When we watch video footage of my entrance his back is to me and he has no clue that I’m coming up behind him until he turns around and I’m just there at the top of the platform.

Did you do anything special during the ceremony? We had a unity candle, and Damone and I jumped the broom. Additionally, the officiant did the Chinese Explanation for a Wedding Ring's Finger. I loved this! We also passed our rings throughout the guests allowing everyone to say a blessing over them in regards to our new life together.

Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?” My earrings from my mother were Something Old, a bracelet from my sister-in-law was Something New, Something Borrowed was a diamond

What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides?

Working with an experienced wedding coordinator makes thing so much less stressful. Also, always stay true to your ideas and things you want.

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VeilMagazine.com

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details

receptions

Venue & Food

Pairings

by Sara Dahmen

photography Top: Front Room Photography, Bottom Left: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Right: Manning Photography When you first get engaged, the first thing people do is ask to see that gorgeous rock on your finger. The first question asked is what date you’ve selected for the nuptials. And then everyone usually wonders where you might be holding the big celebration. If you’re like most brides, selecting a venue can be a daunting process, especially if you have very little notion about all the options available in your area and are not quite sure what to consider when finding your reception space.

First of all, consider the date you actually have chosen. Did you pick a date in the middle of the summer - high season - or in the traditionally chilly time that has become more popular due to the great designs now available in the cold months? You both need to discuss what you want for your day: a hotel ballroom, a warehouse loft, a vintage barn or a swanky tent. Some of your choices may be limited due to weather if you’ve chosen a time period during the year that is not conducive to an unheated - or non-air conditioned - tent or barn. Sometimes those locations can be accommodating and can bring in either option if weather necessitates it., but you’ll have to weigh cost with practicality then.

Once your date is selected, you’ll want to book a venue that matches the aesthetic you desire as well as your estimated guest list. It’s important to realize how quickly locations book in advance.

Many venues start to book two years out - so

be sure to make inquiries early. You may also find it easier to select a time of year and, armed with several dates that work for your particular ceremony venue or church, go to the most popular and heavily booked locations with many options open instead of just a single date to try and match together. Or, you may not care so much about an exact venue as you do a particular caterer or service level. If that is the case, you’ll want to encompass all the properties covered by that vendor to better understand your options regarding room and capacity size as well as style.

Even if you are set with a single date, or you started a bit late and most of the locations you were considering are all booked up throughout the season, all is not entirely lost. There are many vendors, especially here in Veil Magazine, that have multiple locations with the same high level of service, food design and host in a variety of settings sure to fit with your wedding hopes in some manner. So while sometimes it is important to choose an interior vibe that best describes your personal style, when food or some other element is equally important to you, it can help to open your horizons to include other venues you may not have initially added to your list.

Remember, a reception is where you can get creative about your tastes and offer up dishes that can be a memorable part of the evening. This is also an important part of your guests’ experience, beyond the venue surroundings itself. If you

choose a location that can provide a culinary and gastronomic memory, it will be something guests remember for a long time.

Therefore, once your venue and caterer are selected, you will want to go over the type of service that you’ll be providing your guests.

Here’s a brief summary of your options.

Heavy Appetizers: This option for food service is best used for midday events, morning brunches or cocktail receptions. A combination of stationary food items and passed or experiential appetizers is the likely route to ensure guests have time and opportunity to get some food in their belly. Because alcohol is usually part of the event, you’ll want to emphasis having food with a bit of weight using meats and breads as well as considering vegetarian dishes as well. You can liven this up with appetizers that match your theme, colors, or even are presented in unique ways, such as on acrylic trays or in ice shooters.

Buffet: While this is another more informal way to feed your guests, you need never worry about guests being hungry later, as everyone can fill their plates with however much food they think they need. You can also create a very familiar, cozy environment with guests getting served in a ‘family style’ way at each table, which is a step up from the traditional long buffet line but still allows for bulk food options. There is a myth that buffets can be less expensive than a plated meal, but that is not true. Buffets require

continued on page 35

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

VeilMagazine.com

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M o. in M A ax im dva nc um # e # to of of Re Pr G i Pr va ue ser iva te ve st te Ro s B om Av ar (s er Se ) ag rv e ic O e Co ut sid st Pe e O Ca rP ffte er Pr r e so rs Ce emi n Pe se re rm m C on at itt O ed er y ns in Si ite g te Av Lo O ai ut la do dgin bl or g e Pa Av Ar rk e ai a in la Av g bl Av Vi e ai ew la ai b l ab le on le Pa ge (s )

Reception site Directory

ballroom tent

restaurant

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Bacchus A Bartolotta Restaurant

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300

4

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75+

12

1000

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75+

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Contemporary American cuisine in a sleek downtown space. Featuring a

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38,39 variety of private rooms, including a

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38,39 the twinkling lights of downtown. Pier

glass conservatory overlooking Lake Michigan.

414.765.1166 bacchusmke.com

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin

Choose from an array of breathtaking sites with views of Lake Michigan and Wisconsin will delight your guests.

ballroom

414.765.8610 bartolottacatering.com

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange

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425

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The Grain Exchange features unparalleled beauty and historic décor 38,39 with a three story room showcasing soaring ceilings, frescos and a romantic balcony.

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A historic pavilion, adorned with a warm French kitchen, nestled on a bluff 38,39 overlooking Lake Michigan. Countless events have been toasted within these walls.

•

1,300 acres of majestic beauty set the stage for a truly memorable event with vast ballrooms as well as smaller more intimate gathering spaces and outdoor venues.

restaurant tent

Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro

hotel ballroom

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

hotel ballroom

414.727.6980 bartolottacatering.com

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

414.962.6300 LakeParkBistro.com

800.558.3417 GrandGeneva.com

warehouse

Historic Pritzlaff

hotel ballroom

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

InterContinental Milwaukee

414.433.6088 prtizlaffevents.com

quadracci pavilion

Milwaukee Art Museum

county parks

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

Milwaukee County Parks

414.224.3287 mam.org

414.257.8005 countyparks.com

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

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6-24

300

800

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7

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400

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rent per hour

call

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The Hilton features beautiful ballroom space including the renowned Crystal, Empire and Regency Ballrooms. All are 16,17 elegantly styled with classic European flavor including antique chandeliers, rich draperies and marble accents.

•

The Pritzlaff Building offers 3 event spaces as well as a separate ceremony space.

The beautiful, raw, open space becomes your blank canvas where your vision can 24,25 truly come to life. From a guest list of 75 to 600, the Pritzlaff is a great place to host your wedding ceremony, reception or next corporate event.

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The InterContinental features the modern and contemporary Grand Salon. From the chocolate brown suede 18,19 walls and contemporary lighting to the perfect theatre district location, we will provide the perfect atmosphere for your special day.

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IFC, 1, 10

Defines elegance with signature soaring wings. Discover stunning light filled spaces and inspiring lake views, the ultimate in grand halls.

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Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the parks. Discover locations including, Boerner Botantical Gardens and the year-round Mitchell Park Domes.

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call

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M o. in M A ax im dva nc um # e # to of of Re Pr G i Pr va ue ser iva te ve st te Ro s B om Av ar (s er Se ) ag rv e ic O e Co ut sid st Pe e O Ca rP ffte er Pr r e so rs Ce emi n Pe se re rm m C on at itt O ed er y ns in Si ite g te Av Lo O ai ut la do dgin bl or g e Pa Av Ar rk e ai a in la Av g bl Av Vi e ai ew la ai b l ab le on le Pa ge (s )

Reception site Directory hotel ballroom

Pfister, The

hotel & venue ballroom

#

Comments

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

farm barn & tent

River Club of Mequon

ballroom

Ramhorn Farm

country club

414.847.7891 paysbig.com/meetings

262.617.8826

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Sazama's Fine Catering at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

call

12

1200 varies

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barn 100 varies tent 500

evenementplanning.com

262.242.1400 x 219 riverclubofmequon.com

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A spectacular 9,200 sq.ft. grand ballroom opens up to the outside with a 3,500 square foot canopied deck.

Panoramic views abound and $1.5 million in LED lighting make for magic and romance on demand.

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hotel & banquet

varies

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Corporate events, weddings and all social events welcome. Your guests will find our accommodations ideal. We offer overnight accommodations for all your family and 20,21 friends. When hosting your event with us, the romantic honeymoon suite is complimentary on your wedding night.

Photo courtesy of Spottswood Photography

•

Saz's at Western Lakes Golf Club is perfect for banquets, weddings, golf outings, corporate events, 20,21 holiday parties, anniversaries, award ceremonies, graduations, and retirement parties. Full-service buffets, plated, hors d'oeuvres, and beverage service.

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New in 2013, The Watermark, our private event space is located on the beautifully landscaped Mill Pond. The room is spacious, elegant and a perfect fit for any style and of course, it's Shully's Cuisine.

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Exceptional food. Great Beer.

Legendary fish fry. We celebrate the spirited heritage of Wisconsin with our fresh, locally-sourced and masterfully prepared food. Our fish fry is an honored Milwaukee tradition.

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A beautiful banquet hall located on the third floor of the War Memorial Center, offering sweeping views of downtown Milwaukee through floor to ceiling windows. Outdoor options available on our newly updated Fitch Plaza overlooking Lake Michigan.

golf club banquet

262.284.2100 sazs.com

Saz's Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club

varies

375

3

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venue ballroom

262.691.9796 westernlakes.com

Shully's Cuisine & Events - The Watermark

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Sazama's fine Catering has professional staff with extensive experience in creating beautiful wedding receptions, 20,21 high profile corporate events, and dazzling social affairs. We are known for exceptional cuisine, impressive service, and unwavering attention to detail.

414.276.2030 sazamas.com

Saz's Catering at the Country Inn & Suites - Port Washington

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venue ballroom

restaurant

262.242.6633 shullyscuisine.com

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Turner Hall Restaurant

414.227.0457 tunerhallrestaurant.com

War Memorial Center

414.273.5533 warmemorialcenter.org

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

call

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Whether you are planning an intimate wedding or a grand-scale party for 1,000 guests, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has exquisite rooms to meet your every need. Our professional catering managers are ready to help you create an unforgettable event that perfectly suites your style.

Ramhorn is like no other Farm in Wisconsin! Ramhorn is piece of Wisconsin history located just 30 22,23 minutes north of Milwaukee. It is a collection of southeast Wisconsin buildings from the early to mid 1800’s, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

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The Pfister Hotel features the exquisitely beautiful Grand, Imperial and Rouge Ballrooms. From antique chandeliers 18,19 and marble accents, to beautiful views of Milwaukee's lakefront,The Pfister will provide the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.

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Photography Left: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Middle: Front Room Photography, Right: m three studio photography

extra amounts of food to be bought by your caterer to ensure that they don’t run out as people fill their own plates and portion sizes cannot be controlled.

Carving Stations: This is truly a culinary experience for your guests - getting to select, point and watch as their food is being cut and served.

Carving stations do not even need to be confined to meat. You can have potato bar stations, pasta bars, sauteed vegetable and seafood bars, or even an omelette bar if you’re hosting a brunch reception.

Carving stations tend to end quicker, so while this is a buffet type of serving style, be sure that your guests are aware that there is an end time to the food being available.

Small Plates: A classy step up from carving stations and ‘help yourself ’ bars, small plates are exactly what they sound like: small plates of pre-served food that guests can grab. There are

usually several small plate stations throughout a reception room, but they can be fancier items, such as lobster, scallops, certain types of beef cuts or specialized pastas. The pates are expedited by whatever chef is manning the station, so they have the finished appeal of a plated meal but in smaller portions. This is an elegant way to still create the movement in the room you’d get with a buffet or carving stations but offers a more delectable cuisine.

Plated: This is the traditional way to serve a wedding meal. Whether you allow your guests to choose their entree table side, on the RSVP cards, or offer one single dish, plated meals are the most formal way to feed your guests at the reception.

You will have several servers on hand to make sure tables are served relatively at the same time, allowing guests to dive into a fully created and

executed meal with proper proportions and final design. It is still possible to have unique dining experiences with a plated meal. Offer an amuse bouche, sorbet before the entree, or have a cheese and fig course before offering cake. You are the masters of the menu at your reception: have fun, even when doing something traditional.

Remember your reception should be a reflection of your wedding style, but that doesn’t mean you are limited to a vintage venue if you want vintage flair or specific meal options. You can create that vibe with everything from the decor, lighting and the food service, so don’t feel completely edged in by your theme. Select what fits all pieces of your wedding and your personality the best and you won’t be left with any questions about your final decision.

Shully’s cuisine & events

VeilMagazine.com

35

The

reception

sequence of Events manning photography

Your wedding reception is the first time you receive your friends and relatives as a married couple. It is also the time to truly show off your personality and style. It can be as simple as a backyard luncheon of cake and coffee or as complex as a five-course dinner followed by a 12-piece band. It’s all about you and the possibilities are endless.

Selecting the Location Your reception location really depends on how many people you are inviting. Yet it also reflects your personal tastes. You want the location to represent you and your dream for this special day. Keep in mind that almost any venue can be transformed into something magical, with the right amount of creativity and talented teamwork.

Therefore, whether you choose to hold your reception in the church basement, an area art museum or a local banquet venue, there are certain details that need to be covered and essential questions that need to be asked.

by Rachel Chapman

There are special moments that make the wedding day—the Grand March, the first dance, the bouquet toss—you want to allow the appropriate amount of time for each event so as not to delay the beginning of dinner and dancing. A written copy of the day’s schedule should be given to all those involved: musicians, photographer, videographer, family and wedding party members.

Preparation for the Guests’ Arrival: The decorations are in place, background music plays and the guest book (brought from the ceremony) is placed on a table or podium. A gift table (visible, but out of the traffic flow) is prepared with a decorative, secure container or basket to hold monetary gifts. A gift table attendant and guest book attendant may be needed before dinner. At dinnertime, gifts should be placed in a room with a door that can be closed and locked. The guest book may be left unattended. An honorary host or hostess can greet guests, help with their coats and

STUNNING LAKEFRONT LOCATION

FOR YOUR WEDDING CER EMONY & R ECEPTION!

EXTRAORDINARY LAKEFRONT & CITY SKYLINE VIEWS • LAKEFRONT PLAZA FOR YOUR CEREMONY & PHOTOS • ELEGANT BANQUET HALL •

750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 273-5533 www.warmemorialcenter.org

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

invite them to enjoy light refreshments.

The Receiving Line: Traditionally, guests greet the bride and groom in a receiving line at the ceremony location, but recently receiving lines are taking place at the reception site. If you decide to greet guests at the reception, one option is to go from table to table after you have eaten.

This ensures that you will greet every guest while allowing more time for celebration. Make this decision early, as this element will dictate the timing of other events. An hour or more may be needed to greet 200 guests. Dinner should be announced once the wedding party arrives at the reception. The bandleader, DJ or a family member may act as the master of ceremonies introducing the couple and the wedding attendants.

The Meal: The wedding party and guests are seated and an invocation or table blessing said, after which serving begins. The bride and groom and the wedding party are served first. The guests are served beginning with the parents and grandparents of the newlyweds and any table of honored guests. Serving the parents first allows them to be among the first to finish so they may begin to mingle with other guests.

Cutting the Cake: Cutting and serving the cake comes after dinner. The couple cuts the first slice with their hands held together over the knife handle, representing their first act as husband and wife. Then the caterer finishes cutting and serving.

Be aware that there may be a cost for the caterer to cut the cake. You may opt to have an honorary family member cut the cake instead. Again, the wedding party and parents are served first. After the newlyweds are finished with their dessert, they may wish to circulate among the tables and visit with guests.

The Toast: The Best Man then presents the traditional toast to the bridal couple. Other toasts may be presented throughout the meal.

The Dance: The first dance is reserved for the bride and groom, and then parents and the wedding party join them. Specialty dances and mixers are often included between dance sets.

Plan these interludes with your music providers.

The Escape: After a grand evening, the couple prepares for the great farewell. You may choose to slip away with little notice or make a grand departure.

In The Parks

Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the Parks Discover locations throughout Milwaukee County.

From the manicured formal gardens of Boerner Botanical Gardens, to the year-round Mitchell Park Domes, “Milwaukee’s Living Landmark,” or the rustic Seven Bridges Trail—a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan’s shore— you’ll find the ideal location for your wedding photos, ceremony, or reception.

Learn more! Call 414.257.8005 or visit countyparks.com search: weddings

Find the ideal location for your…

Shower • Photographs • Wedding Ceremony • Reception • Gift Opening

countyparks.com VeilMagazine.com

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Type

: Banquet Space : Country Club : Lounge/Bar/Food : Restaurant : Warehouse

bacchus

Average Price per person

$ : $20+ $$ : $35+ $$$ : $50+

Ye ar s in M B ax im usin Pr u es iva m s # t of Pr e R oo G iv u at m (s est Pr e B s ) ic ar e S er Li ve vi ce En O t e ut rta d Pa oor inm rk Si en t i Ce ng e A t re Av vai a m l on ilab abl e y Lo le ca tio n

partylocator Comments

925 E. Wells St. Milwaukee WI 414.765.1166 • www.bacchusmke.com

- a bartolotta restaurant

Milwaukee

9

American, Steak, Seafood

call

$$$

All Attire

3133 E. Newberry Blvd. Milwaukee WI 414.962.6300 • www.lakeparkbistro.com

bartolotta ' s lake park bistro Milwaukee

18 call

French

$$$

All Attire

camp bar

1

150

$$

All Attire

Camp Bar is Milwaukee's only "up North" tavern.

Specializing in old fashioned's, a wide beer selection, and cozy atmosphere. Camp Bar has been voted one of America's "best new bars" by Details Magazine.

2nd Floor, N. Plankinton Ave. Milwaukee WI 414.433.6088 • www.pritzlaffevents.com

galleria , the Milwaukee

4

Catered

Situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Lake Park Bistro offers rustic French cuisine in a beautiful park setting.

Perfect for any event, from small gathering to large weddings.

4044 N. Oakland Ave, Shorewood WI & 6600 W. North Ave Wauwatosa WI (Shorewood) 414.962.5182 (Wauwatosa) 414.763.3793 • www.campbarmke.com

Shorewood & Wauwatosa

American Cuisine

Contemporary American Cuisine in a sleek downtown space. Featuring a variety of private rooms, including a glass - enclosed conservatory over looking Lake Michigan.

250

call

The Galleria is a warehouse space that can be utilized for corporate meetings, private parties, ceremonies and more!

With cream city brick walls will bring any event an amazing feel.

By Event

550 N. Harbor Dr. Milwaukee WI 414.395.4900 • www.harborhousemke.com

harbor house Milwaukee

American, Seafood

All Attire

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

3

call

$$$

Milwaukee's only lakefront dinning experience offering the freshest seafood and unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's skyline.

details

Pre & Post Nuptial Party Locations

Prepare, Party &

Plan

by Michelle Drewek

photography Manning Photography Weddings are more than just a one-day event. Parties from bridal showers to bachelor/ ette parties, rehearsal dinners to receptions, a lot of venue considerations come into play.

Before you jump into planning these events, you need to come prepared. We’ve compiled a Party Directory to help guide your search for the perfect venue, no matter the occasion, but first read on to learn more about what you should be considering along the way.

First, consider how many people will be in attendance. You want to make sure that the space that is chosen to host the event will comfortably fit the guest list. Comfortably means making sure there is not only enough space to seat everyone, but also enough room for mingling and any activities that may take place.

If you are having a bridal luncheon, for example, people will mostly be sitting at their tables or casually standing nearby to chat with other guests. At a bridal shower, however,

at opposite ends of the spectrum. You want to have a location that no only is conducive to the atmosphere you want your party to have, but that your party is also conducive to that space.

A third thing to consider is the amenities.

Things like bar service, entertainment and food offerings may be what makes or breaks your decision to opt for or against a location. Venues all have their own rules when it comes to caterers and bartenders.

Before hiring a catering company, find out the rules of the venue you are using.

They may require you use their in-house catering/menu or a caterer they directly contract with. If you are keen on having a particular caterer, then your search for a location knowing what you you may need to look at a different location if will need to accommodate for so the venue can your first choice has specific regulations.

Bartenders are a similar topic to discuss. Do tell you what will and will not work.

Next, consider the atmosphere. The type of they have specific bartenders you can hire, or mood you will be setting with a bridal luncheon do you need to hire outside bartenders. What versus a bachelorette party will most likely be types of fees are associated with using the bar space for a gift table will also need to be accounted for, as well as enough space for the gift opening to take place in.

Likewise, a wedding reception will need to not only accommodate for guests and a gift table, but also a bar and dance floor. Go into

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Type

: Banquet Space : Country Club

Average Price per person

: Lounge/Bar/Food

: Warehouse

$ : $20+ $$ : $35+ $$$ : $50+

joey gerard ' s

- greendale

: Restaurant

Ye ar s in M B ax im usin Pr u es iva m s # t of Pr e R oo G iv u at m (s est Pr e B s ) ic ar e S er Li ve vi ce En O t e ut rta d Pa oor inm rk Si en t i Ce ng e A t re Av vai a m l on ilab abl e y Lo le ca tio n

partylocator Comments

5601 Broad St. Greendale WI 414.858.1900 • www.joeygerards.com

Greendale

1

American, Steak, Seafood

call

$

An upscale supper club with a comfortable, nostalgic vibe. Classic cocktails, delicious food and top-notch service.

All Attire

joey gerard ' s

11120 N. Cedarburg Rd. Mequon WI 262.518.5500 • www.joeygerards.com

- mequon

Mequon

American, Steak, Seafood

1

call

$

An upscale supper club with a comfortable, nostalgic vibe. Classic cocktails, delicious food and top-notch service.

All Attire

139 E. Kilbourn Ave. Milwaukee WI 414.291.4793 • www.kilawatcuisine.com

kil @ wat Milwaukee

Contemporary American

6

32

$$

All Attire

425 E. Mason St. Milwaukee WI 414.298.3131 • www.masonstreetgrill.com

mason street grill Milwaukee

American, Steak, Seafood

Kil@wat combines an inventive interpretation of contemporary American cuisine, a vibrant yet comfortable setting, and inspiring views of downtown Milwaukee to create a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

6

65

$$

All Attire

Mason Street Grill, in downtown Milwaukee, is a classic American Grill, serving high-quality wood grilled steaks, amazing sandwiches and house made desserts.

Comfortable booths, a welcoming staff and warm atmosphere.

633. N. Fifth St. Milwaukee WI 414.390.4562 • www.chophouse411.com

milwaukee chophouse Milwaukee

Steak Seafood

All Attire

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

12

35

$$

A traditional steak house with contemporary flair, specializing in tender steaks and fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.

m three studio photography

service? How long do you need bar service for? Have these questions answered ahead of time so when you visit the venue, you are prepared to cover all of your bases.

Finally, come in with a budget. It is easy to get carried away planning an unforgettable night. The budget will keep you levelheaded so you don’t leave having spent more than you can afford. If price becomes an issue, see what types of suggestions the venue has. Depending on their years of experience, they have probably seen and heard it all by now. They are experts in the area of party planning, so voice your concerns ahead of time before they become an issue.

Planning a party is something to take seriously because a lot gets invested into making sure your guests have a good time.

By preparing yourself before diving in head first, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress and end up with an unforgettable event. Let our Party Directory help get you get the party started!

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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Type

: Banquet Space

Average Price

: Country Club

per person

: Lounge/Bar/Food : Restaurant : Warehouse

mr . b ' s

$ : $20+ $$ : $35+ $$$ : $50+

Ye ar s in M B ax im usin Pr u es iva m s # t of Pr e R oo G iv u at m (s est Pr e B s ) ic ar e S er Li ve vi ce En O t e ut rta d Pa oor inm rk Si en t i Ce ng e A t re Av vai a m l on ilab abl e y Lo le ca tio n

partylocator Comments

18280 W. Capital Dr. Brookfield WI 262.790.7005 • www.mrbssteakhouse.com

- a bartolotta steakhouse

Brookfield

14 call

Steaks & Chops

$$$

A classic italian steakhouse, Mr. B's offers wood fired prime steaks & chops in a warm, spacious setting. Enjoy a private room or outdoor patio.

All Attire

saz ' s catering lake country western lakes golf club

W287 N1963 Oakton Rd. Pewaukee WI 262.691.0900 • www.westernlakes.com/weddings_And_Banquets.aspx

Pewaukee

19 20+

Cuisine Varies

call

Formal Attire

saz ' s state house restaurant the state room

-

5539 W State St. Milwaukee WI 414.453.2410 • www.sazs.com

Milwaukee

38

American Cuisine

Saz's Catering Lake Country at Western Lakes Golf Club is perfect for banquets, weddings, and rehearsals. Whether buffet or sit-down, formal or casual, hot or cold hors d'oeuvres with complete bar service.

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call

The State Room provides a special blend of casual elegance, privacy and amenities; rich wood accents, etched glass a private entry and a custom designed wooden bar.

Casual

shully ' s cuisine

146 Green Bay Rd. Thiensvill WI 262.242.6633 • www.shullyscuisine.com

& events - thien room

Thiensville

Continental Cuisine

30

65

$$$

All Attire

1038 North Fourth St. Milwaukee WI 414.763.1490 • www.turnerhallrestaurant.com

turner hall restaurant Milwaukee

Gastropub Fish Fry

All Attire

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Our charming Thien Room is perfect for smaller groups up to 65 guests to enjoy sit-down dinners, buffets and luncheon receptions, or up to 80 guests for cocktail/hors d'oeuvres receptions.

1

250

$

Exceptional Food. Great Beer. Legendary Fish Fry. We celebrate the spirited heritage of Wisconsin with our fresh, locally sourced and masterfully prepared food. Our fish fry is an honored Milwaukee tradition.

Milwaukee hosts your night on the town

front room photography

by Carolyn Hartnett Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers a fantastic selection of arts, entertainment, and architecture.

You have numerous options for an unforgettable celebration here, including brewery tours, riverboat cruises, and ethnic festivals.

Whether you want a simple, low-key night on the town with a few girlfriends, or a high=energy, fist-pumping extravaganza, there's something here for everyone. What better place to host your bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, or wedding after party than the city featured in the recent movie Bridesmaids?

The rehearsal dinner is meant to be an intimate gathering for your wedding party and closest family members. Just like your reception locale, the place you choose for this event can help spark conversations and make a huge impact on the tone of the evening and later events to come.

Looking for a casual outdoor setting where you guests can feel comfortable and at ease? Consider renting a tent from Canopies and hosting a fun, catered barbecue, right in your own backyard.

Prefer a more formal outdoor rehearsal dinner? Try the tent at Pier Wisconsin, or the Fitch Plaza at the

Milwaukee War Memorial for a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.

Looking for something unique and different? The historic Miller Caves at MillerCoors are an excellent choice.

Leaning towards a modern, trendy locale? Milwaukee Art Museum, Cuvee, or Bacchus may be perfect for you.

See Veil's Reception and Party Locator on starting on page 32 for many other great local options for your rehearsal dinner.

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details

Bartender

Perfect Custom

Cocktails

by Sara Dahmen

Photography Front Room Photography Some of the most special moments of your wedding are the toasts given by all the people who love you both. But before your guests raise their glasses, make sure that the champagne in their stemware is as tasteful as the well wishes you receive.

Over ten and a half years ago, Gary Ozuna started Bartenders On The Go when he realized there was a need for a serious enthusiastic bartending and beverage specialization service in Milwaukee.

Having lived and worked on the East Coast, as well as Houston and Austin, Gary has insight to the latest hot trends, creative cocktails and newest themes.

Europe is also an extensive research and informational guide for him, and Gary travels there often. In Wisconsin, Gary Ozuna’s staff of licensed and energetic professionals not only get excited about their work, but they also strive to create a memorable experience for your guests. “I believe in hiring fun,

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

insured, and find out whether the bartenders are capable, outgoing, and professional in demeanor and appearance. Will the company you’re hiring actually provide you and your guests with great service all throughout the preparing process?

Gary knows goes amazing service goes beyond serving a good drink.

“Recently a couple ran behind the bar to give me a hug. It took me a second to realize that I had organized their daughter’s wedding years ago and they were still complimenting my company. That’s when I know that what I do is all worthwhile.”

Gary also customizes drink menus for your event, and creating specialty cocktails is something of an art form; one that Gary has perfected. “It’s guests will be served a properly mixed martini a custom craft,” he explains. “And it’s why we with the same suave service you’d find at a do custom beverage packages as well - no two weddings are the same.” high scale bar.

Couples can pick their preferred types of Gary recommends that couples look for several key factors when vetting options for beverage liquor, wine and beer to be served according services. Check if the company is licensed and to their budget and personal preferences. qualified employees who really want to be there,” Gary divulges. Bartenders on the Go is more than just a bartending service, and in fact, is practically a one-stop shop for your event, offering wedding consultations and menu design in addition to guaranteeing your

Photography Top Middle: Craig John Photography, Bottom Middle & Right: Front Room Photography

Bartenders On The Go works with you to uncover the details that make your event unique.

In addition, Gary’s team of servers can even dress in theme for your wedding, or simply don their standard uniform of a classy black vest, white dress shirt and a tie.

Bartenders on the Go is so well known for providing high quality service that the Historic Pritzlaff, Marquette University, the Pfister Hotel, and various others choose Gary’s experienced and talented staff to fill positions for major events. But whatever the occasion

is for a celebration, Gary declares, “A fun and professional bartending service is one important piece that can help make an event extremely memorable.”

KB IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

414-899-6151 www.bartendonthego.com VeilMagazine.com

47

details

Coffee Catering

A True Coffee

Obsession

by Sara Dahmen

photography Manning Photography Coffee and cake go together, a bit like strawberries and champagne. They compliment each other, and make the whole experience just that much better. But so many times, the coffee served at a wedding is not much more than an after thought. Now there’s a way to change that.

Roast Coffee Catering is the premier coffee and espresso bar catering company in Wisconsin and has taken the wedding scene by storm. However, their services are still relatively unknown by wedding guests, making a specialty espresso bar with onlocation baristas a huge unexpected and special treat for your guests.

The Roast Coffee Company opened 10 years ago by owner Ryan Mason as a retail coffee location. In 2009, they were asked to provide espresso bar service for a corporate event, and from there the notion took off.

Brides and grooms routinely want to provide a unique service at their reception that leaves

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Roast also makes sure there are no hidden costs on the paperwork. This means every couple knows that their mocha infused drink is included, as is delivery and set-up, all in one bill. That kind of level and attention to detail is required when handling many people while still keeping the orders straight and the quality of the product perfect.

With the option to have an espresso bar on location for the whole evening, or for a three-hour stint, there’s something for every budget. Some couples like having this alternative for guests who will not be drinking alcohol, but more importantly it’s about the experience: to order a coffee Coffee Catering uses local ingredients drink in the middle of a wedding reception whenever possible. The baristas at the Roast and have it made just the way you like it. It Coffee Catering have been trained in the art feels personal, luxurious and special – every of espresso preparation, how to properly steam couple wants their guests to feel that way! milk and offer the best customer service. guests talking, and a coffee bar serviced by professional baristas with made-to-order drinks and specialty concoctions is always a huge hit.

As everything is about the details, Roast

Ryan Mason Roast Coffee Catering When Ryan Mason was twelve, he wrote a paper about ‘How to Make a French Press Better’ – not exactly what every 8th grader is going to discuss. “I don’t know many kids that were thinking about how to make coffee taste better,” Ryan muses.

It is still obviously a passion for him, because 10 years ago he started the Roast Coffee Company and hasn’t looked back. When the opportunity to break into the wedding market unfolded in 2009, Ryan invested in the more mobile pieces of special equipment and bookings have exploded since.

“I’m often asked why to have a specialty coffee and espresso bar at a wedding,” Ryan says. “Coffee at weddings is usually pretty stale,

and people are surprised and delighted when they have the opportunity to order a drink made by a professional barista off of a customized coffee menu. It’s hard to beat that quality.” The

Ryan reveals. “We take a culinary approach to the drinks we develop with every couple.”

This means educating his barista staff to handle the inflow and flux of hundreds of people ordering coffee in a short amount of time – no easy feat. Ryan takes great pride in this, as he knows service is a huge part of the puzzle when it comes to offering a catering piece to a wedding reception. Plus, it’s all about the details. “Having an espresso bar is a way to stand out to your guests,” he reminds. “Offer hand crafted coffee drinks in a ceramic cup. It’ll be the best latte they’ve ever had!”

“Offer hand crafted coffee drinks in a ceramic cup. It’ll be the best latte they’ve ever had!” company is completely coffee focused, using local vendors to source their coffees and milk, and offers two different reception packages to couples, all of which can be personalized to fit the season or couple’s preferences. “We’ve done coffee drinks with fresh ingredients like lavender, blueberries or certain chocolates,”

Creating the perfect coffee for your wedding!

MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY

414-828-2030 | roastcoffeecatering.com | Ryan@RoastCoffeeCatering.com 2132 East Locust Street - Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211

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love story

Veil Advertisers Photography

m three studio photography

Bakery: Cupcakes a Go Go Bridesmaids Dresses: Weddington Way Caterer: Fresco Ceremony & Reception Location: Overture Center Engagement Ring: custom made by Yossi Miller of Miller’s Jewelry Supply Floral Décor: Daffodil Parker Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Vanexa Invitations: Holly Whittlef Men's Formalwear: Nedrebo’s Formal Wear Reception Band: Piano Fondue Dueling Pianos Wedding Gown: Vera’s House of Bridals

Intimate Moment

For Your Consideration

by Laura Vietmeyer

“I’ll take it under consideration.” Little did they know, Stephanie’s response when Brian first asked her out in a text message would lead to “I do.” The couple loved their wedding, but weren’t exactly in love with the planning. So, they picked the best vendors and trusted the process, going with the flow on the big day. “Life is choices,” they note, “choose wisely.”

Brian and Stephanie first met at a party for a mutual friend. As Stephanie tells the story, when Brian asked for her number at the party, she gave it to him without intending to ever go out with him. Her infamous “I’ll take it under consideration” response to his first message spurred regular texts from Brian about all of the fun things he was doing, always with the note: “For your consideration.” Stephanie enjoyed these glimpses into Brian’s life and eventually agreed to go out with him.

Brian, however, notes that things went a little differently. “She pursued me relentlessly all summer until she was part of the fun,” he says.

The first date and subsequent relationship led to a new consideration: an

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

engagement. Brian asked permission from Stephanie’s father who Brian says could be a professional linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. “If you met Steph’s dad, you would ask him first, too,” Brian notes.

With her dad’s blessing, Brian set to planning the engagement. After attending a show at the Overture Center in Madison, Brian asked Stephanie to play a game with him. After following clues planted throughout the house, each containing a reason he loved her, she found herself on the balcony looking through their telescope for the biggest star in the sky. When she couldn’t find it, she looked down to find Brian on one knee with a ring. “I put on the ring and we were engaged!” Stephanie says. “I also

stephanie & brian married 07-12-2014

think there were fireworks. I remember fireworks,” Brian adds.

The couple’s yearlong engagement kicked off with a trip to Appleton to tell Stephanie’s parents, followed by a drive to Chicago to tell Brian’s parents. They tried to tell as many people face-to-face in a whirlwind of dinners, lunches, and parties before announcing the news on Facebook. Then, it was time for the wedding planning to begin.

The planning process can be overwhelming, as the couple would learn. Brian notes that even when they felt like they were getting ahead with the planning, there was always something new to be done. The couple used resources like Veil Magazine, the checklists on Wedding Wire, and Pinterest to get organized. They also trusted their vendors to bring it all together. “They do this for a living for a reason,” Stephanie says.

They also enlisted the help of family and friends to add DIY touches.

Their family added special touches on the day of the wedding. Stephanie’s grandma, who had passed away three years prior, made porcelain dolls for all of the granddaughters, hand sewing replicas of their wedding dresses. Stephanie’s mom made a doll for her daughter so that she wouldn’t miss out. Stephanie also used her grandmother’s mirror to get ready and carried her handkerchief in her dress. This was Stephanie’s something old, borrowed, and blue.

The preparation paid off as Brian and Stephanie were wed by the friend who

introduced them in front of their 10-person wedding party and 200 guests at the Overture Center. As season ticket holders, they now remember their wedding every time they attend a show. The ceremony was personal; one of Brian and Stephanie’s favorite parts of the day.

After the vows, it was time for the reception! The couple wanted it to be a big party with all of their loved ones. Food, wine and music took center stage. The reception had three different music features, including a flash mob of a cappella singers, dueling pianos and a DJ. From the wedding party’s entertaining entrances to the “Live long and prosper” conclusion of Stephanie’s father’s wedding speech, the reception was an event to remember.

When asked what element of the wedding was worth the expense, the photographer was the unanimous response. “At the end of the day, you have your photos forever,” Stephanie says. “They make us happy every time we look at them.”

Stephanie, in reflecting on the overall experience, offers this sage and honest advice to future brides: “Do what makes you happy. Life is short. Love is rare. Marriage is a blessing. There are so many people and so many opinions, and at the end of the day, you need to do what makes you and your partner happy. Pick your battles, make the choices, but know when it is all over, it’s just the two of you, for better or for worse.

But for so far, it really is for better.”

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Feature Story

Extraordinary Table

Décor

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Top: Front Room Photography, Bottom Left & Middle: m three studio photography, Bottom Right: Manning Photography Imagine the moment that your guests enter your reception space with their place cards in hand. What will they see when they take their seats? What is the overall feel of your space and how does your wedding décor speak to that atmosphere? Your choice in wedding décor can bring unexpected touches to make your reception memorable for you and your guests by exhibiting your personal style or by tying together a theme or feel for your entire day. This comes from a collaboration of wedding planning and design along with the bride and groom and their families.

We’ve pulled together four looks from four wedding planners from real-life weddings that were inspired by the unique requests of the brides, grooms and their families.

The décor speaks to each venue, creating a look and experience to fit the theme and space. From opulent, over the top designs to a rustic, antique feel, or from a romantic, elegant feel to a vintage meets modern look, each design is unique and befitting the couple. There is no limit to how detailed elements such as flowers, candles, menus, and linens can be implemented and tailored to create a seamless look and feel.

A professional can help you reach your ultimate design goals. Wedding planners and event designers can work directly with

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

you and your family using their skills to create a design to meet, and often exceed, your expectations. They have a repertoire of style ideas to tailor the look of your venue.

Almost any space can be transformed, so never let your venue limit your design ideas for the look of your reception. With the right amount of creativity and teamwork, your venue can be transformed into something truly magical.

If you don’t already have ideas for what you want your venue to look like, choose a starting point to get the creative juices flowing. Oftentimes, a color or two, or a pattern, can be a good place to begin. A planner can take the color or pattern and come up with detail ideas to infuse into the tables, the chairs, the lighting, the flowers, and even the cake. If you have an item or heirloom that you want incorporated into the design, a wedding planner can make that happen. If you wanted to incorporate your grandmother’s napkins from her wedding into your design, for example, but you only have eight, you can use them at the head table and your wedding planner can work with the linen company to procure a design that is comparable. Wedding planners are excellent problem solvers and can easily come up with solutions that you may never have imagined were possible.

Aside from being expert problem solvers, wedding planners also have a wealth of knowledge on who to hire in order to get the job done. In order to pull the entire look together, it’s necessary to work with multiple vendors. Wedding planners have the experience and expertise to know which Wisconsin vendors are reliable. Wedding planners also will know which vendors work best with your style, making it much easier to achieve the look you desire for your reception.

The four very different but equally fabulous looks on the following pages can be used to help inspire your own ideas to pull unique details into your design. Take your time to notice the little details that make up the overall atmosphere of the space as you peruse the designs on the following wedding décor pages from Cherry Blossom Events, Dynamic Events by David Caruso, événment planning, and Let’s Have An Affair. Which elements really speak to you? Use those elements as a starting point to begin brainstorming your own ideas to make your wedding decor speak to your overall vision.

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

d y na m i c e v en t s b y d av i d ca r u s o Décor Inspiration Showcasing the updated vintage décor trend, this relaxed and elegant design incorporated elements of rustic charm with romantic luxury.

From the custom mason jar chandeliers to the lush flowers and the amber accent lighting, guests were enveloped into a scene that created a heartfelt experience of joy and love.

Veil Advertisers Equipment Rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Floral Décor

Dahlia Blooms Invitations & Stationery

Paper Envy reception location

Historic Pritzlaff Wedding Planning & Design

Dynamic Events

by David Caruso

Linen & Charger Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Lighting & Sound: Majic Productions Photography: Caroline Ghetes Photography Wedding Cake & Cupcakes: Miss Julia’s Bake Shop

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événement planning Décor Inspiration A California couple returned home to celebrate their down home love of Wisconsin for their wedding celebration.

Entertaining their guests with the love of the family farm infused with detailed antique designs.

Veil Advertisers Bartender service

Bartenders On The Go caterer

Shully's Cuisine & Events Wedding Planner & Design

événement planning

Floral Décor: Impressions by Esther Invitations, Stationery & Signage: Family Relative DIY Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Photography: The Artist Group Reception Venue: Private Residence Farm Home Tent & Silverware Rentals - Top Choice Rental

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le t ' s h av e a n a f fa i r DĂŠcor Inspiration A twist on the traditional with a setting that sparkles.

The soft ivory and blush flowers beautifully complement the simple elegance of gold chiavari chairs and blush tablecloths.

Veil Advertisers Bridesmaid's Dresses:

Bella Bridesmaids Equipment rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Floral DĂŠcor

Belle Fiori LTD. Photography

Front Room Photography Wedding Planner & Invitations

Let's Have An Affair

Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Popcorn Bar: Goody Gourmet's Reception DJ & Lighting: Double Platinum DJ Reception Location: The Delafield Hotel Wedding Cake: Cakes by Erin Salerno

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c h er r y b l o s s o m e v en t s DĂŠcor Inspiration This wedding design is inspired by the casualness of an outdoor wedding and bringing that feel in to the modern white space of the Overture to give it just the right juxtaposition of bright and colorful with a modern simple design.

Veil Advertisers Calligraphy

The Blooming Quill Wedding Planning & Event Design

Cherry Blossom Events

Blue Glassware: Classic Party Rentals Reception Location: Overture Center for the Arts Chair Rental: Lakes Area Rentals Favors: Fromagination Floral DĂŠcor: Daffodil Parker Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Photographer: Paper Antler Stationery: The Bride & Sugar Rivers Stationers Vintage Rentals: A La Crate Vintage Rentals Wedding Cake: Bloom Bake Shop

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love story

Veil Advertisers Ceremony & reception location

Turner Hall Equipment rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Wedding cake

Simma's Bakery Wedding Planning & Design

Cherry Blossom Events

Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal Caterer: Brocach Catering & Events Ceremony Music: Milwaukee String Quartet Favors: Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier Floral Décor: freshdesign Hair & Makeup : DiCarlo Salon Invitations: Etsy (Firstsnowfall) Linen Rentals: Carousel Linens Men's Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Photography: Tres Jolie Photography Reception Band: Platinum Band Music Videography: One Fine Day Productions Wedding Cake: Bakery on State Wedding Gown: Marcellas La Boutique

Intimate Moment

The Best Day of Their Lives

by Laura Vietmeyer

q

Dana and Henry’s romance unfolded in the most ordinary of settings, but their romance is nothing but extraordinary.

A touching proposal in Times Square while on a trip to New York led to a wedding planning experience that Dana urges all brides to savor. From a live band to the perfect dress to many cherished moments, Dana and Henry would do their wedding day all over again if they could!

How did you meet? I’d taken a summer job as a real estate intern in the leasing office of a downtown Milwaukee apartment building. Henry was a resident at the time and we saw each other every once in a while. He would stop by the office to ask me questions I knew he already had the answers to. He checked his mail every day just so he could see me and we started talking. Everything was just easy with us.

up because we were going to dinner. He took me to the top of the red stairs in the center of the street and showed me a video of all the pictures from our relationship in chronological order, set to a beautiful song. At the end it showed our dog sitting in a chair with the ring. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

How did he propose? We were visiting New York City and one night Henry said we had to be in Times Square at a certain time. We got all dressed

Who were the first people you told? We told my parents, and then Henry’s parents.

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dana & henry married 09-16-2014

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How did you announce your engagement to everyone else? Did you use social media? We texted a picture of the ring with an announcement to some people, but then we shared it with everyone else with a post on Facebook.

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What style was your wedding? Elegant Vintage

What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding? I stumbled upon my wedding dress on Pinterest two seasons before it was even out in the stores and I knew it was going to be mine the second I saw it.

It had everything I wanted, all in one dress. I never thought I would be fortunate enough to wear a Vera Wang gown on my wedding day.

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What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? The band. We knew that we had to have a live band in our concert hall venue.

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Were there any funny things or moments that happened at your wedding?

During our father-daughter dance, my two-and-a-half-year-old nephew came up to my dad and tugged on his tux because he wanted my dad’s attention. It was the cutest thing ever!

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What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? The band!

They made the party.

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Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?” My something old was a piece of lace from my mother’s wedding dress, which I had wrapped around my bouquet. The something new was my dress, my something borrowed was my mothers pearl bracelet, and the something blue was the embroidery on my garter.

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Did you do anything special during the ceremony? My uncle got ordained to marry us, which I will forever be grateful to him for doing. We had a Chuppah for Henry’s Jewish traditions, and Henry broke a glass for us at the end of the ceremony. But, we kept the ceremony short and sweet.

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What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides?

If you can work it in the budget to get a live band, do it! Also, try to remember to take in every moment during the planning process. Some of it can be stressful, but once it’s over you’ll wish it could have lasted longer.

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details linens

Covered In

Quality

by Michelle Drewek

photography By Erika Dufour for Debi Lilly/A Perfect Event and Windy City Linen Windy City Linen opened its doors in 2008 with just 2,500 square feet and three owners at the helm. They had no sales reps but themselves, and fulfilled deliveries in their cars until they hired their first full-time rep, Debra Jenkins. Not long after their humble start, they moved to a new location in 2009 to meet client demands.

The new location was 7,500 square feet, but they quickly outgrew that space and within two years had to obtain a new section bringing their total square footage to 15,000. And, they are still growing!

It’s no wonder Windy City Linen has experienced such great success in the event linen industry.

With an emphasis on meeting customers’ expectations and providing the best products available, paired with unparalleled service, they have established a sound reputation with quality infused in every aspect of their business.

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are based in the Chicago-area, Windy City Linen has recently begun to move business into Wisconsin. The goal wasn’t just to grow business, but to reach out to a unique market with a beautiful product at a very competitive price, which will work within all budgets.

“When we entered the linen market, we wanted to accomplish the ability to offer beautiful linens at an affordable price,” Marcela says. “We have priced our linen to be competitive within the market, which will enable our brides to have the color palette they want with many options in fabric and price points in order to keep the décor of her special day within budget.”

Since they don’t have a showroom located Windy City Linen has been trusted with a variety of well-known clients: in Wisconsin, they’ve set up a helpful and Make-A-Wish foundation, Lollapalooza highly convenient swatch request tool on and Cars.com, to name a few. Their team has their website to help brides interested in experience to handle any event, wedding or the fabulous Windy City Linen selection of corporate, big or small. And although they colors and textures.

“Commitment to excellence is what we live by,” says general manager Marcela Medellin.

“We try to be as efficient as possible because our clients have so many other things they are working on and linen should be the least of their worries.”

“Some people want to see the fabric before they rent,” Marcela explains. “They can go on our website and select colors and fabrics they are interested in, and we will mail them swatches to use with the linen selection as well as for them to use for color matching and contrast will all of the other wedding decisions and details.”

Windy City Linen offers many beautiful and seasonal colors in their Classic, Lamour, Bengaline and Shantung Lines. They also carry the much-requested Pintuck and Crush fabrics. Their newest line—Jute—is a softer version of burlap and natural-like fabrics and will be available for rental at the end of April and will come in 7+ different colors. And, they are constantly adding new items to their already sensational inventory.

But their products aren’t the only boast-worthy part of what they do. Windy City Linen has been told time and again by clients that their customer service is the best amongst their competitors. Their knowledgeable staff and friendly nature lend to that stellar reputation.

“A bride and groom can expect to be assisted by a knowledgeable representative that can give them ideas on how linen will accent their event,” Marcela says. “Our reps will ask them questions they might not be thinking of at the moment, like cake table covers or ceremony cloths. Sometimes the smallest things and can be forgotten with so much planning to do, and we want to make that planning easier by being the expert on sizing, layouts, color combination suggestions and any other assistance we can provide.”

Because they want you to have the best experience possible, they advise you come prepared when you are ready to place a linen order with table sizes and color scheme. With that, they will do all the rest.

They can take the image you have created in your mind and make it a reality. Nothing will be left missed.

As far as day-of service, you will be taken care of by their fabulous on-site staff that will assist with the setting up of the linen and chair covers for the event. They also add that when ordering chair cover, they include the chair tie at no additional cost. From start to finish, they have you covered!

“We enjoy what we do and we value each of our clients,” Marcela emphasizes. “We want to provide you with options, pricing and service that will exceed your expectations for you perfect day!”

Embrace perfection for your special day with our high-quality linens.

From Elegant patterns to classic solid colors, we make it easy for you. windycitylinen.com

(P) 224-279-1500 x7

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details rentals

Choose Canopy

Rentals

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Top: Front Room Photography, Bottom Left: Manning Photography

mother and grandmother. Joan raised her six children to treat others as they would like to be treated, a philosophy that shines through in her successful family business. The Canopies women include Joan and her daughters, Margo, Shelly, Danielle, Jackie and granddaughter Martha, all of whom greet customers with a contagious enthusiasm. Ken and Joan’s sons, David, who has perfected the technical side of event planning, and Steve, who handles the production schedule, delivery teams and truck fleet, as well as Doug, Ken and Joan's nephew, who is responsible for sales and numerous front office duties, round out this brilliantly successful team. Together, Joan, Margo, Dave, Steve, Ken and the rest of the Canopies team can turn any outdoor area into a grand affair.

Throughout the years, Canopies has worked with many planners, venues and vendors.

Because of these relationships, they know what can be done and will go above and beyond their call of duty for you, working alongside your wedding day team. Their experience and respected reputation within the industry is another testament to not only how brilliant their work has been, but also how transcendent david hudak they can make your event. And, Canopies the tabletop side of things, making sure brings more than exceptional knowledge to the everything is in pristine condition, properly table. As your guests sit down to dinner, they stored and ready for your big day. Joan’s talents will be wining from stemware and dining from extend beyond the business into her role as high-end china thanks to their large, eclectic Close your eyes and begin to imagine your wedding day. You can see how your color palette translates through each detail, hear your family and friends laughing, smell the amazing floral arrangements; every sight, sound and smell is distinctive. No one knows distinction better than Canopies Events with Distinction. With 26-plus years of industry experience, these experts in party rental equipment are more than just a tent and furniture company, they are creators, with a large assortment of offerings.

They can take your venue or outside event and work with you to create an unbelievable day.

The family-owned company was founded by the Hudak family in 1995. Since its inception, Ken’s charming wife, Joan, has been managing

collection of glassware and china. But, an event with distinction wouldn’t be complete without a floor to dance the night away on. Canopies will make sure that from first bite to last dance, you and your guests are taken care of. They truly are the culmination of your wedding’s foundation. Best of all, their undying passion for their work makes every event not only one of detailed execution, but beautiful splendor.

What brings it all together is their unsurpassed customer service. It begins and ends with you, and they aren’t satisfied until they know they have gone above and beyond to make your once-in-a-lifetime happily ever after a complete success. They will work with you to see that each of your requests are taken care of, be it through them or with the help of one of their many industry connections.

Canopies will always recommend the best fit for each event. For them, it’s not about selling. Rather, it’s about what’s best for margo hudak the final results.

Margo Hudak is one of the first people you will meet when booking a rental. Her pleasant, outgoing personality makes her a natural at her job of fielding phone calls and directing

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Rentals

photography Craig John photography

stemware

pink colored stemware

green water goblets

elegance gold dinnerware havana weave white china Cup & Saucer, Bread & Butter Plate, Baroque Gold Flatware, Glass w/ Gold Beads 13"

Cup & Saucer, Bread & Butter Plate, Manhattan Flatware, Black Marbella Glitter Charger

customers to the appropriate person at Canopies to assist them, or working with them herself if the event is a smaller one, for example, a rehearsal dinner or baby shower. Margo is happy to assist customers in whatever method they prefer, whether it is a personal meeting, call, email or even a text. The most rewarding part of her day is interacting with her clients to deliver them great customer service and quality rentals that go above and beyond what they Jackie K ac h e l meye r could have imagined.

Another friendly face you will see at Canopies belongs to Jackie Kachelmeyer. She grew up around Canopies and handles a variety of services—everything from working in the office to working in the warehouse. She might even be out for your delivery as the event is set up.

“I really enjoy working with the people, meaning both my coworkers and customers. I know that planning a major event—or even just throwing a house party—can be stressful, so it's fulfilling knowing that we can help make things amazing, or just easier for the client,” Jackie says.

When it comes to event planning and choosing what you want out of a venue, Jackie says it’s important for clients to decide what they truly

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white china

Cup & Saucer, Bread & Butter Plate, Spencer Flatware, Vegas Charger Plate 13"

delano glassware

square white China

Cup & Saucer, Bread & Butter Plate, Baquette Flatware, Square Dinner Plates 10"

want, and then the Canopies staff will make their event special for both them and their guests to be remembered for years to come. “I think we do a good job of getting to know the specific needs or desires of our clients. If you take the time to come in and talk with us, we do our very best to make your vision a reality,” Jackie says.

During your interactions with Canopies, you’ll also likely meet Doug Barzyk, who works in sales for Canopies, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the Milwaukee event rental industry. He’s also a graduate of UW-Milwaukee and served for two years of active duty in the Army and 19 years in the Army Reserves. In sales, Doug meets a lot of people, measures a lot of yards, and is familiar with many venues. He’s customer focused and driven to give you the best results!

Doug has worked on many events over the years, and no two events are alike. “What I like about my job is that because no two events are the same, no two days for me are the same,” he says. From May through October, he spends more time out of the office than in as he meets clients, inspects job sites, completes walk-throughs and supervises installations.

Doug does hands-on work to reach his goal, which is for each customer to be completely satisfied with their rental experience and to help them navigate through the planning and execution of an event with as little stress as possible. When asked what advice he has for clients, Doug says that it’s best to get started sooner than later. “It is never too early to begin the rental process or to place your rental order. The sooner you begin, the more likely what you are looking for will be available,” Doug says.

Canopies Events with Distinction is focused on making the best memories for you and your family and friends.

Making Every Party Memorable

extraordinary customer service tents • flooring • lighting • staging • tables & chairs furniture rental • tableware • climate control • specialty items 7234 North 60th Street • Milwaukee, WI • 414-760-0770 www.canopiesevents.com PHOTOS BY: ARTIST GROUP, CRAIG JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY, FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY, SCOTT PATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY

details

event and dĂŠcor design

Wedding DĂŠcor &

Design

by Jon Murrish

sketches and photos courtesy of Kathy Maersch - Barking Pony Studios By the time you contact us, you have made one of the most important decisions of your lifetime. In celebration of this commitment, you both will treasure the company of those people most important to you. Once that special day arrives, you will have made dozens of additional decisions about how you wish it to be, perhaps hundreds.

Not surprisingly, you may be new at this. You probably have friends and family members offering assistance with the details of your wedding day.

Take it, but do so cautiously. These people know you best, and may have insight into your personal style that goes unnoticed to you.

They may, at times, need to be reminded that this is your day. Be patient and hear them out, gently reminding them that your wishes and vision need to remain their priority.

Every venue, whether for a service, reception, or both, will offer opportunities as well

as challenges, not always in equal measure. For over 20 years, the artists of Barking Pony Studios have met these challenges and developed these opportunities in all manner of spaces.

Your individual style can grace any place you choose. Among the possibilities are tents, hotel

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ballrooms, private residences, museums, country clubs, restaurants, warehouses, barns, and even open fields. We work closely with your venue staff in determining what the facility will

allow, as well as provide, in the way of flexibility to make your plans work.

Once you have established the where and when, it is time to think about what it is you wish to accomplish with your decor decisions.

Having a vision, as well as a budget in mind is paramount at this point. Our experience in assisting couples in focusing that vision has served to make each aspect of the experience as simple and straightforward as it must be. Over the years we have incorporated fabrics, crystals, and an array of natural materials into our work, and will offer samples of these for your consideration. We only get one chance to make this day spectacular, which does not mean that it has to be difficult. You have plenty to do, and we know that.

When your guests walk in, you want them to remember what they see at that moment, forever. This is where their experience begins,

Front Room Photography

and it should be nothing short of captivating. We urge our clients to use as much of the available space as possible. A few large signature focal points is usually more desirable than a scattering of small objects that ultimately get overlooked, and forgotten. Large rooms or tents with high ceilings offer great possibilities for stunning fabric treatments, as well as beautiful custom light fixtures, of which we have made many. There are times that a particular feature of a room should be covered, perhaps eliminating an unsightly painting or object that you’d rather not see in your photographs.

Online resources, such as Pinterest, can be helpful in developing your vision, and they can at the same time cause great confusion. We urge you

to use your best judgement, and narrow your focus toward those aspects of your personalities that will best translate into a stunning visual experience for you and your guests. Our experience has shown us that these websites tend to make novices into experts almost overnight, at least in the minds of some people who have never had to “make it happen”.

Combining the ideas you have collected with our artistic portfolio is an efficient and cost effective way to put your priorities in order.

Excellence requires preparation. With that in mind, we offer a unique set of services that will help set your wedding day apart from those that simply occupy the memories of your families and friends. Would you rather follow a trend, or set one? It’s your call…

THE ARTIST GROUP

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

When just a room won’t do...

Unique décor & design to enhance any event wedding canopies • chuppas • mandaps fabric treatments • tent décor • backgrops Military Discount Available www.BarkingPonyBrides.com 414.302.0778 | kathy@barkingpony.com

Find us on Facebook!

Barking Pony Studios

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love story

Veil Advertisers Invitations & stationery

Creative Director of Veil Magazine Photography

Front Room Photography Wedding officiant

Two-gether We Wed

Caterer: Fox Hills Ceremony Location: Fox Hills Indoor Chapel Favors: Wedding Wands and White Chocolate Bliss Candies Floral Décor: Flower Gallery Hair: Salon 325 Men's Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Reception DJ: Sound Dimensions Wedding Cake: Bakery on State Wedding Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: Elaine’s Bridal

Intimate Moment

Picture Perfect

by Michelle Drewek

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“Mom, Dad has a question for you. –Bear” Tina read from the note attached to their dog’s collar before looking up to see Taylor on bended knee. She was elated to share this moment with the family that surrounded them that day, and including their loved ones became imperative when planning their wedding. Sixteen months later—with their Ring BEARer at their side—Tina and Taylor became husband and wife, encircled by the love shared between them and by loved ones for them.

What resource did you find most helpful in planning your wedding? I honestly couldn’t have planned this wedding without my amazing mom, Aunt Judy and twin sister, Terri. My mom met with vendors and thought of questions that I wouldn’t have thought of. Hardly a day passed where I didn’t hear from Terri with suggestions or sending me updated invite layouts, etc. And, my Aunt Judy came to my final dress fitting, and the hair and make-up trials when my mom was working.

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Living 2,000 miles away from the wedding location could’ve been a nightmare, but for me it was made incredibly easy thanks to these amazing women!

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What style was your wedding? I don’t feel like our wedding fit one particular mold for style. All I knew was that I didn’t want our wedding to be your “cookie cutter wedding.” We tried to put unique twists onto wedding traditions and keep true to who Taylor and I are.

tina & taylor

married 10-25-2014

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What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding? Because our dog, Bear, was part of the proposal, I knew I wanted him to be part of the wedding. I think Taylor’s mom, Carri, or sister, Baylee, suggested having him be the “Ring BEARer” as a joke, but I fell in love with the idea!

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What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? I knew what I did and didn’t want for the photography, having graduated with a Photo Journalism degree. I pulled out a copy of Veil Magazine to see who their main photographers were, knowing they had to be amazing studios to have such stunning photos. I went to Front Room Photography’s website and told my mom we would cut the budget in other areas if we had to because I needed them to photograph the wedding.

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Were there any funny moments from your wedding day? Instead of clinking the glasses to have Taylor and I kiss during dinner, we had wands (nicknamed “Wedding Wands”) that had jingle bells on them that the guests would shake if they wanted us to kiss. We then grabbed an RSVP out of a basket, and that couple had to kiss how they wanted us to kiss. It was so much fun seeing who we were going to pull, how they were going to kiss and then figuring out how to

mimic them while in my fairly poofy dress! The best part was having the three sets of parents’ RSVP cards chosen.

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Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?” My something old was my late grandmothers handkerchief; the new was my wedding dress; I borrowed a pair of pearl earrings from my mom and I wore all white Converse shoes with shoelaces matching the same blue as our wedding.

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Did you do anything special during the ceremony? We had candles lit by family and friends before the ceremony started in memory of loved ones who had passed away. We also had one candle in honor of fallen military members. With Taylor, his brother Collin, friends currently serving and family who have served, we wanted to honor them. We also did the Celtic tradition of Hand Fastening. We took lace and had our minister ‘tie our hands together’ while our moms read a blessing.

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What advice would you offer to future brides? Recruit helpers! I don’t know what I would’ve done if I didn’t have everyone helping me. Also, this is easier said than done, but just enjoy planning and the big day itself. I stressed out a lot over planning, and looking back I wish I would’ve taken a breath and enjoyed it more.

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Feature Story

Dream "I Do"

Destinations

by Jessica Pairrett

74 Wisconsin’s&Wedding Magazine Bank of Memories Flowers

Floral Headdresses A fashion trend that is both bohemian and chic.

Beautiful organic head pieces that are designed to replace the veil.

Bank of Memories & Flowers

Bank of Memories & Flowers

Belle fiori LTC.

Belle fiori LTC.

Belle fiori LTC.

Brides' gown Stone Manor Bridal Bridesmaids' gowns Belle Bridesmaids Hair Beauty Milwaukee – Addy and Cheryl (team leader) Makeup Pure Salon and Day Spa – Dana Jewelry David Liska Custom Jeweler Location Boerner Botanical Gardens Photography Front Room Photography

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Feature Story

studio 29 photography & Design

how to propose to your bridesmaids

by Michelle Drewek

Invitations

Paper Envy Invitations shot by

Heather cook Elliott Photography

They’ve been there through tears of joy and tears of sorrow. You’ve laughed until your sides ached and vented about all of life’s roadblocks. Before there was “the one,” they were there. Best friends are an important part of who we are.

They understand us to our very core. As you say “yes” to your dress, “I do” at the altar and “cheers” at the reception, who do you envision at your side?

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will you be my bridesmaid?

Your maid/matron(s) of honor and bridesmaids are incredibly important and one of the first elements of your wedding to plan for because, let’s face it, the best part of being a bride-to-be is sharing these moments with your leading ladies. Sure, it’s easy to just call or send them a message asking them to be in your bridal party, but that hardly does your relationships with them justice. You want to create a memorable keepsake that they can hang up proudly and cherish forever as a memento of the bond you share.

Pinterest has become a breeding ground for wedding ideas galore, with boards dedicated to each and every detail. Places like this can be a great start for brainstorming ways to propose to your bridesmaids, but these ideas are easier to conceptualize than they are to execute. That’s where someone with a creative flair and knack for originality will be especially valuable. Two such artists can be found right here in the pages of Veil Magazine—Debbie Pape of Paper Envy and Ellen Albertson of Paper Pleasers!

Professional artisans will create a unique design and custom concept to fit your wedding day vision, while infusing the charm of each of your beautiful bridesmaids into every proposal. “They’ve been with you through thick and thin and now you’re ready to make it official, with your bridesmaids that is!” Ellen elates. “Their anticipation will surge when opening your perfectly personalized and beautifully handcrafted proposal.”

Having a theme and color scheme sets the tone for the entire wedding,

and it can also be something to incorporate into your bridesmaid proposals as a way to give them a sneak peek of what’s to come. You don’t need to have all of the details figured out yet, but if you have some visions in mind this is the chance to see them unfold. Get ready to have some fun with your memory-making maven!

Aside from the design itself is the personal message on each one.

Ideas for this range from a catchy poem to a heartfelt message, and there are a whole host of options in terms of what to say and how to say it. Ellen and Debbie both have an array of examples they can show you beyond what you may read about in your own research. The best advice to keep in mind as you think of what to say is to keep it intimate; something for just the two of you. “Love is in the details,” Debbie says.

As you plan where your proposal(s) will take place, consider bringing all of your girls together at once. It’s a chance for them all to meet, if they haven’t already, and bond over their shared excitement for your wedding. If something more private is what you want most, nothing is more heartfelt than that one-on-one moment where you tell them just how much they mean to you.

This is a time to truly treasure with your husband-to-be, but it’s also a time to bond with your ladies. They are no doubt just as excited, if not more, about your big day. They clearly mean a lot to you, so take the time to plan a bridesmaid proposal they can treasure forever as a reminder of your bond and a symbol of your deep affection for one another.

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details

Bridal Shows

The Show

Experience

by Michelle Drewek

photography Front Room Photography Most brides have been thinking about their wedding day since they were little girls.

Dreams of the perfect dress, delicious cake and ornate décor dance around in our heads for years before we meet “the one.” When the day comes that the love of our life asks us to marry them, the idea of planning a wedding seems so natural.

But as easy as it was for our childhood fantasies to take flight, reality quickly grounds a bride as the list of to-dos begins to grow.

Before you press the panic button, take a step back from jumping headfirst into intensive planning and look to the ultimate wedding resource available to the modern-day bride.

Bridal shows are the best place to let your eyes and intuition guide you. Instead of having to spend countless hours of time and energy researching, calling and meeting with a myriad of vendors separately, a bridal show gives you the opportunity to meet with numerous experts for every facet of your wedding day under one roof in a single afternoon.

Once you determine which show(s) you want to attend, take time to prepare so you can make the most out of this incredible opportunity. Start by printing off a list of vendors that will be there so you can highlight those you absolutely want to speak with. Then, come up with a general list of questions you can ask each vendor for a specific need (i.e. florists, ca-

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terers, DJs, etc.). After the show, filter through all of the information that was handed out to you, keep those you want to learn more about, and review the notes you took when speaking with vendors.

You can easily compare their answers to figure out what you like and don’t like, discover new ideas you never would’ve thought up on your own and figure out whom you want to do a follow-up meeting with. By now you will most likely have a good grasp on who you “clicked” with, and can drastically narrow down the field of vendors you will take the time to have an individual meeting with post-show.

Besides doing your due diligence to collect information while you are at the show, it’s equally important to let your intuition guide you. Vendors will have a display set up showcasing their unique styles and services. It can be visual overload, but if you stay focused you can begin to see what you are drawn to and better envision what you want your wedding day to look and feel like.

Don’t be afraid to tell them when something doesn’t match the style you are going for. A true professional will be accommodating and have a different sample to show you, or perhaps even give you a recommendation of someone they feel is a better match for the specific need you are looking to fulfill.

If you are too intimidated to talk to vendors right off the bat, try easing your way into the process by speaking with other brides in attendance. You can gain insight from someone that is in the same boat as you, and get advice from their own time spent researching. Who knows, they may be doing something unique at their wedding that you might consider for yourself as well.

Finally, make sure you stop by the Veil Magazine booth or check your gift bags for the latest issue of Veil Magazine. Wedding magazine publishers have been in the business for a while and more than likely have worked with many of the vendors in attendance (or showcased weddings that used featured vendors). They’re in this business to provide information for brides and would love to meet and speak with each and every one of you!

Bridal shows truly are the time to stop around and meet various artisans under one roof, which can save you time. Best of all, you are the #1 priority of every professional in attendance. In a room full of brides-to-be, everyone will make sure you feel truly exceptional and important. It’s an unbelievably positive experience that not only takes a layer of pressure out of the planning process, but also allows you to embrace the special feeling that comes along with being a bride.

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love story

Veil Advertisers Bartender service

Bartenders On The Go coffee bar

Roast Coffee Catering Equipment rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction invitations

Paper Envy lighting & DJ

Milwaukee Airwaves Photography

Heather Cook Elliott Photography wedding gown & Bridesmaid's dresses

Gigi of Mequon

Ceremony Location: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum Event Planner: Tailored Engagements Floral Décor: Marius Bell Jewelry: Jenny Packham Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Makeup: Tayla LaMacchia Men's Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Other Equipment Rentals: Vintage Relics Reception Location: Milwaukee County Historical Society Wedding Cake: Miss Cupcake

Intimate Moment

Going the Distance

by Laura Vietmeyer

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Love knows no bounds. David and Briana’s relationship endured two graduate programs, three cross-country moves, six new jobs, and countless miles of travel. David made the decision to move to Miami, surprised Briana with a romantic proposal and after a one and a half year engagement and long distance wedding planning, the happy couple finally said “I do” in front of family and friends on a picture-perfect summer day.

How did you meet? We met through mutual friends (who are also now married and were attendants at our wedding) at a party over eight years ago! David approached Briana and we had an instant connection, bonding over our mutual affection for traveling, trying new ethnic cuisines, craft beer and college football.

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How did he propose? The proposal was a huge surprise, especially since Briana always said she would know “without a doubt” when David was going to propose! David casually mentioned that a co-worker gave him a gift card that was

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expiring to a restaurant in Miami. They usually picked a new restaurant to try every Friday night, so this wasn’t out of the ordinary. That night, David picked Briana up and drove to a romantic ocean-side restaurant settled on a marina overlooking the downtown skyline. There, David handed Briana the gift card, which had a QR code on it. When Briana scanned the code, a video appeared with pictures and videos of their relationship through the years. On a secluded bench with the most breathtaking sunset, David turned to Briana and proposed with a gorgeous emerald-cut Tacori ring.

briana & david married 08-09-2014

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What style was your wedding? Fun, glamorous and GOLD! We wanted a fun atmosphere with unique details, but still a chic, glamorous feel. I believe our photographer used the words “Hipster Glam!”

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What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding? Beautiful flower arrangements and bouquets to complement our theme. Our wedding colors were black, white and gold, and we used our flowers to add in pops of bright fuchsia, pinks and greens.

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What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? Photography. We used Heather Cook Elliott for our engagement and wedding photos. Heather and her team are incredibly professional and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. We could not have asked for more, as our photos were absolutely beautiful and captured every little detail of our special day.

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Were there any funny things or moments that happened at your wedding?

In the hot summer sun, one of our groomsmen fainted right before we were about to take our vows. That is something we will never forget and will never let him live down!

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What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? Our wedding planner! Amanda Felsman of Tailored Engagements planned our wedding long-distance for a year leading up to our big day. The day of the wedding was spectacular. If there were any issues that arose, we never even knew about them! The two of us, our parents and the wedding party could focus 100% on having fun!

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Did you include any special traditions or customs? We chose to replace a lot of classic traditions. Instead of a sit-down dinner we had tapas bars with mahi-mahi tacos on margarita shooters. Instead of speeches and a grand march, we entertained guests with a photo booth, a temporary tattoo bar and coffee baristas.

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What advice would you offer to future brides? If you are able to within your budget, enlist the services of a professional to help you plan. It’s wonderful having a third party help you make impartial decisions with vendors or handle the timeline of events! Also, enjoy the entire wedding planning process; it goes by in the blink of an eye. It can be extremely stressful at times, but always remember the big picture—you are marrying your soul mate. For the two of us, planning our wedding was one of the happiest times of our lives!

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wedding planning

Peace-Of-Mind

Planning

by Carolyn Hartnett

photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography Are you obsessing over venues, menus, flowers, décor and everything wedding-related? Do you have a list of to-dos without the slightest clue about where you should begin tackling it? So many details go into planning a wed¬ding that it can be difficult to manage event coordination along with your career and personal life. Save time and eliminate anxiety by hiring a professional to guide you through the process. A wedding planner works closely with you to help bring your dream wedding to life.

The ideal wedding planner is reliable, stylish, personable, professional, organized and detailoriented. It is vital to choose the right person so you can enjoy the excitement of your wed¬ding day without worry. Because this person will be such a vital part of successfully planning and executing your wedding day dreams—as well as avoiding potential pitfalls and costly mistakes—you’ll want to do your due diligence in finding your perfect planner that will provide you with confidence and composure during this whirlwind of excitement and anticipation.

When vetting a planner, look for someone with experience. Be sure they have references and find out how long they have been in the business. The caliber of wedding planners varies. And beware of hiring a friend as a planner.

Even if some¬one managed to successfully plan their own wed¬ding, that doesn’t mean they

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have the ability to orchestrate other people’s events. Professional planners are prepared for any situation, as they have encountered many challenges throughout their years in the business. There is no substitute for experience and reputation. A well-respected wedding planner will have much more success working with vendors than a ‘new customer’ without much focus or knowledge.

Experienced planners embrace opportunities to network with vendors and uncover trends to figure out what will work best for your event.

They attend educational seminars to keep upto-date on what’s hot nationwide from coastto-coast. But just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it will automatically fit your particular event. That’s why it’s important for a planner to know how to help the bride and groom find their own style and apply it in a way that works for their wedding, for a timeless and beautiful event.

When interviewing planners, it is important to determine their business acumen. Ask how payments to vendors are made, how the planner charges, what exactly the planner does on the wedding day, what paperwork the planner provides, and to see an updated portfolio of work. You should receive a clear, direct answer to these questions.

In addition to discussing the technical points, determine if you are comfortable with

the planner. “It's always best to hire a planner that you ‘click’ with. This is so important because you will be working closely with this person and it’s such a personal and momentous occasion in your life. You want it to be fun and enjoyable along the way. Having a planner that you can be open and honest with is important.

You also will likely build a bond with your wedding planner that extends beyond a professional relationship. Planners absolutely love their personal connections with the couples, and they foster that by spending a lot of time with them, even hosting dinners in their homes just to hang out. They re¬main in touch with most of their couples forever, even after their big day.

Great wedding planners love what they do, and this enthusiasm carries through to your event. They truly enjoy bringing your vision to a whole new level that exceeds your wildest dreams. The best thing a couple can do for themselves is to hire a qualified wedding planner that can maximize their budget, create their ultimate fantasy experience and have fun while doing it. Afterward, you will look back on the months leading up to your wedding day with true fondness, knowing you planned the wedding you always wanted with the true calm only a professional can provide. Be sure to say “I Do” to hiring a qualified wedding planner.

Chris Albrecht let's have an affair

Chris Albrecht and Let’s Have an Affair are no longer Southeastern Wisconsin’s best kept secret after winning The Knot’s, Best of Weddings. With a tag line like, “We listen, We create, You celebrate” she is a clients dream come true for planning the perfect wedding day. All of the pressure of planning and executing the wedding is shifted from the bride and her family to Chris allowing everyone involved

to enjoy a stress free event.

From the time a bride gets engaged until they are on their way to their honeymoon there is an overwhelming and cumbersome amount of details and planning involved. Chris will alleviate that making the planning experience one that is smooth, organized, relaxing and fun. Her vendor contacts locally are extensive and she will effortlessly guide you to whoever best meets your needs best through the planning process.

There is nothing too small or too big for Chris as she has covered a wide range of parties over her many years of being in the special events industry.

When asked about her experience with Chris, a client noted that, “Throughout the entire planning process, Chris will dazzle you with her devotion to detail. She has the uncanny knack with staying five steps ahead of everything. Her

persistent follow-through allows you to sit back and enjoy the planning process.”

Chris informs all of her clients to “Be a guest at your own wedding.” Clients can be assured every detail will be attended to throughout the planning process. Behind the scenes she will be covering all the fine particulars so that everything runs seamlessly from start to finish.

Let Chris be your one stop shop for all your wedding and planning needs. Save yourself time, money and stress by selecting Let’s Have an Affair to partner with you to create memories that will last a lifetime and allow you to truly cherish each moment of your memorable day.

For more information, contact Chris Albrecht at 262-691-3303 or visit her website www. letshaveanaffair.com

“Chris informs all of her clients to ‘be a guest at your own wedding’”

We Listen, We Create, We Celebrate

Let's Have An Affair

PHOTOS: Top center, Bottom Left & bottom Center Front Room Photography, top left, top right & Bottom right Tom Fitch Photography

Chris Albrecht, Wedding & Event Planner

(262) 691.3303 LetsHaveAnAffair.com

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Andrea VandeBerg & Sarah Sarbacker cherry blossom events

Andrea VandeBerg and Sarah Sarbacker of Cherry Blossom Events are passionate about creating beautiful and cohesive weddings that truly express each couple’s unique personality. They take great pride in planning elegant events filled with rich meaning for both newlyweds and their guests. Your wedding day is an incredibly special occasion, and you deserve only the best as you celebrate your love and commitment to one another. Their goal is to make you the priority on that unforgettable day by providing you with the expert guidance you need. All you have to do is enjoy the wedding of your dreams.

“From the very beginning I felt extremely at ease and comfortable with Cherry Blossom Events. You can immediately tell how passionate they are about what they do. As a bride, I was so pleased that they were as concerned as I was about pulling together the entire wedding.

The amount of passion and hard work they put into events is truly impressive. If you want to work with individuals who are experienced, organized, detail oriented, creative, passionate, hardworking, and FUN, I HIGHLY recommend the Cherry Blossom Events team.” — Amanda Kastner (Bride)

vow to take the time to get to know you, because your wedding should reflect YOUR tastes. Every couple is different, and therefore, each one of our celebrations is one-of-a-kind. We love melding our experience in design with our sense of style and attention to detail, in order to turn your dreams into a reality.

“We had vendors who have been in the wedding industry for 20 years tell us that they had never seen more hard-working or organized coordinators – quite a compliment, and very well-deserved.

On top of it all, they are genuine, caring women and really just wanted to make sure that we were happy with everything.”

— Christine Khosropour (Bride)

“every couple is different, and therefore, each one of our celebrations is one-of-a-kind”

visit our website

At Cherry Blossom Events, our designers treat each wedding as if it is our own.

We pay meticulous attention to every detail, because we are completely devoted to making sure your event is absolutely perfect. We believe that understanding and identifying the needs of every client is the key to creating beautiful experiences. We

cherryb events.com | 608.497.0133 | info@cherrybevents.com

photography courtesy of (L-R) jennifer johnson photography, kate bentley photography, anda marie photography, alex + natalie nelson photography, & nicholas norbert photography.

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Feature Story

L VE Custom Rings Set to Perfection

by Laura Vietmeyer

David Liska of David Liska Custom Jeweler, located in Milwaukee, doesn't do anything traditionally. There is a uniqueness to almost everything he does, whether it be in the design of the jewelry he makes or the role he plays in his clients’ special moments. David works by appointment only so that he can spend time with each client, getting to know them personally. David focuses on relationships, both with the client and understanding the relationship between a couple, educating his clients rather than merely selling them jewelry.

front room photography

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Out of all the jewelry he has made over his 36-year career, David remembers the stories of surprises he was involved in the most. At times, he met clients in odd places to discreetly pass off newly designed engagement rings. Sometimes he would be present at a charity event, often sitting at the same table with an unsuspecting fiancé-to-be. Being a part of these special moments in his client’s lives fuels David’s passion.

When it comes purchasing an engagement ring, sometimes the couples come in together, but when the man comes in alone, he is often in need of guidance on many levels. Some girlfriends will leave subtle clues or give specifics, but when the man truly wants to surprise her but has no idea what to do, David provides the confidence! David helps him recognise her tastes through a series of simple questions to provide clues to determine her style. David spends many hours getting to know his clients and often asks, “How did you meet?” This establishes a more personal connection and is the type of relationship building that puts a person at ease and fosters friendship. Through this trust and David's process, his rings become an integral part of the couple’s relationship!

He is also excited by the special design elements that he can incorporate into his rings, making the design precious to the couple. Often, these special elements are symbols, such as the couple’s initials, a design element that symbolizes an ethnic upbringing, or special interests such as the sun, Spanish fans, architectural influences.

One of David’s favorite custom designs was for a Marine who, with his girlfriend--an architect by trade--was very fond of sunrises and touring famous architectural buildings. The Marine proposed to her during a sunrise at the Vatican in Rome. For this special rose gold ring, David discreetly incorporated a sunrise design carved out between two Corinthians columns, a favorite architectural design of hers, supporting

the halo of diamonds that contained the center stone, a deep blue sapphire.

David’s business is as much about building relationships as it is about commemorating special moments in his clients’ lives. One of David’s favorite long term stories is about pro football player Adam Timmerman and his wife, Jana. After working with the couple over the years, he was asked to make pieces for both Adam and Jana for their 10th wedding anniversary. Adam and Jana planned to surprise each other, so David made a bracelet with 10 -.50 ct. radiant cut diamonds for Adam to give to Jana. He also made a custom knife for Jana to give to Adam, each without the other knowing.

The surprises didn’t stop there. For the couple’s 20th anniversary, David was involved in creating gifts for the couple once again. This time, Adam and David got Jana to send her original bracelet in for “maintenance”. David made a second identical bracelet with another 10 diamonds and fastened them together with special custom hand-carved links. When she got it back it now had 20 diamonds! For Adam, David conspired with Jana to give him a custom designed key tag with symbols of their life together. Adam was so focused on the excitement of the double bracelet for his wife that he had no clue this special gift awaited.

He was blown away!

David is also known as a helping industry partner and is noted as the go-to-guy for customer service. On two occasions, Front Room Photography called David on the day of the wedding for assistance. Once was to size a watch a bride gifted to her groom so that he could wear it during the wedding. The other instance was when David pulled together seven pairs of matching pearl earrings for a bridal party the afternoon of the wedding. It’s ongoing special moments like these that make David a truly unique and passionate jeweler.

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love story

Veil Advertisers Lighting & dj

Milwaukee Airwaves Photography

Studio 29 Photography & Design

Ceremony & Reception Location: Milwaukee Athletic Club Flowers: Ester Hair & Makeup: KWOF Salon Invitations: Clark Creative Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Men's Formalwear: Bachrach Reception Band: The Right Now Wedding Cake: C. Adams Wedding Gown Salon: Zita’s Bridal

Intimate Moment

Gatsby Opulence Meets Wisconsin Winter

by Jenna Kashou

Music has played such a big part of our love story. So, music was the most important detail of our wedding, and then, creating a memorable ambience. I remember the song that was playing the first time Ramsey came over to hang out at my apartment. He walked the six blocks from his place to mine and put on the playlist he had been listening to.

“The Start of Something” by Vox Trot came on – it was certainly the start of something, but I was none the wiser.

We met through a mutual friend at Balzac Wine Bar on the East Side. Ramsey had a robust mustache and wore an Alpine ski sweater. Aside from his cartoonish, adorable appearance, I was intrigued by his name. I flooded him with questions to find out if he grew up with Middle Eastern traditions like me, and like his name suggested. As coincidence would have it, both of our dads were born in Palestine.

But more than ethnic ties, our mutual interests brought us together.

Our first date was at Turner Hall’s rock climbing gym, which turned into hot

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toddies at Von Triers. We were both getting over colds as the remnants of winter clung tight to March. Within a few months, and without even realizing it, we became an indelible part of each other’s lives.

Three years into our relationship, we decided to take a vacation on the West Coast and drove from Portland to the Redwood Forest. Halfway into our first hike, we stopped at a bench to take a break. I was so in awe of the misty, mossy, gargantuan forest I hardly realized that Ramsey was getting down on one knee and

jenna & ramsey married 12-20-2014

proposing to me. My awe turned into shock and then excitement. I floated the rest of the way down the trail, my smile hooking from my right ear to my left. When we hopped back in to the car, Ramsey had an engagement playlist all cued up with favorites like “Love and Some Verses,” by Iron and Wine.

As the wedding planning process began to take its twists and turns, and our original vision of a small rustic wedding fell by the wayside, we reminded ourselves that it was just a party and the most important thing was that we were starting a new life together.

Once I found my dress and we chose the venue, it became clear that our wedding would have a Great Gatsby air to it, showcasing the Art Deco elements of the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Also, because it was in December, we wanted to work with the natural elements of the season.

Fast forward to December 20 at 3 p.m. I was riding to the Brew House Inn and Suites to meet Ramsey before our ceremony. Our photographer Ren Davis led me up a set of metal stairs and then brought Ramsey out with his back facing me. As I glided down the stairs and approached Ramsey, I was giddy with anticipation. “Three Rounds and a Sound” by Blind Pilot was playing on

his phone, in his suit coat pocket when he greeted me. It’s one of our songs; of course we can’t just pick one song!

It was really special for us to bring in a few traditional elements from our heritage for the reception. There was traditional Arab music to kick off the party, complete with Ramsey and I hoisted up in chairs. We also used an ornate sword that is family heirloom to cut our cake.

With Ramsey in the industry and me being an event planner, we had many options and opinions about our vendors and details. We had two live performers – who are also dear friends – add acoustic music to the ceremony, a live, seven-piece soul band and of course, an Airwaves DJ to keep the dace floor packed while the band was on break. We also had a piano player and whiskey tasting in the Elephant Room for guests who were looking to relax and take a break from the action.

Ramsey and I also love coffee so we had our favorite – a Valentine brew bar to pair with the international sweets table complete with Middle Eastern Bakalva, French Macaroons, Italian biscotti and Argentinean Alfajores.

The best part of the wedding was letting the pieces fall into place and watching our guests enjoy the evening as it unfolded.

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health & beauty

Revitalized &

Refreshed

by Katie Carlson

As a bride-to-be, you want to put your best foot forward, or in this case, your best body and face. And why shouldn’t you want that?

After all, let’s face it- you are going to be the primary focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including those photographers!

While a good diet and exercise plan are always important before the big day, most brides overlook the wonderful services that medi-spas can provide for those irksome issues, like acne, dry skin, wrinkles or a little trouble fitting into that dress. One such spa in the area helping brides look their best is Lumiere Laser & Vein Center, and we spoke with Mary Steffan, the lead esthetician there, to get the scoop on their must-do services, and to get answers to common misconceptions about medi-spa treatments.

Mary has been licensed in the field of esthetics for over seventeen years, and has extensive experience in acne management,

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Dermal Fillers 5. i-Lipo Ultra is a noninvasive alternative toliposuction that results in slimming, contouring, cellulite reduction, and skin tightening for your body. And the best part- there is no pain, no needles and no down-time! Brides should consider this before a wedding if a little extra help is needed fitting into that gown. i-Lipo Ultra is the intelligent, non-invasive alternative to liposuction WINNER of "Best Slimming Treatment" at Les Victoire De La Beaute in France Now, Mary addresses some common misconceptions about the services that Lumiere offers: “Medical spas are too expensive, and I won’t have any extra money in the budget to get and feel their best, and I believe at our clinic anything done.”

Actually services are very affordable…for we help everyone do that!”

We asked Mary what the top services instance, the Lumiere Signature Facial is only are at Lumiere for brides to try out: 1. The $175 for a personalized treatment to your specifLumiere Signature Facial, 2. Laser Hair ic needs. Lumiere also offers financing through Removal 3. Latisse® 4. Botox, Dysport and Care Credit. skin rejuvenation, and facial/skin care and anti-aging treatments. She says that the best part about her job is seeing that her clients are surprised, relieved and excited that Lumiere’s procedures are non-invasive and fairly easy to do. As Mary puts it, “Everyone wants to look

“Now that I got the i-Lipo Ultra treatment, I’ll never have to diet or exercise again!” Even though the treatment is great for fat reduction and slimming, you do need to continue a well-balanced diet and exercise to maximize the results.

“I have acne, and I don’t want to use moisturizer on my face before my wedding because it makes me break out.” The truth is, if you want your face to be acne-free and beautiful, choosing the right products (yes, including moisturizer!) with a professional consultant will help achieve the skin you will love. The folks at Lumiere provide the tools that you need to get the skin you want!

“I’m afraid to get Botox- what if it paralyzes my face?” Botox Cosmetic is an FDA approved prescription medicine and gradually takes effect (usually about 7-14 days from treatment). Lumiere consultants go over each patient’s medical history to make sure that they are good candidates for all procedures. And, as with all procedures, resident physician, Dr. Michael J. Phillips, supervises all services to ensure the safest results.

“If I am thinking about laser hair removal treatments before my wedding how many and when should I start the treatments?” If a bride is considering laser hair removal the treatments usually take about six to nine treatments per area. Appointments are scheduled one month Apart.

"If I'm considering Latisse® or eyelash extensions which would you suggest and how long does it take to notice a difference?" I would suggest Latisse®, it is more of a permanent solution to giving you longer, fuller and darker lashes. Latisse® solution is clinically proven to grow lashes. You should see the full results within 16 weeks, and to maintain your lash growth you want to continue using Latisse daily.

Mary Steffan Medical Aesthetician • S kin Care: relax with a state-of-the-art skin care treatment customized specifically to your unique skin needs.

•L aser Hair Removal: perfect for all skin types, this process removes unwanted hair using an innovative cooling technique that provides long-lasting results.

• F illers: receive a personalized anti-aging treatment that fills lines and softens wrinkles.

• Cellulite Treatment: reduce cellulite and melt away inches for a slimmer, tighter body with this non-surgical approach to body contouring.

• S kin Care Products: browse our selection of professional medical grade skin products that will enhance your skin’s pure tone. We carry products from brands such as Janssen, Latisse, and Colorescience PRO After all this great information, what's a bride to do? Call Lumiere to schedule a free bridal consultation, and begin your journey to flawless beauty.

CHECK LUMIEREVEINCENTER.COM AND FACEBOOK FOR MONTHLY SPECIALS

Rejuvenate • refresh Revitalize The Spa Treatment with the Care of a Physician Lumiere Signature Facial, Revitalizing Treatment, Photo Facial, Skin Tightening, Chemical Exfoliation, Laser Hair Reduction, Botox Cosmetic & Dermal Fillers, Cutera Pearl Laser, Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment, DermaSound Elite, Medical grade skin care products.

1239 Corporate Center Drive, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 LumiereVeinCenter.com| LumiereMedicalSpa.com | 262.569.8346 VeilMagazine.com

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salon & spas

A Radiant

Regime

by Michelle Drewek & Laura Vietmeyer

photography Top: Front Room Photography, Bottom Left: Manning Photography, Bottom Middle & Right: Studio 29 Photography & Design Being in love instantly adds a radiant glow to those struck by cupid’s arrow. When your wedding day arrives, you want that glow to shine brighter than ever, but how? To keep that refreshed and flawless from dawn till dusk, the answer is preparation. Truly capturing a picture-perfect appearance depends on your skin care, makeup application and hairstyle.

Be sure to give yourself time to prepare; the perfect glow just doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with a great skin care regimen using a quality product line. First, find a cleanser geared toward your skin type. Next, exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate, again paying attention to skin type. Most importantly, use a great moisturizer. There are different moisturizers created for all skin types, from dry to oily or combination, but radiance relies in replenishment—don’t skimp or skip! Talk with a skin-care professional to help point you in the right direction and get you started on a plan toward a beautiful complexion.

And don’t forget the most important beauty tip of all, for both your face and your body: Stay hydrated! Never underestimate the power of water. If you want to keep your complexion clear, deflate those under eye bags, and keep your skin looking plump and youthful, get yourself a water bottle and keep it full.

Drinking enough water is great for your whole body. Cheers!

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Once you have your skincare regimen down and are beginning to enjoy the magnificent results, you can move on to truly capturing a picture-perfect appearance. This flawless face also relies on your makeup application and the products used. Makeup artists don their title for a reason; they’re pros at prepping your makeup, so choosing a local professional is a must. When working with any professional, ask friends and coworkers for recommendations or look at online portfolios to help you hone in on someone you might like to work with and who captures your personal style. When you find the right person, you can benefit from the knowledge and experience that a professional makeup artist has to execute the perfect tips and tricks and to use the personalized products that are right for you. Give your makeup a couple of practice runs to make sure you love the look and still feel like yourself, your absolute best self.

Now that you have prepped your face and chosen your makeup pallet, your headpiece and hairstyle go hand-in-hand. Together they become the cherry on the sundae. There are so many options for headpieces, so try on as many as you need to in order to find the perfect ornament to complement your gorgeous self. Once your headpiece is decided on, you can move onto the hair. Up or down? Curly or straight? Do I color or don’t I? What to do with your wedding hair can be a tricky affair.

Ideally, your hairstyle will flatter both your face and your overall ensemble. If you plan on experimenting with your hair color, do so at least four-to-six months before the wedding.

This allows your hair time to recover from any major malfunctions or catastrophic color choices. Keep in mind your makeup pallet and the color of your dress. You want your hair to complement your look, not overpower it.

To start, pick out a few different looks and share them with your stylist. Schedule your trial hairstyle a few months in advance, and bring your veil and/or headpiece as well as any photos you like. Remain open to new ideas. You may hate up-dos, or only be open to up-dos, but be willing to take chances—at least during your trial run. Your headpiece may also dictate your hairstyle, which would be beneficial to keep in mind as you make your choice. A full, elaborate veil will be heavier on your head and may require a tighter up-do.

However, if you decide to go for the long, loose romantic look, remember that generally, your veil should be longer than your hair and tousled does not mean tangled.

With these and any beauty tips you might come across to achieve your wedding day look, there is one important lesson to keep in mind: Preparation and practice make perfect.

Pure Salon and Day Spa Recommended Timeline for a Flawless Experience We encourage our brides to include bridesmaids, mothers, or any other important loved ones to enjoy a Bridal Spa Party during the time of her trial wedding hair style. It is a great way to pamper the bridal party while getting helpful feedback.

3 Months

- Meet your stylist and have a consultation - First Color and Haircut - First and Second Microdermabrasion Facial

2 Months

- Third and Forth Microdermabrasion Facial

1 Month

- Haircut - Trial with Hair Accessories - Trial Makeup - Trial Eyelash Extensions (optional) - Fifth Microdermabrasion Facial

1-2 Weeks

- Hair Color and Refresh - Sixth and Final Microdermabrasion Facial - Relaxation Massage

2-3 Days

- Facial Waxing - Bikini, Leg, and Underarm Wax - Manicure - Pedicure

Wedding Day!

Photography Left: Kate Weinstein Photo, Middle: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Right: m three studio photography

- Bridal Hair - Bridal Makeup - Eyelash Extension - Nail Touch-up

Your Hair is the Crown that You Never Take Off Bridal Styling In Salon or On Site • Expert

Hair Styling & Makeup Makeup • Eyelash Extensions • Manicures and Pedicures • Microdermabrasion

photos by Kate weinstein photo

• Airbrush

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11607 W Bluemound Road Wauwatosa, WI 53226 puresalonanddayspa.org Dana: (262)227-0788 Diane: (262)309-3535 Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

affair

Hair

by Deserae Constantineau

manning photography

Up or down? Curly or straight? Do I color or don’t I? What to do with your wedding hair can be a tricky affair. In fact, you should start thinking about your hairstyle as soon as you decide on your dress. Your headpiece and your hairstyle go hand-in-hand; and together they become the cherry on the sundae that is your wedding day ensemble.

Just like every other aspect of your wedding, you need to plan ahead. Once you’ve chosen a headpiece, you should start thinking about what

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hairstyle will most flatter both your face and your overall look. Rounder faces look better in sleeker styles, while fuller styles flatter more narrow faces.

Book an appointment with your stylist soon after you have chosen your gown and headpiece.

You’ll want to discuss both the color and cut of your hair, as well as its condition and what kind of treatments you should begin in preparation for the big day. “To look your best you need your hair to be shiny and beautiful,” says Maia Hanson, owner of Glow Salon & Spa. “Color has a big impact on

your look, but you may need a deep conditioning treatment, too.” If you plan on experimenting with your hair color, do so at least four-to-six months before the wedding. This allows your hair time to recover from any major malfunctions or catastrophic color choices. Keep in mind the color of your dress and the style of your veil. You want your hair to complement your look not overpower it. Schedule any touch-ups two-to-three weeks before the big day, allowing time to correct any dryness or damage and avoiding that “just-dyeddo.” The same goes for haircuts. Allow your hair enough time to grow out a bit after cutting, to avoid that “fresh from the barber” look.

Just like everything else wedding, when deciding on a wedding day hairstyle, you have to do some shopping around. Pick out a few different looks and share them with your stylist. You want to schedule your trial hairstyle at least two weeks before the wedding. At this time, you should bring in any photos you like, bring your headpiece and bring your honesty. “Don’t waste time and don’t be afraid to voice your opinion,” says Hanson. “Be reasonable and honest and never walk out of the salon hating your hair.” But do remain open to new ideas. You may hate up-dos, yet leaving your hair long would not do your strapless, scalloped neckline justice. Be willing to take chances, at least during your trial run. That’s what you’re there for.

Keep in mind that your headpiece does somewhat dictate your style choice. A full, elaborate veil will be heavier on your head and may require a tighter up-do. However, if you decide to go for the long, loose romantic look, remember that generally, your veil should be longer than your hair and tousled does not mean tangled.

Practice makes perfect. And if you follow these few simple suggestions, the only thing you’ll be worried about when sitting in your stylist’s chair on your wedding day is whether your groom will remember the rings.

Diane & Leroy Halo Salon Before opening her first salon, Halo Salon’s owner Diane trained in New York and Boston. She was one of ten chosen to represent the United States in the World Hair Show at Wembley Hall, London, and she also won first place in the hair cutting competition at the Midwest Hair Show in Chicago. Diane opened her first salon on Milwaukee Street in 1982.

Then, in 1994, she and Leroy Buth became partners, acquired a building on Brady Street, and created the space for Halo Salon. They chose Brady Street because of its history, vitality and unique energy.

Diane, Leroy and the staff pride themselves on creating elegant hair and makeup in a beautiful workspace. With sleek, modern décor and an abundance of fresh flowers, Halo Salon provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs of wedding preparations. Halo is known for its expertise and talent. The staff keeps up with current global fashion, hair and makeup trends.

A bridal trial is very important, as it can help

“Our staff is small and receives highly specialized training.

We choose to work only with artists that are completely committed to their craft.” eliminate any uncertainty on your big day. The day of the trial, they will dress your hair and design your makeup, giving you options to find a look that will enhance your beauty. They recommend bringing any photos of inspiration that are close to your natural skin tone and hair color.

They also advise brides to stay away from anything overly trendy, so photographs look classically beautiful for years to come. Lash extensions translate beautifully in wedding photos and compliment any makeup choice, while airbrush makeup gives a flawless natural finish that needs no touch up. Your photographs will look timeless for years to come.

For color range and hair care lines, Halo Salon uses Davines, a privately owned company out of Parma, Italy. Sustainable beauty is at the heart of Davines’ philosophy. An ecological position is fundamental for the ethics of an attentive, pioneering company with a cosmopolitan, open attitude towards new trends and change. Jane Iredale is Halo Salon’s primary cosmetics line.

Classic looks, with a touch of modern style, are a specialty of Halo Salon. Brides will find that the staff is there to accommodate their every need and can rest assured that they will give close attention to detail to create a look that is a personal signature for this most important day!

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photography Studio 29 Photography & Design Hair Jennifer makeup Elyse location Halo Salon Gowns Bella Bridesmaids model Hanna E.

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Intimate Moment

A Solid Foundation

by Laura Vietmeyer

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Andy and Robyn started dating after five years of friendship, forming a strong base for their future as husband and wife. The couple married following a nine-month engagement and an uncomplicated wedding planning experience.

Andy and Robyn were so happy to have had all of their friends and family together to celebrate their marriage!

How did you meet? We met at work. We interned together after our second year of law school and worked for the same firm after we graduated. We were close friends and started dating about five years after we first met.

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How did he propose? Andy proposed at the same hotel we stayed at during our first weekend away after we started dating. The hotel is in Chicago, which is one of our favorite places to visit. I thought Andy was going to propose earlier in the week when we were at one of our favorite spots in Milwaukee. As it turns out, Andy was planning to propose there, but sensed that I was on to him. He changed plans so I would be surprised.

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Did he ask your parent(s) for permission before the proposal? No. Andy doesn’t understand this tradition. He believed that what mattered most was (and is) how we felt about each other and our relationship, not the opinions of others.

It may be non-traditional, but he is absolutely right. And for the record, my parents were completely okay with this.

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How did you announce your engagement to everyone else? We called our families and friends. It was important for us to be able to share the news personally.

robyn & andrew married 11-01-2014

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What were the wedding colors? Blush, black, grey and ivory. The belt I wore with my dress inspired the rest of the colors.

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Who did you first tell? Daniel, our jeweler, who we went to see the morning after Andy proposed to make sure the engagement ring fit correctly. That probably sounds odd, but we chose to take the weekend together to celebrate our engagement privately. I highly recommend this—we knew we would have plenty of time to celebrate with others later.

What style was your wedding? I’m not sure I could accurately describe our style, other than to say everything about the day was true to us. If I had to pick, I would say simple and classic, with a vintage feel.

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What was the first detail you knew you absolutely had to have? From the very beginning, our goal was to throw an amazing party: excellent food and drinks with a band that would fill the dance floor.

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If you had one thing to splurge on what would it have been? We were very fortunate and had everything we wanted for our wedding day. Looking back, Andy and I agree we wouldn’t change a thing, other than to make the day not go by so quickly!

What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? Everything about our wedding was worth it, but if we had to pick one we would say our band, The Triple D Band. Andy and I agree one of the best moments of the night was when the band started playing and the dance floor was immediately packed. It was exactly what we wanted.

Were there any aspects of DIY that you incorporated? With the help of my sister, we designed our own letterpress invitations. We made our own place cards for the reception. My mom and I also found most of the vases we used at the reception at local antique stores.

Did you do anything special during the ceremony? The judge who married us is a friend and former colleague. Having someone who knew each of us perform the ceremony made the entire experience really personal and special.

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What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides?

You can make the wedding planning experience as simple or as complicated as you want. Pick the two or three things that are most important to you and your fiancé, and focus your time, energy and resources on making sure those items turn out perfectly. The rest will fall into place.

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Feature Story

Enchanted

Beauty

by Michelle Drewek

photography Front Room Photography Bridal gowns Brandi's Bridal Galleria, & Stone Manor Bridal Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup Pure Salon and Day Spa Jewelry David Liska Custom Jewelry flowers Belle Fiori LTD. location Boerner Botanical Gardens styling Gabrielle Loomis & Terri Blahnik Models Cheryl H., Hannah A., & Joy R.

ETC.

Let’s be completely honest, we all have our own insecurities. While our individual concerns will differ, none of us is without reservations. But these worries shouldn’t take away from the excitement of finding our wedding dress. This is a chance to show off who we are, and feel fabulous while doing it.

From personality to body type, every bride is unique. And while it’s easy to say, “I want to look gorgeous and feel confident on my wedding day,” finding the gown that not only represents your personality, but highlights your beautiful figure all while keeping you comfortable in your own skin can be a challenge, especially since not all bridal salons cater to every size bride. Many times the ones that do are hours away or only offer a limited selection, leaving a bride without the option to truly find her wedding gown soul mate.

We made it our mission to find you a solution, and indeed we did!

During a recent photo shoot at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, we had a handful of brides and brides-to-be find out first hand that beauty doesn’t only come in a size 6. With the help of the fantastic teams at Stone Manor Bridal (Grafton, Wis.) and Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. (New Glarus, Wis.), our featured brides were put in gowns that made each of them glow.

“We believe that when you are bridal gown shopping you are not just shopping for a dress but an experience that will last a lifetime, and that applies to every bride no matter what shape or size you are,” Kate Iggens of Stone Manor Bridal underscores.

“We work diligently to find plus size dresses that are not only figure flattering but also stylish and fashionable, so when a bride comes in she doesn’t feel anxious or self-conscious. We carry a wide variety of sizes—up to size 26—and are here to help you look and feel fabulous.”

Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc is also an industry advocate for making every bride of every size a priority when they walk through their doors.

“A more curvy bride looking for a gown is treated the exact same way we treat any bride who comes into our salon,” emphasizes Brandi Nehmer of Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. “We have a wonderful, diverse selection of gowns in sizes 16-24W in all price ranges and fits!

“Curvy brides are wearing every style of fit today, so there are no limits! Almost every gown we have comes up to size 24W, so she is welcome to try on anything we have. We want every bride to feel her absolute best and show off her curvy figure on her wedding day!”

Don’t let your own fears about finding the perfect dress overtake your excitement. Team up with a group of experts that truly understands you and your fabulous figure, like those at Stone Manor Bridal and Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. Because of their dedication to serving each and every unique bride that walks through their door, you can rest assured you’ll find a dress that loves your curves as much as you do.

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Bridal Gown Stone Manor Bridal

Bridal Gown Stone Manor Bridal

bridesmaids dresses Stone Manor Bridal

Bridal Gown Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC.

bridesmaids dresses Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC.

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Dressed In

Love

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography The bride-to-be has many important decisions to make for her wedding day, especially when it comes to her wedding dress. Brides demand a lot from this special dress. She might want to feel absolutely beautiful, or comfortable, or sexy. To find the dress that fits into her wedding vision and makes a statement, the bride has to begin by finding the style that will allow her to strut her stuff. On top of finding her perfect dress, she has to keep the bridesmaids in mind, too! Showcasing everyone’s personalities within the bridal party while fitting into the scope of the wedding’s overall style can easily be achieved with the perfect bridal attire.

When searching for the perfect dress, there are multiple styles for the bride to consider. And the best place to get dress advice? From the bridal boutiques in Veil Magazine: Bella Bridesmaids; Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc.; Gigi of Mequon; and Stone Manor Bridal. Each boutique helps brides figure out exactly what they are looking for in bridal party fashion.

The fashion mavens at bridal boutiques will sit down and listen to what the bride wants in a gown and they will also inquire about the details of the wedding. Knowing those little details about the wedding can help the dress stand out even more. Brandi

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Nehmer from Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. explains, “The location of your ceremony and reception will help set precedence for what you will want with your gown.” Once the backdrop has been set, it’s about the dress and the accessories.

Soft and whimsical romantic looks are always classics for bridal style. “One of the most important trends we see in bridal right now is romance,” Kate Iggens of Stone Manor Bridal says. “If a bride wants to acquire that soft and romantic feel to her wedding, it can start with the fabric of the dress. Having a dress made of silk, chiffon, organza or tulle will give the bride an effortless look.” To see these romantic styles in action, check out page 118 for our bridal shoot showcasing beautiful looks from the boutiques mentioned above.

Art Deco styles create a vintage twist on the romantic look, with beading, sleeves, and interesting necklines.

Once the dress has been chosen, accessories are a bride’s next stop. According to Gigi of Mequon, for bridal jewelry, a lot of sparkle in all shapes and sizes is always on point. Earrings and bracelets are more popular than necklaces at the moment, but the right necklace with the right dress can make the whole look really pop. In veils, cathedral veils and blushers are definitely in! With all of these choices to make, the

staff at any of these bridal boutiques can assist you in finding the perfect fit for your big day.

Shoes are another important accessory!

You can find a comfortable shoe to wear all day without having to resort to a flat, if that’s the not direction you are looking to go. You can also find a comfortable shoe that is flattering. At Gigi of Mequon, they are looking into new shoe lines to offer a wider variety of styles, keeping in mind that their customers will be in them all day. Bridging style and comfort is important! At many bridal boutiques, shoes can be dyed various shades or colors. You can even dye your ivory shoes black after the wedding day! These shoes are also the perfect fit for a variety of social occasions.

The romantic look can apply to the bridesmaids as well. Ombre colors are on trend for bridemaids dresses at the moment.

Create interest by pairing different colors and styles together. Subtle or bold, there’s no right or wrong way to incorporate color.

Your bridesmaids don’t have to look like clones from every other wedding. Dresses with tiered bodices, glamorous fit-andflare skirts and whimsical gauzy overlays are just a few ways to give your bridal party a fresh take.

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Inside Brandi's Bridal Galleria, etc.

“I had a great experience at Brandi’s! Love the new salon… like stepping onto a TV show, really!”

by Laura Vietmeyer

Where can you strut your stuff on the runway to get a 3-D view of your wedding dress? The savvy bride knows that the answer is Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. in New Glarus. With a new 12,000 square foot showroom and 10 years in the business, Brandi’s is the bridal salon to go to for exceptional prices, exceptional service and an exceptional experience.

Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. offers a wide selection of bridal fashions brought to you from around the world. With over 500 handpicked bridal gowns and 1,000 bridesmaids’ dresses, Brandi’s offers you and your bridal party the opportunity to explore your options in a space that helps you relax and have fun. The state-of-the-art space has edgy, metallic, silver, black, and mirrored decor. “I wanted to create a salon where the bride felt relaxed so she could enjoy herself and her bridal party could have fun!” said Brandi. She continued, “Combining technology and intimacy was a challenge, but we are thrilled with the results.” As a bride at Brandi’s, you have the opportunity to use technology in the form of touch screens and runway videos to help you choose the perfect gown. The runway experience allows you to see yourself as your groom & guests will see it on you on your wedding

day. That day, you’ll be focused on your groom, but at Brandi’s you can focus on finding your dream gown.

Brandi herself travels the world to bring the best bridal fashions to the Midwest, traveling as far as Barcelona, Spain to bring the Pronovias brand to the salon. The new salon was even honored with a visit from the Director of US Operations for Pronovias, Lluis Sole, who was impressed by the new store. He stated, “Brandi’s Galleria represents perfectly the values of bridal and Pronovias: love, passion, beauty and joy. It is an honor to have Brandi’s Galleria to represent our brands.” Brandi’s also offers exclusive fashions from Martina Liana and Anaiss Bridal, and more traditional lines from LaSposa, Allure, Maggie Sottero, Stella York and many more.

Once you select your perfect gown, you and your bridal party can celebrate with a champagne toast and photo op on the red carpet runway. Brandi’s is “The Home of the Original” Champagne Toast and they know how to properly pamper you and your party. Visit Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. website at www.brandisbridal.com.

Experience Our State-Of-The-Art 12,000 sq ft Salon!

Over 500 Bridal Gowns • Over 1000 Bridesmaids 12 14th Avenue, New Glarus, Wisconsin

608.527.4436 www.brandisbridal.com Mon-Thurs 10-7, Fri & Sat 9-5, Sun 10-3

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Kate Iggens Stone Manor Bridal Stone Manor Bridal has been located in Grafton since the fall of 2013, but its roots date back to the spring of 2002. Its name was inspired by the original space in Cedarburg, a stone house built in the early 1900s. Owner Kate Iggens was met with success the minute she opened the doors and Stone Manor Bridal quickly outgrew its first location.

When you step into the new store, you won’t be disappointed!

Stone Manor’s loft setting, with walls made of Milwaukee’s signature cream city brick and warehouse windows that let in gorgeous natural light, offers an extensive collection of unique gowns for both brides and bridesmaids.

Additionally, Kate says the large space allowed her to add tuxedo and prom lines too. The Wingman Formal Wear area is dedicated to the dashing grooms and their groomsmen.

Kate, a University of Wisconsin grad with a background in buying and retail, knew she found her perfect fit as a business owner in the bridal world. She is proud of both the knowledge and customer service levels she and her staff can offer to clients. When first visiting Stone Manor Bridal, Kate offers this simple piece of advice to brides, “Come with an open mind.” She notes that it’s okay for you to love a look online or in a magazine, but later change your mind when you see it in person.

We offer an extensive selection of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses carefully selected for their unique style and beauty.

Rent a tuxedo, suit, or separate piece in our Wingman Formalwear Shop.

“When you find the dress you will know.

It’s a lot like your finding your fiancé— you know when it’s the right one!”

For some brides, this process can be overwhelming, which is why Kate and her wonderful staff are there to assist you along the way. They’ll help you navigate the wide array of beautiful dresses, many of which come from vendors that are unique to the Milwaukee area and are not offered in other stores. Once the dress has been selected, your consultant will work with you to add the perfect accessories from their collections of headpieces and veils, shoes, and jewelry.

From start to finish, the bridal consultants at Stone Manor Bridal are there to help. They’ll work one-on-one with you, listening to your likes and dislikes and tailoring your dress selections to meet your needs. “When you find the dress you will know,” Kate says. “It’s a lot like finding your fiancé—you know when it’s the right one!”

1218 12th Avenue Grafton, WI 53024 (second floor) 262-377-5334 | StoneManorBridal.com

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What Shape are you?

by Terri Blahnik Hourglass Inverted Triangle

Rectangle

Choosing a dress that flatters your body will ultimately depend on your body shape. It is up to you to decide what feature you love about your body and to highlight that, instead of focusing on the less-than-perfect parts.

Knowing your shape will help find a dress that complements your body shape, proportions, and personality.

For an hourglass figure, the shoulders and hips are about the same width with a well-defined waist. Since you have a curvy shape, the mermaid or trumpet style will flatter your silhouette the best.

If you have an inverted triangle figure, you should stay away from the mermaid or trumpet style dress. Your shape has broad shoulders and a slim waist, hips and legs. An A-line dress or ball gown with a fuller skirt will balance the shoulders. Also focus on accentuating the waistline and you will look beautiful!

A rectangle figure has shoulders and hips that are about the same width and a waist without a lot of definition. You can create the illusion of curves

Pear

Apple

by drawing attention upwards or downwards, and you should also define your waistline. An empire waist will showcase the smallest part of your torso.

You have a pear figure if you are thinner on top with more curves or fullness on the bottom. Bring attention to your upper half and draw it away from the lower half. Your best options are one shoulder, strapless, v-neck, bateau or scoop necklines.

Finally, an apple (or circle) shape has a full chest and narrow hips.

Apple figures tend to gain weight around the middle and upper body, which leads to a less defined waist. Avoid accentuating your waist, and instead go for a bodice with an open neckline. Strapless, v-neck or sweetheart will be perfect for you.

Now go to the mirror; stand there with your arms by your side. Take a look. What shape are you? Once you know your shape, you will be able to find a dress that makes you look outstanding, but more importantly, makes you feel amazing in it!

Love. Family. Friends. Fun! Be inspired. Experience a Bella Bridesmaids showroom for the largest selection of bridesmaids dresses.

309 north water street suite 170 | milwaukee, wi 53202 | 414.270.0344 milwaukee@bellabridesmaids.com www.bellabridesmaids.com

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Feature Story

True Romantic

Elegance

by Michelle Drewek

Photography m three studio photography Bridal gowns, Jewelry & Veils Bella Bridesmaids, Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC., Gigi of Mequon & Stone Manor Bridal Hair & makeup Beauty Milwaukee, Halo Salon, The Color Tube (MakeUp Assistant Jeana Bujanowski) Draping, set design, fabric & installation Barking Pony Studios Lighting Sound By Design location Historic Pritzlaff Styling Terri Blahnik & Anne Sorensen Models Elyse C., Hanna E., & Jemme L. from Ohlsson Model Management Your wedding day is all about the love between you and your spouse to be. A romantic and elegant look in your bridal attire celebrates that love and showcases it to your guests. Flowy fabrics, ball gowns and lace details create a traditional romantic look, while beading and Art Deco inspired gowns with vintage elements create an elegant twist on romantic looks. Whether you want a classically romantic look or you want a little more drama in your dress, bridal boutiques can work to find what you’re looking for to create the perfect, truly romantic look. You can be the sophisticated, sweet, feminine bride you’ve always dreamed you’d be.

The gorgeous gowns in the following pages come from Bella Bridesmaids, Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc., Gigi of Mequon, and Stone Manor Bridal. Various elements make these wedding gowns truly stand out, from plunging necklines to jewel illusioned backs. Sleeves are another detail that create a romantic spin on a dress. From cap sleeves to illusion necklines that translate into full sleeves, they can really up the elegance factor.

There are a myriad of styles to choose from. In ball gowns, you can combine vintage and modern through ombre silk organza, a lace bodice accented with crystal appliques, or a strapless sweetheart neckline, ivory to sherbet ruffled organza a-line skirt, and a chapel train. Some ball gowns seem simple at first, but it’s easy to add unique elements, such as a pretty blush color. Slip gowns are another way to add in romance. These delicate and feminine looks create stunning silhouettes and leave room for special details to be added, such as beading and ruffle accents.

Your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to wear a dress that makes you feel truly gorgeous and confident, and you can’t go wrong with any of the romantic looks you’ll find here. These dresses celebrate your love and showcase your beauty while fitting your style and needs as you plan your big day.

You can finish off the look with well-chosen accessories, such as veils and headpieces.

These beautiful dresses shine even more thanks to the joint efforts of Molly from m three studio photography and Kathy and Jon from Barking Pony Studio, who created the soft, dreamy backdrops for shoot. A special thanks also goes out to Sound By Design, who worked on the lighting for the shoot, and to the Historic Pritzlaff staff, for allowing Veil Magazine to use the wonderful space.

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Bridal Gowns Left: Gigi of Mequon, Middle: Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC., Right: Bella Bridesmaids Hair Left & Middle: Beauty Milwaukee, Right: The Colour Tube Makeup Left & Middle: Halo Salon, Right: The Colour Tube

Bridal Gown, Headpiece & Jewelry Stone Manor Bridal Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup Halo Salon

Bridal Gowns Gigi of Mequon Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup The Colour Tube

Bridal Gowns & Veil Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC. Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup Left: The Colour Tube, Right: Halo Salon (Touchup: The Colour Tube)

Bridal Gown & Veil Stone Manor Bridal Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup The Colour Tube

Bridal Gown & Jewelry Stone Manor Bridal Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup Halo Salon

Bridal Gowns Left: Bella Bridesmaids, Right: Gigi of Mequon Headpiece Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC. Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup Left: The Colour Tube, Right: Halo Salon (Touchup: The Colour Tube)

love story

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Intimate Moment

Kiss Me at Midnight

by Laura Vietmeyer

The New Year’s Eve midnight kiss will never be the same for Bryan and Lauren. The couple met through a mutual friend on December 31, 2011, while celebrating with friends in Milwaukee. They rang in the new year by sharing their first kiss at midnight. That kiss would lead to a new relationship, a wedding, and a new shared future.

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On the night they met, Lauren asked Bryan to be her ping-pong partner when their group stopped at Spin (now Evo). They became inseparable for the rest of the evening. The relationship would eventually lead them to Boulder, Colo., where they now reside. The engagement began with several calls to Lauren’s brother-in-law, who offered Bryan pep talks on asking Lauren’s father for permission. When Bryan felt ready, he called Lauren’s father and plans were officially set in motion!

The day he proposed, Bryan asked Lauren to go on a hike at Chautauqua Park near their home. At one point, Lauren wandered off to explore and returned to find Bryan dropping to one knee. She said “yes,” and a trail runner passed by just in time to snap a couple of photos for them! Bryan and Lauren continued their Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

hike, enjoying the special moment together before calling their parents. The calls were followed by celebratory beers with friends at Oskar Blues Brewery. The couple shared the news with everyone else on by posting the two grainy photos that the trail runner took online.

With the happy news shared, it was time to start planning! Family and friends were most helpful through the process. “I can’t thank them enough for being there for me and helping me with anything and everything!” Lauren says. The couple notes they were both surprised at how much work the process ended up being. It required more trips to Milwaukee than originally planned, but they were focused on making their big day everything they wanted it to be!

lauren & bryan married 01-24-2015

The couple unanimously agrees that the décor for the wedding was very important. “We knew we wanted to throw a celebration to remember! Breathtaking florals, eye-catching linens and furniture, geodes, our stunning wedding cake...the list goes on with the décor,” Lauren says. The couple drew inspiration from the films of their favorite director, Wes Anderson. This translated into lavish details and “stormy” colors—greys, blacks and metallics with pops of bold gem tones. Their venue, the Milwaukee County Historical Center, helped them achieve their desired look. It was also a perfect space for a memory table, which included photos from many generations that the couple displayed to honor their families.

On the day of the wedding, Lauren covered all of the “something old, something new” bases by donning her new wedding gown, her grandmother’s fur coat, her sister’s diamond earrings, and a topaz-anklet from her mother-in-law. The couple took most of their photos prior to the ceremony. They laugh as they recall chasing away a flock of geese and ducks by the lakefront. “We had a blast, at the sacrifice of my dress,” Lauren says. The bridesmaids were concerned with cleaning the mud off of her dress, but Bryan and Lauren were enjoying their day too much for her to be concerned.

With the details in place and photos taken, the couple was ready to be wed in front of 140 guests, including their wedding party of four bridesmaids, four groomsmen, one

flower girl, two ring bearers—Lauren’s 11-year-old nephew carrying her one-year-old nephew—and two ushers. The ceremony was deeply personal, from the readings to being married by Lauren’s uncle who served as the officiant. The first reading was an excerpt from Plato’s Symposium, which examines the nature and purpose of love and really speaks to the couple. Lauren and Bryan were also able to honor various cultural traditions by tying in Irish and Dutch elements. They had each of their parents read a verse of a traditional Irish Blessing and had a Dutch wishing tree, which allowed the couple to take their guests’ wishes home with them to keep!

The ceremony was followed by a reception with quality drinks and amazing food.

The couple achieved their goal of throwing an event to remember. Lauren fondly remembers one of the funniest moments of the day: “Bryan started a cake fight with me! I had no idea that was coming and we were both COVERED in cake. It was honestly such a fun and spontaneous moment!”

In the end, the hard work in planning paid off for Bryan and Lauren. Through the entire process, the couple learned that having fun and staying true to themselves was most important. “Your wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple and your deeply personal, unique love. Do whatever feels right for you!” Lauren says. “It’s your day—revel in it!”

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Men's formalwear

Power to the

Men

by Michelle Drewek

photography Top & Bottom Right: m three studio photography, Bottom Left & Middle: Heather Cook Elliott Photography Brides, we all know the dress is one of the most talked about items you will plan for your big day, and rightfully so! It will more likely than not be the most expensive gown you’ll ever have the joy of twirling in, and all eyes will be on you the instant the bridal march begins. A dazzling woman deserves a stunning dress! But, what about your groom? The experience of finding attire for your wedding day takes many days, several fittings and plenty of intricately detailed choices. And now that we are well into the 2000s, groom and groomsmen attire is being given more due diligence.

Luxe, custom services and diversified offerings have made male wedding attire a whole new experience for engaged couples. It’s no longer all about the black tie affair, although that dashing combination is truly timeless! Indeed, now you can add color to almost anything the groom and his men will wear—including the suit itself.

Black is making its comeback, but navy blues are also a huge trend this year. Likewise, we’ve seen a rise in the number of gray suits and tuxes being incorporated into wedding day apparel, from a deep charcoal to lighter stone shades.

Before you dive headfirst into the sea of suits, you’ll want to discuss having the men’s clothing match the vibe and style of your wedding. While some weddings call for the traditional black suit or tux, many couples simply ask their groomsmen to wear a suit in a certain color, letting the freeform

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styles mix and match with the variety of the bridesmaid gowns. This is especially true when grooms decide to go with a look that isn’t the usual black. The fabric itself is also an important consideration depending on when and where you’ll be getting married. Hot climates typically call for a looser weave and possibly even a sandy khaki, whereas a winter wonderland will mean layers and tight-knit fabrics.

Even if you opt for a more formal suit, tie and vest combination, there are so many stylistic options available in terms of accessories that even the most simple of suits can become a statement piece. While cuff links are still an often-discussed wedding staple, men are expanding their accessory horizons and incorporating more eye-catching elements to display their personality. From brightly hued pocket handkerchiefs to bold bow ties and shoes in an array of colors, the sky’s the limit for what your groom and his entourage can do!

All of these options can be overwhelming, but that’s what experts, like the vendors in Veil Magazine, are there for. They’ve juggled many requests in their years of experience and will no doubt have some amazing ideas in mind for the look you want to accomplish. Also, don’t let reservations hold you back from experimenting.

Try mixing in patterns and colors to a variety of different accessories to see what you like and what you don’t. You don’t have to decide

in one session what your final ensemble would be, so come in ready to explore and let your imaginations take you on this exciting journey.

The tuxedo itself was born from the imagination of a man daring to push the boundaries of fashion. Pierre Lorillard VI, a wealthy tobacco magnate in the 19th century who lived in an area outside of New York City, helped to create a thriving social scene around a park that the locals had dubbed Tuxedo Park.

For a particularly extravagant Autumn Ball, Lorillard commissioned a design for a jacket that was noticeably missing the long tails that were standard on formal wear during that time.

It is thought that he fashioned it either after a dinner jacket that was made for England’s Prince of Wales (soon to be King Edward VII), or after the red coats that were traditionally worn during fox hunts. While Lorillard did not end up wearing his new design to the ball, his son and his friends wore the tailless jackets, and because of their high social standing, the trend was noticed and quickly caught on. The style has since been called the tuxedo in homage to the town of its origin.

Steeped in a history of pushing boundaries, the tuxedo can be transformed into something stylish and different for the groom and his groomsmen. Personality and personal style matters just as much to the men, and they’re ready to show it.

Ask Yourself This To help you decide on what to wear, and to make sure you know what details you can consider, we’ve compiled a list of questions to consider as you ponder your wedding day attire.

1. W hat color suit / tux should the men wear? Blue, black, navy, grey, charcoal, khaki, white or striped?

2. A ccessories for the chest can be vests, cummerbunds, suspenders, or even sweaters.

3. W hich tie style would best match the wedding’s mood? Among other options, there’s the cravat, bow tie, skinny tie...and then choose a color or fabric pattern. Remember, some couples don’t rent this - they buy them as groomsmen gifts.

4. A re there other fabric pieces we want to consider? Colored or patterned socks shoes or shirts?

5. W hat about jewelry or other accessories? These can be as traditional as cuff links and watches or as unusual as bolero hats with a brim band to match the wedding design.

6. D o you want props? Top hats, canes, belt buckles or other elements that will add to our wedding vibe?

7. H ow should the groom be slightly different from the other men in the wedding party? He is, after all, the man of the hour.

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(Pictured left to right) John Carbonell, Robert Norris, Tim Ryan, and Jeff Brand

Tim Ryan harleys the store for men

IN 1968, a stockboy named Tim was working at Harold and Stanley Dubman’s store, Harleys: The Store for Men. After getting involved in sales and buying, he worked his way up to co-owner of the store in 1987. While the other owner, Tom Brill, retired in 2000, Tim Ryan, President/CEO of Harleys, is still hard at work.

Harleys is an industry leader in menswear, and strives to make sure that every customer is priority number one the instant he walks through the door.

“Our mission is to provide quality apparel, exceptional customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience,” Tim emphasizes.

While many people tend to put emphasis on the wedding dress, the groom’s attire shouldn’t be a last-minute detail. Tim recognizes that finding a wedding day ensemble can be intimidating for grooms, but Harleys is fully prepared to help any groom find what he is looking for.

“Being both a retail and rental store gives Harleys staff a unique perspective to give proper advice to the groom to ensure he makes the right choices for his wedding,” reassures Tim. “Tuxedo rentals are provided by Jim’s Formalwear, and we are an Elite dealer within their network, which allows Harleys to do whatever might be necessary to ensure the wedding party looks their best. We also have an in house tailoring staff to take care of any last minute adjustments.”

This past July, Harleys’ quality reputation was honored by the menswear industry at MR Magazine’s annual Uptown Downtown awards ceremony for retail innovation. It was a huge honor for Tim and the Harleys team who strive every day to do what they do best.

“We were honored to be recognized by our industry as one of the top retailers in the country, but what’s more important is that

2009, and since then has been giving back to the neighborhood and other great causes.

“Harleys is very involved in the community supporting numerous charities, Shorewood schools and our own Teeing Up for Charity golf outing to benefit the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation,” Tim explains.

Whether it’s business or charity, Harleys provides nothing short of exceptional service and unparalleled dedication. As “The Store for Men in Shorewood,” Harleys is looking to uphold its reputation and exceed your expectations.

“nothing short of Exceptional” our customers like the product selection we offer. They receive exceptional customer service, and they have an enjoyable shopping experience at Harleys,” says Tim. Beyond being leaders in the industry, Harleys is a leader in the community. Harleys moved to its current Shorewood location in

HARLEYS

THE STORE FOR MEN IN SHOREWOOD

M

Make your wedding memories last a lifetime with formal wear from Harleys, Milwaukee’s premier fashion destination for more than 65 years. Our elegant formal wear is available for purchase or rental – and our fashion consultants stand ready to help with your selection.

Congratulations!

HARLEYS THE STORE FOR MEN IN SHOREWOOD

3565 N. Oakland Ave. • Shorewood, WI 53211 414.332.3404 Toll Free 1.888.797.SUIT harleys4men.com M, T, W, F 10-6 Th 10-8 • Sat. 9-5

BEAUTIFY MILWAUKEE

®

– WEAR SOMETHING FROM HARLEYS!

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be Inspired

Men's formalwear

Well-Tailored

Men

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Manning Photography formalwear & accessories Harleys The Store for Men Location Historic Pritzlaff Models Michael B. & Tanner P. from Jennifer's Talent Unlimited, & Tony M. Grooms and their groomsmen may not spend as much time going to fittings as the bride and her bridesmaids, but that doesn’t mean their wedding wear can’t be as precisely tailored for a perfect fit.

Men can opt for a classic tuxedo, but they also have a myriad of other options to choose from to leave them feeling sharp and confident as they stand up before their family and friends.

Just as the bride might try on different silhouettes to find her perfect dress, the groom can try on different fits in formal wear. Now more than ever, tuxedos and suits are being tailored for a trimmer fit, tying into trends in men’s fashion on a wider scale. According to Timothy E. Ryan, President and CEO of Harleys: The Store for Men, located in Shorewood, this general trend is being requested more frequently in rental apparel.

Once the ideal fit has been found, there are plenty of ways to get creative with color. In terms of the actual tuxedo or suit, Ryan notes that grey has definitely been the trend in requested colors, with three shades being offered at Harleys, which are dark, medium and light grey. Navy and medium blue shaded tuxes are also being requested, while black still continues to be a classic and popular choice. To tie into the overall theme of the wedding, pops of color can easily be added in ties, shirts and vests, and even in socks and shoes. The sky's the limit!

To achieve the ideal look, the groom and his groomsmen can’t go wrong by going to experts in menswear to prepare for the wedding day. Talking to someone about the theme and style of the wedding can help narrow down the options. Understanding the demands of the wedding venue can also be a big factor in choosing the style and fabric that is best for the groom and his groomsmen to wear that will allow them to be stylish and comfortable from the start of the ceremony to the last dance of the night.

The groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits may only be one part of the big picture that is the entire wedding day, but well chosen attire that has been tailored to perfection is not to be overlooked. With the men taken care of, the entire wedding party will be dressed to impress!

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love story

Veil Advertisers Bridesmaid's Dresses:

Bella Bridesmaids Equipment rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Floral Décor

Belle Fiori LTD. Photography

Front Room Photography Wedding Planner

Let's Have An Affair

Ceremony Location: St. John’s Military Academy Hair: Craig Berns Salon Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Makeup: Blush Men's Formalwear: Men's Warehouse Popcorn Bar: Goody Gourmet's Reception DJ & Lighting: Double Platinum DJ Reception Location: The Delafield Hotel Wedding Cake: Cakes by Erin Salerno Wedding Gown & Jewelry: Zita’s Bridal Salon

Intimate Moment

Always Expect A Miracle

by Laura Vietmeyer

q q

From their first meeting to a romantic proposal at Lake Geneva to the perfect wedding day in Delafield, Wis., Chris and Melina’s relationship has taught them both to believe in and expect miracles. Chris and Melina said “I do” and celebrated in style surrounded by family and friends. Their day wasn’t complete without the perfect flowers Melina always dreamed of and a surprise horse-drawn carriage to take them to the ceremony.

How did you meet? We met on Match.com.

How did he propose? Chris took me to Lake Geneva to stroll along the Geneva Lake Shore Path. We walked in front of the Expect A Miracle mansion, which has a well-maintained brick path with a white picket fence painted with inspirational quotes along the rails. Chris paused along the path and said he believes in miracles because he met me. He dropped to one knee and proposed.

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q

Did he ask for permission from your parents before the proposal? Yes, Chris asked permission from both of my parents.

q

How did you announce your engagement to everyone else? Did you use social media? We sent text messages to close friends and relatives. We then used Facebook to spread the word further.

q

What was the length of your engagement? Our engagement lasted one year.

melina & chris

married 07-26-2014

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What style was your wedding? Traditional Bling

What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding? I knew I had to have a great pair of shoes. I splurged on Jimmy Choo heels.

q

What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? I knew that we had to splurge on the flowers and centerpieces. I always dreamed of having lots of gorgeous flowers at my wedding.

q

q

What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? The venue. The Hotel Delafield was worth every penny. All of our guests raved about the location, the rooms, the food, and the service. Erin Neureuther, the Sales and Catering Director at The Hotel Delafield, was wonderful and handled all of our special requests. I cannot recommend this venue enough.

q

Were there any aspects of DIY that you incorporated? I put together popcorn and candy buffets. I made cute signs and found adorable containers to put together a candy favor table and late night popcorn bar for all of our guests to enjoy.

What was your biggest surprise when planning your wedding? We were surprised by how many decisions and details you have to decide on. There are an overwhelming number of options to choose from out there, too. Luckily we had a pretty good idea of what we wanted beforehand.

q

Were there any special moments that happened at your wedding? Our parents surprised us with a horse-drawn carriage to take us to the reception. My brother also turned into a dancing machine at the end of the night.

q

q q

If you had one thing to splurge on what would it have been? I would have splurged on even more flowers. Belle Fiori did such a gorgeous job.

What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides?

I would recommend planning even more time to get ready in the morning than you think you need. I thought we had plenty of time in the morning, but I felt it went by too fast. I would have enjoyed having more time to hang out with my bridesmaids.

Any other comments or special things you would like to mention? We had a signature cocktail—The “Blushing Bride”—that was a big hit with our guests.

It matched our wedding colors and was very refreshing on such a hot summer day.

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details Jewelry

Truly

Customized If the two of you could be satisfied with average, you wouldn’t be with each other. For this reason, brides and grooms who view themselves and their relationship as special and unique are choosing to have their wedding rings custom made to reflect their personal tastes, lifestyles and experiences.

The first time Mary saw John, they were in St. Robert Church in Shorewood, which has a beautiful, round window above its confessionals.

This light-filled, enchanting window became a symbol of their love.

When planning their wedding, which was held in that same church, they asked us to create custom wedding bands carved with the window design. The artwork created for the rings was also used in their wedding program and Mary (a writer) wrote a poem. The resulting church window-inspired rings are perfect rings for Mary and John.

Contrary to popular belief, custom made jewelry costs no more than common, ready-made

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styles. Similar to a special order at a fast-food restaurant, getting exactly what you want doesn’t mean spending more. It just means your wedding rings are one of a kind with style that you won’t see on someone else’s finger.

At David Liska – Custom Jeweler in

Milwaukee, David makes the custom design process easy and non-intimidating. As a professional goldsmith and award-winning jewelry designer with 25 years of experience, David feels there is no greater thrill than helping customers to design their special piece.

By setting a private appointment and discussing some basic parameters up front regarding diamond selections, you can view diamonds in the right quality and size to fit your budget. Most diamonds are brilliant by themselves, but comparing them side-by-side, with differences pointed out, can help you to arrive at a confident decision. David can teach you where to compromise to get the most for your money.

Most people are very visual and styles can be categorized into traditional, contemporary, or antique. Using these basic design elements, some great visuals and lots of experience David can create a 3D wax model incorporating anything. For really complex designs and convenience, David uses highly advanced computer technology and can actually e-mail computer photos of what the piece will look like prior to carving the mode. If you already have your engagement ring, a matching wedding band can be made incorporating the design elements and even conforming exactly to it.

Before

after

When you work directly with the designer that is also personally making your ring, the process is fun, easy, and thorough because all of the design, as well as technical options, can be immediately presented right on the spot to create the wax model you can actually put on your finger. If you visit a jeweler that has a full

service custom shop on the premise to complete all phases of this operation, you can be assured of the best value. Forming a relationship with a jeweler that is passionate about what he or she does will also assure you that your piece will be maintained and they will be there for you throughout all of lives other special occasions.

For men, the hottest new material is Tungsten Carbide. It’s the world’s hardest metal, so it’s permanently polished with zero maintenance and a very masculine gunmetal color white metal. They can be inlaid with precious metal or diamond accents. Contrasting finishes maintain their look long after your wedding day.

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gift registry

Gift and

Register

by Jessica Pairrett

photography Front Room Photography One part of the wedding-planning process that shouldn't be stressful: your gift registry. After all, it's window-shopping and choosing items that fit your lifestyle. Plus, wedding guests will love to glimpse through your impeccable style.

To create that perfect registry or find just-right gifts for wedding attendants, think about future needs: Will you be hosting large holiday gatherings? And precisely how formal will those place settings be? Since 1870, Milwaukee's George Watts & Son, Inc. has been assisting brides-to-be with personalized service from highly trained registry consultants who are industry experts and will guide you to the right selections for life now and well beyond the wedding.

By working with a Watts consultant, you won't accidentally choose a beautiful dinnerware pattern that is not dishwasher safe—especially when you despise washing dishes.

Consultants also know trends. Take gold, for instance. Jessica Piorier, buyer and web administrator at Watts, has tuned in to this trend, ensuring

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The showroom offers something for everyone in your wedding. Thank your maid of honor or best man with a sentimental dish or flask. Other ideal wedding party gifts you'll find: decanters, pin trays, money clips, trinkets and jewelry boxes.

Items can even be engraved, allowing you to add a touching yet simple note of thanks.

After the wedding, don't forget those discounts on remaining items. "Your consultant can even call your husband in the future to remind him of anniversaries and birthdays!" Jessica says.

So stop over to Watts when it's time to create your registry and find a unique, different and utterly convenient time at their "fabulous restaurant, stunning bridal salon and art baby gifts! Among 250 top brands are Waterford, gallery," says Sam Watts, president and store Wedgewood, Baccarat, William Yeoward and manager. "Brides and grooms will find more than Simon Pearce. "We offer the same brands as places just a perfect registry... and the future has even like Macy's and Bloomingdales but also carry lines more exciting prospects on the horizon." That's for that you can't get at those stores—smaller, more both Watts and the happy couple. upscale or exclusive offerings," notes Jessica. the store offers trend-right patterns.

Besides adding beautiful dining patterns to the registry, you'll need stemware, barware and serveware. Competing with big-box retailers, the Watts offerings include other items ideal for your home like crystal, frames, candles, figurines and even

details

Photo booth

Candid Photo

Booth

by Michelle Drewek

photography Front Room Photography How fabulous are photo booths? Let me count the ways…

1. Fun! Props, backdrops, laughter, ridiculous poses—photo booths offer guests the opportunity to bond in a special way. Instead of being a sideshow, companies like Front Room Photography make their photo booth become a part of the party so it’s interactive and spontaneous amusement.

2. Flexible! Traditionally you may think of photo booths as a group of loved ones huddled close for a hilarious mini photo-shoot (half the fun is seeing how many people you can get into that frame). But for people less comfortable with close quarters there are other options on the market. Front Room Photography offers an “open air photo booth,” meaning that you have space to move, do full-length poses and expand the range of options you can incorporate for your loved ones’ entertainment. Additionally, their photo booth can be added to a wedding coverage package, keeping the planning and

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sake of your wedding day hanging on their fridges, sitting on their desks or tucked into their wallets months after you’ve said, “I do.” You can even opt for a unique twist on the traditional guest book with an option like Front Room Photography’s customizable photo booth albums. Have your family and friends showcase their favorite shots with personal messages in one endearing memento! The templates for your photo strips are also uniquely created for your special day, even including you and your honey’s names and wedding date at the bottom.

When your big day is over, memories of the day and the photos you have to cherish will be lifelong relics of your celebration. You’ll want to make sure everyone feels included, a have so much enjoyment not only watchphoto booth is an unintimidating approach to ing your guests have a blast the day of, but seeing some of those candid moments get everyone involved and having a good time.

4. Unforgettable! Arguably the best part afterward for the first time. Put quite simply, about photo booths is that you get to keep the it’s timeless fun for everyone. photo strip afterwards. Guests will have a keepexecution with one company. Anywhere you can simplify the wedding planning process is a bonus!

3. Fearless! While Veil Magazine is full of people who love to boogey down at weddings, not everyone is at ease on the dance floor. If you

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bakeries

The Sweet

Tooth

by Gabrielle Loomis

photography Top: Manning Photography, Bottom Left: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Bottom Middle: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Right: m three studio Photography One of the most delicious parts of planning a wedding is the cake tasting!

Many couples find this decision is the most enjoyable, and if you have a sweet tooth you are going to love sinking your teeth into a variety of cakes like carrot, red velvet, chocolate and cheesecake. While not all bakeries will let you taste everything they have on the menu, be sure to make the most of this sweet opportunity while you can by trying some delicacies. Also be sure to bring along some extra tasters! Your loved ones will be begging to come along.

One main question to ask when choosing the cake is: fondant or buttercream frosting?

Fondant icing is a type of sugar dough that is rolled onto cakes. It is flexible and durable, allowing bakers to make detailed and elaborated designs. If you choose fondant frosting, your guests will most likely not eat all of their frosting because of its extremely sugary taste. If you prefer, you can always opt for the popularly delicious buttercream frosting. While budget may cause you to lean toward buttercream frosting, make sure you are first and foremost happy with how the cake design will look. Milwaukee’s greatest local bakeries, like the delectable Simma’s Bakery, can provide you with the look and taste that you wish for. You can see

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some of their fabulous works of cake art on page 149.

There was a time when wedding cakes were only made with white/cream frosting and layers and layers of cake, but today brides are choosing to go a less traditional route.

Bakery shops are creating beautiful and embellished cakes with fresh flowers, pearls, ribbons, monograms, lace, etc. Almost any type of decoration can be added to the exterior of a cake. Bakeries are also creating different styles of cake such as round, square or multi-shape. You can complement the wedding theme and colors to the cake if you wish to do so, but of course you can always be a bit daring with your design. Whatever you chose let it be true to you.

Besides cake, a lot of modern brides opt to have a table full of delicious goodies.

Those sweet treats can be cookies, artesian chocolates, candy, cupcakes, chocolate fountain or any other variety of delectable dessert. The possibilities are endless and it makes the guests anxious to dive into what’s in front of them.

Traditionally, the top part of the wedding cake is made specifically for the bride and groom to take home after the wedding and is saved until the first anniversary. This is a delicious reminder of their special day. If you

don’t want to freeze the cake to eat in a year, you can always have the baker recreate the top layer of your wedding cake. And, while you can opt to have it be the same flavor as the rest of the cake, bakeries do have the option of creating a top layer that is different from the bottom layers. Many brides are opting for a special treat like cheesecake.

One big tip to couples, the number one complaint about cakes is that some venues throw away the cake when the wedding is over. Make sure to tell your event coordinator if you want to take home what’s left from the cake and that they should pack it for you.

This seems like a small detail, but a lot of couples forget about it and the day after their wedding they call the event coordinator but it’s too late. Another solution is to have someone like your maid-of-honor take care of the cake, that way you won’t have to stress about it.

No matter what you choose, let your baker help you in this fun process. He or she can help you pick the best cake for your taste (and tastebuds)!

Mark & Peggy Carollo simma’s Bakery

Simma’s Bakery has been a Milwaukee staple of excellence for 30 years. For owners Mark & Peggy Carollo, it's about carrying on the tradition of providing the highest quality products by using only the finest ingredients where everything is made from scratch. Customers know they

are receiving the finest, creamiest cheesecake, pastries or cakes when they order their wedding cake from Simma’s, a tradition that has spanned decades of excellence.

The Carollo's have been in the baking industry for over 15 years and are passionate about what

they do. “We try to be the best, not the biggest,” explains Peggy. The couple feels blessed that Simma's continues to be recognized for its products and accomplishments. An award-winning bakery for over three decades, Simma's has been repeatedly recognized as one of America's Top 25 Bakeries by the International Restaurant and Hospitalities Ratings Bureau. Simma’s prides itself on custom designed cakes and personalized service. It is their intention to make sure that your “special day” is nothing short of perfect.

Mark & Peggy Carollo credit their staff of 35 with the continued success of Simma's.

“We have longstanding employees that actually started working with Simma over 25 years ago. They are the ones who create the

“to provide all of our customers with an unparalleled product and experience” delicious Simma's signature cheesecakes, extraordinary wedding cakes and delectable pastries,”. It’s a testament to the wonderful way Simma’s runs its business. They recognize the true talents behind the excellent tastes, flavors and confections that find their way onto the Simma’s shelves and on the plates of thousands of wedding guests.

One of the foundations of Simma's Bakery mission statement is “to provide all of our customers with an unparalleled product and experience where customer satisfaction is our ultimate goal.” This mantra has gone a long way to making Simma’s one of the most recognized bakeries in the area. Julia Child is one of many to testify of Simma’s excellence. Each testimony praises the superior taste and pure elegance of the desserts the bakery produces.

With this type of success and admiration, decades of tradition, award-winning recipes and passion driven staff, Simma's Bakery is not only Milwaukee's premier bakery and pastry shop, but is also recognized nationally as one of the top retail bakeries in the country.

Once you visit and see the Simma’s Experience firsthand, we know it will be the beginning of a long lasting relationship with you.

ambiance studios-scott & cathy erickson

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simma's bakery Photography (Pieces of cake) Ambiance StudiosScott & Cathy Erickson

Raspberries!

Chocolate & Strawberries!

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Feature Story

What’s In a Name?

The Details of Documentation and Wedding Paperwork

by Sara Dahmen

You’re getting married! You’ve tasted the cake, picked the music, selected your bridal party and scheduled your dress fittings. It’s been a whirlwind of romance, gorgeous flowers and happy dreaming. But before you can walk down that aisle, and before you lift off in a jet plane for that divine honeymoon, there’s the bite of reality and paperwork that you need to tackle first.

The transition from single to married affects both the bride and the groom and it can be a bit of a daunting task even for those who have already been married before. Each state and county has it’s own little idiosyncrasies, so research in your state and counties of residence will be vital to making sure you have all your documents in order before applying for any legal papers.

These pieces of wedding preparation can be confusing and overwhelming, so Veil Magazine has corralled all of the information, leaving you a clear path to understanding what needs to be done, where, when and by whom.

PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT For those who wish to have a premarital agreement in place before marriage, the good news is that the state of Wisconsin does not have any mandates for filing procedures. State law considers the agreement to be legally binding in the case of divorce if both the bride and groom enter into the wording and creation of the document without being forced into the signing. The state also does not require a lawyer to make the agreement, but the document must be signed by two witnesses. Keep in mind that a self-authored prenup will hold less weight in a court of law if one side decides to dispute it during divorce.

Happily, there is no waiting period between the time the prenup is signed and the wedding date. It could be signed the minutes before you walk down the aisle! It is possible to include a myriad of details in a prenuptial agreement, including both monetary and non-financial requirements, and Wisconsin does not dictate any front room photography

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particulars about what is allowed. For instance, number of children, pet custody and division of household chores are all elements that couples can choose to include in the agreement, beyond just the division of property, inheritances and joint savings accounts. The non-financial portion of the agreements are not usually legally binding but do give courts and judges a view into the initial intent of the couple’s frame of mind.

2. Certified copy of a birth certificate 3. S ocial Security card with your legal name 4. Proof of residency with a current address in the county: this is not applicable to out-ofstate residents 5. A filed copy of final judgement of divorce,

MARRIAGE LICENSE Anyone wishing to marry in the state of Wisconsin must apply for a marriage license at a county clerk’s office. Your wedding date must be set before you apply for the license, and the application must be completed at least seven days, but not more than thirty days before the actual wedding date. Once you receive the license in the mail, it’s valid for thirty days after the issue date. Most county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday, but each office has specific hours, so call to check with your specific county.

Applications are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

You’ll apply for a license in whichever county the bride or the groom is a resident; that license is then valid in any county in Wisconsin. For example, if one or both of you is a resident of Ozaukee County, you’d go to the county clerk’s office in Port Washington. However, the license you receive in Port Washington can be used to get married anywhere, such as halfway across the state in La Crosse.

However, if both of you are not residents of Wisconsin, you must apply for the license in the county where you will be married. That particular license is only valid in that county then. So if you both live in New York, but are marrying in Milwaukee, you’d apply for a license in Milwaukee county, and can only use that license in Milwaukee county.

Wisconsin does not require any blood tests to get a marriage license, but both the bride and groom must be at least eighteen years old. On an interesting note, you may marry your first cousin in Wisconsin if the woman is older than 55 years of age, or one of you has documented proof of sterilization!

Both of you will be required to provide specific paperwork at the time of the application, and below is a quick check list. You must apply for the license together in person, and you must both bring these items along: 1. Valid photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license or passport

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legal annulment or certified death certificate if one of you was previously married; Wisconsin requires six months to pass after the granting of a divorce before another marriage license can be issued, regardless of where the divorce was given 6. Name, address, and telephone number of the officiant performing your wedding ceremony The cost of a marriage license varies in each county, so again, contact the county clerk’s office ahead of time, as cash is usually the only way the fee is accepted.

CHANGING YOUR NAME Now that you’ve signed a prenup, gotten married and signed the marriage license, your officiant would have submitted that signed license to the state. It is then your responsibility to get that vital record for your own safe keeping, and in order to start the process to change your name, should you wish. Copies of the license are available three weeks after the wedding date.

To receive copies of the marriage license, you must filled out a marriage certificate application form, available at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/ F0/F05281.pdf, and mail it with a photocopy.

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The information contained in this story is subject to change without notice.

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Intimate Moment

Morning Vows, Autumn Elegance

by Carolyn Hartnett

Brendan and I share a love for each other and our mischievous hound, Dozer. One summer evening, Dozer playfully dashed away, diamond on his collar, and the chase was on! Brendan proposed after finally managing to retrieve the ring. My enthusiastic “yes” was met with both a kiss and bark of approval. Our lives soon became consumed with wedding planning.

On the crisp, fall morning of our wedding, I awoke before dawn at Hotel Metro after a restless night’s sleep. Our day was finally here, and I hoped it would be everything we had dreamt of. While my stylist braided my hair, I nervously rehearsed my vows, praying I would get them right. My mom joined the bridesmaids in a flurry of necklace clasping, shoe buckling, and zipping up my dress, and then it was time.

I felt nervous arriving at the Villa Terrace for our First Look photography session, but when I saw Brendan I was immediately filled with a sense of calm. No matter how today went, this was what it was really about: the two of us, in love. We had

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enjoyed a fun, playful relationship for over 5 years, and I always knew this day would eventually arrive. I couldn’t wait to marry my best friend!

Next, I was whisked away to St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Belle Fiori was there with my stunning bouquet, accentuated by unique textures and vibrant pops of color. My "something old," Brendan's great grandmother's rosary, which had been blessed by a former pope, was wrapped around the stems. I inhaled the sweet scent while my friend Laura, our "usherette," greeted and sat our guests.

The trumpet and organ processional joyfully rang as I took a deep breath at the

carolyn & brendan married 10-11-2014

back of the church. Both my mother and father linked their arms through mine and escorted me down the aisle. I met Brendan’s eyes as I approached, and felt a thrill of excitement. It seemed so surreal this was really happening, but I couldn't be happier. Father William Swichtenberg, Brendan’s uncle, put us at ease the moment we stepped to the altar. Having a family member as our priest made the ceremony so special and unique. We recited our memorized vows, and became husband and wife.

Everyone headed to the Villa Terrace next. Late morning was the perfect time for sipping mimosas while taking in the breathtaking view of sailboats on the horizon during cocktail hour. We led our wedding party down an expansive staircase into the pristine gardens for photos. Above, guests mingled, enjoying hors d’oeuvres before exploring the museum.

Brendan and I shared a sweetheart table in the dining room after our first round of pictures. The joyful sound of children playing outside punctuated the funny and heartfelt speeches by Brendan's best man, Dan, my sister, Natalie, and my dad.

Following the toasts, we savored our feast, a menu customized by Zilli Hospitality Group. Delicious genoise cake from Simma’s Bakery completed the amazing, unforgettable meal.

Guests enjoyed beautiful music by vocalist group, Local Favorite, on the terrace,

while Brendan and I slipped away for bride and groom portraits. Timing was tight, but our photographer Lisa Mathewson did a great job of keeping us on track while capturing every emotion and precious moment.

Our wedding was a combination of elegance and personal touches. I designed the invitations, menus and place cards. My mom assisted with numerous projects too, like a handmade ring-bearer pillow and children's coloring books. Brendan's family also contributed to the festivities and provided us with many favors; guests enjoyed a special treat of artisan caramels handmade by his aunt, culinary expert, Lori Hartnett.

Our wedding day flew by in a heartbeat, but thankfully we had an encore planned.

Post reception, friends and family joined us at Lucille's Piano Bar to extend the celebration. Dueling pianos, snacks, and a surprise groom's cake were the highlights of our after party.

Looking back, there is absolutely nothing I would change. Our vendors were fantastic, the location was gorgeous, and our closest friends and family came. We even lucked out with mild, sunny fall weather! My advice is to relax and trust that everything will work out the way it was meant to happen. Try not to stress, and instead cherish every moment of the first day of the rest of your lives together.

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Calligraphy

Personally Penned

Mementos

by Michelle Drewek

photo courtesy of Jennifer Johnson Photography It’s not uncommon to spend many waking hours planning each part of your wedding, and then spend your remaining hours dreaming of what that day will look like. With so much time dedicated to day-of details, it’s easy to overlook the first impression your guests will have of your big day.

In a time when electronic communication has taken precedence over written letters, your wedding invitation is an opportunity to bring joy to ever y guest who opens their mailbox. Captivate them in that instant with an individually hand-written envelope and beautifully scripted invitation that will hang proudly in their home in anticipation of your wedding day, and cherished for a lifetime as a keepsake.

Debi Zeinert, the extraordinarily talented owner of The Blooming Quill, has been in love with letters since she was a little girl.

She’s always loved to paint and draw, and to use her creativity to bring joy to others.

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chalkboards, as well as lettering on glass and metal with an engraver. And, very soon, The Blooming Quill will be offering Letterpress!

Calligraphy isn’t limited to one style, either. You can choose to embrace a traditional approach, which is reminiscent of a black-tie event with few embellishments.

Another option is something more contemporary that is less about the “frills” and is more edgy. Newer to her calligraphy repertoire is a whimsical style that looks vintage and feels playful.

Whatever style you chose, Debi assures all of her couples that she is fully invested in every person she works with. “I will help them all along the decision to make wedding calligraphy my the way; etiquette, style suggestions, making only job. That’s when The Blooming Quill sure everything is right! I do beautiful work, I can work quickly if I need to, and I treat each was born.”

Debi puts her pen to work in a number customer like they are my best friend.” of ways from place cards and signs to menus and programs. She also does hand-lettered “When I found out that I could actually make people happy with lettering, I was beside myself!” Debi elates. “I’ve been lettering for commissions since 1984, but it was in 2001 when I was doing calligraphy as much as working my full-time job that I made

Debi Zeinert The Blooming Quill Discuss the types of calligraphy. There are two categories of calligraphy. The first is broad pen, which is the kind that was first used by the monks and scribes. It is still highly practiced and is used for certificates, wall art, and some invitations. It’s commonly known by the names ‘Italic,’ ‘Uncial,’ and ‘Old English,’ to name a few.

Then there is pointed pen calligraphy, which is American calligraphy and more commonly follows cursive handwriting. Common types of pointed pen are ‘Copperplate’ and ‘Spencerian.’

I do pointed pen calligraphy.

What are trends you've seen in how calligraphy is used? While the traditional formal styles will always be in fashion, contemporary pointed pen styles have become all the rage.

They can look very cool and fun if the lettering artist is trained in letterforms, but can be a mess if they are not!

A lot of couples are cost-conscious. Can you explain how pricing works to benefit any wedding budget? Calligraphy is not for the budget bride. If a bride is looking to save money, she may choose to have just a few special calligraphy touches like her place cards or some signage. But when a bride spends a fair amount on her invitations, she really needs to have the envelopes match the quality of what’s inside.

That’s where I come in.

Tell us about some of your memorable experiences over the years. I’ve done the calligraphy for the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Great Britain, for the owner of the Red Sox, for Neicy Nash (reality TV star), and for the CEO of NASCAR, just to name a few. I do some funky things too! This past fall I had to letter a party invitation on the side and bottom of 20 pink stilettos for Jamie Foxx’s sister’s birthday party.

What are your words of wisdom for brides and grooms? Do-it-yourself is not always cheaper. Sometimes the timesavings alone to have a professional do the job are worth it. I think this holds true in all aspects of a wedding.

Calligraphy is truly a timeless art form.

What does that statement mean to you?

Beautiful hand calligraphy cannot be dated.

What I do now will still be in fashion in 20 years, as it was 20 years ago. There is nothing more exciting than when you open your mailbox and see an envelope addressed beautifully to you.

It’s the first impression most of your guests will have of your wedding—make it one they will remember and get excited about!

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Invitations & Stationery

The Paper

Artistry

by Michelle Drewek & Gabrielle Loomis

photography Top: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Left & Middle: Front Room Photography, Bottom Right: Manning Photography The first impression guests will have of your wedding are your save the dates and invitations.

Guests learn more than just where the hotel accommodations are and what time the “I Do’s” take place. Color schemes, the wedding theme and the atmosphere of the entire day can all be encapsulated on this single keepsake.

Because many couples decide to frame their invitation, it’s important to take time to put serious consideration into what message you want to convey before your guests arrive on the big day.

Wedding invitations help to set a tone and theme that gives guests an idea of what to expect. For a more elegant affair, you may use calligraphy and a heavier stock. A beachfront wedding may have a sandpaper texture and stamped printing. When you opt for a true paper artisan, like those scattered throughout the pages of Veil Magazine, you are getting a custom experience so that your invitations are a distinct representation of you, your partner and your wedding day.

There is no right way to decide what will guide the look and feel of your invitations.

A typical starting point for couples is to incorporate their color scheme from other elements of the wedding. If you go this route, try playing with a variety of color options and see how they look with other facets of the printing process like the typeface and possible

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embellishments. You may end up deciding to base other decisions about your invitations on the colors you choose, or you may choose a different color scheme altogether to highlight a different element.

You’ll also need to decide the type of material you want to print on. While cardstock has been the traditional choice because of its versatility and durability, you have an opportunity to break from tradition by choosing something a bit more diverse.

Wood veneer, for example, is paper-thin and eco-friendly. You could also opt for something more dimensional like Jacquard.

Your invitation specialist will have first-hand knowledge and samples of what you can create with, so feel free to explore beyond a sheet of paper.

Once you decide on the type of material you will print on, you need to figure out what type of printing and typeface you are going to use. The material will often help guide the print type because of texture, delicacy or quite simply that certain typefaces and printing methods work better with certain materials.

There are many varieties to choose from, as your invitation designer will discuss with you (i.e. laser, letterpress, engraving, calligraphy). If you plan on printing onto any other items in the wedding like cocktail napkins or your favors, you may want to pick something similar so you have

cohesion among your various wedding elements.

Of course, feel free to break the mold a bit!

Probably one of the most fun considerations when designing invitations are the embellishments. Including something currently in your wedding décor or fashion can take it the next level of astonishing. Try a fabric accent like a ribbon that matches the sash from your gown, or a ruffle accent from the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Add some rhinestone bling to make your invitations dazzle. Or go a step further by mixing a few types of elements together—chiffon from your gown with crystals from the chandeliers or the print from the groomsmen’s’ ties with the feathers from your centerpieces. Let your imagination run wild and see where that takes you and your paper artisan!

Understandably so, your budget may end up being the guide for a lot of these decisions.

Let your invitation maven know where you stand up-front so they are able to guide you where you can feasibly go right from the getgo. There are endless options available to make your invitation dreams come true, so don’t let your wallet discourage you before you consider your options.

And most of all have fun! This is your chance to make a lasting impression and get your guests excited well in advance for your wedding celebration. This is one of your special keepsakes of this truly extraordinary life event.

Ellen Albertson Paper pleasers, llc ELLEN has a unique knack for executing inspiring and breathtaking designs. Her sixth sense of creativity started at a young age, as a result of dreaming up craft projects with her mother. In college, as the only girl in her dorm equipped with a glue gun, Ellen’s ingenuity was requested by many. It was her own wedding, however, that launched her into the world of wedding invitations

and all the paper accessories that can be used to set and express the mood, atmosphere, and personality desired for an individual event. From there, endeavors for friends quickly led to referrals and now include dedicated clients who trust Paper Pleasers to design never-seen-before, handmade goods for all their life events.

“I love the process of working with engaged couples and their families. They usually come with an initial source of inspiration for their big day, whether it’s simply a color, a general theme, or a more specific vision. The challenge to make a vision into reality sparks my creative juices.”

If you are looking for a particular style with unique touches, Paper Pleasers can customize to your liking. If you have a dream, but it is something you’ve never seen before, you’re in Ellen’s specialty.

She takes your vision and ends up with an invitation

“the challenge to make a vision into reality sparks my creative juices” concept that will exceed expectations and take your guests by surprise. Every outcome is 100% unique to the couple, from the carefullyselected paper features (thickness, texture, pattern, shine, color, etc.) to the ornate detail of a custom designed monogram or a hand-tied twine wrap.

Ellen’s degrees in Mathematics and Business from Marquette University and experience as a small business consultant are a contrast to her creative side, but have fed her entrepreneurial spirit to the benefit of her clients. She understands the demands of managing a project, like a wedding, and the communication, coordination, budgeting and timelines required to ensure a smooth process for the bride.

“I’ve had countless people say to me, ‘I can tell you really love what you do!’ I think it’s because they see that I work very hard yet enjoy every minute of it. I feel very lucky to have found what I love to do and have a talent for at such a young age.”

Ellen’s easy going nature will leave you wanting to share a cup of coffee (or tea) while feeling confident that she understands exactly what you are looking for to create the perfect wedding stationery suite and paper accessories for your big day.

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Debbie Pape Paper Envy Like many, Debbie Pape dreamed of turning her artistic hobby into a career. She loved creating holiday cards for friends and fun.

Sixteen years ago she was asked to design a wedding invitation, and soon she found herself filling multiple orders.

“One thing led to another,” Debbie recalls, and Paper Envy was born. “I started out of my home,” she explains, “and eventually moved into the Elm Grove studio and have been here ever since.”

All of Debbie’s wedding creations, including save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and menus (to name a few), are uniquely designed to fit each couple’s vision. “I meet each client

and get to know them,” Debbie explains. “We go through different samples and determine their likes and dislikes and overall style.”

Paper Envy is a full-service firm. They not

to be part of the process, they are more than welcome. They can be as involved as they want.”

With a staff of five, Debbie’s clientele spans as far as New York to California, and her art has expanded to include letterpressing and engraving. But her mission to provide personalized service and one-of-a-kind design remains. Looking back, Debbie couldn’t be more thrilled with what her hobby has become, and she enjoys it every day. “I am fortunate enough to work with happy events,” she says, “and I get to take part in customizing everything a client desires.”

“i meet each client to get to know them.

We go through different samples and determine their likes and dislikes and overall style” only design and create wedding materials, but will also stuff, address, and stamp invitations, etc. This is often a much-needed service for the modern, busy bride. However, Debbie’s services are not all-or-nothing; she encourages client participation and stresses that “if someone wants

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Caterer: Lee John’s Favors: ShutterBooth Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Hair: Freya Salon Makeup: Blush Men's Formalwear: Men’s Warehouse Invitations: Broadway Paper Flowers: La Tulipe Transportation: Shuttle through Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub Photo Booth Rentals: ShutterBooth Wedding Cake: The Cake Lady Wedding Gown: Vera’s House of Bridals

Intimate Moment

A Perfect Match

by Michelle Drewek

You never know when or where you will meet the love of your life. For Anne and Glenn, some lighthearted fun playing ping-pong at EVO (know then as SPIN) was the beginning of their journey to “I do.” Before leaving for a trip to Mackinac Island for Anne’s birthday, Glenn was in cahoots with her best friend to plan a proposal and custom jeweler David Liska to design the perfect ring.

The day of the proposal, Anne and Glenn rented bikes and packed lunch for an afternoon adventure. Halfway around the island, Glenn secretly picked out the perfect spot for the proposal along the shoreline. While Anne was packing up, Glenn pointed behind her to a natural limestone creation called Arch Rock and commented that it looked just like a ring. Anne looked, thinking what an odd comment he had made. She turned back to find Glenn on bended knee. A bit befuddled, Anne knelt next to Glenn and was asked to spend the rest of her life

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with him. After a gasp, tears and “yes,” he placed the stunning ring on her finger.

Anne and Glenn spent 14 months planning their wedding day. Their style was every bit glamorous vintage, with what Anne describes as an “understated elegance.” The all white flowers and accents of silver gorgeously popped with the slate blue of their color palette.

“The best weddings are the ones where the couple incorporates themselves into the details,” Anne describes. “You create something so special to share with your

anne & glenn married 12-13-2014

guests when they can see your personalities showing through.” Anne and Glenn did this by staying true to themselves in their ceremony, music selection, food and flow of the evening.

Having been in the events industry for many years, Anne and Glenn felt fortunate to have many friends in the industry to help bring their vision to life and execute every aspect seamlessly. Even more importantly, the vendors gave the couple absolute peace of mind it would all be taken care of without worry.

“Over the years I’ve helped a lot of couples with their wedding plans, but I don’t think anything prepares you for planning your own wedding,” Anne explains.

“The best part is we didn’t have nerves about something going wrong. We knew we were in the best hands and that level of trust made the day so enjoyable.”

The only nerves Anne describes having came right before she saw Glenn at their first look. This, Anne says, is something all couples should consider because it is such a special, unforgettable moment of intimacy to share as a couple prior to the ceremony.

Their ceremony was truly from the heart. Anne and Glenn pieced together their own vows and drew inspiration from their friend’s ceremony script while adding their own personal touches. “The ceremony had a lot to do with our family and friends, and how important they are to us,” Anne reminisces.

Other special additions were an old handkerchief one of Anne’s brothers gave her, jewelry she borrowed from Glenn’s mom, and Anne’s married name embroidered in blue inside the bottom of her exquisite dress. It’s those personal details they agree sincerely made their day extraordinary.

Following their beautiful ceremony, the celebration continued at the breathtaking Pritzlaff. Creating this experience for their guests was essential. No one thing was more important than the other; rather, it was the way all of the elements of their day came together the right way. “We just knew exactly what we wanted,” Anne says, “and worked the budget to fit those wants.”

During the reception, Anne and Glenn surprised their guests with the famous Klement’s Racing Sausages. Glenn is from Iowa, along with much of his family, so they wanted to give them a real treat and “show them how we do things in Milwaukee.” The look on people’s faces was priceless and it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!

As newlyweds, Anne and Glenn are blissfully looking back on their wedding day and wishing they could re-live it all over again. Enjoy the day, they advise, because it all goes by so quickly. And, savor the newness of being engaged prior to planning! While that night was filled with plenty of laughs, an abundance of love and pure joy, they are ready for all life has in store for them as Mr. and Mrs. VeilMagazine.com

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Flowers

Fresh Décor

Blossoms

by Carolyn Hartnett

photography Top: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Bottom Left: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Middle & Right: m three studio photography You receive them for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and “just because.” They overflow from a vase on the table, brighten your windowsill, and fill your garden with color. Flowers are perfect for any occasion, and they are especially important on your wedding day. Many variables will impact your floral selection: your tastes, location, date and more. Avoid stress by working with an expert to determine your floral décor needs.

Schedule your initial consultation around nine months before your wedding, once your venue, budget and style are defined. An early appointment helps to ensure the availability of your date and can allow you to see in-season flowers at the time of year when the wedding will take place. It also gives you plenty of time to come up with ideas for personal touches.

Leave your entourage at home, and instead include only your fiancé to help keep the meeting focused and on track.

Your first meeting is your chance to interview the florist and determine if their style and personality meshes well with yours. Don’t be afraid to explore your options by booking a consultation with more than one floral designer.

Ask questions to start getting an idea of the scope of your floral needs. You will learn what flowers are in season, what your budget will allow, and delivery options. Custom bouquet samples can be ordered, and exact details can

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be further discussed if you decide to book a follow-up meeting.

Come prepared in order to ensure that the consultation flows smoothly. Decide on your budget ahead of time, and be upfront about what you are able to spend so the florist can recommend the best options for you. Bring a swatch of the bridesmaid dresses to help with color selection, along with inspirations such as a photo from a website or publication like Veil Magazine (see our photo shoot on pages 171173), unique item, or container to help spark the florist’s creativity.

Also, create a list of locations where you may need floral décor so you can discuss any unique aspects that could be accentuated with a garland or prop of some kind. The artisans found within the pages of Veil Magazine are highly experienced and have worked in many venues. Their insight will be instrumental in creating the perfect ambiance. Don’t worry if you haven’t narrowed everything down just yet.

Florists will have a portfolio, fresh blooms on hand, and plenty of advice to share in order to define your needs.

What are the newest trends in Wisconsin weddings? Loose, unstructured bouquets filled with texture and interesting botanicals are popular this season. Think herbs, berries, fruit and locally-grown blooms. Many brides are leaning towards incorporating foliage with

a lush, organic feel. Blend in some natural elements like feathers, fur, moss or bark as well.

Consider also adding a sentimental item to personalize your bouquet, such as a loved one’s picture, piece of heirloom jewelry, broach or rosary. Your color scheme should reflect your tastes. Soft, romantic blush and nude colors are hot right now, but you can also go bold with more vibrant flowers. Bouquet size varies depending on the bride’s personality as well.

Some brides love simplicity, and others prefer extravagance. Choose a style that speaks to you.

Rentals are a great option to help manage costs while still making a statement. Local shops offer a variety of items to use for centerpieces: lanterns, mercury glass jars, vintage bottles, iron stands and over-sized vases, to name a few. Using bold containers and mixing things up with a collection of different centerpieces creates a great visual effect. Ceremony rentals, such as arches and arbors, are also available.

For a modern twist, keep in mind that an altar arrangement is a perfect place to hide a GoPro camera to capture your “I do’s.”

Remember that on your wedding day, flowers will be pinned close to your loved one’s heart, admired by your guests, and photographed extensively. Consider your options and find a great florist who can deliver on your vision for a creative design that symbolizes your love.

Dale Servais Dahlia Blooms “Being stylish has never been so simple when working with Dahlia Blooms.” This is the motto behind the brand and personal service provided by the privately and locally owned flower boutique.

elegance...detail... precision

Dale Servais, the owner of Dahlia Blooms, has been serving the Milwaukee and North Shore area for over 25 years.

It is safe to say that Dahlia Blooms is held in experienced and talented hands. Dahlia Blooms is considered to be a florist with “artistry in the know of style, trends and design.”

Accordingly, Dale passionately expresses his valued knowledge of wedding style and Dahlia Blooms’ favorite new floral trends for this year’s weddings. “The trend now is grouping of different size vases on each table. Diverse clusters of one flower together in different shapes and sizes produce a clean, sleek design.” Dale explains, “And mostly clear glass cylinders are the new trend.”

So how does a bride choose the right florist?

“She needs to individually talk to the florist and together they have to be on an even comfort zone.” Dale explains that this rapport will help planning and designing go smoothly for both the bride and the florist. Dahlia Blooms emphasis is on “freshness and top quality of the blooms and personal touch of unique and creative design to reflect the individual’s taste.” Dahlia Blooms

“freshness and top quality of the blooms and personal touch of unique and creative design to reflect the individual’s taste”

From Room Photography

Front Room Photography

Caroline Ghetes Photography

4012 N. Wilson Drive • Milwaukee 414.943.3356 by appointment www.dahliabloomsmilwaukee.com

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uses premium fresh blooms for the table décor as well as personal flowers. “Imports of fresh Dutch blooms come from around the world including even Chile and Thailand.” The blooms are brought directly to the wedding and the special event floral studio.

Dale discloses that the best part of a wedding for him is “to present my floral blooms, bride fully delighted, and seeing the vision of the whole total concept coming together and being pleased. Blooms give that feeling and touch of life, freshness, new beginnings, color, happiness and fulfillment. Blooms are the finishing touch.”

Emily Neubauer, AIFD & Team Belle Fiori

ltd.

How did you get into floral design? I was a high school student that needed an after school job, and I have never left.

so many of the best wedding venues right in our backyard. It's like we have home field advantage every weekend.

Are there specific influences you draw upon when you are in the creative process?

At Belle Fiori, we try to find inspiration in many of the same places as our brides. We love Instagram and Pinterest. Other florists inspire us, as well as the new flowers that are available with each changing season.

Where do the flowers you use come from? It is wonderful how small the world has become in terms of shipping. We source flowers by the best location for each variety. We get flowers domestically from warmer states all year through, and internationally from South America, Holland, Israel, New Zealand and Australia. Our favorite source is right here in Wisconsin! We work with a fabulous flower farm for sustainably grown local flowers from April to November.

Where did the name Belle Fiori come from? The original owner selected the name. It is Italian, loosely translated to mean “Beautiful Flowers.” I apologize to anyone who speaks Italian; I know the grammar is incorrect!

What do you like most about where you are located? I love all of Milwaukee; it is the best small, big city around. Our exact location on the East Side, just north of downtown, makes

Besides flowers, what other elements can you incorporate? We love to include the unexpected: feathers or fruit, succulents and air plants. We’ve also incorporated sentimental items like family heirloom jewelry or modern elements like a GoPro!

What are some unique experiences and requests you’ve had over the years? A wedding from just a few years ago had a very detailed Harry Potter theme where we filled potion bottles with flowers. We also worked with a bride who was an artist that had a Day of the Dead theme. We included hand-made paper flowers from an Etsy vendor.

What can a couple expect from you as their wedding florist? We always customize the designs for each couple. We take pride in each creative design and paying attention to even the smallest detail.

What are your words of wisdom for brides and grooms? Don't expect the day to be perfect; there is always something that happens. At my wedding our cake was the wrong shape and icing pattern, but the yummy flavors were correct.

None of the guests even noticed!

X

W

belle FIORI RI

LTD.

Beautiful Flowers for Every Occasion m three studio photography

2014 n farwell ave, milwaukee, wi 53202 phone 414.272.2234 www.bellefioriflorist.com

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Melissa Maas bank of memories & flowers

LOVE IS OFTEN DESCRIBED like a flower, blossoming and flourishing. It’s no wonder flowers play such an important role in a wedding. With all of the colors, varieties, heights and arrangements for brides to choose from, why not have someone who has a long-standing relationship with flowers to create something magical for your big day?

Melissa Maas, owner of Bank of Memories & Flowers, can’t remember a time when her life didn’t include flowers. From her

childhood days of arranging flowers in her mother’s and grandmother’s vases (including her favorite—the romantic, lush peony) while begging her father to build her a greenhouse, to today as the owner of two shop locations (Pewaukee and Menomonee Falls), Melissa is nothing short of a floral mastermind. “One of my first floral jobs was

soaking up everything she could about the flowers, plants and business.

After graduating from UW-Oshkosh, Melissa journeyed to Seattle, Washington., to the Floral Design Institute where she received her Advanced Floral Certificate.

“I wanted to experience the West Coast floral ways,” Melissa explains. “There were students from all over, and even one from Alaska. It was interesting to see how things are different from the Midwest.”

After the Floral Design Institute, Melissa worked at the TV ABC affiliate in Madison with her degree in Radio-TV-Film, but that didn’t keep her from her first passion.

A flower shop nearby hired her to help during Valentine’s season, and she stayed on afterward to work nights and weekends after her day job.

Then, she learned that Bank of Memories & Flowers in her hometown of Menomonee Falls was going up for sale. “So at the age of 24, I followed my dream and put everything I had into the shop,” Melissa elates. “That first year I worked 10-plus hour days, 6 days per week, and I loved it! I loved it so much that a year later I started another shop in Pewaukee.”

Melissa loves to continue learning and as a member of the Teleflora Board of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, she has an unlimited pool of talent and resources to draw from. “I love learning new tips and tricks—anything I can bring back to the shop and show the girls,” she says.

With a passion as deep as Melissa’s, you can be sure that your wedding day—a day she is overjoyed to share with you—will be nothing short of sensational. “I love weddings; my eyes light up,” Melissa says. “I am in the moment, excited about your wedding and wanting to hear more. The consultation is an experience of personalized attention—creating a customized design just for you.”

“the consultation is an experience of personalized attention - creating a customized design just for you” in a grocery store’s floral department at age 16,” Melissa says. “This is where the love grew.” From there she went on to work as a florist for four years while she was studying at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh,

Uniquely Elegant or Simple Chic...

Menomonee Falls N88 W16723 Appleton Ave. 262-253-9111 Pewaukee 346 Oakton Ave. 262-695-9911 www.bankofflowers.net

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be Inspired

floral Bouquets

To Have and to Hold Photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography location Historic Pritzlaff

dahlia blooms - Vintage Hollywood Glamour and elegance are beautifully infused into this bouquet with the striking unison of antique ivory roses, spray roses and gardenias. The natural stems are wrapped in taupe satin ribbon and accented with crystal broaches.

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belle fiori ltd. - Bold & Beautiful Who says brides have to wear—or carry—only white? A vivid burst of color and texture is sure to show your true personality! This asymmetrical, hand-tied bouquet features orange Pincushion protea, gold ranunculus and yellow iris, lime green Cymbidium orchids, purple lisianthus and hot pink Baronia Heather. Modern botanical accents include croton and bay leaves, and a chic Ti leaf stem wrap.

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bank of memories & Flowers - Modern Romantic Love is bound to sweep you off your feet! What better way to capture your passion than to complement that head-over-heels feeling than with delicate, radiant petals. This textural, hand-tied is laced with cream Cymbidium orchids, purple hydrangeas, purple freesia, seeded eucalyptus, purple trachelium and fuchsia carnations. Say “I do� with a stunning balance of vibrancy and simplicity.

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Entertainment - DJs

Memories Set to

Music

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Studio 29 Photography & Design You’ve both said “I do” and shared your first kiss as a married couple. Your whirlwind wedding day is underway and it’s time to head to the reception that you’ve been planning for months. You’re ready to party! But before you can hit the dance floor, you have to pick the perfect DJ. The following tips can help you easily plan and execute an unforgettable party that you and your guests will never want to end.

Wedding DJs set the mood and help the evening flow seamlessly from the grand march to the final song of the night, so choosing the best DJ for you is essential! Understanding the different types of DJs to choose from is a good place to start. Are you looking for a more traditional reception, where the DJ engages your guests through music and acts as the emcee? Or would you prefer a more interactive DJ who uses games and reaches out to the guests to really get the party go-

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After meeting with and selecting your DJ, it’s time to pick the tunes that will set the tone at your reception. Many companies now offer online portals where you can select the music you want to hear that night.

You will have the opportunity to discuss the flow and feel of the night with your DJ, touching on any traditional or nontraditional elements of the reception, how music will play into those moments and how the DJ will act as the emcee to keep guests in the know as the evening progresses through toasts, dinner and first dances.

The reception is your chance to wow your guests and make incredible first step. Meeting with potential DJs—or memories. With research, communication the companies that represent them—will and proper planning, you’ll find the right DJ be paramount to throwing the ideal party to take that effortless first dance with your and will give you the best idea of his or her spouse and enjoy your celebration. style and how the company can help you on your big day. ing? Or, if house or club music is your jam, club-style DJs can mix up modern music.

Knowing the style of DJ you’re looking for will help narrow down your choices so you can start shopping around to find your perfect fit. But research is just the

Ramsey Renno & Tyler Curran Milwaukee Airwaves Milwaukee Airwaves, fresh on the market after lighting the torch five years ago, brings to the area a new breed of event DJs that provide a clean and professional approach to events with influences in indie and alternative music.

They are well versed in all genres as well as the B-sides.

But they don’t just play music, Airwaves helps create the event you envision with refined lighting designs and personalized music suited to your style. They will curate a playlist to match the flow, progression, and energy of each event.

Having been on the scene for more than 17 years, Owner Ramsey Renno has always had a passion for music and turning up the party. When he isn’t filling up dance floors, find Ramsey checking out live music at Pabst, Turner or Riverside Theatres. Managing Partner Tyler Curran has a penchant for creating fun no matter the circumstance and when at the helm of a party, he really shines.

Airwaves is an entertainment company that not only focuses on a client’s personal preferences, but also strays away from the traditional gimmicks that give wedding DJs a bad rep.

Airwaves DJs are also the emcees for the evening and effortlessly execute the timeline, working together with other vendors. Their experience and savvy with the newest lighting options and sound solutions makes Airwaves a preferred vendor of Milwaukee’s best venues to help make any event memorable and unique.

They are your ambassadors of fun for all party-goers.

“We know that a DJ can make or break your wedding!”

“Remember, putting on a successful wedding isn’t just about the tunes, it’s about great customer service, noticing the details, and reading the vibe of the room. Airwaves delivers on all fronts and we know that a DJ can make or break your wedding!”

Ramsey, Tyler and their team look forward to bringing the same energy and passion to your event. Amplify your event with professional sound and lighting from Milwaukee Airwaves.

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Photography

Beyond the

Lens

by Sara Dahmen & Michelle Drewek

photography Top Left: Front Room Photography, Top Right: m three studio photography, Bottom Left: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Middle: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Bottom Right: Manning Photography Wedding photography is the ultimate gift you give yourselves. It is the key to memories, the moment of glamour captured, a snapshot of love. There are a hundred adjectives to describe how beautiful wedding day pictures are, and you look long and hard through the many photographers available to you to find the perfect fit. Finding a wedding photographer is not unlike the courtship you danced before becoming engaged. It is a relationship built on trust, understanding, connection and style. You peer back through the lens at the artist behind the machinery and know your day is being photographed and preserved the way you’ve always dreamed, and will create photographs you continue to cherish for decades to come.

A tried and true wedding photographer, like those featured in Veil Magazine, is so much more than a body behind a camera. They are an artist with ideas in their head long before you finally look at them and wink. These artisans bring so much more to the table than simply showing up for a consultation and your wedding day. It’s important for the truly educated bride to understand the technical aspects of a photographer’s role and duties in order to better grasp and understand what happens behind the scenes before and after the wedding day.

Couples often wonder what exactly they are getting when they pay for a professional photographer. After all, there are many newer,

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up-and-coming photographers out there. With the Internet and digital photography, anyone with a camera is starting to call themselves a wedding photographer after only capturing a small handful of events. However, many of those small-time photographers don’t have even the most basic paperwork—such as property insurance on their gear—in place to protect you and your expectations of having a photographer on hand with the high-tech equipment you’ve paid for.

Professional photographers all carry incredibly involved and expensive equipment to provide you with the ultimate in photography quality based on the style you’ve selected them to give you.

Some newer photographers may rent equipment as the cost is quite heavy to have the appropriate cameras and lenses, but a professional will buy everything that’s needed and then some.

Having the right equipment is a gigantic part of properly running a wedding photography business, and what sets the professionals apart from those people who just dabble on the side with a single camera. It’s a huge investment as upgrades are needed, new technology comes out, and larger files call for more memory and computer space. The necessity for productive and strong equipment is essential to professionals who want to keep the chances for breakdowns on the wedding day to a minimum. If gear is rented, there’s always the chance it wasn’t properly maintained, or is prone to malfunctioning. Plus,

when the gear is owned, your photographer has better control over the images he or she can create.

Experience is the largest factor for why you should look to hire a true professional. Weddings are unpredictable. The more apt photographer is going to catch the spontaneous moment and react quickly to demands placed on them. If your photographer lacks that experience, they won’t be vocal enough or too overbearing. And the job never ends for a professional. A professional photographer usually logs hours every day of the week, giving up evenings and weekends.

Once you decide on a photographer and the wedding day approaches, your photographer is already busy working on the preparations that are necessary to ensure you have the best of the best that they can offer you. Formatting memory cards, cleaning lenses and other gear provisions are all important steps in quality control and preparedness. Your wedding is a serious business for your professional photographer, and it’s the type of business that comes with some very particular trimmings.

So many brides take the time to seek out a specific style, thanks to the online sources available for wedding dreaming. It’s also important to spend just as much time finding the right photographer locally to match your style and expectations, combined with professionalism and experience and you’ll have a wedding photography experience that will, like your photos themselves, last a lifetime.

credits

& About Our Covers

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Ren Davis studio 29 photography & Design

She is a lover of animals, an eclectic assortment of music, creative writing, painting, yoga, cooking, all things caffeinated, positive outlooks, honesty and typographic tattoos.

Summarized, Ren Davis, owner of Studio 29 Photography & Design, is living on the sunny side of life! Her best bud is her Akita, Kenzo, and if you follow her on Instagram you will be overloaded with his cuteness.

Ren’s photography style is soft, timeless, and genuine. She specializes in documenting modern, raw, and unique moments for creative and inspirational people. Ren finds ways to use as much natural light as possible, creating real-looking photos. She also enjoys photographing against urban and outdoor backdrops, incorporating elements of both into her images.

Ren approaches her work with such dedication that she often finds herself befriending clients in order to be able to truly document their unique relationship and capture unscripted, beautiful moments. She feels that strong relationships yield wonderfully honest photographs. She doesn’t just want to capture their love story, she wants to be a part of and experience it.

“I am beyond thrilled to get a front row seat on each couple's unique love story, allowing me to capture the most honest moments and effortless emotions,” Ren elates.

She has been documenting weddings for seven years, working throughout Wisconsin, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Dubuque, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Iron Mountain Michigan, Washington D.C.,TPC Sawgrass Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and a few out of the country destinations to Mexico & Jamaica.

Studio 29’s work has been featured on

several wedding inspiration websites, blogs, and magazines including—and far from limited to—Huffington Post, Ruffled, Brides Magazine, Allure Bridals, and of course her work can be seen throughout Veil Magazine.

She has had an “A” rating with the BBB since 2010, and in 2014 she was selected as Editor’s Choice Photographer on Bp4u Photography Resources. Studio 29 has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot “Best of Weddings” 2013, 2014, and 2015. She also won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for 2015.

Her work continues to be published nationally, and it’s no wonder why the wedding industry loves her. Beyond the public recognition, Ren’s clients have nothing but the highest regards for her role in their wedding.

"Aside from my choice of husband, Studio 29 & Ren was the best choice I made for my wedding day,” raves Megan Meccariello. “I could not be more grateful in having her there so I can have such a beautiful reminder of such a special day. I will forever cherish all the pictures Ren has taken for me. Forever in the future, she will be the only person I will trust in immortalizing all of my special moments and the one person I will recommend to family and friends. If there are any brides out there looking for a photographer, I suggest hiring the only one I suspect has magical powers, Ren Davis of Studio 29!”

If you are looking for someone who cares as much about telling your love story as you do, will go above and beyond to establish and maintain a relationship with you, and will be an integral part in your wedding day, then check out Ren Davis of Studio 29 Photography & Design. It will be love at first sight!

“I will forever cherish all the pictures Ren has taken for me.”

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Molly M. Michel m three studio photography

I'm m three. Those are my initials, always have been, always will be. When I met my husband and realized he also had an "M" last name, the deal was sealed. When he agreed we should start this business just days before we embarked on our own marriage, I knew I was in for a fun and wild ride. I was right.

Eight years, one dog, two kids, and over 200 weddings later, I'm still anxious to capture another story every weekend. My team and I have photographed weddings all over the world, from Italy and Jamaica to California and South Carolina, and of course every nook and cranny of Wisconsin. I have an insatiable case of wanderlust that leaves me constantly seeking new inspiration wherever the less beaten path leads me.

I tell stories. Really amazing ones. Every couple has an amazing story if you are brave enough to uncover it. You're thinking that isn't true for you, but trust me, it is. I'll find it. I'm always looking for it. And when I do, I'll photograph it beautifully. I lived a former life as a filmmaker and animator, and that storytelling bug has settled deep in my heart, built a fire and put it's feet up.

“I believe your wedding photography is one of the few choices in your planning that isn't just for you. It's also for generations after you.�

I believe your wedding photography is one of the few choices in your planning that isn't just for you. It's also for the generations after you. That's a serious responsibility.

So we treat it with care. Photography that illustrates how your day felt, not just how it looked. Editing that stands the test of time.

Heirloom albums that your grandkids will crack open with glee when they get engaged.

And an experience that is tailored to you.

I also believe that wedding days are about experiences. Really great ones, that lead to even better photography. So we'll plan together, and I'll help you fit your photography into your day in a way that isn't obtrusive to that experience. It's a personal goal of mine to make sure you get to your cocktail hour and aren't trapped in a park taking pictures while everyone parties

without you. Because, what's the fun in that?

When it's all over you'll have a collection of photographs that is cohesive, artful, stylized, and all about your story. Photographs that look like your memories.

www.mthreestudio.com

Named of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine 69 Top Wedding Photographers VeilMagazine.com

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Patrick Manning Manning Photography

When it comes time to choose a wedding photographer, most couples first want to see the albums of work that showcase each artisans unique style and flair behind the lens. But a truly dedicated, well-rounded photographer goes behind what you see in the final shot. Patrick Manning and his team of expert photographers at Manning Photography combine their natural approach to photography with a personal knack for building relationships with their clients to create an experience specially for you and your loved ones.

True professionals to their core, the Manning Photography team takes their profession very seriously, putting in the time and dedication needed from the months of planning leading up to the big day, to the day of preparations and execution and the final editing process.

Their sincerity for their craft is only made more enjoyable by the playful, candid personalities of the photographers. They want to get to know you like lifelong friends, and will make you feel completely at ease in every single frame.

As far as their artistic style, the photographers at Manning Photography take a fashionoriented and photojournalistic approach to photographing weddings. They capture the real emotions, expressions and surprises that happen throughout your wedding day. The result is a portfolio of memorable images that show the natural, relaxed and spontaneous nature of couples and their guests.

They utilize a responsive approach, always ready to immor talize those once-

in-a-lifetime moments of joy; and use unobtrusive techniques in ways that do not intimidate guests with a heav y flash.

This approach allows the photographers at Manning Photography to blend in with guests and capture images in a way that does not intimidate your family and friends.

This talented team also takes time to get to know each couple they photograph, and they build the trust and rapport necessary to help put everyone at ease. Their goal is to preserve the intricate details of the preparation, the beauty of the event, and the complete range of emotions that only a photograph can capture.

No matter the venue, no matter the conditions, Manning Photography is dynamic and quick thinking, able to juggle the many variables that may arise. In the end, the photographers at Manning Photography take a creative approach to capturing the wedding day at it unfolds naturally.

Their goal is to preserve the important moments and fleeting details that couples will cherish forever.

Patrick Manning is the brilliant owner of Manning Photography, and he has been photographing weddings since 1998. His fashion-oriented style of photojournalism yields unforgettable results. “Weddings, by nature, are beautiful events,” Patrick details. “The challenge is to capture the right moments at the right time to make it a lasting memory.” When he’s not photographing weddings, Patrick works on commercial and magazine photography assignments, and loves to take his cameras while traveling with his family.

“The challenge is to capture the right moments at the right time to make it a lasting memeory”

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Heather Cook Elliott Heather Cook Elliott Photography Love. A four-letter word that brought you two together. It's also the foundation of the breathtaking photographs captured by Heather Cook Elliott Photography: "For those who love love."

Heather Cook Elliott is the principal force behind her namesake company, which allows her to practice one of her passions. Noting her background in architecture and sociology in addition to photography, it's that combination that drives Heather's shooting style—a rather undefined style. Imagine photojournalistic meets eclectic, then hooks up with artsy and sensual. And don't forget contemporary, timeless and vintage. Heather sums it up best: The results are real. "My job is built on a skillful understanding of how families and traditions work and being able to discern who and what is important."

When Heather arrives to capture your magical day, you'll also meet one of her associates (Carolina, Emily or Sara) or colleagues. "We always shoot in pairs because I believe the groom is as important

as the bride, the family as important as the décor details, guest portraits as important as bridal portraits." The four leading women collaborate, challenge and inspire one another. In fact, they're so simpatico it's nearly impossible to know who captured what shot, although Heather is the final editor for all photos.

Heather and her associates act as discreet wedding party members, quietly leading your group to settings with the best light, the most striking backgrounds

the photographers joke and become a little playful.

However, couples typically say that Heather and her shooter are so happy and calm that the couples pick up the Zen mood. And speaking of personalities, make sure you really love your photographer and their artistry, as he or she will be your constant companion all day.

Also make sure to personalize your big day. One of Heather's couples met at a library and love reading, so stacks of books wrapped in twine and accented by flowers made for an extremely personal touch as table centerpieces. "Exactly the kind of detail we love to photograph."

With Heather Cook Elliott Photography, every detail will be captured—none too small and no love story too big to capture as timeless snippets of art.

“My job is built on a skillful understanding of how families and traditions work and being able to discern who and what is important.” around Milwaukee—or anywhere from Door County to northern Illinois, and even to destinations such as Hawaii, Ireland and the Bahamas.

If your wedding party needs to loosen up a bit,

HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT P H O T O G R A P H Y

MODERN LOVE STORIES

.HCE. ..

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STUDIO 29 PHOTOGRAPHY & Design

HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY

HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

studio 29 photography & Design

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FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography Check list!

It is important to be certain that your photographer captures the most important moments of your wedding and reception.

To insure this, provide them with a list of specific event times, locations and names of important guests to photograph. It is also a good idea to designate a close friend or relative as a point person in-case the photographer has any questions.

Pre-wedding: o Bride and attendants getting ready o Bride leaving for ceremony o Groom and attendants getting ready o Groom leaving for ceremony o Mother and Maid-of-Honor helping bride get ready o Reception site set up

M THREE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY

Ceremony: o Signs directing guests to wedding o Wedding programs o Guests arriving o Ushers escorting guests to their seats o Both sets of parents entering o Groom walking down aisle; awaiting bride o Child attendants walking down aisle o Bride walking down aisle o Groomsmen lined up for ceremony o Special guests watching ceremony o Wedding kiss o Bride/Groom leaving recessional o Guests throwing rice or flower petals o Signing of the wedding certificate o Bride/Groom's hands displaying rings Reception: o Friends signing guest book o Guests at cocktail hour o Reception site set for dinner o Seating cards display o Centerpieces o Place settings o Favors o Wedding cake o Stationery and Invitations o People giving toasts o Bride and Groom listening to toasts o Group pictures of guests at each table o Bride and Groom's first dance o Bride dancing with her father o Groom dancing with his mother o Guests dancing o Bride and Groom cutting cake o Bride and Groom departing

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love story

Veil Advertisers Wedding gown & Jewelry

Stone Manor Bridal

Ceremony Location: St. Francis-Xavier Cathedral Bridesmaid’s Dresses Salon: Bliss Bridal Favors: The Knot Wedding Shop Floral Décor: Bridal Bouquet Elegant Wedding Décor Hair: Salon Forte Invitations: Memorable Greetings & Invitations Makeup: Makeup by Raesha Men's Formalwear: Du Bois Formalwear Photography & Video: Trista Klein Photography Reception & Caterer; Location: The Ravine Wedding Cake: Monzu

Intimate Moment

Love At First Date

by Michelle Drewek

q

Although it took 2 years and some encouragement on the part of a co-worker to bring this pair together, their first date set the stage for a whirlwind romance. As the saying goes, “When you know, you know.” A 4-hour conversation at a coffee house turned into a second date later that night at a restaurant where they talked until closing time. Six months after that Jan. 19 two-date day, Katie said, “Yes” to a lifetime with her Beau.

How did he propose? On July 28, 2013, Beau took me down to Madison to have lunch and to walk along Lake Mendota. About a mile into our walk, he got down on one knee and proposed. Beau chose this location because he attended college at UW-Madison and told me since the city is special to him, he wanted there to be a reason for it to be special to me too.

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Did he ask permission from family before the proposal? He individually met with my mother, father and brother to ask for permission and show them the ring.

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How did you announce your engagement to everyone else? Once we got back to Green Bay, Beau surprised me with an engagement dinner where all of our immediate family was waiting for us. After we got home that night, I posted the news on Facebook along with a photo.

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What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding? Pearls!

katie & beau

married 11-08-2014

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What was your biggest surprise when planning your wedding? The crazy things people would say. For example, after I told one woman what my colors were, she said, “You don’t want that in fall. That’ll look terrible.” Well, it didn’t look terrible. It was gorgeous!

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Were there any funny moments that happened at your wedding? Our flower girl (my niece) ran out of petals early during her walk. Her dad (my brother) knew this would happen so he had filled his pockets with extra petals and as she tossed them he refilled her basket so she would make it all the way down. The guests thought this was darling. The photo we have of this happening is one of my favorites! Also during the ceremony, my niece shouted, “Hey Boo!” (She can’t say Beau, yet.)

Another funny thing that happened later at the reception was when “Bye Bye Bye” started playing, my friend Desiree was so excited that she ran out to the dance floor, tripped and slid into the dance circle.

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Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?” I had my grandmother’s vintage diamond bracelet, I borrowed my sister’s Tiffany pearl necklace she wore at her wedding and I had a custom,

one-of-a-kind bouquet made as my something new. My something blue was my engagement ring. Beau went out to Montana and mined a 2-carat blue sapphire! #romance

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Were there any aspects of DIY that you incorporated? I made all of the table numbers, bridesmaids’ bouquets and centerpieces. I also made my own beaded “wedding tree” and memory table.

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What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides?

Start planning right away because you will need all the time you can get! Stay focused and know that all of the work is worth it. Don’t stress over tiny details. It’s perfectly fine if your napkins don’t match the flowers! At the end of the day it’s about your marriage, not the wedding.

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Any other special things you would like to mention? Right after the rehearsal dinner I had a slumber party at my home with the bridesmaids. When we woke up in the morning I had arranged for the hair and makeup artists to come to us and I also put out a mimosa and bagel bar. It was awesome and all of the girls loved it! I also gave each of them a “slumber party gift bag” the night before and a “bridesmaid survival kit” in the morning. They were a huge hit!

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Honeymoon & Travel

Dream "I Do"

Destinations

by Jessica Pairrett

Pause for a moment, close your eyes and let your mind wander. Imagine the two of you standing together on a beach, dressed in your wedding day's finest. An intimate gathering of loved ones is before you, awaiting the official "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

A destination wedding on the beach, or at any other extraordinary spot in the world, can be yours. Not only does a destination wedding offer a spectacular experience but also it's a chance to leave your ceremony and start your honeymoon straight away. The memories you and those closest to you create will be cherished forever.

Sure, this sounds wonderful, but a destination wedding is so expensive, right?

Surprisingly not so, says Lisa Hoppe of Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting. Choosing a destination over a traditional wedding can save quite a bit of money. "The average wedding today costs over $20,000, whereas a bride and groom could spend less than 25-50% on a destination wedding and

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Depending on preference, the experience may include hiking in a rainforest, exploring local hot spots, scuba diving or relaxing on a beach.

In particular, Fiji offers an exceptionally unique ceremony. The bride, on a decorated raft, floats to a beach location. Wearing garlands of fragrant flowers around their necks, the couple exchanges vows as the sun sets. "It's absolutely magical!" Lisa says.

Once the location is picked, you're almost set! Your travel consultant can assist with any extra details you need help with, such as any necessary government paperwork that needs filling out.

The team can also refer the couple to tour operators for activities and wedding planners for help with amenities, As for location, you may prefer a popular locale regulations or customs in the destination of like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Mexico or the Dominican choice. With a variety of experts assisting Republic at an all-inclusive resort. Hawaii is with your wedding plans, you're all but beautiful and ideal to avoid passport hassle. Or guaranteed to have a beautifully fabulous for something a bit different, Lisa suggests New wedding of a lifetime.

Zealand, the Maldives, Tahiti or Fiji. have an incredible ceremony and honeymoon vacation." A travel consultant, like Lisa and her team, can create a just-for-you, upgraded package for under $5,000. Depending on your plans, some resorts might even provide a ceremony and reception for free.

Lisa Hoppe Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting Firsthand knowledge, VIP service and pure passion are at the heart of Milwaukee's Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting, where you're sure to plan that perfect honeymoon or destination wedding. Owner Lisa Hoppe has traveled to 81 countries herself, lending her personal experience and insight to create that dream getaway for brides- and grooms-to be.

Lisa's passion for travel and learning new things grew from childhood. Translating that into her business, Lisa says she works with couples, truly listening as she helps select the right destination and a resort fitting both needs and budget. Then Lisa's expert travel agent team assists the couple with anything from selecting flights, choosing activities in and around the destination, booking relaxing spa treatments and any other special adventures that'll make for a trip of a lifetime.

Lisa has "cultivated relationships with managers of resorts and destinations all over the world," and she's proud to say the same about Sandals and Beaches resort managers in the Caribbean, who welcome guests with VIP treatment. Additionally, Lisa is an exclusive Sandals Chairman's Royal Club member and for each of the past 14 years, she's earned Sandals STAR Awards.

If you're looking for something other than a resort stay, you'll find plenty of suggestions here. As Lisa's done, visit Tahiti, Jean Michel Cousteau's resort in Fiji, or scuba dive Australia's Great Barrier or Mexico's Palancar reef. Or, glimpse pink dolphins in the Amazon! And if you’re leaning toward a romantic destination wedding and honeymoon all in one, Lisa's team will ensure every detail is precisely planned.

Because traveling to the unknown may leave

“I can offer a lot of insight to ease any fears or answer questions for a couple”

you wondering "What if?" Lisa's extensive travel experience will calm those nerves. "I can often say 'I've been there' or 'I've done that,' so I can offer a lot of insight to ease any fears or answer questions for a couple." Is travel insurance really needed? Or is the water safe to drink? Let Lisa guide you.

You'll soon realize how fast your wedding day passes, and the day should be cherished among one another, family and friends. But after, relish your honeymoon, Lisa says, as "it's the start of many wonderful years together."

Expert planning for the perfect

Destination Wedding

or Honeymoon.

Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Luxury or Value Vacations 6005 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (P) 414-258-8715 | 800-966-8715 lisa@hoppetravel.com | www.hoppetravel.com

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Paper Envy Pfister, The Simma's Bakery Sound By Design Stone Manor Bridal The Blooming Quill War Memorial Center

ADVERTISERS index Bakeries

Event Décor and Design

Simma’s Bakery 414-257-0998 simmasbakery.com

148

Bartender

Barking Pony Studios 414-302-0778 BarkingPonyBrides.com

Officiants 71

Event Lighting

Bartenders On The Go 4414-899-6151 bartendonthego.com

47

Bridal Boutiques Bella Bridesmaids 414-270-0344 bellabridesmaids.com

117

Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. 608-527-4436 brandisbridal.com

114

Gigi of Mequon 262-241-1123 gigiofmequon.com

116

Stone Manor Bridal 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

27

Photo booth Rentals

Milwaukee Airwaves 414-306-8273 milwaukeeairwaves.com Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

Two-Gether We Wed 414-813-7498 TwogetherWeWed.com

175

14-17, Back Cover

Flowers

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

14-17, Back Cover

Front Room Photography 414-294-0080 frphoto.com

145, 178-179

Photography

Bank of Memories & Flowers 262-253-9111 262-695-9911 bankofflowers.net

170

169

Heather Cook Elliott Photography 414-944-1475 HeatherCookElliott.com

183

115

Belle Fiori LTD 414-272-2234 bellefioriflorist.com Dahlia Blooms 414-943-3356 dahliabloomsmilwaukee.com

168

m three studio photography 262-497-7246 mthreestudio.com

181

82-83

Manning Photography 414-962-8180 manningphotography.com

182

Bridal Show at Overture, The overturebridalshow.com

Gift Registry

Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride mmbshow.com

80-81

Studio 29 Photography & Design 414-335-4031 foto-29.com

180

Bridal Shows

155

Caterers Sazama’s Fine Catering 414-276-2030 sazs.com

20-21

Saz’s Hospitality Group 414-256-8765 sazs.com

20-21

Saz's Catering & Special Events 414-256-8765 sazs.com

20-21

Lumiere Vein Center 262-569-VEIN (8346) LumiereVeinCenter.com LumiereMedicalSpa.com Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting 414-258-8715 800-966-8715 hoppetravel.com

189

Paper Envy 262-780-0850 paperenvy.com

159

158

Paper Pleasers LLC 414-301-1751 paper-pleasers.com

Shully’s Cuisine & Events 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

34, 35, 44

Jewelers

Coffee Catering Roast Coffee Catering 414-828-2030 roastcoffeecatering.com

49

Entertainment - DJ’s 175

14-17, Back Cover

David Liska 141, Custom Jeweler Inside Back Cover 414-278-6000 DavidLiskaCustomJeweler.com Lyle Husar Designs 262-789-8585 lylehusardesigns.com

145, 178-179

Pre & Post Nuptial Party Locations Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant 32, 38-39, 40 414-765-1166 bacchusmke.com

Invitations & stationery

20-21, 34

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

95

Honeymoon & Travel

Saz's Catering Lake Country 262-691-9796 sazs.com

Milwaukee Airwaves 414-306-8273 milwaukeeairwaves.com

143

Health & Beauty

Calligraphy The Blooming Quill 262-268-0525 bloomingquill.com

George Watts & Son 800-747-9288 georgewatts.com

Front Room Photography 414-294-0080 frphoto.com

8

Men’s Formalwear

Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

32, 38-39, 40

Camp Bar Shorewood 414-962-5182 Wauwatosa 414-763-3793 campbarmke.com

40

Galleria, The 414-433-6088 pritzlaffevents.com

24-25, 40

Harbor House 414-395-4900 harborhousemke.com

38-39, 40

Joey Gerard’s – Greendale 414-858-1900 joeygerards.com

38-39, 42

Joey Gerard’s – Mequon 262-518-5500 joeygerards.com

38-39, 42

Kil@Wat 414-291-4793 kilawatcuisine.com

18-19, 42

Harleys The Store for Men 414-332-3404 harleys4men.com

131

Mason Street Grill 414-298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com

18-19, 42

Wingman Formalwear 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

130

Milwaukee ChopHouse 414-390-4562 chophouse411.com

18-19, 42 Continued ---> VeilMagazine.com

191

credits ADVERTISERS index & About Our Covers

Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse 262-790-7005 mrbssteakhouse.com

38-39, 44

20-21, 44 Saz’s Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club 262-691-0900 westernlakes.com/weddings_and_banquets.aspx Saz’s State House Restaurant – The State Room 414-453-2410 sazs.com

20-21, 44

Shully’s Cuisine & Events Thien Room 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

34, 35, 44

Turner Hall Restaurant 414-763-1490 turnerhallrestaurant.com

34, 43, 44

Reception Locations Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant 414.765.1166 bacchusmke.com

32, 38-39, 40

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin 32, 38-39 414-765-8610 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange 32, 38-39 414-727-6980 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

32, 38-39, 40

Historic Pritzlaff 143 Historic Pritzlaff 325 Historic Pritzlaff 333 Historic Pritzlaff 414-433-6088 pritzlaffevents.com

24-25, 32

InterContinental Milwaukee 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

18-19, 32

Milwaukee Art Museum 414-224-3287 mam.org

Inside Front Cover 1, 10, 32

Windy City Linen 224-279-1500 x7 windycitylinen.com

65

Rentals-Party/Reception Equipment

Mitchell Park Domes/ Milwaukee County Parks 414-257-5600 countyparks.com

32, 37

Canopies Events with Distinction 414-760-0770 canopiesevents.com

Pfister , The 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 414-847-8600 paysbig.com/meetings Ramhorn Farm 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com River Club of Mequon 262-242-1400 riverclubofmequon.com

18-19, 34

5, 34

22-23, 34

6-7, 34

Sazama's Fine Catering at the Marcus 20-21, 34 Center for the Performing Arts 414-276-2030 sazamas.com 20-21, 34

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa 800-558-3417 GrandGeneva.com

32, 33

Saz's Catering at the Country Inn 20-21, 34 & Suites - Port Washington 414-256-8765 sazs.com Saz's Catering Lake Country - 20-21, 34, 44 Western Lakes Golf Club 262-691-9796 sazs.com

Studio 29 Photography & Design

check us out

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

34, 36

32, 37

32, 37

192

War Memorial Center 414-273-5533 warmemorialcenter.org

Milwaukee County Parks 414-257-8005 countyparks.com

Boerner Botanical Gardens/ Milwaukee County Parks 414-525-5601 countyparks.com

18-19, 32

34, 35, 44

Rentals-Linens

Saz’s Catering & Special Events 414-256-8765 sazs.com

Hilton Milwaukee City Center 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

Shully’s Cuisine & Events The Watermark 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

69

22-23, 34

Salons & Spas 99

Beauty 414-276-5054 beautymilwaukee.com Colour Tube, The 262-641-7538 colourtube.com

100

Halo Salon 414-272-4256 halomilwaukee.com

101

98

Pure Salon and Day Spa 262-227-0788 262-309-3535 puresalonanddayspa.org

Wedding & Event Planners Cherry Blossom Events 608-497-0133 cherrybevents.com Dynamic Events by David Caruso 414-283-0050 dynamiceventsinc.com événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com Let’s Have An Affair 262-691-3303 LetsHaveAnAffair.com

online

89

12-13

22-23, 34

88

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