Veil Magazine 2019

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

LOVE

your decor

& all the PRETTY LITTLE DETAILS

gorgeous gowns and

Precious Pups

Local Couples SHARE THEIR "I DO'S"

VeilMagazine.com

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 M LILES Welcome to the Spring/Summer issue of Veil Magazine!

On behalf of the entire Veil family, we want to say congratulations.

Being in love is an extraodinary feeling, and this is an exciting time of your life as you plan your wedding and venture into matrimony.

17 years ago I married the love of my life, the man of my dreams, my soul mate. As we planned our wedding—which I wish I could do every year—I felt that my passion for weddings could culminate into something creative and valuable to other Wisconsin bridal couples, we have been so blessed to have such an amazing team of talent.

We are all proud of each and every page within this magazine.

Veil Magazine exists for many reasons but one for me is because of the support of my husband, Weldon, our loving families, our exceptional Veil Magazine team and our incredibly talented advertisers. As we celebrate 15 years of Veil Magazine I still fall in love year after year over and over again with each and every one of you and am so proud of everything we have accomplished.

Veil Magazine is a place for us to share what we love about weddings, what inspires us and to show local Wisconsin couples like you that there is more to telling your unique love story than pomp and circumstance. Wisconsin couples have a unique sense of style. To help nurture that flair, we have produced a stunning local Wisconsin magazine that engages with local bridal trends, sophisticated product features, beautiful weddings of local newlyweds and expert advice. Veil Magazine is also designed to connect wedding artisans to our readers: Wisconsin’s most discerning couples.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Veil Magazine. Among the many wedding artisans featured here that are personally invested in your day. We hope this experience helps you feel close to our team and our advertisers, with an underlying understanding of your unique tastes.

We would love to hear from you and we invite you to send us your favorite engagement moment, wedding planning tips, or your love story. To do so visit us at May your future together be filled with love, happiness and family, leaving you feeling joyfully fulfilled. 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

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

OUR TEAM MALLORY STOLTZ | Creative Director Favorite Wedding Movie: The Wedding Singer Favorite Wedding Song: Perfect by Ed Sheeran Favorite Flower: Calla Lily Favorite Wedding Memory: Having 54 of our closest friends and family travel to Punta Cana to celebrate the big day with us.

TERRI BLAHNIK | Graphic Designer Favorite Wedding Movie: Runaway Bride Favorite Wedding Song: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran Favorite Flower: White Daisy Favorite Wedding Memory: I love looking at the groom's reaction when he sees his bride for the first time.

MICHELLE DREWEK | Managing Editor/Writer Favorite Wedding Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 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.

LAURA VIETMEYER | Writer Favorite Wedding Movie: The Wedding Planner Favorite Wedding Song: Lucky by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat 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

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Spring/Summer 2019

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mallory Stoltz Check out the behind the scene video on our website & social media pages!

PHOTOGRAHY Studio 29 Photography + Design VIDEOGRAPHY Sweet Pea Cinema GOWN Bon Bon Belle Bridal FLOWERS Belle Fiori LINENS Windy City Linen MODEL Kate, The Rock Agency Personal pups adopted from Wisconsin Humane Society - Toby, Bacardi, Stoli & Stella

Fall/Winter 2019

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Terri Blahnik

FASHION STYLING & PRODUCTION Terri Blahnik and Mallory Stoltz

MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Drewek

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Caroline Blair Michelle Drewek Carolyn Fraser Sharon Knott Jon Murrish Jessica Pairrett Laura Vietmeyer Libby Wild

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DoubleYou Photography doubleyou-photography.com Front Room Photography frphoto.com Heather Cook Elliott Photography HeatherCookElliott.com Studio 29 Photography + Design foto-29.com The Paper Elephant thepaperelephant.com PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant REAL WEDDING OF Rebecca and Kyle WED October 6, 2018

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

*Covers change semi-monthly, 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.

VeilMagazine.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHY 414 Photography & Craig John Photography (Opposite Page) Blu Moose Photography, Brad Ryan Photography, Craig John Photography, Front Room Photography & Shannon Z Photography

Nestled in a beautiful, natural setting, the River Club of Mequon offers versatility and customization for your big day in a space that is the definition of contemporary elegance. The club plays host to a many types of events, including fundraisers, corporate parties, business meetings, golf outings, engagement parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, meaning it’s equipped to meet a wide variety of needs, including those of multicultural weddings.

The spectacular 9,200 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom offers the latest in programmable theme lighting with state of the art audio-visual support, a combination matched only by the stunning vistas that overlooks an artfully lit countryside – first by the receding sun, then by design after is sets. A huge outdoor balcony deck further enhances a sensory experience that justifies The River Club of Mequon’s standing as a dream destination for any important reception.

A championship golf course six tennis courts a massive pool and colorful splash pad for kids beckon those so inclined on your special day. As you ready yourself for up to 450 guests on your wedding day, relax in our warm and comforting Bridal Suite with all the amenities a bride desires.

With all of these amenities at their disposal, the professionals at the River Club of Mequon can customize your celebration from the ground up, delivering in ways that exceed your dreams.

Certified wedding planner Mikayla Dhein, Director of Event Sales and Marketing at River Club of Mequon, speaks on what she’s seen of late in regards to multicultural weddings.

What types of multicultural wedding ceremonies have you done in the past? Past multicultural weddings have included Jewish, Pakistani, Persian and Serbian ceremonies.

Why is the club focusing or highlighting these types of weddings?

We have a unique space that can accommodate a large wedding, which is typical for the multicultural weddings. We also are more accommodating than most venues in regards to honoring traditions.

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Tell us about the type of food diversity/customs for ethnic and or multicultural weddings, any trends that you are seeing or changes?

Trends tend to follow the specific culture. One of my personal favorites is from the Serbian community. Each guest brings in a homemade dessert for the dessert station.

How do you work with the couple and their families to incorporate different requests? This is a case to case basis. We look at which traditions are most important to the couple and the family and then see what we can accommodate.

d • Receptions • Ceremonies

• Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers

• Post Wedding Day Brunch

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

94

123

74 FEATURES & FASHION 24 What To Do Before "I Do" 70 Acing Email Etiquette 74 Eco Chic 86 Playful Boudoir 90 Gorgeous Gowns & Precious Pups 114 For the Love of Dogs 128 What's In a Name 130 First Look 144 Rain Rain, Go Away...

157 Aww, Snap!

BE INSPIRED 48 Wedding Linens 56 Wedding Decor 82 Hair & Makeup 104 What I Love About Me 122 Wedding Cakes & Pastries 138 Floral Bouquets

ONSITE & UPCLOSE 5 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 6 River Club of Mequon 8 Craig Husar Fine Diamonds & Jewelry Designs 10 Heidel House Resort & Spa 12 Dynamic Events By David Caruso 14 Marcus Weddings 16 Sound By Design 20 événement planning 22 Shully's Cuisine & Events

EVERY ISSUE 2 Letter from the Publisher & Our Team 4 About Our Covers 30,32 Reception Site Directory 36,38,40 Party Locator

EXPERT ADVICE 84 A-list Aesthetics with Stefanie

BRIDAL SHOWS 65 Milwaukee's Magnificent Bride

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Starita Irvin

HEIDEL HOUSE RESORT & SPA

WHO WOULDN’T ENJOY GETTING MARRIED at a lakeside resort on a gorgeous Wisconsin waterfront? That’s what brides experience when they choose Heidel House, a resort and spa located in Green Lake.

Heidel House is known for offering a beautiful setting for every aspect of the wedding weekend, from the rehearsal dinner to the morning-after brunch. There are numerous spaces for a rehearsal dinner, including out on the Escapade Yacht. Enjoying a booze cruise with your bridal party can be a fun, low-key way to kick off the weekend. Then, return for your welcome reception and see your family and friends that have arrived. For the wedding day, brides and their bridesmaids can be pampered at the Evensong spa and salon with a round of mimosas and an expert glam team. For your ceremony and reception, the lakefront will be an all-natural stunning backdrop for your photos. The next morning, host a brunch for family and friends and reminisce over who had the craziest dance moves the night before and how breathtaking everything was. You’ll be infinitely more relaxed

knowing that every event can take place in the same location, allowing you to enjoy the most important day of your life that much more.

One of the best things about getting married at Heidel House is that you’re treating your guests to a luxurious resort weekend. Instead of simply attending a wedding, they’ll feel as if they’re on vacation themselves! Friends and family can show up to the weekend and not worry about parking, cabs or other logistics.

Then, they can enjoy some cocktails and mingling with you and your groom on the patio for the welcome reception. While the bridal party is getting ready, there’s plenty for guests to do that morning as well, from fishing to golf to shopping in town. It will be as a relaxing and entertaining long weekend for them, without any of the hassle that can sometimes come from an out-of-town wedding.

Starita Irvin, the Wedding Events Manager for Heidel House, is one of the people that turns your vision into your dream come true. As the touch point for brides who have decided to get married at the resort, Starita is an expert on all things Heidel House. For eight years, she’s been helping Heidel House brides say, “I do!”

What do you love most about coordinating weddings at the Heidel House?

What I like best is the challenge that each wedding is different and unique because each

couple puts their personality into it. Weddings are not “cookie cutter events” and each has their own way of showcasing it. Providing that comfort zone to the couple and their parents is a must as well. One has to stay calm no matter what they throw at you. Also, getting the smile of satisfaction from the bride and groom is more than enough to know I’ve done my job well.

Do you have a favorite wedding that’s ever taken place at the Heidel House?

This is my 8th wedding season at Heidel House Resort & Spa, and I think every wedding is beautiful and spectacular. There are so many stories I could tell. A groom had lost his wedding band within 30 minutes after the ceremony. A bride had jumped in the lake with her wedding dress on. A surprise marching band had arrived for a bride and groom’s entrance to their reception. A bride raced alongside of the “Oktoberfest Sausages,” and the list goes on.

Why do brides tend to choose the Heidel House?

Location is the number one reason, with the lakeside outdoor spaces being a major plus.

We are a one-stop location — everything can be here: rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, getting ready room, spa appointment, ceremony, reception and guest rooms which really speaks to our brides. Plus, the brides like that there are numerous amenities offered to our guests.

your perfect BACKDROP

Imagine saying “I do.” along the shoreline or under a canopy of majestic oaks. Celebrate in a tent near the gardens or in the ballroom with a lake view veranda. Take a private yacht cruise or be pampered at the spa. Rest assured, our goal is to create lasting memories for you and your guests.

GREEN LAKE, WISCONSIN

800.444.2812 | HEIDELHOUSE.COM photos by kgcphoto.com

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TABLE OF

27

49

DETAILS 28 Dining & Decor for Your Soirée 37 Planning for Prewedding Gatherings 42 Mixing up Custom Cocktails 46 Layered and Covered in Quality 50 Under One Canopy 54 Personalized Décor & Design 64 A Must Attend Bridal Event 66 Say "I Do" to a Stylish Start 68 Wish It Wear It 68 Let's Face It 78 Highlighting Your Unqiue Beauty 84 A-List Aesthetics 98 The Perfect Fit Love Your Dress 110 Well-Suited Gents 118 The Sweet Indulgence 126 Personally Penned Mementos 134 Every Petal Blooms 146 Capture the Moments 154 A Living Keepsake

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CONTENTS

133

UNVEILED LOVE STORIES 26 Ali & Tyler 44 Lydia & Jonathan 60 Asha & Kyle 72 Bridget & Matt 88 Katie & Luke 108 Jeana & Matt 116 Inez & Tommy 132 Katie & Matt

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Front Room Photography

Expressive Photography

Heather Co

ok Ellioo Ph

otography

Paper Antler

otography

Front Room Ph

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Maa Haas Photo gra

otography

Front Room Ph

otography

Front Room Ph

Heather Cook phy

Ellioo Photogra

HISTORIC. CLASSIC. BRAND NEW. Choose from three outstanding Milwaukee venues

Milwaukee’s most iconic destination welcomes guests with awe-inspiring elegance.

The charming allure of a bygone era sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration.

Be among the first couples to say “I do” in this artfully imagined space this spring.

Start planning today at MarcusWeddings.com

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

photo credit: Autumn Silva Photography

VeilMagazine.com

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onSite

& UPCLOSE

sound by design Entertaining on Every Level

by Sara Dahmen Photography by Front Room Photography THE NAME SOUND BY DESIGN (SBD) immediately conveys a sense of creativity. Something that is designed specifically is, by name, customized.

Personalized. Suited specially to you. That entire concept is exactly what the team behind Sound By Design aims to do: give you 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 excited about you, your day and your desires. Creating an exhilarating experience is paramount to the team behind Sound By Design, and they each have their own specialties 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 stylish 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.

But Sound By Design now offers a myriad of services, truly becoming a one-stop shop for brides. In addition to DJing and MCing, the group now offers everything from videography to lighting to two gorgeous venues, Camp Bar and the Atrium. Camp Bar, which has three locations, has a rustic, laidback feel that’s perfect for fun-loving brides. But don’t let the down-home feel fool you; Camp Bar has a state-of-the-art sound system to ensure top-notch audio quality on your big day. If you’re looking for a more high-end atmosphere, the Atrium incorporates gorgeous skylights, beautiful modern touches, and gardens that overlook the Village, leaving your guests in awe.

Either option is stunning.

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 Sound By Design, spends a lot of one-on-one time with couples who come in looking for said amazing DJ entertainment. “Even after 17 years in the industry, I still love

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

- Paul Hackbarth

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

PHOTOBOOTH

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

- Torie Gamez

LIGHTING DJ

FILMS

Olga Thomas Photography

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 personal relationship with Dylan Brudny, 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 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 Sound By Design’s mantra, Dylan 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 20 years in the industry, also advises couples to be budget conscious about your wedding at all times, “But make

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

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 enclosed one,” Torie says. “But we have a modern approach that uses a backdrop and allows for more movement, bigger groups, and can let guests leave video messages for the couple.” Josh Erickson, Director of Operations for the Atrium, agrees. “People love them and the quality is great.”

With their modern and ever-evolving approach to entertainment, Sound

By Design customizes 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 makes a reception

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

memorable. But when all aspects entertainment come together in an exciting way, it makes the overarching day that much better. That includes lighting.

Sound By Design also works to create lighting design that is customized to your colors, your overall wedding vibe and be smashingly gorgeous all without breaking the bank. The group helps clients put together lighting packages that will make the most impact for their budget and can make things happen in some of the most impossible lighting situations. From uplighting to color washing, the lighting of your reception can make a huge difference in the overall vibe of the space.

Of course, you don’t want to forget a single moment of the big day.

That’s why Sound By Design also offers comprehensive videography packages, turning your wedding day into a high-quality film you can enjoy again and again. When you’re the bride, your wedding day can pass by in a flash. By capturing it on video, you can catch details you missed and relive the joy and spirit of the most important day of your life.

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.”

sound by design DJ • LIGHTING • PHOTOBOOTH • FILMS

designed specifically for you soundbydesign.org • info@soundbydesign.org • 262.968.9586 • 2107 E Capitol Drive Front Room Photography

VeilMagazine.com

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A Passion for Planning

by Laura Vietmeyer

ROBYN VINING PHOTOGRAPHY

While the definition of the French word for “event” may seem simple, the namesake for événement planning evokes a reputation for sensational event planning and styling. “It shows some personality, which WE have tons of!” Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner of événement planning explains.

Janelle Meyer-Brown -

Janelle has had a career spanning 27 years, working for some of the biggest names in the Milwaukee area. She has acquired an incredible array of expertise in every aspect of her client’s needs to plan the perfect event.

Janelle created événement in 2011 after deciding to pursue her dream of owning her own business forcing her to leave her position as General Manager/Director of Catering for Bartolotta Catering at Pier Wisconsin.

Janelle continues building great relationships with forever clients and Milwaukee’s finest venues and providers.

Janelle has hand picked a very talented and experienced events team…BEST in Milwaukee!

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

“There aren’t enough words to

thank you;

plus, my daughter’s reaction when she saw the wedding of her it was incredible!”

dreams come to fruition,

– Mother and Father of Bride BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHICS

KRISTINEPAULSEN.COM

design

262.617.8826

•

plan

consult

evenementplanning.com

angel sent from heaven. I truly am thankful that I was referred to you so many months ago. You were enormously helpful & I am forever “You are an

grateful. You are cool, calm and collected and made the process so enjoyable.

Thank you from the top and bottom of our hearts. WE LOVE YOU!”

– Kelly and Steven

HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTIST GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

THE MCCARTNEYS PHOTOGRAPHY

CATERING YOUR SPECIAL DAY AT MANY LOCATIONS!

Introducing Generation II 34 years ago, Scott Shully, a European trained chef, and his wife, Beth, took their combined talents in design and dining to create Shully’s Cuisine & Events. Since then, it has grown into a full-fledged family business with the addition of their children.

Although they grew up in the industry, all three Shully children took separate career paths before creating the dynamic team they are today. Hadley trained as a chef in New York, Italy, Sicily and Chicago, and is now showcasing her natural talent for showmanship and creative cuisine in Shully’s kitchen. Nina took her organizational and event management skills from her time spent as a teacher and YMCA Camp Director to help with event planning and staging and Jacob’s Major League Baseball marketing experience is being put to work managing the many facets of Shully’s.

With over three decades of experience, Shully’s Cuisine & Events has mastered the artistry of the details. It’s this expertise that lends to their seamless execution of off-premise catering. An event site hosts its own unique attributes and considerations. Everything from the weather, to the electrical, to the equipment, to the décor, to the menu are accounted for and designed in a way that makes the event flow with cohesive ease. “You can’t go to school to learn the tricks of our trade,” Jacob Shully says. “It takes a seasoned professional to look at an event space and work out a plan that will work within a specific budget, and that’s where we excel.”

As they continue to grow their repertoire, they’ve added to their real estate as well. Shully’s latest event space, ATS (Across the Street), is a cottage currently under renovation to hold smaller parties of up to 65 people. Additionally, it will host cooking demonstrations and parties like the “Iron Fork” and “Minced” competitions. Perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners or bringing families together for a night of fun leading up to the big day. This charming space on the Pigeon Creek makes for a perfect photo op and chance to bond with loved ones over food.

Expansion of hosting spaces isn’t all that Shully’s is currently advancing. Upgrades to their beverage services will feature local craft brews, as well as additional bartender services. Their menu is also a constant reinvention to keep things fresh, extensive, and innovative. Vegetarian and vegan menus, kosher menus, and dietary strict menus like gluten-free are a huge emphasis so they can cater to the many needs of their clientele, with the ability to meet various budgetary levels without sacrificing quality or standards. Of particular excitement is their new, fully mobile meat smoker that will open new opportunities for their BBQ themed subdivision “Three Pigs.”

When it comes to creating a tailor-made event, Shully’s Cuisine & Events is a true custom caterer. They pride themselves in creating menus that fit their clients’ desires and see each opportunity as a blank canvas that can be filled with all of your favorite foods, experiences and personality. No detail is left untouched, and the end goal is to do everything possible to create a comfort level that will ease the many decisions required when planning your wedding. “We take your investment in us seriously,” Jacob emphasizes. “This is one of the most important days in a couple’s life and we are there with you from beginning to end to make your wedding a remarkable experience to be cherished for years to come.”

www.shullyscuisine.com | 262.242.6633 |

@ shullyscuisine

Feature

ST RY

what to do

Before"I Do"

by Michelle Drewek

It’s official—you’re engaged! No amount of chick flicks or fantasies could prepare you for that moment your beloved got down on one knee.

Your new bling has hundreds of “likes” on Facebook, and you can’t help but stare at it whenever the light catches it just right. As you scroll through Pinterest and bombard your wedding board with dozens of ideas, you think you have this planning game in the bag…until you realize you have no idea where to start. Don’t hit the panic button! We’ve got you covered.

DoubleYou Photography

Know Your Finances

It’s easy to get swept up into the excitement of planning a wedding.

Before you dive in, lay out your budget. Family may be helping pay for portions of the day, and if that is the case you’ll want to have a candid conversation at the onset about what they have budgeted for you and what that budget is intended for. For example, traditionally the groom’s parents pay for the rehearsal dinner, but that doesn’t mean you should expect that of them. Communicating your needs with their expectations will alleviate tension early on and keep you and your fiancé within your means so you can enjoy this day instead of having it financially cripple you. Once you have a budget determined, you’ll want to set aside a “safety net” for any unexpected costs that may come up, as well as a small reserve for tips for your vendors.

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Manage Expectations

Let’s face it, you’ve probably been envisioning your wedding day far longer than your fiancé. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have ideas for what he would like your celebration to look like. Sit down with your budget and discuss what areas are most important to each of you.

From there, consult one another before any final decisions are made.

His input may be “it doesn’t matter to me” for some details, but giving him the chance to be included sends a strong message to him about how much you value him.

Who, When & Where

Now that you’ve communicated expectations, you can begin digging into planning. Your guest list will be important in knowing what venues you can consider based on capacity size of the space. You don’t

need an exact number, but know what your maximum head count will be so each location you visit can help decide if they can accommodate your needs. Many venues book up well in advance, so you’ll want to find your location as soon as possible. You may have a specific date in mind you’d like for your big day, but be willing to be flexible if you dream location is already booked on that date. Likewise, you may need to veto a venue if the date is a deal breaker. Know which is more important to you—the date or the place—and proceed accordingly.

DoubleYou Photography

Memory Makers

When it comes to making memories, the caterer and entertainment set the mood for the evening and will be talked about for years to come, and the photographer/videographer will be the ones capturing it all through their lens. Visit with at least three vendors in each of these areas so you can not only do a cost comparison, you also feel confident that whomever you hire doesn’t just fit your tastes but is someone you trust.

Décor & More

You likely already have a theme in mind for your wedding, but now is the time to plan out the finer details of how it will all come together through things like flowers, décor, centerpieces, color palettes, etc. Finding a florist who can help you create a lot of these elements through their knack for design and talented vision will bring a sense of cohesion to everything else you incorporate. We have great tips for finding vendors that will match your style in the pages of Veil Magazine, as well as our online resources.

Bridal Party Attire

The gowns and tuxes should be planned out about 9 months in advance to allow enough time for ordering and alterations. While you will likely take the lead on a lot of the planning initiation, having your groom take ownership of menswear will eliminate a lot of undue stress to you. Plan a day that you can go with him to come to an agreement on colors and styles, and then let him coordinate the men from there.

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Invitations & Registries

Once you have your guest list and date set, you can send out Save the Dates so your loved ones can plan ahead to celebrate with you. Actual invitations don’t need to go out until about 45-60 days prior to your date. It’s inevitable that you’ll have a handful of guests that will forget to send back their RSVP by the due date. Plan in an extra week for you and your fiancé to be able to follow up on any unknown RSVPs before your final guest count numbers are due to vendors.

When it comes to the registry, starting early on isn’t a bad idea as some people will want to buy you a gift as early as your engagement party, but don’t feel pressured to create a more complete registry until the bridal shower invites are ready to go out. You’ll want to revisit your registry after your bridal shower to make sure wedding guests have enough of a selection of items at various price points to browse through. For ideas about what to register for, visit the Veil Magazine website.

Day-Of Checklist

Plan as you may, there will be the inevitable surprise or two that comes up during the wedding day. However, you can help alleviate a lot of that unnecessary stress by creating a list of things to remember to bring with you on your wedding day, having an agenda printed for your bridal party, and noting any final payments or other vendor-related items that may require your attention. Having a bridal attendant in charge of keeping track of this list and your wedding day needs is a great way to incorporate an important member of your family or friend who couldn’t be a part of the bridal party while allowing you to relax more knowing someone there to help you through the day.

Front Room Photography Studio 29 Photography + Design

unVeiled LOVE STORY

ali & tyler

married 07.01.17

Veil Advertisers BRIDESMAIDS DRESS SALON:

Bella Bridesmaids

PHOTOGRAPHY

Front Room Photography

WEDDING GOWN SALON:

White Dress Bridal Boutique

Ceremony Location: St. John Vianney Church Decor/Linen Rentals: The Finishing Touch Engagement Ring: Gold Creation Ltd Flowers: Petal Pushers Floral Hair: 29 Ten Salon, Brookfield WI. Invitations & Stationery: Larissa Jewelry: Sara Gabriel earrings and hair combs Lighting: EZPZ Marquee Makeup: Jorden Spencer Officiant: Father Nathaniel Reception DJ: Bob Fuchs Soundsational DJs Reception Location: The Delafield Hotel Transportation: Spring City Trolley Videography: Vaughter Weddings Wedding Cake: Sweet Tooth Bakery

KEEPSAKES I kept my bouquet and framed it in a shadow box as a keepsake.

Tyler kept his bow tie in a special box that was made of duck feathers (he is a big duck hunter).

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You’ve Got Whatever It Is

by Michelle Drewek

Ali and Tyler’s relationship blossomed over 11 years, a passion for science, and countless Dairy Queen dates. With a courtship spanning from the time they were in high school through their post-graduate years, they’ve learned together and grown together, supporting each other as they pursued their individual goals without sacrifcing any investment in one another. When the timing was right, Tyler planned the perfect proposal for his dearest Ali. After a year-long engagement, the couple was wed and celebrated with over 300 loved ones.

THE PROPOSAL Tyler: The month-long journey to build the perfect ring started with looking at dozens of different ring styles before finding what I was looking for. With the help of the jeweler, we drew up the perfect design. Over the

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

next month I had to keep it a secret from Ali while making countless trips to the jeweler to make sure that everything looked perfect and be exactly what I thought Ali would want. Once everything was set in place, planning the actual proposal was the easiest part. I had the perfect distracter of my birthday being the next day, so I planned us a day on our favorite lake on a boat. With a full cooler, we enjoyed some sunset fishing and boat cruising into the evening. At sunset, I interrupted her fishing and surprised Ali by getting down on one knee to propose.

MUST-HAVE DETAIL The flowers! My aunt is a florist and designs amazing arrangements, which can totally alter any space. I knew I would want tall and short center arrangements to fill the room of our reception and they turned out more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

WORTH EVERY PENNY Our videographer did an awesome job of capturing and putting together the feel of our wedding. When we watch our video, it is so amazing to see everyone who was there and all of the details about the day that you could easily forget!

FUNNY MOMENTS We had a dance-off that turned into people competing against each other, which made for lots of laughing. The junior bridesmaids/ groomsmen also put together a dance routine that they performed after dinner to “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida that was so fun to watch.

SOMETHING OLD, NEW, BORROWED & BLUE Something Old: My grandma’s earrings that were in my wedding bouquet; Something New: My Jewelry (earrings, necklace and headpiece); Something Borrowed: My mom’s hand-stitched handkerchief; Something Blue: The bottom of my shoes BRIDAL ENSEMBLE Dress: Paloma Blanca from White Dress Milwaukee.

It was a strapless, ruched top with a cathedral length skirt that had box pleats at the waist. The best part was it had pockets! Veil: My Mom made me a cathedral length veil and sewed over 200 Swarovski crystals in it. I loved that she made it for me. Shoes: Betsy Johnson silver glitter sandals with blue soles. Jewelry: My mom, sister and I had picked out earrings and crystal beaded hair combs for me that were designed by Sara Gabriel. Hopefully these will stay in the family, and my sister and possibly our kids will want to use again.

THE CEREMONY We had a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony was at St. John Vianney Church, which was special to us because we had both been baptized and confirmed in that same church. In addition, we had a 3-piece string orchestra that played before and during the wedding ceremony.

FIRST DANCE We danced to Zac Brown Band’s “Whatever It Is.” We have seen them in concert at least 5 times together, and their music is consistently something that cheers us up when we are having a tough day.

IF I ONLY KNEW THEN... Tyler: No matter what options you go with, everything is going to work out. Everyone is excited to be with you and celebrate with us, so don’t stress out too much about the details and enjoy the day. Take a breath, live the day in the moment and enjoy it for what it’s worth.

details

RECEPTIONS

Dining & Decor for

Your Soirée

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Bottom Left: DoubleYou Photography, Bottom Right: Front Room 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.

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Do you have a dedicated professional that will be working with us?

Is there a back-up contact as well?

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planning tips What vendors are we required to utilize, and what other vendors do you recommend?

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

What time frame do our vendors have for set up and take down?

What are the food and beverage minimums, and what penalties come with not meeting those minimums?

What's the cancellation policy?

And, what is the last possible date that we can make changes?

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ballroom tent

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin

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RECEPTION SITE DIRECTORY 1000

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Choose from an array of breathtaking sites with views of Lake Michigan and the twinkling lights of downtown. Pier Wisconsin will delight your guests.

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The Grain Exchange features unparalleled beauty and historic décor 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 overlooking Lake Michigan. Countless events have been toasted within these walls.

800

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call

ballroom

414.765.8610 bartolottacatering.com

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange

restaurant tent

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

resort spa

&

hotel ballroom

414.727.6980 bartolottacatering.com

Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro 414.962.6300 LakeParkBistro.com

800.558.3417 GrandGeneva.com

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.

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your perfect BACKDROP

Heidel House Resort & Spa

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Imagine saying “I do.” along the shoreline

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800.444.2812 heidelhouse.com

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or under a canopy of majestic oaks.

Celebrate in a tent near the gardens or

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in the ballroom with a lake view veranda.

Take a private yacht cruise or be pampered at the spa. Rest assured, our goal is to create

Heidel House Resort & Spa offers a realm of diverse reception & ceremony spaces. Indoor reception locations provide spectacular lake views and outdoor access. The Tent is surrounded by majestic oaks and flower gardens while waterfront ceremonies allow for a serene atmosphere and gorgeous views for saying “I DO”’.

hotel ballroom

lasting memories for you and your guests.

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

800.444.2812 | HEIDELHOUSE.COM

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

400

call

600

rent per hour

call

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

Historic Pritzlaff

hotel ballroom

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

hotel ballroom

414.433.6088 prtizlaffevents.com

InterContinental Milwaukee

hotel ballroom

warehouse

GREEN LAKE, WISCONSIN

The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

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414.276.1234 milwaukee.regency.hyatt.com

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

414.291.3970 journeymanhotel.com

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350

150

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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 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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Our unique venues include elegant ballrooms with 14high foot ceilings and our extraordinary rooftop space, VUE. We take pride in handling the details so you can spend time celebrating. All wedding packages include an experienced wedding planner specialist who is excited to help you plan the reception of your dreams.

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

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Stay true to Milwaukee style with a wedding at The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. The beautiful ballroom, impeccable service, and a Third Ward location that makes it convenient for guests to both get here and get around are reasons enough to put a ring on it.

Jennifer Wallner WAR MEMORIAL CENTER CHOOSING THE IDEAL CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUES is overwhelming. You desire beautiful, convenient and impeccable.

Enter the War Memorial Center, located in the heart of Milwaukee.

Boasting breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline, the War Memorial Center proves it’s perfect for both your ceremony and reception. “The value of this venue is unmatched in the city,” says bride-to-be Jennifer Metz, also the Center’s events manager. “Our weddings and events are true celebrations of the lives and freedom we have in part due to the sacrifices our military and veterans have made.”

The War Memorial Center houses Fitch Plaza, used typically for outdoor ceremonies and social hours, and Memorial Hall, an indoor space. Fitch Plaza offers a lake view that’s second to none.

“Paired with the backdrop of our building, which is an architectural landmark, and the city skyline, you cannot find a more beautiful location for your wedding ceremony,” Jennifer says. The Plaza

can also host your outdoor reception. And due to Wisconsin’s unpredictable weather, Jennifer and the event staff monitor it the morning of your event, moving any outdoor festivities inside if necessary.

The large Memorial Hall accommodates 260 guests, yet is wonderfully intimate. Its west wall features floor-to-ceiling windows, where your guests will enjoy Milwaukee’s skyline at sunset.

When renting the War Memorial Center, you get the entire venue — indoors and out — and

visit the Center’s many memorials and displays.

After years of working in the restaurant industry, Jennifer turned her talents to catering and weddings. Loving her job, meeting engaged couples and a knack for planning led to events and weddings and, ultimately, the War Memorial Center. “I personally work with each and every couple to make sure all details are in place for your special day,” where she is present at most weddings, handling setup and vendor coordination. Event and maintenance staffs are present throughout your event, ensuring a flawless night — your night to remember for a lifetime.

“PAIRED WITH THE BACKDROP OF OUR BUILDING… AND THE CITY SKYLINE, YOU CANNOT FIND A MORE BEAUTIFUL LOCATION FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY.” your event will be the only one of the day. Rental also includes use of one area for six hours, tables, chairs, staff setup/teardown, dance floor, head table risers and sound systems. And, the Plaza has an arch you can decorate. Guests may also

Stunning Lakefront Ceremony & Reception Locations Lakefront Views • Indoor/Outdoor Space Convenient Parking • Elegant Banquet Hall

HMS Photography (www.hmsphotography.net)

WAR MEMORIAL CENTER

HMS Photography (www.hmsphotography.net)

warmemorialcenter.org • 414.273.5533 FACEBOOK.COM/WMCWEDDINGS/ 750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI

Front Room Photography

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museum

quadracci pavilion

Milwaukee Art Museum 414.224.3287 mam.org

Milwaukee Public Museum

hotel ballroom

The Pfister

hotel & venue ballroom

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

farm barn & tent

414-278-6997 mpm.edu/weddings

Ramhorn Farm

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

country club

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1000 varies

400 varies

1200 varies

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call

262.617.8826

River Club of Mequon 262.242.1400 x 211 riverclubofmequon.com

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

barn 100 varies tent 500

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venue rents for $2500$2750

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

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At MPM, your vision unfolds immersed within worldclass Museum exhibits. Whether your tastes lean towards dancing among the dinosaurs or boogying with the butterflies, our expert staff take the pressure off so you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Pfister Hotel features the exquisitely beautiful Grand, Imperial and Rouge Ballrooms. From 14,15 antique chandeliers and marble accents, to beautiful views of Milwaukee's lakefront,The Pfister will provide the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.

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urban event space venue ballroom

Shully's Cuisine & Events The Watermark

414.841.9374 theseeboth.com

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414.273.5533 warmemorialcenter.org

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

300

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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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The Seeboth is a dramatic urban special event venue located in the heart of Milwaukee's Historic Walker's Point neighborhood. With its exposed Cream City brick and beams it is sure to please the modern bride. It provides a mix of glamour and warmth in a rustic urban setting within a renovated Historic building.

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262.242.6633 shullyscuisine.com

War Memorial Center

Ramhorn is like no other Farm in Wisconsin!

Ramhorn is piece of Wisconsin history located just 30 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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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.

Sazama's Fine Catering has professional staff with extensive experience in creating beautiful wedding receptions, 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

The Seeboth An Urban Event Destination

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414.847.7891 paysbig.com/meetings

evenementplanning.com

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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.

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.

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 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.

MAKE HISTORY

W I T H A W E D D I N G AT M P M

Indoor & outdoor spaces available • Custom wedding experiences Ceremonies • Receptions • Proposals • Day-of coordinator

Photo Credit: Front Room Photography

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM 800 West Wells Street | mpm.edu/weddings

Mention this ad for a free Streets of Old Milwaukee upgrade!

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PARTYLOCATOR Type

: Banquet Space : Country Club

Average Price

: Lounge/Bar/Food : Restaurant : Warehouse

bacchus

per person

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

Comments

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

- a bartolotta restaurant

Milwaukee

10 call

$$$

American, Steak, Seafood

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

bartolotta ' s lake park bistro Milwaukee

19 call

$$$

French

camp bar

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.

525 E Menomonee St, Milwaukee, WI, 4044 N. Oakland Ave, Shorewood WI & 6600 W. North Ave Wauwatosa WI (Milwaukee) 414.930.9282, (Shorewood) 414.962.5182, (Wauwatosa) 414.763.3793 • www.campbarmke.com

Milwaukee

2

150

$$

American Cuisine

Milwaukee

4

call

$$$

American, Seafood

heidel house resort

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

any

varies

historic

Contemporary American

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

643 Illinois Ave. Green Lake WI 800.444.2812 • www.heidelhouse.com

& spa

Green Lake Resort & Spa

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.

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

harbor house

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

Our catering team will customize a memorable experience, for groups of all sizes, in one of our many private event spaces. Whether a pig roast & bonfire by the tent, hors d’oeuvres on the yacht or fine dining in Grey Rock.

details

PRE & POST NUPTIAL PARTY LOCATIONS

Planning for

Prewedding Gatherings

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room 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,

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

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. tell you what will and will not work.

Bartenders are a similar topic to discuss. Do 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

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PARTYLOCATOR Type

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

Average Price per person

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

Comments

333 W. Kilbourn Ave. Milwaukee WI 414.276.1234 • www.milwaukee.regency.hyatt.com

hyatt regency milwaukee Milwaukee

36 100

varies varies

Contemporary American

We are thrilled to offer various sized venues for small to large groups that are outside of the big day, including your rehearsal dinner or brunch the morning after your wedding.

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

kil @ wat

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.

Milwaukee

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Contemporary American

310 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee WI 414.291.3970 • www.journeymanhotel.com

the kimpton journeyman hotel Milwaukee new varies

varies

Mediterranean & American

Exquisite indoor/outdoor space with sunset views for intimate ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches — there's nothing else like it in the city.

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

mason street grill Milwaukee

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65

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American, Steak, Seafood

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

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

Studio 29 Photography + Design

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!

Janviere Photography

Studio 29 Photography + Design

131 West Seeboth Street, Milwaukee 414.841.9374 | www.TheSeeboth.com

Kathleen Stogin Photography

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Brit Higgins Photography

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Ye ar s in M B ax im usin u e Pr iva m # ss t of Pr e R G iv ue at oom e st (s Pr B s ) ic ar e S er Li ve vi ce En O t er ut ta 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 l Lo e ca tio n

PARTYLOCATOR Type

: Banquet Space

Average Price

: Country Club

per person

: Lounge/Bar/Food : Restaurant : Warehouse

mr . b ' s

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

Comments

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

- a bartolotta steakhouse

Brookfield

15 call

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.

$$$

Steaks & Chops

saz ' s state house restaurant the state room

-

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

Milwaukee

39

60

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.

call

American Cuisine

131 W. Seeboth St. Milwaukee WI 414.841.9374 • www.theseeboth.com

the seeboth an urban event destination Milwaukee

2

200

call

Catered

shully ' s cuisine

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

& events - thien room

Thiensville

31

65

$$$

Continental Cuisine

Milwaukee

2

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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.

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

turner hall restaurant

Gastropub Fish Fry

call

The Seeboth is a dramatic urban special event venue located in the heart of Milwaukee's Historic Walker's Point neighborhood. With its exposed Cream City brick and beams along with its rustic urban setting, it is sure to please the modern bride.

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.

Timetable–at–a–glance 6-12 months

-Set a budget and discuss the sharing of expenses -Decide on the type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, informal; and season).

-Choose a ceremony site -Select a wedding consultant -Decide on wedding theme

Ceremony Details

-Book officiant and discuss alternative dates -Decide size of wedding party and choose attendants (including ushers) -Shop for dress and accessories -Compile bride’s and groom’s guest lists -Decide on florist and flowers

Reception Details Heather Cook Elliott Photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography

-Select and book photographer -Book florist -Have engagement photos taken -Mail Save-the-Date cards -Book entertainment

4-6 months

-Select men’s formal wear -Make honeymoon plans -Register for gifts at one or two stores -Choose favors and order invitations, personal stationery, programs, napkins, etc -Reserve rental items: candelabra, arches, canopy, linens, etc

2-4 months

-Arrange rehearsal dinner -Address wedding invitations -Discuss details of menu with caterer -Discuss service with officiant -Choose readings for ceremony -Write wedding vows, if you choose

1-2 months

-Mail invitations four to six weeks prior to wedding.

-Call contracted services to confirm arrangements.

-Final dress fitting with shoes and accessories -Select ceremony accessories – unity candle, ring pillow, guest book, etc.

Studio 29 Photography + Design

2 weeks

-Schedule appointments for hair stylist, facial, manicure, massage -Invite wedding party and guests to rehearsal dinner -Review reception seating and order place cards -Record gifts as you receive them. Write thank-you notes accordingly

1 week

-Finalize seating plan -Pick up wedding rings, check engravings and sizes -Final consultations: caterer, florist, musicians, photographer, videographer

1 day

-Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding -Have a manicure and a pedicure -Attend ceremony and rehearsal dinner -Distribute gifts to the wedding party, special attendants and parents, to thank them for their support

-Select music for ceremony & reception -Book caterer -Book videographer -Choose bakery -Select wedding and groom’s cake

-Purchase wedding rings; order engraving.

-Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach transportation.

-Book a room for wedding night.

-Sign up for dance lessons (if desired) -Make honeymoon plans and reservations.

-Review floral arrangements and review the final order -Buy attendants’ gifts and gifts for each other -Experiment with makeup and hairstyles -Acquire name change forms, if taking your fiancés name

-Have programs printed.

-Begin seating plan and write or order place cards.

-Buy marriage license and request certified copies.

-Send wedding announcement to local newspapers.

-Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after wedding -Give final guest count to reception facility and caterer -Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception -Break in wedding shoes at home

-Make a wedding day schedule and give everyone copies -Pick up dress -Give your honeymoon itinerary to a friend or family member in case of emergency -Prepare tip and payment envelops for officiant and vendors and make arrangement for someone to distribute them -Keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing VeilMagazine.com

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BARTENDING SERVICE

Mixing Up

Custom Cocktails 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

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

guests will be served a properly mixed martini with the same suave service you’d find at a high scale bar.

Gary recommends that couples look for several key factors when vetting options for beverage services. Check if the company is

licensed and 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 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 a custom craft,” he explains. “And it’s why we do custom beverage packages as well - no two weddings are the same.”

Couples can pick their preferred types of liquor, wine and beer to be served according to their budget and personal preferences.

PHOTOGRAPHY Top Middle: Craig John Photography, Top 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

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unVeiled LOVE STORY

lydia & jonathan married 09.16.17

Veil Advertisers CATERING/BARTENDING SERVICE

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events

PHOTOGRAPHY

Double You Photography & Jacek Oleszczak

Ceremony/Reception Location: Discovery World Engagement/Wedding Rings: TQ Diamonds Flowers: Welke’s House of Roses Guest Favors: Lindt Chocolate & La Marca Prosecco Hair: Neroli Salon and Spa Men’s Formalwear: Macy’s (Groom), Black Tux (Groomsmen) Officiant: Vimal Patel Rehearsal Dinner Location: Water Street Brewery Wedding Cake/Desserts: Aggie’s Bakery Wedding Gown Salon: Vera’s House of Bridal

Ready to Commit

by Laura Vietmeyer

Lydia and Jonathan shared mutual friends for a few years before things turned romantic. Once the couple made things official, several months later, they found themselves saying, “I do!” The three-and-a-half-month engagement was a whirlwind. “Many people ask us how we could be confident that we were right for each other after such a short time,” says Lydia. “We both knew that our foundation of Christian faith, the shared values that we spent time discussing on early dates, and a strong community of mutual friends helped us move forward, ready to commit to spending our lives loving each other.” The couple was wed before 100 guests, which they note was the perfect size to allow them to make memories and connect with everyone.

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OUR LOVE STORY Lydia: We both moved to Madison for work at Epic during the summer of 2013. We met through mutual friends at our church here in Madison. Over the next several years we spent a lot of time in the same social groups. Towards the end of 2016 Jonathan began getting vibes that I wanted to be more than just friends (I still don’t know where that came from!), so he worked up the courage to ask me out the week after New Years’ 2017. Clearly, things moved very quickly from there! Jonathan: It started the year I met Lydia, 2013. I’m a spiritual man, and at the start of the year I met her I prayed for many things. One of those things was that I would meet my wife that year. The year came and went, and I didn’t take any interest in anyone, so I imagined my prayers were left unanswered.

Fast forward a few years and I began to spend time with Lydia. After the third date, we discussed making our relationship official and I knew wanted to marry her.

THE PROPOSAL Throughout our relationship, Wednesday date night was our weekly tradition. On May 31, 2017, we went out to a small restaurant in Madison that we had been wanting to try. Over dinner we had a pretty serious conversation about where we both felt like our relationship was at and we were on the same page about what we wanted. Back at Jonathan’s apartment, he came (practically running) from his bedroom to the living room and flung open the ring box with so much excitement that he sent the ring flying! He told me later that he had planned to make a Saturday out of it, but that after our dinner conversation he knew that he needed to make it happen.

FIRST LOOK Jonathan: When I saw her walking down the aisle, I thought, “You’re beautiful! I am excited to take you home with me!”

THE CEREMONY We took communion as a couple to symbolize our faith and belief that our commitment is not only to each other but also to God. WORTH EVERY PENNY The food from Bartolotta Catering was excellent! We got so many compliments on the meal, and thankfully we actually got to eat ours too!

FUNNY MOMENTS I couldn’t get his wedding band on! After trying to shove it on we all started laughing and he put it on himself.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES If you’re ready to commit to the man you love, just do it! I was amazed at how possible it was to pull together a beautiful wedding in 3 months. If you’re flexible and put in your research, you’ll find amazing vendors, even at the last minute. We don’t regret our short engagement because it minimized the stress of wedding planning by limiting what we could focus on. This has given us more time to focus on our relationship, and less time worrying about details that are quickly forgotten.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER We have no idea what’s next! Sometimes we talk about how our complementary skills would make it fun to run a small business together. With our shared love of cooking, we will create some killer dinner recipes.

And with our shared love of one another, we will have 4 children, 3 boys and one little girl. Or so Jonathan wants….

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details LINENS

Layered and

Covered in Quality

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Cook Elliot Photography 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.

Not long after their humble start, they moved to a new location in 2009 to meet client demands, but quickly outgrew that space and within two years had to obtain a new section bringing their total square footage to 15,000. And in 2016 they bought their first building, a much larger warehouse in Wheeling.

Their larger space includes a beautiful showroom, as well as a sewing room so they can fabricate their own linens. And, they are still growing, especially in the Wisconsin market!

Windy City recently added a new sales rep, Tera Stamm. Tera spent eight years in the industry as a hotel banquet manager, restaurant manager and special events coordinator at Miller Park. She also has four years in the linen rental field under her belt prior to joining Windy City Rentals. “I

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

needed to be hands on, creative and in an environment of change and excitement,” Tera says of her decision to go into the industry.

“I truly believe in personal relationships.

It is my first goal of any relationship to understand the client and get to know them

in order to then move onto their event needs.

I enjoy listening to client’s ideas, their dreams and overall look for their event. It is important for me that they feel heard with my response in linen suggestions and service. These are my events as well and I take pride in each and every order,” Tera says.

Tera joins sales rep Kathy Carlson, who

worked in the hospitality industry prior to joining the team. She formed relationships and transitioned through several roles over the course of her career before coming full circle to where she is today.

“Wisconsin is a large territory to cover and Tera’s non-stop smiling approach to everything is so contagious she inspires me to work harder,” Kathy says of her new co-worker.

Windy City Linen has been trusted with a variety of well-known clients: Make-A-Wish f o u n d a t i o n , Lollapalooza and Cars.com, to name a few. Their team has experience to handle any event, wedding or corporate, big or small. And although they are based in the Chicago area, Windy City Linen has moves business into Wisconsin to reach a unique market with a beautiful product at a very competitive price.

Despite not being based in Wisconsin, they are no more expensive for a couple as a result.

In fact, they have local production crews that

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Kathy Carlson & Tera Stamm

can set up and strike events, and delivery trucks are in the area twice each week. The addition of a new sales rep in Wisconsin is another boost in terms of client service.

To assist out-of-town clients, they’ve set up a helpful, convenient swatch request tool on their website for brides interested in the fabulous Windy City Linen selection of colors and textures.

Windy City Linen offers many beautiful and seasonal colors in their Classic, Lamour, Bengaline and Shantung Lines. They are constantly adding new items to their already sensational inventory. 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 couple can expect to be assisted by a knowledgeable representative that can give them ideas on how linen will accent their event,” Kathy explains. “Sometimes the smallest things can be forgotten with so much planning to do, and we want to make that planning easier by being the expert on options, sizing, layouts, color combinations and any other assistance we can provide.”

“I believe that a table cloth, napkin, runner or chair piece can become the canvas on which to build your perfect event look,” Tera says, offering advice to clients. “When choosing linens you can be creative. Find that one element of the event that you want to highlight and use table linens to enhance that look. Napkins can give a pop of color, a table runner can add texture or color that provides a unique added element. Table linens allow the focus of the room to be on the tables and not on the room carpet or wall color. Chair covers and chair enhancements bring in that final piece that ties the complete look together. Have fun with linens, play with different color schemes, different textures or introduce 2 or 3 different looks depending on the size of the event.”

WINDY CITY LINEN, LLC

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,” Kathy emphasizes. “We want to provide you with options, pricing and service that will exceed your expectations for you perfect day!”

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WEDDING LINENS

WINDY CITY LINEN Photography Front Room Photography

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details RENTALS

Under One

Canopy

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room Photography

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 28-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.

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 they can make your event. And, Canopies brings more than exceptional knowledge to the table. As your guests sit down to dinner, they will be wining from stemware and dining from high-end china thanks to their large, eclectic 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 the final results.

The family-owned company was founded by the Hudak family in 1995. 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 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 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 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.

To begin planning, knowing your location is key. Will you event be outside in a public space?

continued on page 52

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Rentals

PHOTOGRAPHY Craig John Photography

stemware

pink colored stemware

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

green water goblets

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"

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 DAV ID HU DAK MARGO HUDAK JACKIE KACH E LM E YE R that it’s best to get started sooner than later. “It is never too early to begin Or will you be holding your ceremony or reception on private property. the rental process or to place your rental order. The sooner you begin, You chose an outdoor wedding because of the splendor of the natural the more likely what you are looking for will be available,” Doug says. surroundings and you will want to accent that beauty with lighting and Another part of the planning process is being prepared. That early décor. With the right tent and lighting, your outdoor wedding can be planning can be key in overcoming or adapting to any last minute as elaborate as the Garden of Eden or as majestic as a grand ballroom. unexpected surprises the day of. Weather is a major factor in planning Knowing your space is key to achieving your dream look for your big an outdoor wedding, and your guests’ comfort should be a top priority. day, and the professionals at Canopies can assist you to customize the Even with the best-laid plans, Mother Nature still has a mind of her space to your desire. own. Be prepared for your guests. Once all is said and done, an outdoor During your interactions with Canopies, you’ll also likely meet Doug wedding is no more complicated than an indoor wedding. And with the Barzyk, who works in sales for Canopies, bringing with him over 20 right direction from a wonderful team, like the team at Canopies, your years of experience in the Milwaukee event rental industry. He’s also a wedding day will be filled with the magic, sunshine and roses you have graduate of UW-Milwaukee and served for two years of active duty in always dreamed of. the Army and 19 years in the Army Reserves. In sales, Doug meets a lot Canopies Events with Distinction is focused on making the best of people, measures a lot of yards, and is familiar with many venues. He’s memories for you and your family and friends.

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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: Jennifer Johnson Photography, Front Room Photography & Heather Cook Elliott Photography

details

EVENT AND DÉCOR DESIGN

Personalized

Décor and 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

r The Pfiste

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

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 THE ARTIST GROUP

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.

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

Find us on Facebook!

Barking Pony Studios

When a room just 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

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WEDDING DECOR

Photo by Dynamic Events by David Caruso

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Veil Advertisers CAKE: The

Cake Lady

CALLIGRAPHY: The

Blooming Quill

DRAPERY: Barking

Pony Studios

TABLES/CHAIRS/STAGING:

Canopies Events with Distinction VENUE: Bartolotta Catering & Events at Discovery World WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGNER:

Dynamic Events by David Caruso

REAL WEDDING OF:

Christina & Charles

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Averyhouse

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WEDDING DECOR

LOVE STORY

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Veil Advertisers DRAPING: Barking Pony Studio TENT & EQUIPMENT RENTALS:

Canopies Events with Distinction WEDDING PLANNER & DESIGNER: événement

planning

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Artist Group

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unVeiled LOVE STORY

asha & kyle

married 09.23.17

Veil Advertisers CATERING/BARTENDING SERVICE, DESSERTS & EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events

CEREMONY/RECEPTION LOCATION

Pier Wisconsin

DAY-OF COORDINATOR

événement planning

LIGHTING

Sound By Design

OVERNIGHT GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

PHOTOGRAPHY

Heather Cook Elliot Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY

Sweet Pea Cinema

WEDDING CAKE

Simma's Bakery

Flowers: Impressions by Esther Fleming Honeymoon Location: French Polynesia Jewelry: Avari Makeup: PJ Xiong Officiant: Sri Krishnaji Reception Music: DJ Sunny Singh

At Last

by Michelle Drewek Kyle and Asha shared a mutual attraction right off the bat when they met during an internship together.

Although they didn’t admit it to one another at the time, Asha remembers catching each other’s glances and not knowing whether it was coincidence or if he had the same spark. After hanging out through a common group of friends a couple of months later, their friendship blossomed and eventually they began dating. But life took them on different paths and they grew apart while pursuing different career goals.

Love always finds a way, and several years later while Asha was attending a conference in the city where

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Kyle was living they reconnected for drinks. Hours of conversation later their spark rekindled into a flame and their deep love for one another was unquestionable. “It’s hard to put into words,” Kyle says about Asha. “I just loved her so much and no one ever made me feel the way she did.”

Even though there was an evident attraction right off the bat, timing really was everything for them. “It wasn’t until we had lived more of our own lives that we each figured out what we were honestly looking for: someone down to earth, honest, with good values and that we can have a great time together doing just about anything,” Asha says.

Proposing to Asha was an obvious next step for Kyle as they were planning a trip together to Maui. One of the plans was to make a trip to see the sunrise at Haleakala, which became the backdrop for the big moment.

“I knew that proposing on top of a volcano at sunrise would be really special and unique,” Kyle describes, and he was able to find the perfect ring just in time for their trip.

At about 3 a.m. on the day of the proposal, the couple drove up to the summit of Haleakala. Asha describes seeing all the stars transition to one of the most gorgeous sunrises they've ever seen. “It was an experience we will never forget.” After the sun rose, most of the people who had come to see the sunrise as well had left, and they climbed to a quiet area at the highest point of the volcano and sat in silence on a large rock just taking in the view.

It was then that Kyle started rummaging through their backpack and Asha turned in the other direction looking out at the view. When she turned back around, he was down on one knee and made “the most heartfelt proposal ever. It was so romantic!”

Kyle and Asha planned their wedding for 10 months later, which meant they had little time to waste in getting their dream day pulled together.

They wanted to keep it simple, so they combined elements of things they liked with things they noticed at other weddings and rolled with it. “Even though it was a traditional Indian wedding, the style was definitely ‘classic romantic,’” Asha describes. “The wedding color palette was predominately white to give that serene, spiritual feel. Traditionally, the bride wears red and the groom wears colors to coordinate. And then our reception was royal blue and white.”

A unique choice they made for their day was to not have a formal wedding party, but they did have two flower girls (better coined “bubble” girls for their day) and four boys with fun signage. Minimalistic was there focus during the planning process, and details weren’t as important to Kyle and Asha so much as the general ambiance and mood. So long as their guests felt welcomed and it was spiritual, the rest less crucial. “We wanted everyone to have a good time,” Kyle says, “and it was important to me that the food was good, which is why I had to go to the food tasting!” The couple agrees that

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the menu provided by their venue — Pier Wisconsin — was exceptional.

Kyle and Asha’s ceremony kept true to Indian traditions. Instead of Kyle watching Asha walk down the aisle, he instead had a drape in front of him so he couldn’t see her. The priest did a few rituals while they stood on either side of the drape, and once the drape was dropped he got his first look at his beautiful bride. “I just said ‘Wow,’” Kyle describes. “She looked absolutely stunning!”

Asha’s dress was three pieces: a short-sleeve corset top, a long skirt and an embroidered veil over her head. The entire dress was a deep wine-red color that was embroidered with small clear beading and crystals. Her jewelry included gold-colored earrings, bangles on both wrists and a small forehead piece that was clipped in her hair and came down halfway onto her forehead.

It was all accented with that same wine color. Asha also wore a “bindi” or “tika” on her forehead. And, as per tradition, she had henna designs on her hands and forearms, as well as both feet up to mid-shin.

There were several other traditions incorporated that made for special memories during the ceremony. In one tradition, the groom comes in on a horse or by walking. Kyle and Asha had some great friends who offered to bring Kyle in on a boat, surprising everyone.

“Another particularly special moment was when the priest asked everyone to hold their hands up to spiritually connect us all and as a way for our guests to bless us and our union together,” Asha recalls.

Their reception also had some great memories as well. Kyle and Asha’s first dance to “At Last” by Etta James was the perfect summary of their Love Story. “It had taken us 9 years from when we met to get to that point so it seemed appropriate, and we love those old songs,” Asha explains.

Looking back on the day and their entire planning experience, Asha feels the most valuable piece of advice she can give future brides is to choose people you can trust to help you.

“Make sure you enjoy the day, so you can actually remember it. That’s where a ‘day-of ’ coordinator really helps. The biggest blessing was choosing people who were experienced with weddings and trusting that they could take the few things I said and go with it. Being relaxed about most of my decisions was the best thing I could have done, and my entire wedding day turned out even better than I could have ever dreamed.”

When asked where they see themselves in the future, Asha and Kyle replied, “Given how we each thought our lives would be at this point and how differently everything has turned out, we don't really think that far in advance. You never know what the future holds so we're just living in the moment and grateful for each day we have to spend together. We love to travel and hope to see more of the world, as well as add kids to the family.

Anything more than that we'll just have to wait and see!”

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BRIDAL SHOWS

A Must Attend

Bridal Event

by Michelle Drewek

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.

WEDDING SHOW

MARCH 2, 2019 11 AM - 3 PM THE PFISTER HOTEL WWW.MMBSHOW.COM

RETURNING IN 2020 “YOU’LL FEEL EMPOWERED, INSPIRED, INFORMED AND BETTER PREPARED FOR THE PLANNING THAT LIES AHEAD, THIS IS A MUST ATTEND SHOW!”

Front Room Photography

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WEDDING PLANNING

Say "I Do" to a

S tylish S tart

by Carolyn Fraser

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design 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 wedding 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.

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 wedding 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 known their industry background. The caliber of wedding planners varies, and beware

of hiring a friend as a planner. Even if someone managed to successfully plan their own wedding, that doesn’t mean they 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.

Experienced planners embrace opportunities to network with vendors and uncover trends.

They attend educational seminars to keep upto-date on what’s hot from coast-to-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 provides 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.

Finally, 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.

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 remain in touch with most of their couples long after their big day.

Great wedding planners love what they do, and this enthusiasm carries through to your event. 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.

planning tips What vendors do you have a good working relationship with?

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Approximately how much of my time is necessary throughout the planning process?

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What is your involvement in the setup, takedown and day-of activities, as well as your time during the entire planning process?

Can I see a Do you have anyone portfolio of other else help you, like an weddings you've assistant, or are you planned? a one-person show?

details JEWELRY

Wish it

Wear It

by Sharon Knott

You and your groom-to-be weren’t satisfied with average when you decided to build a life together. So why choose an average engagement or wedding ring? Couples are choosing to have their wedding rings custom made to reflect their personal tastes, lifestyles and experiences.

Contrary to popular belief, custom jewelry costs no more than ready-made styles. We work within your budget and from there we can adjust many components such as stone types, sizes or quantities and even metals. We can achieve a similar look with many different price points with these variables.

At David Liska, a custom jeweler in Milwaukee, David makes the custom design process easy and eliminates the intimidation factor. As a professional goldsmith and award-winning jewelry designer with 39+ years of experience, David finds no greater thrill than helping customers design their special pieces. “There are literally thousands of style combinations out there,” David says. “Many women build a Pinterest folder with ring styles she loves, but if not I have a simple, systematic series of questions to help a man determine her style and design elements when making that special engagement ring.”

Any trends in Engagement Rings?

A hot trend is to pair a very delicate, thin band with a diamond. We show a lot of diamonds in the 1.25ct - 1.50ct. size. Whether it’s the engagement ring or the wedding band, women are preferring the bands

to be very narrow with smaller diamonds going down the sides of the ring, and not much metal showing around the diamonds. David cautions against using anything but a platinum head to hold the diamond securely in place and is always conscious of the woman’s career when designing a ring. “If a man wants to go this big and his fiancé-to-be is a nurse, I seat the diamond down lower so it doesn’t catch on her surgical gloves,” Liska says. This new trend of skinnier bands also lends itself well to smaller diamonds in the .50ct-1.00ct size as it makes the center stone appear larger.

What are trends being seen in ladies’ wedding bands?

For the first time ever, we are seeing a trend in ladies’ bands moving away from matching the engagement ring.

You may still need a “conforming” band to fit under or around your center stone, but we can achieve both looks. These non-matching rings often have different design elements, or different shapes and may contain different size diamonds or be made up of different or two-tone metal colors. The advantage to not having a matching wedding band is you can wear it alone, without the engagement ring which comes in great for out of the country trips.

What’s hot in Men’s bands?

Men are really getting into the individuality of their rings. Two tone styles and alternative metals are still very popular for men, but now we

planning tips What style do you want for your ring? Classic/Traditional, Contemporary/Modern, Renaissance/Antique, or something else?

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Are there any special details you want incorporated?

What kind of stone and shape do you love?

Do you and your husband want matching rings, or do you want something a little different?

carry a line of Tungsten rings that allows the you to have the strength and durability of Tungsten on the outside protecting your choice of 14k gold on the inside. We see a lot of 14K white gold with rose or yellow gold inlays. Brushed and hammer style finishes are popular to add texture to a gents’ ring, as are rings with satin and high polish contrasts as with beveled edges or raised rims. Men love to build so this line was made for it. First you choose either a 6 or 8mm width, then your white, black or classic color tungsten rim color along with a specific edge style. From there you choose your 14k white, yellow or rose gold as well as the core design of this precise metal center. There are literally hundreds of combinations.

What are important points to keep in mind when it comes to selecting engagement and wedding bands?

No matter what style or trend you fall into, Liska always cautions against buying any jewelry online. We’ve had men come in who have purchased a diamond online and when we show them 6-8 diamonds in their budget side by side and educate them on what they are looking at, they returned the initial diamond. No matter how much research you do when buying a diamond, you need to compare several side by side and understand what you are looking at when reading the GIA Cert. Not all G in color and SI1 in clarity diamonds will look the same. We go through each stone and teach customers how to pay for what you see the difference in, compromising where you can’t, by prioritizing cut, color, and then clarity last. Also, an online wedding band for half the price may sound good, but if the thickness is half the amount, you will feel it. Additionally, a Tungsten ring should come with a lifetime warranty. There are so many knock-offs online. If your groom’s finger-size increases/decreases over time, we exchange the ring for a larger size for under $50.00.

Most importantly, be yourself. These rings should last a lifetime, so go with a design that speaks to you both.

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Feature

ST RY

LOVE STORY

acing

Email Etiquette

Your vendors are here to help make your wedding day incredible. As you plan and prepare, it’s important to keep some email etiquette tips in mind so that your important notes don’t get lost in sea of inbox emails! Although your big day is your primary focus, most vendors are juggling multiple events each season. We spoke with some renowned Wisconsin wedding vendors to get their input on best practices for digital communication. By following these tips and making their lives easier, you’ll guarantee happy vendors and quick responses!

Studio 29 Photography + Design

Do

Get specific in your subject line. Put your need there right away, whether it’s “Wedding Inquiry – Date” or “Quick Question About Seasonal Flowers.” Giving a proper subject line will make it easy for the vendor to find the email later on and estimate how long it will take them to respond to it.

Don’t: Make the subject something generic like “hi” or “question” that will leave vendors confused as to what your email is about and how long it will take them to answer.

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Do

Provide as many details as possible. Even if you haven’t gotten kneedeep into planning, give the vendor what information you have.

Don’t: Send an email asking for a quote and then leave out necessary details like the date. If you’re inquiring about linens, for example, you need to provide how many tables you have, as well as their sizes. Asking a photographer for their pricing without providing the venue could make them wonder if it’s a local reception or a destination wedding. When a vendor has to email you back to request this information it will delay the process.

Do

Remind them of your wedding date and location in the very first paragraph. It will put them in the right mindset to answer your question if they can visualize your event.

Don’t: Send a thousand emails with each small question. Try to package them into one comprehensive email every so often so that your vendor isn’t swimming in notes from you.

Do

Give your contact information — preferably a cell phone number.

Vendors like to be able to get back to you as quickly as possible, and if they need further information, calling might do the trick better than emailing.

Don’t: Leave off your last name, particularly if you have a common first name. Chances are you aren’t the only “Katie” or “Sarah” the vendor is working with this year.

Studio 29 Photography + Design

Do

If you’re in the inquiry stage, make sure to research vendors before emailing. It will save both of you time if you know you’re seriously interested in their services. Then, personalize each email with what you like about their business.

Don’t: Send out a huge email blast just looking for prices. Of course it’s important information, but price shopping can be frustrating to vendors, and it may leave them not emailing you back. If you send vague questions, like “How much do you charge for weddings?” to a DJ with no information about location or hours, it’s hard for them to respond accurately.

Do

Do

Give your contact information — preferably a cell phone number.

Vendors like to be able to get back to you as quickly as possible, and if they need further information, calling might do the trick better than emailing.

Don’t: Leave off your last name, particularly if you have a common first name. Chances are you aren’t the only “Katie” or “Sarah” the vendor is working with this year.

Overall, vendors are looking to serve you and give you the day of your dreams. By tweaking your emails just a little, you can make it much easier for them to do so.

The Paper Elephant

If you’re in the inquiry stage, make sure to research vendors before emailing. It will save both of you time if you know you’re seriously interested in their services. Then, personalize each email with what you like about their business.

Don’t: Send out a huge email blast just looking for prices. Of course it’s important information, but price shopping can be frustrating to vendors, and it may leave them not emailing you back. If you send vague questions, like “How much do you charge for weddings?” to a DJ with no information about location or hours, it’s hard for them to respond accurately.

Do

Use proper formatting, no matter how informal you and your wedding are. Leave spaces between paragraphs so that emails are easy to scan. Consider using bullet points if you have multiple questions.

And, don’t forget the spell check!

Don’t: Send huge chunks of unformatted text. When the vendor sees it, they may click away to deal with it later because it looks like it will take them awhile. You want to make things as clear as possible.

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unVeiled LOVE STORY

bridget & matt married 10.14.17

Veil Advertisers CATERING/BARTENDING SERVICE

Saz's Catering & Special Events

LINEN RENTALS & RECEPTION LOCATION

South Second

PHOTOGRAPHY

Studio 29 Photography + Design

EQUIPMENT RENTALS, LIGHTING, PHOTO BOOTH RENTAL, RECEPTION DJ

Sound by Design

WEDDING CAKE

The Cake Lady

Bridesmaids Dress Salon: Azazie Ceremony Location: Immaculate Conception Ceremony Musician(s): Gabriel’s Horns Cocktail Hour Music: Bruce Hook and Belford Hernandez Custom Signage: Carolyn Schiffner Décor Rentals: BLOOM & A La Crate Rentals Dessert Table: Holey Moley Doughnuts Engagement Ring: David Yurman Flowers: Bloom Floral and Event Design Hair: Deena Ferron Honeymoon Location: Door County, WI "I DO" Marquee Sign: EZPZ Marquee Jewelry: Nordstrom Makeup: Nina Graham Men's Formalwear: Generation Tux Officiant: Father Phillip Schumaker Overnight Guest Accommodations: Iron Horse Hotel Rehearsal Dinner Location: Swig Transportation: Adonis Limo Videography: Mann Frau Wedding Band Rings: David Yurman & Kay Jewelers Wedding Gown Salon: Shelley’s Bridal

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Home with You

by Laura Vietmeyer

Bridget and Matt ran in different circles while they were students at Marquette, but they officially met a year after graduation. That night, Bridget touted how happy she was being single, but the two exchanged numbers anyway. It ended up being a good decision. That night led to a wedding day that the couple says would not have been possible without their parents. “They have shown us what it means to be in a loving, supportive marriage, and we hope to emulate that in our relationship,” notes Bridget. The couple planned their wedding through a cross country move, relocating to Baltimore and trading “cheese curds and Miller Lite for crab cakes and Natty Boh.” Through it all, they’ve learned that home is wherever they are, together.

THE PROPOSAL It was a Saturday in December. We arrived at Cathedral Square and walked around, reminiscing about when we had met. Matt then started talking about our lives and future together, and he got down on one knee. I was completely surprised. I don’t exactly remember what I said other than “Yes!” SPREADING THE NEWS This was pretty comical. We first called my dad since he was the only other person who was “in” on the “when” of the proposal. We had to wait to call my mom because she was out shopping and my dad wanted to videotape her reaction. We called my sister; she didn’t answer. We called Matt’s parents; they didn’t answer. We called Matt’s brother and sister; also, no answer. So, we sipped on our champagne and waited patiently for our families to get back to us.

WORTH EVERY PENNY It’s hard to pick just one element! I am tempted to say every single aspect, but as far as documenting memories our amazing photographers (Studio 29 Photography, Ren and Caleb Lenhof ) and videographers (Mann Frau, Ben and Kelly Schaffer). Sound By Design (Ben Wall) was our DJ and kept the dance floor packed the entire night. We had the best time dancing all night.

THE RECEPTION We crafted our reception based on what was important to the two of us. Our “grand march” was just me and Matt while “Fool for Love” by Lord Huron was playing. I loved our first dance together to “Let It Be Me” by Ray LaMontagne. I danced with my dad, and Matt danced with his mom. I also danced with my grandpa, which meant a lot as my grandma passed away just 8 months prior.

OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE My mother-in-law had a handkerchief made that incorporated elements of hers and my mother’s wedding veils, with a beautiful message stitched in blue embroidery. It was perfect and came in handy during our first look when Matt and I read our letters to each other.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Matt: I was in awe and extremely excited watching her walk down the aisle. Once we saw each other for the first time and were able to be with each other, everything else faded to the background. I was finally able to enjoy the company of my wife on this day that we had spent almost two years planning.

THE CEREMONY We had a traditional Catholic mass, which was important to us. Our vows were the focal point. For me, it felt so natural and right to repeat after Father Phillip and recite each word. That promise and commitment is such an incredible blessing and gift.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES Don’t get bogged down in the details. Enjoy the moment and process of putting together an amazing, memorable party. Remember the reason for the day – celebrating the beginning of the rest of your lives together!

As for your relationship, our advice is to laugh a lot. Snuggle often. Say, “I love you” every chance you get.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER 5 years – house, growing family, living in Bayview 10 years – cabin on a lake, watching our kids grow up 20 years – enjoying our lake house, traveling and visiting our kids at college 50 years – healthy, laughing, enjoying grandchildren, still traveling

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ST RY

eco

Chic

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY DoubleYou Photography HAIR Hair by Smash VENUE The Seeboth An Urban Event Destination

With the increased focus on green living and sustainable lifestyle practices these days, it makes sense for the bridal world to follow suit in offering up eco-friendly options to brides and grooms who are looking for celebrate their big day without making a big impact on the environment. Vendors in Milwaukee are coming together to create gorgeous options that don’t leave a major footprint.

There’s no need to scrimp on style in order to go green for your wedding day. You can use 100% cotton ribbon for you and your bridesmaids’ bouquets and in your decor. The ribbon is completely recyclable and will decompose quickly. You can also get creative with place cards and opt to use an item the guests can take home as a memento of your wedding. Your green day can be bright and colorful and very personal to you and a couple! The bright pinks and reds and oranges chosen for this shoot in particular contrast well with all of the greenery and give off a fun, summery vibe.

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And speaking of party favors, one idea is to use sweet little air plants to both decorate your table and to inspire your guests’ green thumbs when they get home! Green plants are a nice contrast to most venues and create a fun, boho vibe, all while improving air quality.

When it comes to table decor, you can upcycle items purchased at a second-hand store to simultaneously cut down on waste from packaging that comes with new items, and give new life to an old item. In the photos on these pages you’ll see mix-and-match candle holders and frames used to create unique and personal touches that your guests surely won’t forget.

For a sweet-treat that takes very little energy to make, cotton candy can be fun and unexpected element! Plus, the paper cones that hold the treats are easily recycled. Depending on the types of drinks you plan to serve, you can also use paper straws to add a fun decor element and be environmentally friendly.

Whether or not you plan to fully embrace an eco-chic theme for your big day, there are plenty of ways to be eco-friendly that will only add to the personality and theme of your celebration, all while helping the planet.

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MEDICAL SPA

Let's

Face It

by Laura Vietmeyer

Brides, mothers of the bride and groom alike — you spend countless hours planning and preparing for the big wedding celebrations. You choose the venue, the caterer, the dress, the photographer and so much more, working tirelessly to make everything flawless. When the day you’ve put all that work into finally rolls around, you want to look your absolute best. Beyond the hair and nails and makeup, achieving this goal starts with treating yourself right. And L’image Skin Spa is there to help you do just that.

With three locations in Milwaukee, Brookfield and Franklin, L’image Skin Spa is a physician supervised medical skin spa, directed by the Board Certified Plastic Surgeons at the Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery. The entire experienced staff at L’image Skin Spa is dedicated to providing excellent care and service and will work to address your personal needs and set realistic expectations.

condition, along with at home skincare to ensure clients meet their goals.

Mary can outline the treatment time and the cost for you up front.

When looking to work on your skin prior to the wedding, the most important thing is to consider is the timing of the treatment plan. Let L’image Skin Spa help you put your best self forward!

Mary’s suggested wedding party skin care timeline Q: Ideally when should the mothers of the bride and groom begin their skin prep?

A: If she is considering surgery or non-surgical facial tightening with Profound or Sculpsure, 6 months is ideal. We can also customize a plastic surgeon directed ZO skin care regimen with pre-planned peels and adjunctive treatments right up to the wedding day to decrease wrinkles and blemishes and even skin tone.

Q: If the wedding party only has 1-2 months, what can you offer?

A: Hydrafacials are a great no downtime skin prep up to the day before any occasion. Hydrafacials decrease pore size and hydrate the skin improving make up application. And 2-4 weeks before, fillers like Juvederm and neurotoxins like Botox can smooth the worry lines to make the big day seem more effortless.

Q: Any other services which may benefit the wedding party?

A: Female and male laser hair reduction. Botox treatments to decrease sweating. Professional make up application is also great for brides and mothers.

The Paper Elephant

Mary Steffan is one of the aestheticians at L’image Skin Spa that can have your skin photo ready for the big day. She began her career in the cosmetology field and over time learned more about aesthetics as she met with clients who had skin concerns that could not be treated in a salon setting.

Her training has brought her to the medical spa setting directed by plastic surgeons.

Mary is certified by the National Coalition of Estheticians and is trained and certified to use cutting edge technologies to help meet all of her clients’ needs.

Aestheticians at L’image Skin Spa consult with you to come up with a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Mary, who is a recent mother of the bride, as well has worked with parents who have acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, scarring and more. Treatment plans can entail the use medical chemical peels, lasers, photo light, facials, microneedling or any of the other numerous procedures the spa offers to help the skin's

Another popular and cutting edge service offered at L’image Skin Spa is the Profound Microneedling treatment. This cutting edge technology that uses a radio frequency device to help revitalize the skin at deeper levels, awakens the body’s natural healing process, stimulating reproduction of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Profound tightens the skin of the jowls and neck and adds volume to the cheeks. Overall, this procedure promotes a more youthful look in your skin. It’s no wonder it was named “New Treatment of the Year” by The Global Aesthetic Awards.

In addition to cutting edge technology, the spa can offer you medical grade skin care products to promote a holistic treatment program. L’image carries the ZO skin care line, which delivers skincare solutions that optimize skin health. These products will allow you to obtain continuously healthy skin and will bolster other treatments you receive at the spa. Mary also notes that medical grade skin care is more affordable than you might be expecting.

The photographs and video from the wedding are meant to be cherished for a lifetime. If you give your aesthetician and yourself enough time leading up to the wedding, you’ll see the benefits far beyond the big day!

“This is a very exciting time in your life,” Mary says. “The day is going to pass by very quickly. Take the time to take care of your skin you will be very thankful you did.”

WWW.CLINICOFCOSMETICSURGERY.COM

Be your best you! Call today 262-785-3100 “I went to see Mary about a year in advance of my daughter’s wedding.

She put a personal treatment plan together for me, based upon my needs and wants. I couldn’t be happier with the results!” - Cindy M.

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION! 16650 W Bluemound Rd #400B, Brookfield, WI 53005

details

SALON & SPAS

Highlighting Your

Unique Beauty

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Studio 29 + Design Photography, Bottom Left: The Paper Elephant, Bottom Right: DoubleYou Photography From the runway to the aisle, high fashion often influences bridal fashion trends, and hair and makeup trends for you and your bridal party are no exception to this inspiration. This year is all about natural beauty, highlighting the best attributes of your and your bridesmaids to create a look that is uniquely beautiful.

This year’s runways showcased bold brow, pink or coral lip color that goes with your skin tone, flushed cheeks and fresh, glowing skin with makeup that does not appear heavy or cakey, but rather dewey and light. The key to healthy, radiant skin starts before the big day by keeping skin clean, exfoliated and moisturized.

In addition to glossy lips in pinks and corals, nude lips are a hot trend at the moment.

Natural makeup is also a great way to balance out a formal dress, veil and shoes.

In hair, natural waves or braids are on trend right now. For an effortless look, hair can be worn down and free flowing, or in a less constructed updo. For a romantic updo, a braid

Will hairstylist or makeup artist show up on time and have everything they need to create your style?

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can be woven in to add detail and intricacy to your bridal look or to that of your bridal party’s hair. However, if the loose, bohemian style isn’t for you, more polished styles were also featured in bridal styles on the runway this year, including sleek ballerina-esque buns and classic chignons.

When planning your hair and makeup for your wedding day, look at the big picture of how these elements will fit into the overall look and feel of your wedding. The bridesmaids’ hair should complement the theme of the wedding. They should let the you determine the style. Hairstylists and makeup artists who are experienced in the field will have a wealth of knowledge to share to help shape your vision. Artists who focus on working with brides and bridal parties will understand your needs better than an artist who primarily works in other areas. Artists who are good at collaboration will love you bringing in photos or other pieces of inspiration. Just keep in mind that some styles that are done for a photograph might not hold up well all day. Be

open to suggestions from the professionals.

When it comes to makeup that will photograph beautifully, a good makeup artist knows all the tricks. Using airbrush makeup or HD makeup prevents a white face and tan body, which can be caused by a camera flash.

Ask to see a portfolio of any makeup artists and hairstylists you are considering, as it showcases what they are capable of in terms of style and ability. If you like the portfolio, meet with the artist to get a sense of whether or not your input will be executed the way you envisioned. Ensure that the people who do your trial looks will be there on your big day.

Most salons guarantee this, but it shouldn’t be assumed. Speak up and ask for peace of mind.

Also, find out what will happen if the artist isn’t able to make it to your wedding day. It’s always ideal to have a plan in place to keep things running smoothly.

And last, but certainly not least — embrace your natural beauty. That’s something that’s always on trend.

planning tips Will the artist doing your hair or makeup during the trial run be the artist you will be working with on your wedding day?

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

What type of makeup is being used? Will it translate well in photos?

Can the makeup artist and hair stylist work with you to bring your vision for your big day to life?

How will the hair and makeup artists work together to help your prep time day of go smoothly?

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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414.272.4256 1221 E Brady Street Milwaukee WI 53202 www.halomilwaukee.com

Studio 29 Photography + Design

Below Hair by Smash Top Right & Middle Hair & Makeup by Halo Salon Photography Studio 29 Photography + Design

It’s your time to shine.

Creative hair design from braids to bridal.

@HAIRBYSMA SH

A M Y@ H A I R B Y S M A S H .CO M

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be Inspired

HAIR & MAKEUP

hair &

Makeup

Just like every other aspect of your wedding, you need to plan ahead. Once you’ve chosen a headpiece and your bridal gown, you should start thinking about what hairstyle and makeup will most flatter your overall wedding look.

As a general rule you’ll want to wear more makeup than you normally do. It is a long day and sweat and tears are all hard on your face.

You should start thinking about your hairstyle as soon as you decide on your wedding dress. Your headpiece and hairstyle and makeup go hand-in-hand; and together they become the cherry on the sundae that is your wedding day ensemble.

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.

The Paper Elephant

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

DoubleYou Photography

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The Paper Elephant

The Paper Elephant

Front Room Photography

The Paper Elephant

The Paper Elephant

DoubleYou Photography

Front Room Photography

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beauty

EXPERT ADVICE

A

-aesthetics list with Stefanie

by Libby Wild

Demystifying the Brazilian Wax The Brazilian Wax. Just saying the words gives some women goosebumps. However, after receiving my own Brazilian Wax at High Brow Boutique — right off of Lake Drive in Whitefish Bay — I would encourage that every bride add it their “wedding to-do list”!

In order to raise the veil on the process, the following is a summary of what to expect from a High Brow Boutique appointment.

Since 2011, High Brow Boutique owner and founder Stefanie has been building her Milwaukee-based business around each individual that walks through their doors.

During her time in aesthetic school, she fell in love with the ability to change a woman’s perspective on herself through skin care, waxing and more. And now, she’s assembled a staff as passionate and driven towards excellence as her, making her confident you’ll leave High Brow Boutique looking and feeling your best self.

Front Room Photography

How many waxes should I get before my honeymoon?

Ideally you would like to have two waxes done before the honeymoon wax. By the honeymoon wax, your hair is less course, finer and is growing back at a slower rate.

Do I need to prep before my waxing?

Make sure to have at least four weeks of outgrowth. Exfoliating with a sugar scrub is helpful. I personally used Haven + Blythe’s all-natural, locally-made sugar scrub, which can be purchased at High Brow. Be sure to pick some up before your appointment! My favorite scent: Eucalyptus Mint.

If you are more sensitive or really nervous, taking a mild, over-the-counter pain reliever may also help.

How exposed will I be during my wax?

You will only be bare from the waist down. It may be uncomfortable at first, but Stefanie and her estheticians are professionals. There is no judgement and feel free to ask as many questions as you need. Be open and have a conversation. The more comfortable you are, the less stressful the process will be.

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Their services are tailored to both men and women so brides, grooms and the entire bridal party can get a custom glam plan that will have them photo-perfect come “I do.”

Does it hurt?

Yes, but only for a few seconds. The wax that is used only pulls the hair; it does not pull your skin. There are some areas that are more sensitive, but again, it lasts only a few seconds and then the pain dissipates. And, once the sensitive areas are over, the rest of the waxing is touch up.

Will I be in any awkward positions?

No! Most of the waxing is completed while laying on your back.

If you choose to have your anus waxed, you lay on your sides. You are never asked to be moved into an embarrassing or uncomfortable position.

What if I want more than a bikini wax, but less than a Brazilian Wax?

No problem! Your waxing is customizable. Whatever you feel comfortable doing, High Brow will work with you. It is your body, so you get to make the decisions.

What can I expect after my waxing?

Everyone is different, but there may be redness for a short time.

Expect to feel confident and sexy — no more bumps, stubble or ingrown hairs to worry about!

What type of wax is used?

The wax used is very important and is one of the keys to a successful and less painful wax. High Brow uses an imported French wax called Cirepil, which comes in three different forms: • Hard wax: used for more sensitive skin and for coarse hair • Soft wax: a universal wax that is best for removing finer hair • Hybrid wax - Used for very stubborn hair, as well as for more sensitive skin Getting a wax can be an empowering experience. Make the most of it by trusting your body with the experts at High Brow Boutique!

It is sure to be a newfound favorite part of your beauty routine.

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LOVE STORY

playful

Boudoir

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant

Are you looking for a knockout gift for your fiancé, but just don’t know what to get him? Are you stressed out from planning and looking for a moment of respite? Are you feeling less than fabulous right before the day in which you are supposed to be feeling your absolute best? If these ring all too true, then boudoir may be the answer you never thought you were looking for! Before you crawl into a hole and cover yourself with the blanket sitting next to you, hear us out. Boudoir doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating, in fact it is quite the opposite! It is an opportunity to let an artisan take what comes naturally to you and highlight it in a sensational way. Best of all, it gives your husband-to-be a keepsake he will never want to take his eyes off of.

Boudoir photography is more than just scantily clad pictures; it is an experience. From the staging and lighting to the outfits and atmosphere, every session is uniquely tailored to the desires, comfort level and persona of the bride. Tegan Jae, owner of The Paper Elephant, believes in the boudoir experience so much that she includes it in her wedding photography packages. “I love that boudoir photography combines fashion and editorial with empowerment and dressing up. It allows me to play around with fun lighting techniques and poses for all different body types, and to connect with my clients on a deeper level. They leave a session looking and feeling amazing, radiating confidence that many didn’t even know they had in them before we started. I have grooms pull me aside on the wedding day and thank me not only for the gorgeous gift

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I helped create, but for the confidence boost it gave their bride. That, to me, is priceless!”

The photo shoot itself isn’t limited in scope. It can take place at the photographer’s studio, in the client’s home, or somewhere completely unexpected. “I have had brides book a night at a hotel before the wedding to surprise their fiancé,” Tegan details. “The bride and I arrive early, take the photos, and then she surprises him later on with the photos we took before he arrived. Wedding planning can be stressful and time consuming, so this gives them a chance to spend more quality time together.”

If doing boudoir is already well outside of your comfort zone, doing the session in the comfort of your home may be a more ideal setting. In your home, you have the benefit of having certain places that you can turn from ordinary to extraordinary for your man — his favorite chair, your bathtub and, of course, the bedroom! And of course, the photographer’s studio is ready to accommodate you and your vision: soft, romantic and playful or sexy, daring and dramatic.

One of the benefits of doing a boudoir photo shoot is the shameless excuse to go shopping. It’s the perfect reason to treat yourself — and your man — to some eye-catching new wardrobe items. Before you go shopping she can help provide recommendations of what works best for body types and comfort levels, all with your needs in mind. You can also incorporate items like his favorite dress shirt or part of his work uniform to really catch him by surprise. Whatever ensembles you decide on,

Tegan’s number one tip is high heels. “Even if your feet aren’t showing in a standing photo, high heels will give you better posture.” While it helps to have your own options along for your shoot, like a good friend Tegan always has extra outfits and shoes in her studio for a bride in need.

In order to help you look and feel your best, there are several accommodations Tegan says are available to her clients. First and foremost, she strongly suggests using the hair and makeup team she has on set. It is an extra fee, but so worth it! “Trust me, your eyes will sparkle. I work with an amazingly talented team that will make you look and feel amazing.” Additionally, Tegan includes retouching on all ordered images. Skin requests, scuffs on the bottoms of heels, and distracting labels are all within her editing powers. She does not reshape the body in any way during the editing process and for good reason. “I use nothing but the best in terms of flattering lighting and posing that will highlight your best features and diminish your insecurities.”

Boudoir doesn’t automatically mean nude or almost nude. You can do something more playful in a tank top and pajama shorts if that is where you feel most at ease. Tegan encourages you to try to break out of that comfort zone to see just how amazing you can look and feel in your own skin but will never discourage a bride from how she feels sexiest. “I will work with all comfort levels to help you feel amazing and create imagery that we are both proud of.” And, if it helps, Tegan says to bring along a great friend to keep the mood light and bring an added level of familiarity.

The biggest concern most brides have when planning for a boudoir session is the concept of privacy. Will anyone see my images? Tegan said this is always a question and she is completely adamant about not breaking that trust with her clients. “Nothing is shared online or in print without written consent, and always after any gifts are delivered.

If my brides want the images kept private, then the only person who will see them is me during the editing process. And I NEVER post any nudity anywhere online. I believe those should be strictly private … always.”

As can be seen, there truly is no one way to embrace the boudoir experience. Let your imagination run wild, and leave the rest to your photography artisan to help your vision take life. And, be prepared to pick your fiancé’s jaw off the floor when he sees your sexy, fabulous, fearless self encapsulated in a gift just for him. Be empowered … be daring … be you!

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unVeiled LOVE STORY

katie & luke

married 11.18.17

Veil Advertisers CATERER & LINEN RENTALS

Saz’s Catering Lake Country

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Paper Elephant OVERNIGHT GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Bartending Service: Bar Stars Bridesmaids Dress Salon: Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique Ceremony Location: RiverGlen Christian Church Dessert Table: Classy Girl Cupcakes Engagement/Wedding Rings: Diedrich Jewelers Flowers: Magnolia Floral Shopee Hair: 29Ten Salon Honeymoon Location: Punta Cana Men’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Officiant: John Howard Reception Location: Black Swan MKE Reception Music: Stray Voltage Band Rehearsal Dinner Location: Revere’s Wells Street Tavern Transportation: Churchill Limo Travel Agency: Apple Vacations Wedding Gown Salon: Tie the Knot Bridal Boutique

Love Keeps Growing

by Laura Vietmeyer

Katie and Luke met when they were both working for Saz’s Catering Lake Country. The relationship lasted through years of long distance, first while they were away at separate colleges and then when they were three hours apart for their first jobs. But their love endured. The couple were wed in November of 2017, celebrating their rustic modern themed nuptials with 250 guests and getting down to the sounds of Stray Voltage, fulfilling their number one wedding must have: live music. When it comes to wedding planning, they offer this piece of advice, “We did an awesome job of delegating jobs out and planning together. Work together on planning and enjoy the process. It all goes by so quickly. Do what makes you happy.”

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OUR LOVE STORY Katie: Luke was a dishwasher and I was a waitress. Our first date was mini golfing and then to Kopp’s Frozen Custard for dessert. After that we went to different colleges, which was tough, but we made it work.

After school, we both accepted jobs that were three hours apart from each other and continued to make it work. It wasn’t until Luke proposed that we moved in together and were finally close after all those years.

Luke: One of the moments that sticks in my head the most is of Katie making sure I got home after our first date. Nobody had ever done that before and I knew I met someone special at that point. Also, we did long distance for over four years so that was a good indication of how dedicated we were to the relationship and making it work.

THE PROPOSAL We were supposed to go to South Carolina on a trip.

However, due to the hurricane that came through, our plans changed and we went on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Here, we stayed in Mackinac Island for two nights. We had a nice dinner and went back to our room to sit on the balcony and have a glass of wine. Luke pulled out a bottle and had me open it. On the bottle, it said, “Katie, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

GROOM’S PERSPECTIVE Luke: Most of our plans always came down to the idea that it was our day and what do we want to do. Try not to worry about all of the criticism or ideas that other people have and just do whatever you want.

THE DRESS I found my dress at the first boutique that I made an appointment at, and it was the second dress that I had tried on. Every other dress after was gorgeous but did not make me feel like a bride. I didn’t cry, but I knew it was the one because it made me feel like I was truly a bride.

FIRST LOOK Luke: My heart dropped as she walked down the aisle, and I immediately started tearing up as I knew that she was going to be my best friend and wife for the rest of my life.

KEEPSAKE I wouldn’t throw out my dresses/outfits from all of the pre-parties. I have all of the white dresses from those parties and I will save them for my sisters or friends to wear if they want when they get married.

Also, I wouldn’t throw out my veil for the same reason. People can use it for “something borrowed.”

ADVICE FOR COUPLES My pastor, John Howard, once told Luke and me, “May today be the day you have the least amount of love for each other, may your love keep growing.” I believe this is a great statement to live by. Each day your love for your husband should keep growing and getting stronger. Your wedding day is a special day where you get to create an amazing life, full of adventure, love and laughter with your best friend.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER We just got a puppy, Daisy, so that will keep us busy for the next couple of years, but kids are definitely in the near future.

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gorgeous gowns and FASHION FORWARD TREND:

Precious Pups

WEDDING GOWN Bon Bon Belle Bridal

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design GOWNS Bon Bon Belle Bridal, Bucci’s Bridal & Stone Manor Bridal JEWELRY David Liska Custom Jeweler HAIR Hair by Smash MAKEUP Lustrous Beauty Studio FLOWERS Belle Fiori LINENS Windy City Linen PUPPIES Wisconsin Humane Society & personal dogs: Coffee, Kenzo, Vík, Toby, Bacardi, Stoli & Stella MODELS Adrienne, Kate, Mallory & Shannon VIDEOGRAPHY Sweet Pea Cinema When Veil Magazine publisher Denise Liles decided she wanted to do a puppy fashion shoot, she knew just who to turn to. “There are few things in life that I’m super passionate about, and those are love, weddings, fashion, babies, and any type of fur child,” Denise says. “We felt we needed to team up with a reputable organization and thought who better than the Wisconsin Humane Society? And Ren from Studio 29 Photography + Design was the perfect photographer to partner with.” And The Wisconsin Humane Society jumped on board right away.

“Photographing brides and puppies was just a dream come true,” Ren elates.

“I’m a firm believer that dogs and weddings go together like peanut butter and jelly!” Ren brought along her own pups, Kenzo and Vik. seven dogs, a handful of models, and some beautiful bridal gowns made for the absolute perfect day.

If you and your groom are animal lovers but aren’t sure if you want your pups

paws-on for your big day, consider partnering with the Wisconsin Humane Society for a philanthropic party favor.

“Over the years, the Wisconsin Humane Society noticed a growing trend: more and more couples were choosing philanthropy over party favors at their wedding,” Wisconsin Humane Society Spokesperson Allie Christman said. “The shelter was receiving contributions from newlyweds who had made a donation to WHS in their guests’ honor. They were so grateful for this unique and heartfelt form of generosity that they created a Wedding Donation Program to make the process as easy as possible for the happy couple. Now, brides and grooms can submit their donation online before the big day, and WHS will supply you with posters or place cards notifying your guests of the contribution made in their name!”

For a behind-the-scenes glimpse, check out the Veil Magazine Facebook page for a puppy-infused video by Sweet Pea Cinema.

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LOVE STORY

WEDDING GOWN & CAPE Stone Manor Bridal

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WEDDING GOWN Bucci’s Bridal

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LOVE STORY

WEDDING GOWN Bon Bon Belle Bridal

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WEDDING GOWN Stone Manor Bridal

The hair trend for 2018? Messy! “Brides right now are looking for loose, elegant styles that don't look overdone but achieve a balance of perfect imperfection,” explains Amy Hufford of Hair by Smash. “And while we saw a lot of braids last year, I think we're going to start seeing even more bold and creative ways to incorporate them into wedding hairstyles.”

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LOVE STORY

WEDDING GOWN Bucci’s Bridal

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PUPPIES Wisconsin Humane Society & personal dogs Coffee, Kenzo, Vík, Stoli, Bacardi, Stella & Toby LINENS Windy City Linen FLOWERS Belle Fiori JEWELRY David Liska Custom Jeweler

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details

BRIDAL ATTIRE

The Perfect Fit

Love Your Dress

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design The bride-to-be has many important decisions to make for her wedding day, especially when it comes to her wedding gown.

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? Look no further than the pages in Veil Magazine, as well as our Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages. We feature reputable bridal boutiques that can help you figure out exactly what you are looking for in bridal party fashion. They are able to take unique style preferences and coordinate them with your goals and gown to create the perfect blend of bridal party style.

The fashion mavens at bridal boutiques will sit down and listen to what the bride wants in her gown, and they will also inquire about the details of the wedding. Venue features and landscape, seasonal considerations, color palette, accents and overall tone are all important pieces of the coordinating puzzle. Knowing those details about the wedding can help the dress stand out even more, and all for the venue and elements to showcase the bride. Once the backdrop has been set, it’s about the dress and accessories.

Soft, whimsical looks are timeless classics for bridal style. Meanwhile more artistic styling like Art Deco designs create a vintage twist on the romantic look, with beading, sleeves and unique necklines. To see some of these ensembles in action, check out page 120 for our bridal shoot.

Once the dress has been chosen, accessories are a bride’s next stop.

Earrings and bracelets are more popular than necklaces at the moment, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their place in the bride’s look.

The right necklace with the right dress can make the whole ensemble really pop. In veils, cathedral veils and blushers are definitely in! You may also choose something more modest to compliment your gown, or even skip the veil altogether and opt for flowers or charms instead.

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. Or you can find the perfect flattering flat! Bridging style and comfort is important. And at many bridal boutiques, shoes can be dyed various shades or colors.

When it comes to your bridesmaids, ombre colors are on trend.

Create interest by pairing different colors and styles together. Dresses with tiered bodices, glamorous fit-and-flare skirts and whimsical gauzy overlays are just a few ways to give your bridal party a fresh take.

Choose a variety of fabrics based on your other decorative touches and even different textures if you are so bold! With all of these choices to make, the staff at any of these Veil entrusted bridal boutiques can assist you in finding the perfect fit for your big day.

planning tips Bridesmaids aren’t Let your gown guide clones. Showcase your accessories. their unique Skip pieces personalities! that overpower your look..

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Make sure you are comfortable. You’ll want to be able to fully enjoy your day!

Trust the experts.

Break out of your They want to help comfort zone; you and will listen to may find something your expectations. breathtaking in the process.

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Favorite

FINDS

blue ...

something

PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant

...stands for purity, love, and fidelity...

No bride is complete without “something blue” for the wedding day.

For instant glamour this lovely Bow shoe is perfect for any wedding ensemble with silver beading embellishing the bow and heel, and is an open-back style. For that extra something, incorporate a little something blue with this handbeaded 'Envelope' purse, adorned with midnight blue and silver beading for an extra sparkle.

Lace yourself with this mesmerizing SWAROVSKI blue crystal necklace, earring and ring collection.

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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

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!”

“WHEN YOU FIND THE DRESS YOU WILL KNOW. IT’S A LOT LIKE YOU FINDING YOUR FIANCÉ—YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S THE RIGHT ONE!” 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.

For some brides, this process can be overwhelming, which is why Kate and her

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A fabulous

Fit

by Michelle Drewek Weddings are all about personal touches.

Every facet of the day is a chance for the bride and groom to take who they are as a couple and sprinkle it into the details. As the bride, your ensemble is a chance to reflect yourself—the woman your fiancé fell in love with. What better way to capture your personality than through one of a girl’s best friends…shoes!

Shoes come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, each with their own unique personality—just like you. You can even mix a variety of styles into your big day. It can all start with a walk down the aisle in a gorgeous pair of heels (or flats if you have two left feet like me), transition into a dazzling pair of Toms or tennis, and end in an always comfortable pair of sandals or even dolled-up slippers.

More and more we are seeing the groom’s side of the wedding party bond over their “shades and kicks.” Get your bridal party in on the accessorizing action and go shopping together.

It’s a great pre-wedding bonding moment that will last from first step to last dance. And, after the big day, it is a memento they can enjoy time and time again.

There is no need to let traditional shoe offerings dictate what you decide to wear. Confidence and ease will reflect from your footwear to your face as you glide through the day. And, let your true colors show! If you want to incorporate your wedding palette into your footwear beyond the classic white, the sky’s the limit. We are seeing some brides keep to white for the ceremony, and break out bold colors during the evening hours, while others splash hues throughout their entire day of footwear.

No matter what you choose for your shoes, it will be fabulous because it’s a reflection of you.

When it comes to your wedding day, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Go in with an open mind and let the shoes speak to you.

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Studio 29 Photography + Design WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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be Inspired

WEDDING GOWNS

WHAT I

LOVE ABOUT ME

MY TRUE WEDDING GOWN FIT

PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Cook Elliott Photography

WEDDING GOWN Stone Manor Bridal

PERFECT FOR Hourglass

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Inverted Triangle

Pear

Rectangle

Capped sleeves lend dimension to the upper body, while the full skirt provides a voluptuous appeal.

This fitted bodice, full-length gown glides gracefully over the hips giving brides the perfect blend between form and flow.

PERFECT FOR

Apple

Hourglass

Pear

Rectangle

WEDDING GOWN, JACKET & VEIL Stone Manor Bridal

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WEDDING GOWN Bucci's Bridal

Sheer long sleeves trim and elongate the bride's arms, complemented by a sweeping skirt falling naturally over the lower body.

PERFECT FOR Inverted Triangle

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Pear

The jeweled bodice drapes over the hips to add beautiful form to the bride's figure, which is further accented by captivating chiffon.

PERFECT FOR

Hourglass

Inverted Triangle

Pear

Rectangle

WEDDING GOWN & VEIL Bucci's Bridal

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unVeiled

jeana & matt

LOVE STORY

married 07.14.18

Veil Advertisers BARTENDING, CATERER, CEREMONY & RECEPTION LOCATION

Milwaukee Art Museum

ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS

David Liska Custom Jeweler

MAKEUP

Lustrous Beauty Studio

OVERNIGHT GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

The Pfister Hotel

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN:

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Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal Ceremony Music: Lakeside Strings Décor Rentals & Flowers: Impressions by Esther Fleming Dessert Table: Holey Moley Donuts & Kopps Custard First Look & Rehearsal Dinner Location: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum Hair: Aponi Salon Invitations & Stationery: Paper Envy Lighting, Photo Booth Rental & Reception DJ: Milwaukee Airwaves Men's Formalwear: Groom - Balani Custom Clothiers; Groomsmen – Men Warehouse Officiant: Rev. Chris Davis Photography & Videography: Bella-Hill Wedding House Photographers: Chino Villatoro & Gina Emer Wedding Cake: Sweet Tooth Bakery Wedding Gown: Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique

Timeless Love

by Laura Vietmeyer

Matt and Jeana met in middle school and officially started dating in 2007. After becoming engaged in 2016, they spent just under two years planning their perfect wedding at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Their theme — Timeless Elegance — came to fruition with the goal that the look and feel of their wedding would hold up over the years. The couple has grown up together and faced the challenges of their teen years and young adult life. Looking forward, Jeana says, “How blessed are we to have found each other so young and to experience so much of life together already.

And this is just the beginning, I get a lifetime of his unfaltering, unconditional love and that still may not be enough.”

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OUR LOVE STORY According to Matt, on the first day of freshman year, he saw me walk into my first hour class and wave, and in that moment he knew I was “the one.” Throughout freshmen year he was my bus mate, lab partner, lunch buddy, the boy in gym class who would purposely throw the dodge ball in my direction so he could talk to me, and partner to grade papers with since we always got paired up together. One July night in 2007, on instant messenger, Matt finally asked me to be his girlfriend and I said “yes.”

THE PROPOSAL Matt: I made plans to go to Lake Geneva for the weekend.

We stopped at the airport in Kenosha and I told her I thought it would be more fun to take a helicopter the rest of the way. Time froze and everything became somewhat of a blur. I remember asking the pilot to take a few photos of us before we got in and as he started snapping, I took a deep breath, turned to Jeana and got down on one knee. Hearing her say, “YES!” and seeing the look on her face will go down as one of the best days of my life. Chicago was our true destination. It was the first place we ever “vacationed,” so I thought it would be awesome to relive that experience almost a decade later, but this time as an engaged couple at a totally different stage of our lives.

PLANNING Matt: Finding a officiant that we connected with and got to know personally was important to us both. Rev. Chris Davis spent the whole year leading up to our wedding meeting with us, getting to know our backgrounds, how we resolve our conflicts, our inner workings as a couple and what we wanted during our ceremony.

Jeana: I loved going to bridal shows with my maid of honor and checking out all local vendors creativity and picking up the latest editions of the Wisconsinbased magazines to give me inspiration. Our wedding planner, Janelle, was the absolute best!

PERSONAL TOUCH Matt and I are both Italian, and after all the speeches were complete we took a group shot of sambuca. In Italian culture, you take a shot of sambuca and toast to three wishes — health, happiness and prosperity.

FIRST LOOK Matt: I remember getting tunnel vision – nothing else in that moment mattered besides me and her. Even surrounded by all those people, for that moment, it was just us two in the room.

THE CEREMONY We did a wine box ceremony and included letters from both sets of parents. There are letters to open on our 1st anniversary, along with the enclosed bottle of wine. Then our parents wrote a letter to open even further in the future — Jeana’s parents’ letter 28 years from now and Matt’s parents’ letter 33 years from now. These future dates symbolize how long each of our parents have been married together as of our wedding day.

FIRST DANCE “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle. It is a breathtaking song and so beautifully written. The lyrics to this song resonate with everything we embody as a couple. She states, “I get to love you, it’s the best thing that I’ll ever do.” Loving Matt for over 11 years and still having a lifetime with him is more than what I could have ever dreamed.

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MEN'S FORMALWEAR

Well-Suited

Gents

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Heather Cook Elliott Photography Bottom Left: DoubleYou Photography, Bottom Right: Heather Cook Elliott Photography When it comes to wedding attire, the first thing most people think of is the gown or the bridesmaids’ dresses. But what about the groom and his guys? It’s time for them to take center stage as well.

The first step to making your way through the complex world of men’s attire is to consider the vibe of your wedding. Are you throwing an over-the-top, 500-person soiree in an elegant ballroom? Or, are you having a backyard affair?

Will you be tying the knot in a church, a barn, or a fabulous museum? Your venue and your general feel will contribute a lot to what you wind up dressing your men in. Tuxedos are certainly the most formal selection, but it certainly isn’t your only option. Suits are perfectly acceptable attire as well, and in the case of a low-key affair or beach wedding, perhaps a simple button down top and light-fabric bottoms are the better fit.

There’s really no right and wrong when it comes to which style you prefer, keeping in mind the other elements of the day.

Once you determine the style for your men, you should next consider your options in fabrics and fit. Climate and comfort are your two key

What is the style of your wedding venue and how formal of an affair are you planning?

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details for guiding these decisions. For example, tight-knit fabrics would be uncomfortable on a beach, whereas khakis and polos or a fabric like linen wouldn’t quite match a wintery New Year’s Eve wedding! Your menswear consultant can help you narrow in on the ideal options for where and when your big day will take place.

Menswear trends currently popping up include pleats; pleated shirts and pleated pants are both popular right now. Slimmer fitting styles that feel modern and sleek are also on trend; they look great on a wide variety of figures. Your body type will matter when it comes to a flattering fit and menswear experts, like the vendors in Veil Magazine, will be able to help you find a fit that flatters your shape. Small details like the number of buttons or the fitting in the waist can help you look your best.

What about the wedding colors? There are plenty of accessories in menswear that can help bring your wedding colors to the guys’ side of the aisle. Consider a tie or vest in the same swatch your bridesmaids will be donning. You could also incorporate the color into their boutonnieres for a subtler touch. Accessories aren’t just for the

girls; let the guys in on the fun by gifting your groomsmen monogrammed cuff links or socks from their favorite sports teams to wear on the big day. You can even add fun details like bowties or suspenders, or refined touches like pocket squares. Men’s accessories are a subtle way to inspire some great photos and get your men excited for the big day!

Guys, when you begin the search for your attire, trust your experts. They’ve done this a million times before and if you’ve done your due diligence in terms of research, menswear consultants will be able to help your groom look his best. They’ll also know details like how to achieve an impeccable fit or the proper length of sleeves and pants. Working with trustworthy professionals will give you peace of mind and prevent you from over thinking or feeling overwhelmed.

What the men in your wedding party wear will help your ceremony look even more beautiful. Make sure to take the time to pick out proper attire so that when the day comes, all eyes are where they should be — on the bride!

planning tips Will you and your guys be renting or buying their attire?

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Do you want a very traditional look, or something that will stand out?

Can the makeup artist and hair stylist work with you to bring your vision for your big day to life?

Is there a way to inject your personality into the outfit with accessories?

menswear

Essentials

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.

What color suit / tux should the men wear? Blue, black, navy, gray, charcoal, khaki, white or striped?

Accessories for the chest can be vests, cummerbunds, suspenders, or even sweaters.

Which 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.

Are there other fabric pieces we want to consider? Colored or patterned socks shoes or shirts?

What 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.

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

How 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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HARLEYS: A MODERN MAN STORE SHOPMODERNMAN.COM

The staff at Harleys: A Modern Man Store in Shorewood (from left to right): Andy Martin, Zorka Cvijakic, Phil Guilbault (center bottom), Bob Norris, Zeke Stojadinovic and Jeff Brand.

Harleys: A Modern Man Store in hallmark of Harleys for seven decades. This upscale menswear store Shorewood, Wis., has an impressive features the most sought-after designer fashions and accessories track record serving the Milwaukee for today’s “modern man.” community and beyond for the past 70 years. Not only is this industry leader known for its high-quality products and unparalleled service, they are recognized as specialists in the world of wedding planning. Because Harleys is both a retail and a rental store, their staff has a unique perspective in offering the proper Visit Harleys: A Modern Man Store at 3565 N. Oakland Ave. in advice to the groom when choosing wedding apparel.

Shorewood, Wis. Call 414-332-3404. Haberdasher Limited is located The groom’s attire for a wedding is becoming increasingly more at 335 N. Washington St. in Green Bay. important. Instead of being merely an after-thought, apparel for the groom and groomsmen is now an integral part of the complete wedding package. A versatile collection of styles and color choices can reflect a certain theme or mood that makes each wedding personal and unique.

Harleys features rental options from ELEGANT FORMAL WEAR FOR TODAY’S MODERN MAN – FOR PURCHASE OR RENTAL. Nedrebo’s and purchase options from a TRUST HARLEYS ... SERVING MILWAUKEE FOR 69 YEARS! variety of other well-known manufacturers.

And an in-house master tailor provides impeccable service to ensure that each garment is a perfect fit.

“We pride ourselves on providing the very best selection and service,” says store manager Jeff Brand. “Our staff is on top of industry trends and we welcome the opportunity to help each groom select apparel that complements the wedding’s overall design and look.”

Formalwear from Harleys also includes a wide variety of accessories to complete BOOK the package – handkerchiefs, cuff links, YOUR 2018 ties, shoes and more. Even if you are not WEDDING WITH US a groom, but looking for formalwear for AND SAVE 10% WITH THIS AD! another special occasion, consider Harleys USE CODE VEIL10 your one-stop source.

Harleys: A Modern Man Store has recently undergone some changes.

Former owner Tim Ryan retired in 2017, and the store is now under new ownership (a sister store, Haberdasher Limited, is located in Green Bay).

3565 N. OAKLAND AVE. • SHOREWOOD, WIS. The same dedicated staff, however, stands 414.332.3404 • shopmodernman.com ready and eager to provide the exceptional personal attention that has been the

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS 1948-2018

Happily Ever After

HARLEYS

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Feature

ST RY

LOVE STORY

for the

Love of Dogs

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design

As your wedding plans begin to come together and the larger details of the day fall into place, your mind will begin to swirl with ideas for other items to incorporate. If you have a dog, there has no doubt been consideration of involving them in your wedding. Your loved ones will all be included, and your pup is very much a big piece of your heart.

There are a number of ways to include your dog in this monumental day. Here are some ideas that are sure to wow your paws off!

One of the most significant ways to include your fur baby is to have them there for the “I Do’s.” Ren Davis of Studio 29 Photography + Design adores working with couples and their pups, and says there are a number of ways to have them physically be a part of your special day.

“Some couples choose to have their dogs present in part or in whole on their wedding day. Depending on your venue and the limitations that may (or may not) be in place, you can have your dog as a member of your bridal party — like a groomsman or ring bearer — or be watching on as one of your loved ones in attendance. You may even have him/her walk you down the aisle!”

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Your wedding day will be captured in numerous ways through many different sets of eyes. From the photographer and videographer to your friends and family, all eyes will be on you. If your dog will be at your ceremony and/or reception, perhaps you should consider an option for capturing the day through their unique perspective.

“Our dog, Kenzo, wore a GoPro all day for our July wedding,” Ren details. “We stayed in a cabin in the woods and got ready in the morning together. He videotaped all of it! He also joined us for a mountain hike after our first look for our bride and groom portraits, as well as he was involved in the wedding party photos following the ceremony. During the ceremony, I couldn’t wait to see him in his handsome garland collar!”

Having your beloved canine with you on your wedding day may require some additional planning assuming they are only going to be with you for part of the day, or at the very least will not be going home with you that night. You’ll need to organize how your dog can be transported to and from where necessary and to have a handler that can make sure they are well taken care of. Most of the people you would

readily trust with this responsibility will be a guest, and you don’t want to impose on their enjoyment of the festivities.

If a family member or friend isn’t an option, having a professional dog care specialist that can meet you at your venue to pick up your dog and take them to their care facility will ease the stress of not only making sure your pet is well taken care of, but that you can still enjoy your wedding day without the added hoops to jump through. Whatever route you choose, be sure to establish a set plan so when the wedding day comes around there is no question or confusion about your fur baby’s needs being met.

Sadly, as much as you may want to have your pup by your side on your big day, it may not be feasible for one reason or another, and not every venue will be OK with 4-legged attendees. But that doesn’t mean you can’t include them “in spirit.” Throughout the years, Ren has seen many unique ways people have incorporated their dog into their wedding day.

“Feature them in the décor, like your cake topper or on the table numbers, if they can’t be in attendance,” Ren suggests. “A few of my

couples have set up a donation bucket, and if their guests want them to kiss, they had to donate money. The couple then donated all the money to an animal shelter.”

Additionally, you can take time during your engagement photo session or wedding day photos to bring them in for a few Kodak moments. Ren says that couples can also plan a post-wedding day session where you can get dressed in your wedding attire and snap some photos with your pup at a better time.

This day is monumentally special and being able to share it with everyone you love, be they 2-legged or 4-legged, is beyond compare.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your venue and photographer to see what options you have for involving your cherished canine. As excited as you will be to have them be a part of this day, they will be even more excited to share in your happiness. Besides, they are just too doggone cute!

planning tips Does your venue allow for dogs?

Will you have your dog dressed in any attire?

Do you have a plan should your dog become overly anxious or excited by the events of the day?

Do you have a handler on-site for the day?

Do you have a plan in place for escorting your dog to and from the location(s) they will be in attendance?

Do you have overnight arrangements set up for your dog?

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inez & tommy

LOVE STORY

married 07.07.18

Veil Advertisers RECEPTION LOCATION & WEDDING CAKE

The Pfister Hotel

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN

Dynamic Events by Davis Caruso

Ceremony Location:Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ Flowers: Dahlia Blooms Hair: Perfections in Milwaukee Honeymoon Location: South of France Invitations & Stationery: Coqui Paperie Makeup: Keisha Roper, Professional Makeup Artist Men’s Formalwear: Men's Wearhouse Photography & Videography: Steve White Films Reception DJ: DJ LoLo Rehearsal Dinner Location: Anodyne Coffee Wedding Gown Salons Ceremony Gown - Winnie Couture Reception Dress - Kleinfeld Bridal

ROYAL DETAILS "David was exceptional in listening to details and bringing them to completion." The first detail they knew they had to have was their hanging cake,. with a chandelier drawn down from the ceiling. Their cake hung gracefully atop with white tiers trimmed in gold. Gold was a key accent throughout all of their décor from the place settings to the vases, and navy as a truly royal complement.

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Forever Lampley

by Michelle Drewek

When you know, you know,” Inez says of the romance that sparked between her and Tommy when they met in Ibiza, Spain. It was destiny that brought them together in August of 2016, and devotion that fueled their whirlwind love story. Despite being states away—Inez in New York and Tommy in Atlanta—the pair visited each other often and their families, including Tommy’s now 6-year-old son, became intertwined. In January of 2017, Tommy proposed to his soul mate and their forever was solidified in July of 2018 during their extraordinary wedding day surrounded by their loved ones.

As the couple began to plan their big day they knew they needed the help of an industry-renowned expert. Without hesitation, they enlisted David Caruso and his team at Dynamic Events by David Caruso to turn their vision of Royal Elegance and Romance into a reality. Inez was in Graduate School at Emory University, so she relied on her mother and matron of honor, Erickajoy, to help with the plans. Weekly calls were held to discuss her wishes before she would talk to David and his team. They also wanted this to be a time for the two families to get to know each other and for their guest to experience Milwaukee. Several pre-wedding events were planned, including the Big Bang Fireworks, Summerfest concerts, a basketball game between male family members held at the new Bucks facility and a Bridesmaid Luncheon.

A family breakfast was held at the IPAMA (Institute for the Preservation of African-American Music and Art) Center before the wedding honoring their family's Alabama roots and the mother of the bride and groom. By the time they said their good-byes at the Sunday Farewell Brunch, many guests felt they had made new friends and had spent quality time together.

Their ceremony included over 300 guests, with Tommy’s grandfather and Inez’s uncle and brother—all pastors—leading the service. Inez made her way down the aisle towards Tommy in a stunning gown from Winnie Couture. “It was the most emotional moment of my life,” Tommy reminisces. “I saw my future walking down the aisle. It was surreal. And how we were able to bring our families together on the best day of both of our lives. It was a great union.”

Following their “I dos,” the couple and their guests proceeded to The Pfister hotel for their reception, complete with a delectable menu and hours of dancing. Their first dance to John Legend’s “So High” marked their emotions every step of their journey. “The words of the song describe the feeling of being with your partner, and it defines true love in the same way we felt when we met and how we continue to feel about each other,” the couple says.

Another meaningful song took place during their reception when the couple was serenaded by both their college sorority and fraternity songs. “We both attended Morehouse College and Spelman College, respectively, and were part of the Greek Letter organizations,” the couple explains. “Inez is a Delta and Tommy is an Alpha, and Inez’s dad was in the same fraternity as Tommy!”

Though the evening flew by quickly, Tommy and Inez continue to look back on photos and talk about their wedding day with such admiration.

Cherish everything, they say, because that day and those moments will only happen once. For future brides, Inez advises to always go with your gut.

“Don’t be swayed by family or friends. Have your ‘must haves’ and stick to them. The day will go so fast but the memories last forever.

“Tommy and I also had a rule that we would only talk about the wedding plans once a week so we could use our engagement period to lay the foundation for our growth as a couple.”

Looking toward their future they are excited to expand their family and build upon the foundation they have built.

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BAKERIES

The

Sweet Indulgence

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY Top Left: Front Room Photography, Top Right: DoubleYou Photography Bottom Left: Front Room Photography, Bottom Right: Studio 29 + Design The most delicious aspect of your wedding? The dessert! Wedding cakes are a fun tradition that makes your wedding day that much sweeter.

These days, wedding cakes no longer need to be tiered, white masterpieces with a bride and groom cake topper. Lots of different trends are popping up, like assortments of mini pastries with a smaller cake for the bride and groom to cut. Since guests love sampling different treats, varieties of cupcakes or other mini desserts are very popular. More home-style desserts, like pies, donuts or chocolate chip cookies, are also seeing a sweet surge.

If you’re still hoping for the hand piped, multi-tiered wedding cake, don’t fret—that’s still a very popular option. You can still offer variety within the cake as well. For instance, you can have different flavors for each layer of your wedding cake.

As for texture, there are a lot of options when it comes to decorating your wedding cake. Fresh flowers (instead of frosted!) can be a beautiful touch. You can also bring in any heirlooms, brooches, ribbons, etc. that you want incorporated into the décor for a Pinterest-perfect dessert.

There are tons of cute cupcake toppers or pie forks on sites like Etsy.

Bakeries aren’t like what you see on The Food Network. It’s a lot less glamour and a lot more work! The price of your baked goods will coincide with the level of elaborate details you’re aiming for. For instance, watercolor cakes are a big trend this season, but to make

a cake resemble a watercolor painting is going to be a very laborintensive process. Consider this when selecting how important your dessert table is.

One popular tradition to discuss with your partner is a groom’s cake.

Groom’s cakes are special, smaller cakes that can be decorated to the groom’s taste. For instance, if he’s a huge fan of a certain sports team, you can have the cake decorated in those colors as a nod to one of his passions. Groom’s cakes are often eaten at the rehearsal dinner.

Another tradition? Saving the top layer of your wedding cake for your anniversary. However, some couples opt to just buy a smaller version of their wedding cake to save, eliminating the hassle of preserving a layer.

Before you book your bakery, make sure to schedule a sampling appointment so you’re sure your wedding cake is up to your taste buds’ standards. Sampling appointments should be made 6-8 months before your wedding date, and as soon as you’ve confirmed that bakery is the one you’d like to go with, you can put down a deposit to lock in your wedding day. It depends on the bakery, but your final balance will often be required a week or two before the wedding. One reason that you might have some wiggle room in terms of booking is that unlike other vendors, like an officiant or photographer, a bakery can often do multiple weddings per day. So depending on your bakery, don’t panic if you still haven’t decided and your day is creeping closer!

planning tips If I have this many What flavors are you guests, how much particularly known dessert do you think for or proud of?

I’ll need?

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Can you accommodate allergies (for example a gluten-free cake)?

Do you deliver on the day of our wedding, or will someone need to come and pick our dessert up?

Are you able to use an old family recipe for my cake?

Mark & Peggy Carollo SIMMA’S BAKERY

ALTHOUGH YOUR HUSBAND-TO-BE may not have been interested in the finer details of wedding planning up to this point, you mention “cake” and he’s all in! Your beloved wouldn’t miss a cake tasting, especially if it involves Simma’s whose highly specialized wedding

consultants are here to help you customize a one-of-a-kind cake.

For more than 30 years, Simma’s Bakery has been creating cheesecakes, wedding cakes, pastries and so much more. These treats feature the finest-quality ingredients and are

baked by dedicated, highly trained pastry chefs, many of whom have been with Simma’s for more than 20 years.

Current owners Peggy and Mark Carollo say their mission “is to continue to be that small, family run bakery on the corner with a focus on quality and customer service just as Simma demanded when she started the bakery.” At its heart are original, time-tested recipes, although many new sweets have been added to the mix. While Simma’s has changed hands over time (passed from Simma to her daughter, and now to Mark and Peggy), many of the bakery’s employees and its operations have changed little since 1979. In fact, the Carollo’s note that the bakery’s award-winning cheesecake recipe has remained unchanged

“THESE TREATS FEATURE THE FINESTQUALITY INGREDIENTS AND ARE BAKED BY DEDICATED, HIGHLY TRAINED PASTRY CHEFS.”

AMBIANCE STUDIOS-SCOTT & CATHY ERICKSON

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over the years — and is a secret recipe known to only a select few.

A trip to Simma’s, located on 68th Street in Wauwatosa, reveals the bakery’s recent expansion. Its larger retail area offers an increased product selection. And as a result of the expansion, it will be much easier to keep up with the ever-increasing orders of wedding cakes, cheesecakes, cakes and pastries.

Working with hundreds of brides and grooms each year was a driving force behind the expansion. This gave the bakery necessary, dedicated space for personalized, one-on-one meetings with Simma’s experienced wedding consultants, making it easier to assist couples when planning their special day.

To design your own Simma’s cake, you may bring in photos that illustrate your ideas. Plus, you can count on a consultant to guide you through many delectable choices, including award-winning cheesecake and divine yet conventional cake that may be dressed up with mousse, fresh fruit and even liquor fillings.

While the traditional cake is still the go-to for brides, others request a sweets table of mini pastries, cupcakes and sheet cakes.

No matter the style or flavor, your wedding guests will take delight in delicious cakes baked from heirloom recipes that promise excellence bite after heavenly bite.

The Paper Elephant

Uttke Photography & Design

Cecelia Baker Grade THE CAKE LADY

Hi! My name is Cecelia Baker Grade, YUP, you got that right my middle name is Baker! Extremely fitting because I am the Owner, Lead Decorator and Lead Baker at The Cake Lady. I grew up as my Momma’s sous chef in the kitchen standing on chairs to get a better view. As time went on it, became clear to me that I was happiest making a batch of chocolate chip cookies not only because of the joy it brought my tummy, but because of the ability to share them with others!

My culinary journey officially started in 2008, taking the only foods classes offered at Wauwatosa East High School and participating in the Wisconsin Pro-Start Cooking Competitions.

After high school I received my Baking and Pastry degree from Kendall College in Chicago, IL and then proceeded to intern at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro on the pastry line for under Pastry Chef Annie Ghobrial. Every day felt like a marathon, but there was nothing better than the feeling of knowing you got through the dinner rush!

After a few years with Bartolotta I decided to reach out and see what other areas of pastry I could get my hands into. I was introduced to the owner of The Cake Lady, Karen Smith, and hired on in 2012 to be her assistant. I came in having little experience with cakes besides my short wedding cake class in college, so Karen taught me every technique, tip and recipe to create another Cake Lady to bake for Milwaukee.

"I LOVE WORKING WITH MY CLIENTS AND DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS" In February of 2018 I officially bought the business from Karen, which felt like the most natural and right transition for the both of us.

I was honored and excited to take over such a strong existing business that she had help build, and she knew it would be in good hands.

I truly LOVE my job. Not only do I still enjoy being elbow deep in cake batter, or piping intricate designs on 6 tier wedding cakes but I love working with my clients and developing relationships to create life long Cake Lady customers! Your joy is my joy!

If I have baked for you before - I cant wait to bake for you again! If you are a new client I can’t wait to meet you so that I can become your Cake Lady!

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SIMMA'S BAKERY Photography The Paper Elephant

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THE CAKE LADY Photography The Paper Elephant

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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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“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

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 was born.” can work quickly if I need to, and I treat each 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

Debi Zeinert 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.

Matt Haas

THE BLOOMING QUILL

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!

262.268.0525 www.bloomingquill.com

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what's in

A Name?

The details of documentation and wedding paperwork

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 selfauthored 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

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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 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.

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 people 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 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, 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

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Front Room Photography

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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ST RY

first

Look

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room Photography

The moment a couple first sees each other on their wedding day is one filled with much anticipation. Traditionally couples didn’t see each other until the bride was walking down the aisle. In recent years, however, a newer trend known as the ‘First Look’ has taken root. Typically it is a private moment for just the soon to be wedded couple, but some also elect to have bridal parties and families included in the moment, even if just from afar. The main logistical benefits of a First Look involve streamlining the schedule of the day, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for every couple. As you decide which option is best for the two of you, here are some First Look considerations.

To Look Or Not To Look

The choice to do or not do a First Look is a very personal one.

For some, they have always envisioned the first glimpse of their fiancé on their wedding day being at the other end of the aisle and no scheduling benefits will thwart that dream. For others, they are open to just about anything. We always try to help our couples achieve whatever goals they have. In the end, after considering the different potential scenarios, about half of our couples each year choose to do a First Look.

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Benefits to Reap

On a purely image level, the fundamental benefit of having a First Look is having amazingly emotional and intimate photos of the moment a couple first sees each other on their wedding day. So much anticipation and preparation has led to this moment, seeing the look of mutual joy and love on their faces is really special. You can almost feel them start to breathe normally again after spending the whole morning separated from the one person they each came to be with.

Seeing each other before the ceremony also opens up some other doors that can greatly influence the schedule of the wedding day.

Pre-ceremony Photo Ops

Doing a First Look allows us to get all of the photos done that the bride and groom have to be in together, like photos of the two of them, the suite of wedding party photos and family photos. Generally we only do immediate family photos before the ceremony and we save extended family photos until after the ceremony (if they are requested).

That way not everyone is seeing you before the ceremony.

Sometimes couples feel strongly about not doing a First Look but ask about doing separate sides of the family and wedding party before the ceremony to save some time after the ceremony. On days with plenty of time in the schedule (a rarity) that can definitely happen, but, it doesn’t really save that much time. Separating the different sides when we are all together is pretty quick and easy, whether it’s before or after the ceremony.

Achieving Variety

We always love to have variety in our collections. One way we accomplish that is trying to balance out locations. If you are getting married somewhere urban, maybe working a little nature into the day would be nice. Or vice versa. A First Look provides an opportunity to conveniently work different locations into a wedding day schedule.

Especially when your ceremony and reception are in the same location, having a First Look is usually the only way to get to a totally different location. The only other option is to leave during cocktail hour to travel somewhere and travel back, which would be a lot of time invested in traveling while your guests are socializing.

Emotional Effects

The biggest concern we have heard when couples are considering whether or not to do a First Look is that seeing each other before the ceremony will lessen the emotional impact of that moment during their ceremony. We’ve asked many brides and grooms about their experience after the wedding and their answers have been very interesting. We have never had anyone regret choosing to do a First Look. Nothing can touch the feeling of seeing your fiancé at the other end of the aisle with everyone you love between you two. Also, a number of couples have expressed how having that private moment together actually calmed their nerves and helped them be more present for their ceremony.

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katie & matt

LOVE STORY

married 08.18.18

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A Magnificent Adventure

by Laura Vietmeyer

Winner of our contest at Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride, Katie drew inspiration from the wedding show to plan her dream wedding to Matt. Colorful wildflowers popped in their vintage venue, complete with classic Milwaukee cream city brick. At home in Milwaukee, the couple loves exploring the neighborhood breweries and parks and spending time with their pup. But they love to travel every chance they can get. Travel is what sealed the deal for the pair, as it allowed them to get to know each other’s quirks. Katie notes, “Traveling made me realize how adventurous Matt is — something I really love about him and our relationship!” Matt and Katie are definitely ready for all the adventures to come as husband and wife.

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OUR LOVE STORY We met in July of 2011 working at Starbucks in Milwaukee. We hit it off pretty quickly, and went on our first date a few weeks after meeting. Matt was already planning to move back to Madison at the end of the summer to finish school. I didn’t think we’d be able to make long distance work, but thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong. It wasn’t the easiest, but we saw each other almost every weekend for the next three years while we were living in different cities.

ESPECIALLY US I think I’m the only person on the planet that would laugh at some of Matt’s terrible jokes and vice versa. He also fits right in with my loud and crazy family, something I’m not sure everyone could do so seamlessly. On a more serious note, Matt is really good at doing those little things that make me feel loved — bringing home flowers or wine when I’ve had a bad day, or saving the crispiest French fries for me at dinner because he knows they’re my favorite.

THE PROPOSAL Matt: In 2016, we decided to take a break from the winter over her birthday to Siesta Key. I got the ring through airport security and kept it in my pocket without her knowing. I planned to propose during the day on the beach, but it was way too busy. So I suggested a walk on the shoreline that night and it was perfect. We had the beach to ourselves and she was totally surprised!

KEY RESOURCES I attended Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride with my mom very early on in the planning process, so although I wasn't ready to book vendors yet, I really used it for inspiration! This was probably the most helpful bridal show we attended in terms of inspiration, because they really had it all!

DIY The most unique DIY was our wedding beer! We’re friends with the owners of a local brewery and they offered to help us brew a special beer for our day. We came to the brewery about three weeks before the wedding and went through the entire brewing process. On the Thursday before the wedding, while we were out with friends who flew in from out of town, we got to go to the brewery and tap the first keg!

FIRST LOOK Matt: I couldn’t have been happier in that moment. I couldn’t stop smiling and thought, “She is perfect and in a couple minutes I’m going to be married to her!”

THE CEREMONY We decided to incorporate the fisherman’s knot into our ceremony. Each cord represent the bride and groom as individuals, and as we fasten them together it represents the joining of our two lives into one common purpose. The fisherman’s knot is the one of the simplest to tie, but also the sturdiest. As stress is applied, the knot becomes stronger, as is the goal with marriage.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES Make it your own! We’ve had a lot of people tell us they’ve never been to a wedding that was so unique to the couple, and that’s the best compliment. We really wanted to make sure our wedding day felt like “us” as opposed to what everyone else does.

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FLOWERS

Every

Petal Blooms PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Studio 29 Photography + Design Bottom Left & Middle: DoubleYou Photography, Bottom Right: Heather Cook Elliott Photography Wedding flowers can be a major source of confusion for brides. It’s hard to know how many you need, how much things will cost, what’s in season when, and how to make photo-worthy centerpieces. Luckily, your wedding flowers don’t have to be complicated, as long as you find a great florist to work with!

Your florist is an important part of not just your wedding day, but the entire weekend. You may want to incorporate centerpieces at your rehearsal dinner or a gift-opening brunch.

Florists can work with you to make sure your entire wedding weekend is decorated to perfection. They are also sometimes able to provide décor items, such as vases or table runners.

In terms of budgeting, a t ypical recommendation is that florals will take up about 15 to 20% of your overall budget.

However, your florist knows the ins and outs of the industry better than anyone. If you go in with a concrete number, they’ll be able to offer plenty of suggestions for keeping the price

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down. For instance, hydrangeas are a great “bouquet stuffer” because they’re beautiful and very full, but affordable. Also, they’ll have tips and tricks to offer, like using your bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces. Think about other wedding details, like the number of guests and the look of your venue. Those will impact things like the number of centerpieces and the amount of décor you need.

It’s important to think about the season when planning your flowers. Not every flower is available in every region every season, so take that into consideration when you’re surfing Pinterest. Also, avoid last-minute change requests—florists will typically get your flowers in on Monday of your wedding week, and then allow them a couple of days to open before designing your bouquets and centerpieces. Rushing a last-minute type of flower will be either impossible or very pricey.

This season, bouquets that are loose and natural feeling are the most-requested look.

Foliage like olive branches, bay leaves and

eucalyptus is becoming an important element.

Even non-botanical items like brooches or feathers are very popular at the moment.

Flower crowns are making a comeback as well, or buying roses or other florals to incorporate into braids or updos.

In general, you should try to book your florist by 6 to 9 months, but the earlier the better. That gives you ample time to learn what florals will be in season and work together with your florist to create the vibe you’re going for. However, having your venue booked first is essential: that way, you’ll have a much better understanding of what you need and you can convey that to your florist.

If you’re still not sure where to start, wedding shows can be a great place to meet florists.

Consider grabbing a friend and hitting up a wedding expo with a camera. Lots of florists will be there with beautiful displays or photos to demonstrate their style and skillsets.

planning tips Do you offer different packaging options, or is everything personalized?

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

What colors do you suggest to go with my overall wedding color scheme?

If I want to preserve my bouquet after the wedding, do you do that, or do you have a recommendation?

Would you be able to provide organic or pesticide-free flowers?

Melissa Maas BANK OF 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 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 in a grocery

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 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” 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, soaking

BANK OF

Uniquely Elegant or Boho Inspired Menomonee Falls N88 W16723 Appleton Ave. 262-253-9111 Pewaukee 346 Oakton Ave. 262-695-9911 www.bankofflowers.net HMS Photography

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M Three Studio

Emily Neubauer, AIFD & Team BELLE FIORI How did you get into floral design? I was a high school student that needed an after school job, and I have never left.

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 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 so many of the best wedding venues right in our backyard. It's like we have home field advantage every weekend.

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.

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 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!

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bridal

Blooms

PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant As a bride, there are many considerations when taking on floral design. If flowers are of high importance to you, think about the kinds you like and the colors you prefer. Build your theme and style around the ambiance suggested by your personal favorite flower.

Common Requested Wedding Flowers

Belle Fiori

Anemones Astilbes Dahlias Dusty Millers Eucalyptus Ferns of every variety Garlands of foliage Gerbera Daisies Herbs; Rosemary, Mint & Sage Hydrangeas Orchids Peonies Ranunculuss Roses Stocks Succulents

Seasonal Flowers

Bank of Flowers

Spring: Cosmos, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Jasmine, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Mimosa (acacia), Muscari (Grape hyacinth), Peony, Poppy Sweet Pea Tulip Viburnum & Violets.

Summer: Anemone, Aster, Calla Lily, Casablanca Lily, Cornflower, Dahlia, Daisy, Delphinium, Garden Rose, Gerbera Daisy, Hydrangea, Larkspur, Lavender, Marigold & Sunflower.

Fall: Aster, Calla Lily, Chocolate Cosmos, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Fuchsia, Hydrangea, Lavender, Marigold, Parrot Tulip, Snowberry, Statice, Sunflower, Sweet William & Zinnia.

Winter: Amaryllis, Camellia, Freesia, Heather, Holly, Ivy, Lisianthus, Mimosa (Acacia), Narcissus, Ornamental Berries, Poinsettia, Ranunculus, Viburnum, Violets & Winterberry.

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Belle Fiori

be Inspired

FLOWER BOUQUETS

BELLE FIORI

Photography The Paper Elephant Dress Bella Bridesmaid

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BANK OF FLOWERS

Photography The Paper Elephant Dress Bella Bridesmaid

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BANK OF FLOWERS

Photography The Paper Elephant Dress Bella Bridesmaid

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BELLE FIORI

Photography The Paper Elephant Dress Bella Bridesmaid

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BELLE FIORI Photography The Paper Elephant

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Feature

ST RY

Studio 29 Photography + Design

rain, rain,

DoubleYou Photography

Go Away...

by Libby Wild

I’m sure you have heard the old wives tale, “Rain on your wedding day is good luck!” Even if there is truth to the saying, I’m not sure how many brides actually wish for bad weather on their wedding day? Or, wish that the buttercream on their wedding cake melts because it sat in the sun for too long. Or, wishes that their caterer showed up at the wrong venue. But, it happens. Even with the most meticulous planning, detailing and troubleshooting for anything that could go wrong, things happen!

So, we are here to offer some friendly advice on how to handle the wedding day bloopers with grace and dignity and still have, the most perfect wedding day!

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When It Rains, it Pours

The weather is probably the most unpredictable aspect of wedding planning. No matter how many times you look at the forecast, the weather can change in an instant-especially in Wisconsin! For example, a bride planned her wedding in September with an outdoor ceremony-September is notoriously known for being beautiful with the warm (not hot!) weather and changing colors of the leaves. But, on the this particular day, that was not meant to be. Instead, it sleeted and snowed with a high of 45 degrees. Our advice: don’t stress about the things you can’t control. If you are having an outdoor ceremony or reception, make sure to have a weather back-up. Was moving the ceremony last minute inside the ideal scenario for the bride above, no!, but this is the moment when good planning and patience can change a bad situation into a, still, perfect ceremony and a great story to tell later on!

Buttercream melts...

A wedding cake has been one of the main icons in the wedding industry for years and still is today. It also can be an expensive part of a wedding, so the thought of your cake melting is not even a consideration. However, if a buttercream frosted cake is placed in front of a sunny window or stored in a hot kitchen until the reception, it can melt and melt fast. So, what to do? Make sure to review your options for the location of the cake in your venue and don’t place in front of a vent, window or high traffic area. Also, review the delivery logistics with your baker to make sure that the cake is not delivered too early and it is set on its table within the venue to avoid constant moving where anything can happen!

Who Has the Rings?

With so many details to worry about, many times the rings are one of the details that are overlooked.

A scenario occurred where the bride and groom were ready to exchange vows and when the placing of the rings started, no one had the rings! In the end, it involved a short intermission as the best man ran to the changing room to get the rings where they were patiently waiting!

Our suggestion: always assign someone else to be in charge of the rings the day of your wedding. It is one detail that you should not have to worry which is why you have a best man and maid of honor!

Above are a few instances when things went wrong whether it was unavoidable or just simply forgotten amid the other hundred details that is involved in wedding planning. Our last advice: don’t sweat the small stuff.

Yes, it may not have been perfect, but by the end of the day, you have married your best friend and celebrated that love with your closest friends and family!

The Paper Elephant

Double You Photography

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Capture the

Moments

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Studio 29 Photography + Design, Bottom Left: Heather Cook Elliott Photography Bottom Middle: Studio 29 Photography + Design, Bottom Right: The Paper Elephant Out of all of the pieces of your wedding day, only two will remain after your day has passed: your marriage, of course, and your photos.

Wedding photography is often one of the biggest pieces of a bride’s budget pie. After all, it’s your photographer that you trust with the essential task of preserving your wedding memories. These aren’t just any photos. They’re the ones that will be on the mantle and in the album for years and years; long after Instagram filters have faded away.

One popular trend this year is styled photoshoots after the wedding. More and more, couples are deciding to do shoots the next day, or even later, in their wedding attire instead of spending precious hours on their actual wedding day posing for portraits. Another is that brides are bringing Pinterest boards of photography ideas to meetings. This is a great way for your photographer to understand what kind of photos you’re aiming for, whether they’re traditional and sweet, a little silly, or a mix of both!

Being a wedding photographer is an exhausting job, but it’s also a true passion. After

spending all day at a huge party on Saturday, they’re then editing photos, taking meetings with new clients, and snapping engagement sessions throughout the week. Since photographers have been to many weddings, they can also be helpful when it comes to planning your timeline.

After all, they’ve been to a wedding almost every weekend for the past year! For instance, many photographers suggest doing a first look so there’s plenty of time for photos before the ceremony so the couple can get to cocktail hour on time. Your photographer can help you plan small details like that to help you achieve the best flow for your day.

You should meet with your photographer as soon as you have your wedding date set.

Photographers tend to book very early on, sometimes as early as two years! Once booked, you’ll work together with your photographer to explain the look and feel of your wedding.

Most photographers now require engagement sessions as part of their packages; they’re not only great for Save the Dates and your wedding website, but they’re a time for the photographer

and you to get to know each other and the photographer to learn what you’re comfortable with in terms of angles and poses. Then, you’ll typically meet with or speak to your photographer once more as your wedding date approaches to finalize the details.

Don’t discount a photographer just because they’ve never been to your venue! Most wedding photographers like checking out new venues. Just ask them if they’ll scout the location beforehand, or bring along photos to one of your meetings. They’re professionals— they’ll be able to make do in a new setting! You can also Google “Your venue name + wedding photos” to see other shots brides have had done at your venue and send them along to your photographer for inspiration.

Last but not least, don’t forget about what happens with your photos after the wedding.

Think about whether you want sneak peaks on Facebook, a slideshow viewing party or some simple files sent to your email, and ask what the photographer’s typical post-wedding photo reveal process is.

planning tips How many photographers will be attending the wedding?

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How many hours are in the package?

Can I split the hours up? For instance, day vs night?

How long will it take for me to receive the photographs?

Will I have rights to the photos?

credits

& ABOUT OUR COVERS

Yr Sty

Matters

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photography Films Photo Booth

info@frphoto.com

414-294-0080 VeilMagazine.com

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Tegan Jae THE PAPER ELEPHANT High school sweethearts and new parents, Tegan and Jeremiah, are lucky to share their passion for storytelling with each other. Tegan is the artistic vision behind The Paper Elephant, a company dedicated to creating genuine, romantic and timeless imagery for the modern couple. The namesake is a throwback to when she was a little girl creating silly knock knock jokes about elephants. Jeremiah began second shooting with Tegan early in their relationship and enjoys photography as a creative break from his nursing career. Fifteen years of building their loving relationship has led to a beautiful team dynamic. Although based in the Midwest, they have photographed weddings and engagements across the country, from New York to San Diego.

Their clients attest to the duo’s aesthetic talents and ability to capture the raw emotion and heart-warming moments throughout their special day.

"The pictures are breathtaking!” raves their bride, Sarah. “Tegan and Jeremiah captured the most intimate, beautiful moments of our wedding day. It’s amazing how I can look at the photos and genuinely smile and remember how I was feeling in that moment.”

Tegan and Jeremiah take a storytelling and journalistic approach to preserving the memories of a wedding day. The couple draws on their academic backgrounds to produce classic imagery, deliberately applying the principles of design and inspired by leading lines, depth and rich colors. They strive to remain observers of your wedding day and only intervene when necessary to achieve the artistic vision.

Tegan believes that photographs should timelessly reflect your love, with a focus on the special moments that make your wedding day unique. She explains their philosophy, “The settings and details of a wedding day are

important in telling the story and setting the stage, but the moments are the real story.”

They love photographing the raw emotions, whether it be tears shed from the bride's father as he dances with his little girl, laughter as the maid-of-honor reminds everyone of the bride’s childhood antics, or excitement from the groom as he kisses his bride for the first time.

Easygoing and fun, Tegan and Jeremiah will make sure you feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. Tegan encourages her clients to relax and interact with each other to create genuine moments and real reactions. “I never want my couples to look awkward (unless it's cute awkward) or like posed cake toppers smiling on command. I want them to relax, laugh and remember the experience and excitement every time they look at the images.” She will subtly guide you with prompts and posing to make you look glamorous while allowing your personality to shine through in the photographs.

You can expect to become more than just a client to Tegan.

With the hands-on, personal attention that she provides, Tegan treats her brides as friends from the first meeting until far beyond the final product delivery. She wants to get to know you as an individual and as a couple. Like any good friend, she will be available to discuss wedding ideas or find creative ways to fit photography into your wedding day, encourage you to be yourself, and make sure that you look and feel amazing on your special day. After all, the more comfortable and confident you are, the more beautiful you will look in front of the camera, and the happier you will be with your photos and overall experience.

“THE SETTINGS AND DETAILS OF A WEDDING DAY ARE IMPORTANT IN TELLING THE STORY AND SETTING THE STAGE, BUT THE MOMENTS ARE THE REAL STORY”

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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."

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.” 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 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, 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 VeilMagazine.com

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Ren + Caleb Lenhof STUDIO 29 PHOTOGRAPHY + DESIGN REN AND CALEB make up the extraordinarily talented (and newly married!) Studio 29 Photography team. Having originally met at a wedding and re-finding each other years later at The National concert at Red Rocks, this duo has been inseparable ever since.

Ren has been photographing weddings since 2005 and was excited to use all of her knowledge to plan her own wedding last summer. Together they have worked throughout Wisconsin, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Dubuque, Minneapolis, Baltimore, Michigan, Washington D.C., Florida, and a few events out of the country in Mexico and Jamaica. The couple further indulged their love of travel by honeymooning in Iceland, and this year they’ll be shooting a wedding in the same exotic locale. They particularly love non-traditional weddings and elopements; as off-beat weddings become more and more popular, Ren and Caleb enjoy finding new ways to capture the most important day of their couples’ lives.

In 2014 Ren w as selected as Editors Choice Photographer on Bp4u Photography Resources. She has had "A" rating with the BBB since 2010. Studio 29 has been rated by local brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Pick. Ren also won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for 2015. Their 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.

“Studio 29 is the best!” raves Chris and Gwen Musche. “Ren is not only the sweetest person you'll meet, but her talent and artistic eye for photography is unmatched. The second

my husband had me look at her photos, I knew she would be our photographer. Her service is impeccable! The amazing thing about Ren is that she cares so much about your special day, she listens to what you like and don't like, and she gets to know you as a couple. Ren was able to capture everything we were feeling throughout the day.

Our pictures don't just say one thousand words; they captured the words that our hearts were speaking too.”

Ren and Caleb’s favorite part of being your photographer is that they gain two new friends and get a front-row seat to your raw love story.

To them, photography is not just taking photos; it is about building relationships and playing a special part of milestone moments in others’ lives.

Together they specialize in modern and quirky coverage for creative and inspirational couples, with a style best described as soft, timeless, and genuine. Ren and Caleb thrive in unique wedding settings and are the perfect photographers to capture your non-traditional big day.

Beyond photographing love stories, Ren enjoys working on paintings and calligraphy projects and Caleb is a full-time sales engineer.

Together, they love spending time with their Akita, Kenzo, their plush coat German Shepherd, Vík and their two cats, Yoshi and Lamar, cooking, amateur gardening, renovating their home, motorcycle rides, and traveling.

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 and Caleb of Studio 29 Photography. It will be love at first sight!

“OUR PICTURES DON'T JUST SAY ONE THOUSAND WORDS, THEY CAPTURED THE WORDS THAT OUR HEARTS WERE SPEAKING TOO.”

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Kat Wegrzyniak DOUBLEYOU PHOTOGRAPHY Kat of Double You Photography is inspired by people. As a lifestyle photographer based in Milwaukee, Wis., she likes to observe and document with as little interference as possible. “I have a storytelling and journalistic approach to my photography. I don't try to pose people too much, only when needed for an artsier portrait or for a group formal picture,” Kat says.

Kat always liked taking pictures. She used to shoot on film when she was a teenager, developing it in a dark room her dad created in their house in Poland. But Kat didn’t go into photography right away. She earned her college degree in sociology and says she’s always loved observing people, which lends itself well to her work behind the camera.

Her professional career in photography was born after her kids, Erik and Maya, were. “I was taking more and more pictures of them, and my friend's kids and parties,” Kat says. From there on out, she started learning as much as she could. Kat is mostly self-taught, but has also taken online courses and a photography class at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

Kat has been shooting weddings since 2012, starting out as an apprentice and a second shooter for a Chicago-based wedding photographer, shooting weddings in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. “I worked a few seasons with him and learned a lot!” she says.

Now, as the owner of Double You Photography, Kat brings her own style of photography to the table that is unique and contemporary. “I love natural, ‘in the moment’

sure that they will all be a match together.

A complimentary engagement session is included in every package. “The couple will be more relaxed in front of my camera on their wedding day if we take some photos before!” Kat notes. “Being in front of the camera isn't easy for many people, and it is very important that the bride and groom feel happy, comfortable and relaxed on their wedding day. Happy people equal beautiful images!”

“Getting to know the client and creating good relationships is very important to me,” she continues.

“Everyone has their own unique story and I'm always so happy when a couple trusts me and lets me tell their love story.”

Kat loves working on all types of weddings, including non-traditional, ethnic and elopements. “All settings and details of the wedding are very important. On the wedding day, I'm an engaged witness to your love, with a creative approach.”

For Kat, photography is not just a job, it’s a passion. “I truly love what I do. I think I have the best job I could imagine.”

"PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT JUST A JOB, IT’S MY PASSION. I TRULY LOVE WHAT I DO, I THINK I HAVE THE BEST JOB I COULD IMAGINE. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND IT! " photography, but also love to plan something creative, like a big piece of art that will be printed and hung in the couple's house,” Kat says. “I’m always happy to hear clients’ ideas to create something beautiful, real, romantic and artsy!”

For wedding photography, Kat likes to meet with her couples in person, if possible, to be

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VIDEOGRAPHY

A Living

Keepsake

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room Photography When looking at your budget and scheduling vendors, you may begin to talk yourself out of hiring what some people consider “add ons” to the wedding day. It is easy enough during planning to say that having a videographer is an unnecessary cost, after all you have a photographer, right?

But looking back brides and grooms alike will echo that having a videographer was the best decision they made (or a big mistake if they decided not to). Your wedding will go by quicker than you can image, and as time goes by you will wish you could relive the day over and over again. There is no better way to capture this incredible day and make it livable long after the last dance of the evening than to have this keepsake you can cherish for the rest of your lives. Tony Lopez from Sound By Design Films gives us an eye-opening look at how a videographer can enhance your wedding.

1. What does a videographer capture?

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Every wedding has it’s own love story that deserves to be made into a film. Some of the best moments of a wedding can only be retold through the lens of a videographer’s camera. The video captures the raw emotions of the day that simply cannot be recreated

through pictures or memories. One thing that is often overlooked is how moving vows or speeches from your friends and family can be. We overlay those audio clips in our final films, which is sometimes the most powerful aspect. To hear what a father has to say about

his daughter, all while watching them dance together, is always emotional.

2. What can a couple expect from their videographer? I am there all day to capture as much as possible to re-tell the story of the wedding. Some of the best moments happen at unexpected times of the night. I also feel that our videos can complement the story photographers tell in a distinctive way. I like giving a couple something completely different from their photos that allows them to get a whole different perspective on their wedding. In addition, we try to be as unobtrusive as possible when capturing the day.

3. What does a couple that hires you get? Sound By Design Films has one all-inclusive package designed to give you everything you need for a great videography experience. We work with our couples to find exactly what they are looking for from their video, and then try to tell

their wedding story in a fun and enthusiastic fashion. Our videos really capture those moments and emotions that pictures can’t always tell. We try to limit posing so the films capture the energy that comes from the natural nerves, emotions and celebration making up the beautiful day we are lucky to share. The result is a 20-minute feature film that allows you to relive the biggest moments from the day. In addition, we create a 3to 5-minute film they can share on social media. I even take requests from bride and grooms to make a special package for them.

Anything works for me; I just want to make an exciting film!

4. Talk about the videography experience.

We try to get to know our couples and connect as much as we can throughout the planning. It’s important for our couples to feel comfortable with us so they are natural on the wedding day. I try and learn exactly what the couples are looking to get out of the video so I can capture and create a film that is perfect

for them. On the day of the wedding I just like to have fun with the couple. Everything is professional, but we keep things relaxed.

After the wedding, couples can choose to have a “viewing” with their loved ones at our bar, Camp Bar, when the film is finished. It’s a cool way to celebrate that no other videography company can offer.

5. What happens after the filming is complete? The editing is where all of the magic happens to tell the story. We take all of the captured footage to create a film that is entertaining to watch for everyone. There are hours of footage that we comb through to find the best moments. All weddings have a natural love story, which is important to portray. Throughout the film we use different editing techniques that tie in with the various emotions of the day. During the ceremony and details, you will see scenes and shots that are longer and more dramatic. Later when we are showing the celebration, there is more energy and faster editing. The different techniques and

styles work together to create an amazing film.

6. Why is a videographer valuable to a wedding? Ask recently married couples and you will hear a common regret: “I wish I would’ve hired a videographer.” It’s a different way to experience your wedding. You have all this build up to one day, and it goes by so fast when it’s over. Photographers are a must, but a video complements what you get from those photos in such a unique way. Videos immerse you in your wedding years after it’s over. There is no better way to relive the day than live motion. When you first watch the films after your wedding, you will be excited to see how it turned out. But as your memory fades of the day and years go by, you will love being able to relive your biggest day. You’ll be amazed at the things you forgot happened, how different your friends and family look, how emotional you’ll be to see and listen to a parent’s or friend’s speech, or simply to show your kids someday. You will never regret having a video, but you may regret not having one.

designed specifically for you!

soundbydesign.org • 262.968.9586 • info@soundbydesign.org VeilMagazine.com

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Aww,

Snap!

By Michelle Drewek

Picture this; you are getting ready to enter your wedding ceremony.

Family and friends are gathered together, and your handsome groom is anxiously awaiting your entrance. As the doors open you look down to meet his gaze, only you can’t quite meet his eyes with the flashes of cameras flickering left and right, all while guests peek in and out of the aisle to take that Instagram-worthy shot of you on their phone.

You may have seen the viral photograph on social media an Australian wedding photographer shared. It’s a picture of a groom as he sees his bride for the first time, only he is leaning to look around several guests with their phones up taking pictures of her. What was supposed to be an unforgettable moment between the groom and his bride on their wedding day became a tainted portrait.

Bride-to-be Crystal Halliday cringes at the thought of her groom finding himself in this same scenario after experiencing technology overload first-hand.

“I was sitting at a friend’s wedding and couldn't even see the couple because of all the phones raised up taking photos,” Crystal says. “The only sounds I could hear were the constant shutter snaps of the cell phones and cameras instead of the amazing, hand-written vows my friends were saying to each other. In that moment I knew, without a doubt, I wanted an unplugged ceremony.”

An unplugged ceremony is when a couple asks their guests to leave all phones and cameras tucked away during the ceremony, giving them the opportunity to be present in the moment and allow for your photographer to do their job to the best of their ability. From a practical standpoint, an unplugged ceremony helps to ensure that the pretty penny you put towards finding and hiring the best photographer to capture this special day is well spent. The last thing any bride or groom wants in their wedding photographs are cell phones and camera lenses distracting from what could have been a beautifully capture moment.

While the concept itself is an understandable request to make, you may wonder how to politely execute the unplugged ceremony in a tactful, tasteful manner. Thanks to apps like Pinterest, plenty of ideas already exist online for classy ways to publicize your unplugged ceremony to guests.

Create a cute sign that can be posted at the entrance of your ceremony asking guests to please turn off their devices and enjoy this special moment with you. You can also add it to your wedding website and include a note on the wedding invitations as a way to make sure guests have advanced notice of your expectations. Finally, the officiant can make an announcement prior to the ceremony starting as a final reminder before you make your entrance.

A photograph is worth a thousand words, and creating a plan to ensure that quality shines through with every snap of your photographer’s camera is well worth your attention. It’s an often overlooked detail that could save you and your photographer a lot of headaches while bringing the focus back to what is most important—the intimate union of you and your love.

In the words of Crystal, “When I look out to my friends and family, I want to see their smiles, not their phones.”

The Paper Elephant

“WHEN I LOOK OUT TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY, I WANT TO SEE THEIR SMILES, NOT THEIR PHONES.”

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ADVERTISERS INDEX FLOWERS

BAKERIES The Cake Lady 414-294-4220 cakeladydesigns.com

121

Simma’s Bakery 414-257-0998 simmasbakery.com

120

BARTENDING SERVICE Bartenders On The Go 414-899-6151 bartendonthego.com

43

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES Bella Bridesmaids 414-270-0344 bellabridesmaids.com

103

Bon Bon Belle 262-767-8850 bonbonbelle.com

102

Bucci's Bridal 262-691-9963 buccisbridal.com

102

Stone Manor Bridal 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

101

BRIDAL SHOWS Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride mmbshow.com

65

CALLIGRAPHY Blooming Quill, The 262-268-0525 bloomingquill.com

127

136

Belle Fiori 414-272-2234 bellefioriflorist.com

137

Sazama’s Fine Catering 414-276-2030 sazs.com

Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant 414-765-1166 bacchusmke.com

JEWELERS Craig Husar Fine Diamonds & Jewlery Designs 262-789-8585 lylehusardesigns.com

8

David Liska 69, Custom Jeweler Inside Back Cover 414-278-6000 Custombridaljewelry.net DavidLiskaCustomJeweler.com

MEDICAL SPA 77

L'image Skin Spa 262-785-3100 clinicofcosmeticsurgery.com

Barking Pony Studios 414-302-0778 BarkingPonyBrides.com

55

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

16-19, 155 Back Cover

10, 30, 36

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, The 414-291-3970 journeymanhotel.com

Wingman Formalwear 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

112

Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse 262-790-7005 mrbssteakhouse.com

PHOTO BOOTH RENTALS 16-19, 155 Back Cover

DoubleYou Photography

DoubleYou Photography 414-364-4569 doubleyou-photography.com

Seeboth, The An Urban Destination 414-841-9374 theseeboth.com

30, 38

14-15, 38

14-15, 38

34-35, 40

32, 39, 40

Shully’s Cuisine & Events Thien Room 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

22-23, 32, 40

Turner Hall Restaurant 414-227-0457 414-763-1490 turnerhallrestaurant.com

40

RECEPTION LOCATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY

Front Room Photography 414-294-0080 frphoto.com

EVENT LIGHTING

34-35, 36

Heidel House Resort & Spa 800-444-2812 heidelhouse.com

Milwaukee ChopHouse 414-390-4562 chophouse411.com

22-23, 32, 40

EVENT DÉCOR AND DESIGN

36

Harbor House 414-395-4900 harborhousemke.com

113

32

16-19, 155 Back Cover

30, 34-35, 36

Camp Bar Milwaukee 414-930-9282 Shorewood 414-962-5182 Wauwatosa 414-763-3793 campbarmke.com

Harleys: A Modern Man Store 414-332-3404 shopmodernman.com

ENTERTAINMENT - DJ’S Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

34-35, 36

Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

Mason Street Grill 414-298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com

MEN’S FORMALWEAR

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

CATERERS

Shully’s Cuisine & Events 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

Bank of Flowers 262-253-9111 262-695-9911 bankofflowers.net

PRE & POST NUPTIAL PARTY LOCATIONS

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148-149

Heather Cook Elliott Photography 414-944-1475 HeatherCookElliott.com

151

Studio 29 Photography + Design 414-335-4031 foto-29.com

152

The Paper Elephant 262-923-8343 thepaperelephant.com

150

Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant 414-765-1166 bacchusmke.com

34-35, 36

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin 30, 34-35 414-765-8610 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange 30, 34-35 414-727-6980 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

30, 34-35, 36

CONTINUED --->

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Grand Geneva Resort & Spa 800-558-3417 GrandGeneva.com

30

Heidel House Resort & Spa 800-444-2812 heidelhouse.com

10, 30, 36

Milwaukee Art Museum 414-224-3287 mam.org

Inside Front Cover 1, 32

Milwaukee Public Museum 414-278-6997 mpm.edu/weddings Pfister , The 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

32, 33

River Club of Mequon 262-242-1400 riverclubofmequon.com Saint Kate 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com Seeboth, The An Urban Destination 414-841-9374 theseeboth.com

War Memorial Center 414-273-5533 warmemorialcenter.org

31-32

RENTALS-LINENS Windy City Linen 224-279-1500 x7 windycitylinen.com

47

SALONS & SPAS Hair By Smash hairbysmash.com

81

Halo Salon 414-272-4256 halomilwaukee.com

80

High Brow Boutique 414-967-7330 highbrowwaxing.com

84-85

VIDEOGRAPHY Sound By Design Films 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

16-19, 155 Back Cover

Sweet Pea Cinema 262-227-6134 sweetpeacinema.com

5, 32

156

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNERS 20-21, 32

6-7, 32

14-15

32, 39, 40

Studio 29 Photography + Design

160

22-23, 32, 40

14-15, 32

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 414-PAYSBIG (729-7244) paysbig.com/meetings Ramhorn Farm 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

Shully’s Cuisine & Events The Watermark 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Dynamic Events by David Caruso 414-283-0050 dynamiceventsinc.com

Front Room Photography

RENTALS-PARTY/RECEPTION EQUIPMENT Canopies Events with Distinction 414-760-0770 canopiesevents.com événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

52-53

événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

12-13

20-21, 32

20-21, 32

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For 30 years I’ve enjoyed the privilege of transforming family heirlooms & precious memories into timeless works of art for generations to come. Custom work is attainable for everyone, the experience allows you to design & create a piece that is tailored to your budget.

I love being part of the special moments in my client’s lives and helping them through the creative process to create a custom piece that they can treasure and share for a life time.

I invite you to come and capture the moment

Specializing in Custom Bridal and Redesign Downtown Milwaukee by appointment only 414.278.6000 | custombridaljewelry.net

sound by design

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designed specifically for you: DJ • LIGHTING • PHOTO BOOTH • FILMS soundbydesign.org • 262.968.9586 • info@soundbydesign.org