Veil Magazine Jan/Feb 2018 by Veil Magazine

WISCONSINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEDDING MAGAZINE January/ February 2018

things we

LOVE our favorite

finds

for him, her and them

$5.99 Made in America

REAL LOVE STORIES Hometown IS WHERE THEheart is

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the perfect location Your commitment of loveâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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! On behalf of the entire Veil family, we want to say congratulations. Being in love is an extraordinary feeling, and this is an exciting time of your life as you plan your wedding and venture into matrimony. Cheers to the incredible journey that is marriage and Welcome! On behalf of the entire Veil Magazine family, we want to say congratulations! Being in love is an extraordinary feeling, and this is an exciting time of your life as you plan your wedding and venture into matrimony. 16 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

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

OUR TEAM TERRI BLAHNIK

MALLORY STOLTZ

Favorite Wedding Movie: Runaway Bride

Favorite Wedding Movie: The Wedding Singer

Favorite Wedding Song: Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

Favorite Wedding Song: Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Creative Director

Favorite Flower: White Daisy Favorite Wedding Memory: I love looking at the groom's reaction when he sees his bride for the first time.

Lead Graphic Designer

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.

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.

CLAIRE SWINARSKI | Writer Favorite Wedding Movie: 27 Dresses Favorite Wedding Song: Forever Like That by Ben Rector Favorite Flower: Anemones Favorite Wedding Memory: Our giddy toast with the wedding party right after the ceremony!

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.

ALYSSA LABARBERA | Social Media, Dapper LLC. Favorite Wedding Movie: Father of the Bride Favorite Wedding Song: Then by Brad Paisley Favorite Flower: Tulip Favorite Wedding Memory: Getting engaged in front of the Eiffel Tower!

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about us

& OUR COVERS

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

January/February 2018

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

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Denise M. Liles

VICE PRESIDENT & CFO Weldon R. Liles

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Alissa & Aaron MARRIED November 5th, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design UNVEILED LOVE STORY page 34

March/April 2018

Donald F. Hurtikant II

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Terri Blahnik

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mallory Stoltz

FASHION STYLING & PRODUCTION Terri Blahnik and Mallory Stoltz

MANAGING EDITOR Michelle Drewek

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah & Taylor MARRIED July 1st, 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Cook Elliott Photography UNVEILED LOVE STORY page 56

May/June 2018

Michelle Drewek Caroline Blair Carolyn Fraser Claire Swinarski Jon Murrish Jessica Pairrett Laura Vietmeyer Sharon Knott

CUSTOM CALLIGRAPHY SERVICES Debie Zeinert, The Blooming Quill

SOCIAL MEDIA Alyssa LaBarbera, Dapper LLC.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Front Room Photography frphoto.com Heather Cook Elliott Photography HeatherCookElliott.com Studio 29 Photography + Design foto-29.com The Paper Elephant thepaperelephant.com *Covers change semi-monthly, content changes bi-annually.

Elizabeth & Brad MARRIED July 22nd, 2017 PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room Photography UNVEILED LOVE STORY page 86

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

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.

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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.

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

WISCONSINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEDDING MAGAZINE

TABLE OF

FEATURES & FASHION 32 What To Do Before "I Do" 82 Acing Email Etiquette 88 Regal Opulence 98 J'adore Boudoir 102 Bridal Fashion and Puppies 124 Finding the Perfect Mate 134 For the Love of Dogs 150 What's In a Name 154 First Look 188 Aww, Snap!

BE INSPIRED 66 Wedding Decor 116 What I Love About Me 144 Wedding Cakes & Pastries 164 Floral Bouquets

CONTENTS

102 ONSITE & UPCLOSE 5 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 6 River Club of Mequon 8 Lyle Husar Designs 10 Heidel House Resort & Spa 12 Dynamic Events By David Caruso 14 Marcus Weddings 16 Sound By Design 20 The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel 22 événement planning 24 Shully's Cuisine & Events 26 White Dress Bridal Boutique 28 Saz's Hospitality Group 30 Historic Pritzlaff

EVERY ISSUE 2 Letter from the Publisher & Our Team 4 About Our Covers 38,40 Reception Site Directory 46,48,50 Party Locator 191,192 Advertiser’s Index

BRIDAL SHOWS 77 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

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

TABLE OF

36 UNVEILED LOVE STORIES 34 Alissa & Aaron 56 Sarah & Taylor 72 Alyssa & Joe 86 Elizabeth & Brad 100 Stefanie & Doug 122 Maggie & Ben 138 Jessica & Drew 146 Danielle & Joslyn 156 Crystal & Mathew 172 Mallory & Stephen 186 Melanie & Danny

140 64 Wedding DÃ©cor & Design 76 The Ultimate Wedding Resource 78 Making it Official 80 The Perfect Beginning 84 Circle of Love 92 Embrace & Enhance your Beauty 94 A-List Aesthetics 110 Dressed in Love 114 The Anatomy of a Wedding Gown 130 The Art of Manliness 140 Delicious and Sweet

DETAILS

CONTENTS

146 148 Personally Penned Mementos 152 Wild About Words 158 Every Petal Counts 174 Secrets Behind the Lens 182 A Living Keepsake 184 Explore New Horizons

163

36 Entertaining your Guests In Style 47 Prepare, Party & Plan 52 Mixing up Custom Cocktails 54 Crafting the Perfect Blend 58 Layered and Covered in Quality 60 Under One Canopy VeilMagazine.com

Though the wedding day may be “The Big Day,” a wedding is an event spread over weeks and months for many brides and grooms. Bachelor parties, wedding showers and rehearsal dinners require excellent locations, and none are better than those from Marcus Restaurant Group: Mason Street Grill, Kil@wat, Milwaukee ChopHouse, Miller Time Pub & Grill and SafeHouse®. Though helping shape a wedding is never a simple task, having great restaurants certainly makes the work of Kerry Doyne, Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Private Dining Sales Manager, a little easier. “Our restaurants offer different experiences for brides and grooms looking for special ways to celebrate,” Doyne said. “The private dining rooms, unique in décor and size, create a personal setting for a memorable experience that is truly theirs.” For pre-wedding parties and postwedding receptions, The Pfister Hotel — Milwaukee’s premier hotel — has plenty to offer. Located adjacent to the hotel, Mason Street Grill has three private dining rooms that can fit up to 40 guests. For spectacular sights, nothing beats Blu, The Pfister’s 23rd floor lounge. “Mason Street Grill’s private dining rooms are equipped with complimentary flat screen TVs and menus everyone will enjoy,” Doyne said. “Follow dinner with cocktails in Blu to enjoy the best views of the city.” Next to Hilton Milwaukee you’ll find Milwaukee ChopHouse, which is tailormade for one last night with the guys. “The private dining room seats up to 30 guests and is perfect for a pre-bachelor party dinner,” Doyne said. “Our chef can even create a special menu for you featuring your favorite beer pairings.” Looking for a spark? Look no further than Kil@wat, located on InterContinental Milwaukee’s second floor. “The Loft [at Kil@wat] is perfect for a reception or casual brunch,” Doyne said. “Its location makes this a great venue for a wedding shower, the complimentary flatscreen TV is perfect for pictures or videos of the couple-to-be, and the sunny décor makes a great daytime setting for a giftopening brunch.” Contact Kerry Doyne, Marcus Hotels & Resorts Private Dining Sales Manager, at kerrydoyne@marcushotels.com.

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WHAT CAN YOUR VENUE DO FOR YOU? HOW TO PICK A PLACE THAT GOES BEYOND THE BALLROOM WHERE’S THE WEDDING? No doubt people started asking you this question faster than you could say fiancée. You may not have an answer yet, and that’s OK. When it comes time to lock in your location, remember that the best venues are more than just a pretty space. Consider everything the property can offer to make it unique to you.

THE INTERCONTINENTAL MILWAUKEE Maximize the mingling by hosting your cocktail hour at Gallerie M, an intimate space featuring local art. Then, take it to the next level with tasting stations featuring unique concoctions, and passed appetizers to boot. We can even develop recipe cards for each drink as a party favor.

At Marcus Hotels & Resorts, that sort of added value is second nature. Need a creative food and beverage idea? That’s our bread and butter. Want that signature hairstyle for your bridesmaids? Leave it to the ladies at the WELL Spa + Salon. Our three hotels in downtown Milwaukee pull together tremendous resources, experience and personnel to customize your celebration.

Each hotel is home to majestic ballrooms that have seen weddings come to life in the most spectacular ways. “Our hotels offer a variety of style options which suit the needs of traditional brides and modern brides alike,” says Sydney Waisanen, Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Regional Director of Catering Sales. “We look forward to welcoming you and your guests with our gracious Marcus hospitality.”

THE PFISTER HOTEL Reserve the Orchid Room at the WELL Spa + Salon to use as a home base the day of your wedding. The bride and her ‘maids can come and go as they please, enjoying our elite mani/pedi and hair styling services, along with custom breakfast and lunch packages throughout the day. THE HILTON MILWAUKEE CITY CENTER When dinner is done, give the bar a bold makeover. In addition to the standard cocktails, consider a round of boozy ice cream floats courtesy of the historic Monarch Lounge. Couple that with a custom buffet of late-night snacks straight from our creative kitchen.

The above examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to customizing your big day. For more inspiration and information on each property, visit MarcusWeddings.com

Sydney Johnson Waisanen MARCUS HOTELS & RESORTS REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF CATERING sydneywaisanen@marcushotels.com

WHERE BRIDAL DREAMS COME TRUE Elegance awaits at our three distinct, distinguished, downtown wedding venues. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning a traditional or contemporary celebration, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the settings and service to make your wedding day a magical one. MarcusWeddings.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

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

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

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W E D D I N G S AT T H E K I M P T O N JOURNEYMAN HOTEL Looking for a wedding venue that is perfect for you? The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee’s Third Ward has the flair that you’ve been imagining since the day you said “Yes!” From a fun-loving rooftop bar and restaurant to a beautiful chandelierbedecked lobby, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel focuses on giving Midwest brides their dream day. A big part of their recipe for success lies in Kim Casey, their Director of Catering, and Heather Terhune, their Executive Chef. Kim focuses on the couple’s story as the main ingredient for an amazing celebration. “This is the first big party they will host together as a couple. No other one will be quite like it, which can create pressure,” Kim says. “I encourage them to stay true to their personalities individually and as a couple, which can keep their vision from straying.” If delicious food is high on your list of musts for your wedding day, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel has an expertise for cuisine. The bride and groom work together with Kim and Executive Chef Heather Terhune to create a menu that will wow their guests. It can include anything from family recipes to elegant, multicourse dinners. After a conversation with the couple, Heather will give them a food and wine tasting to ensure the meal will meet their expectations and suit their tastes. No two weddings are the same, and the staff at The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel knows that your wedding–and its menu–needs to be unique to you and your guests. Heather has been with Kimpton for over 18 years. After working at The Watergate Hotel’s famed Jean Louis restaurant under three-star rated Michelin chef Jean Louis Palladin, she fell in love with French cooking and its tendency towards simple-yet-scrumptious food. “Weddings give us the opportunity to make a special day even more memorable,” Heather details. “We pride ourselves on restaurant-quality appetizers, entrees and desserts just served on a larger scale. Although this venue is not a freestanding restaurant, we can still achieve the same results. We do this by using our techniques and high quality of ingredients.”

In terms of photo-ready locations, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel boasts a fantastic collection of spaces and views. Some of their reception venues include the Assembly Hall, a stunning ballroom fit for beautiful events, or the Atelier and Heirloom Rooms, which overlook Broadway Street and can be used for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as well as rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and post-wedding brunches. The hotel also offers the Founders Room, a ninth floor venue with an outdoor terrace that features sweeping views of the lakefront and Third and Fifth ward landscapes. Onsite restaurant Tre Rivali is also perfect for rehearsal dinners and breakfast. Guests can also stay onsite at the hotel, making transportation as easy as their own two feet. From the rehearsal to the gift opening, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel will serve as the perfect venue for your wedding weekend festivities. “Our goal is to exceed expectations for this oncein-a-lifetime moment whether it be one event or multiple events during their wedding weekend,” Kim says. “We want you and your celebration to be the center of attention. Let the experts take good care of you and embrace all that can happen when in their hands. Our team is the catalyst for this. We may be a new hotel, but our staff is rich with an extensive history and background in hospitality.” With all of these options afforded to you, along with Kim’s background in hospitality and Chef Heather’s flair for food, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel and their staff make this the perfect place to help your wedding sail smoothly. “What I truly enjoy is the big picture aspect of the day,” Kim said. “All of the work that goes into planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart. But when one sees everything start to unfold and all of the joy and energy starts to swirl–it really pulls at my heartstrings. I love stepping back and seeing the end results knowing that I have poured as much into a couple and their wishes as I can.”

Heather focuses on serving food that’s in season, which gives it the utmost quality flavor. “The best part of my job is having a vision on the cuisine and seeing how that translates to our guests. When someone loves what I am doing, that is when I know if have done the right thing for them. It is validation of all of our hard work.”

Guests are welcomed to their room by a friendly ceramic pup of varying breeds and names.

For more details visit www.journeymanhotel.com 310 East Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 5320 main: 414.291.3970 | reservations: 888.536.9008 | #JourneymanHotel

Lobby, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Assembly Hall Prefunction, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Crowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nest, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

Living Room, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

A Passion for Planning by Laura Vietmeyer

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! Get to know us! (below images left to right)

Elizabeth Neupauer -

Elizabeth is our Interior Designer event professional and now with événement for over 4 years. She is not afraid to mix and match and make bold choices in order for any event to be that much more special. She enjoys being able to take stress off the clients so they can enjoy the process and event.

Amanda Bird -

Amanda has worked in this industry for over 15 years. Amanda believes that in every event should be perfect, no matter the budget. She is known for her honesty and candor when it comes to helping people plan their perfect event and does not promise what she cannot deliver.

Erin Hochevar -

Erin has been pleasing people also for more than 15 years! Erin is known for saying, “meeting and event planning is more than planning fabulous parties. It takes focus, organization, creativity and patience. Plan and prepare what you can, so you can handle the unexpected with grace”.

Anne Radtke -

Working in the business now going on 11 + years clients appreciate Anne’ s calm demeanor throughout the planning process and her attention to detail the day of. Her goal is to transform the client’s vision into the ultimate guest experience.

Maya Romboy -

Maya has a broad background in the world of planning going on 10+ years. She brings an incredible amount of talent, experience, and creativity to ensure your event will exceed your greatest expectations. THIS PAGE ROBYN VINING PHOTOGRAPHY

design

262.617.8826

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plan

consult

evenementplanning.com

MAISON MEREDITH PHOTOGRAPHY

BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY

CRAIG JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY

LEO AND JENNY 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

PHOTO BY MOLLY MICHEL | M THREE STUDIO

whitedressmilwaukee.com by appointment only 414-897-7208

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

CATERING TO ROMANCE

Saz's Catering Saz's State House Restaurant CREATING WORLD CLASS CUISINE AT STUNNING WISCONSIN LOCATIONS

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

THE STATE ROOM - CASUAL ELEGANCE THAT IS PERFECT FOR BRIDAL SHOWERS AND REHEARSAL DINNERS

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

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

SAZ'S CATERING 5420 WEST STATE STREET MILWAUKEE, WI 53208 414.256.8765 | SAZS.COM

SAZ'S STATE HOUSE RESTAURANT 5539 WEST STATE STREET MILWAUKEE, WI 53208 414.453.2410 | SAZS.COM

Sazama's Fine Catering

Saz's Catering Lake Country

AT THE MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Saz's Catering Lake Country calls the beautiful banquet facilities at Western Lakes Golf Club home, but also caters to choice locations and private homes throughout Waukesha and Pewaukee, and west to Madison. You will find many beautiful settings for your wedding photography, and the golf course offers a stunning backdrop for your reception through the expansive floor-to-ceiling picture windows in the banquet room.

Sazama's Fine Catering at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts will make your wedding day spectacular and stress free, with exceptional cuisine, impressive service and attention to detail. The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts offers an outstanding setting along the Milwaukee River and has a variety of spaces that can accommodate almost any size guest list. For a special touch, enjoy cocktails and appetizers al fresco on the Fitch Garden Patio, Riverfront, or Colonnade. SAZAMA'S FINE CATERING 929 NORTH WATER STREET MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 414.276.2030 | SAZAMAS.COM

EXCLUSIVE CATERER FOR WESTERN LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

SAZ'S CATERING LAKE COUNTRY W287 N1963 OAKTON ROAD PEWAUKEE, WI 53072 262.961.9796 | SAZS.COM

H ISTORIC PRI TZLAFF

Special thanks to Front Room Photography

Special thanks to Dynamic Events

Inside or out. A few dozen or hundreds. We don’t just hold events, we host happenings. Welcome to the Historic Pritzlaff. Constructed in 1875 and recently renovated, the Pritzlaff has been transformed into a breath taking example of not only what was, but what can be. With 4 unique spaces your guest will be surrounded by Victorian era arched windows and gritty cream city brick. Above, you’ll find industrial age beamed ceilings curiously supported by elegant wood beams.

Special thanks to Heather Cook Elliott

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

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

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.

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

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Front Room Photography

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.

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.

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.

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.

Front Room Photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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.

If you feel lost or in need of some guidance, we offer page after page of valuable information and quality vendors within the pages of Veil Magazine. You can also find us online at VeilMagazine. com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for hundreds of articles, advice and daily inspiration to carry you through from “Yes” to “I Do.” We would love to hear about your wedding day and all the wonderful details that went into it. Learn how to enter our UnVeiled Love Story contest online, and you could be featured in a future issue of Veil Magazine!

Studio 29 Photography + Design

unVeiled LOVE STORY

alissa & aaron married 11.05.16

COVER COUPLE

Veil Advertisers COCKTAIL HOUR, RECEPTION DJ & CHAIR RENTALS

Sound By Design PHOTOGRAPHY

Studio 29 Photography + Design RECEPTION LOCATION & WEDDING CAKE:

Empire Ballroom at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center REHEARSAL DINNER

Camp Bar – Shorewood Bridesmaids Dress Nordstrom Ceremony Location: St. Robert Catholic Church Flowers: Marisu Bell Floral & Events Guest Favors: We made a donation in our guests name to the Lone Survivor Foundation Hair & Makeup: Eye Do Hair and Makeup Honeymoon Location: New York City Jewelry: Pearl bracelet gift from my God-mother, earrings - Stella & Dot, shoes - Badgley Mischka Officiant: Father Steve Avella Videography: Character D Wedding Gown: Vera’s House of Bridals

DIY MOMENT Alissa’s mother-in-law made all of the table numbers, which consisted of small mirrors with embossed gold numbers and floral centerpieces.

Hometown is Where the Heart Is by Carolyn Fraser

Alissa and Aaron grew up in the same small, farming town. Although their paths crossed on several occasions, it wasn’t until after college that fate brought the two together. When Alissa moved to Milwaukee, she connected with Aaron, and they fell in love. On November 5, 2016, the hometown sweethearts tied the knot. ESPECIALLY US Aaron: Alissa gives the best hugs in the world. The first time she hugged me, it felt like we had known each other our whole lives. I always say that hug felt like “home.”

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

INTIMATE PROPOSAL I walked into our living room and saw a bunch of roses and champagne set on ice. Aaron told me how much he loves me, and asked me to marry him. Later that night, we celebrated at Flannery’s — the location of our first date — at a surprise engagement party with both families. KEY RESOURCES Aaron’s mother, an interior decorator, created the centerpieces and several décor items. Also, Alissa’s friend and bridesmaid, Danielle, is a graphic artist and designed the programs. WEDDING STYLE Classic, elegant city wedding, accented by a champagne, gold and ivory color palette. A subtle sparkle shone through on many aspects of the wedding day. The bridesmaid dresses were an elegant champagne gold color that set the tone for the décor. Linens on the cake table, gift card table and guest book table were also champagne with sequin beading. WORTH EVERY PENNY The Photography & Videography: “We had such great vendors, and the pictures and video are something that we will cherish for years to come. Now we can look back on our wedding day and remember every detail.” The Venue: “The décor in the Hilton’s Empire room fit perfectly with our theme. It looked like a ballroom straight out of the White House!” The DJ: “Our DJ absolutely KILLED it. He kept the party going from the first dance until midnight. Sound by Design is the best!” BRIDAL ENSEMBLE Gown: Trumpet style with a combination of lace and beading. Veil: Classic, elegant cathedral veil with a double layer. Shoes: Badgley Mischka. Headpiece: Beaded headband for the reception. Jewelry: Beautiful, subtle accessories to pair with Alissa’s glamorous dress, veil and headpiece. A pearl bracelet from Alissa’s godmother, and Stella and Dot earrings. THE CEREMONY Aaron: I have to admit, I really did not think that I would cry at the wedding, but Alissa looked absolutely beautiful walking down the aisle. Between that and having all of the most important people in our lives there for our wedding day, it was definitely an emotional moment for me. PERSONAL TOUCH Alissa’s grandparents have won the ‘generations dance’ at every wedding for years. “It’s become a tradition now for our family on my mom’s side to do the generations dance at our weddings and watch them win every time. They won at our wedding with 66 years of marriage!” FUNNY MOMENTS Melanie, a bridesmaid, donned an old Ray Allen Bucks jersey halfway through her speech. Everyone loved it! ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES There is only so much you can do to prepare, and some things can only be done last minute. This can be stressful at times, but try your best to stay organized, and you will remember everything you need to do. Also, keep a little bit of everything after the wedding. I held onto one of almost everything, even our napkins, in our keepsake box. Otherwise, those little details could be easily forgotten over time. Years from now, you will love looking back on it all! ADVICE FOR COUPLES Marriage is a major life transition. You are creating a new family with your spouse, but also want to maintain some of your own independence. Make sure to always put each other at the top of your priority list.

details

RECEPTIONS

Entertaining your guests

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

continued on page 41

Planning Tips What vendors are we Do you have required to utilize, a dedicated and what other professional that will vendors do you be working with us? recommend? Is there a back-up contact as well?

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

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

What's the What are the food cancellation policy? and beverage And, what is the minimums, and what penalties come with last possible date that we can make not meeting those changes? minimums?

VeilMagazine.com

ballroom tent

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin

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RECEPTION SITE DIRECTORY 1000

75+

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44,45

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

425

75+

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44,45

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

300

75+

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44,45

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

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

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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.

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”’.

your perfect BACKDROP

Heidel House Resort & Spa

  

Imagine saying “I do.” along the shoreline

300

800.444.2812 heidelhouse.com

Comments

varies

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

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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14,15

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

414.276.1234 milwaukee.regency.hyatt.com

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

414.291.3970 journeymanhotel.com

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

800

350

150

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varies

call

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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 30, 31 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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call

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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.

14,15

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.

20,21

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

VeilMagazine.com

quadracci pavilion

Milwaukee Art Museum

hotel ballroom

The Pfister

hotel & venue ballroom

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

farm barn & tent

Ramhorn Farm

414.224.3287 mam.org

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

country club

400

call

1200 varies

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call

414.847.7891 paysbig.com/meetings

262.617.8826

evenementplanning.com

River Club of Mequon 262.242.1400 x 211 riverclubofmequon.com

ballroom

400

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RECEPTION SITE DIRECTORY

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

barn 100 varies tent 500

500

2200

call

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golf club banquet

414.276.2030 sazamas.com

Saz's Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club

375

varies

venue rents for $2500$2750

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urban event space

The Seeboth An Urban Event Destination

venue ballroom

262.691.9796 westernlakes.com

Shully's Cuisine & Events The Watermark

414.841.9374 theseeboth.com

200

375

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6,7

venue ballroom

414.273.5533 warmemorialcenter.org

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

300

call

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Whether you are planning an intimate wedding or a grand-scale party for 1,000 guests, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino has exquisite rooms to meet your every need. Our professional catering managers are ready to help you create an unforgettable event that perfectly suites your style. Ramhorn is like no other Farm in Wisconsin! Ramhorn is piece of Wisconsin history located just 30 minutes north of Milwaukee. It is a collection of southeast Wisconsin buildings from the early to mid 1800’s, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

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.

Sazama's Fine Catering has professional staff with extensive experience in creating beautiful wedding receptions, high profile corporate 28, 29 events, and dazzling social affairs. We are known for exceptional cuisine, impressive service, and unwavering attention to detail.

Saz's at Western Lakes Golf Club is perfect for banquets, weddings, golf outings, corporate events, 28, 29 holiday parties, anniversaries, award ceremonies, graduations, and retirement parties. Full-service buffets, plated, hors d'oeuvres, and beverage service.

24,25

262.242.6633 shullyscuisine.com

War Memorial Center

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

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.

22,23

  

call

IFC, 1

Comments

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.

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.

The Paper Elephant

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, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Weddings are more magical with a VUE. HYATT REGENCY MILWAUKEE 333 W. Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203 414.276.1234 milwaukee.regency.hyatt.com The HYATT trademark and related marks are trademarks of the Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates. ÂŠ Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

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The Paper Elephant Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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 Front Room Photography

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

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 Front Room Photography

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. The Paper Elephant

A celebration is good. An ‘I Do’ come true in the romantic Midwestern countryside is Grand. Don’t settle for simply good. Make life grand at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.

THE MIDWEST’S PREMIER VACATION DESTINATION

GrandGeneva.com

7036 Grand Geneva Way | Lake Geneva, WI 53147 | (800) 558 - 3417

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 : 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

150

American Cuisine

Milwaukee

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

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

Prepare,

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design 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. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve compiled a Party Directory to help guide your search for the perfect venue, no matter the occasion, but first read on to learn more about what you should be considering along the way. First, consider how many people will be in attendance. You want to make sure that the space that is chosen to host the event will comfortably fit the guest list. Comfortably means making sure there is not only enough space to seat everyone, but also enough room for mingling and any activities that may take place. If you are having a bridal luncheon, for example, people will mostly be sitting at their tables or casually standing nearby to chat with other guests. At a bridal shower, however,

at opposite ends of the spectrum. You want to have a location that no only is conducive to the atmosphere you want your party to have, but that your party is also conducive to that space. A third thing to consider is the amenities. Things like bar service, entertainment and food offerings may be what makes or breaks your decision to opt for or against a location. Venues all have their own rules when it comes to caterers and bartenders. Before hiring a catering company, find out the rules of the venue you are using. They may require you use their in-house catering/menu or a caterer they directly contract with. If you are keen on having a particular caterer, then your search for a location knowing what you you may need to look at a different location if will need to accommodate for so the venue can your first choice has specific regulations. Bartenders are a similar topic to discuss. Do tell you what will and will not work. Next, consider the atmosphere. The type of they have specific bartenders you can hire, or mood you will be setting with a bridal luncheon do you need to hire outside bartenders. What versus a bachelorette party will most likely be types of fees are associated with using the bar space for a gift table will also need to be accounted for, as well as enough space for the gift opening to take place in. Likewise, a wedding reception will need to not only accommodate for guests and a gift table, but also a bar and dance floor. Go into

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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

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

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

13 Steak Seafood

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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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

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 Milwaukee

200

call

Catered

shully ' s cuisine

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

& events - thien room

Thiensville

$$$

Continental Cuisine

Milwaukee

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.

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

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

details

BARTENDING SERVICE

Mixing up Custom

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,

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

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 guests will be served a properly mixed martini has perfected. “It’s a custom craft,” he with the same suave service you’d find at a explains. “And it’s why we do custom beverage packages as well - no two weddings are the same.” high scale bar. Couples can pick their preferred types of Gary recommends that couples look for several key factors when vetting options for liquor, wine and beer to be served according beverage services. Check if the company is to their budget and personal preferences. qualified employees who really want to be there,” Gary divulges. Bartenders on the Go is more than just a bartending service, and in fact, is practically a one-stop shop for your event, offering wedding consultations and menu design in addition to guaranteeing your

PHOTOGRAPHY Top Middle: Craig John Photography, 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

details

COFFEE CATERING

Crafting the

by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Cook Elliott Photography When it comes to your wedding meal, you’re probably focused on the main course, the cake, or your signature drink. But if you want to add a kick of caffeine and be a bit more outside the box, having a custom espresso bar can up the ante and add an unexpected treat for your guests. It’s pretty common to have coffee served after your meal, but it’s typically just plain brewed joe. By having a custom espresso bar, you can serve your guests lattes, mochas, or cappuccinos in specialty flavors for a whole new after-dinner caffeine experience. When Ryan Mason opened Roast Coffee Catering 10 years ago, it started as a small retail coffee location. But Roast Coffee Catering is now the premier coffee and espresso bar catering company in Wisconsin and has taken the wedding scene by storm. In 2009, they were asked to provide espresso bar service for a corporate event, and after hearing the suggestion from a wedding

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

photographer to start catering weddings, Mason took the notion and ran with it. Brides and grooms routinely want to provide a unique service at their reception that leaves guests talking, and a coffee bar serviced by professional

baristas with made-to-order drinks and specialty concoctions is always a huge hit. As everything is about the details, Roast Coffee Catering uses local ingredients whenever possible. The baristas at the Roast Coffee

Catering have been trained in the art of espresso preparation, how to properly steam milk and offer the best customer service. Roast also makes sure there are no hidden costs in the paperwork. This means every couple knows that their mocha infused-drink is included, as is delivery and set-up, all in one bill. That kind of level and attention to detail is required when handling many people while still keeping the orders straight and the quality of the product perfect. Why should brides consider having an espresso bar at their wedding? “Coffee is such an overlooked piece at any wedding. To do a specialty espresso bar is something that a lot of caterers don’t offer, and that’s where we fit in. It’s a great tie between the after-dinner dessert and dancing. It’s something that people don’t typically see and when they do, they’re really impressed by it. Having an espresso bar also helps people get up

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Manning Photography

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Ryan Mason ROAST COFFEE CATERING after the meal and start dancing. “Any bride can have coffee at their wedding, but we love doing weddings where coffee means something to the bride. Either brides who met their grooms in a coffee shop, or they both work at a coffee shop, or coffee is just part of their story. It can be a unique way to add that bit of personality to your wedding. “Brides also use the coffee bar as their wedding favor a lot. Instead of having a throwaway item on the table, your guests can have a custom beverage that they can enjoy then and there.” What kinds of drinks does Roast Coffee Catering offer at weddings? “We stay away from plain brewed coffee,

because that’s what catering companies handle. Our drinks are meant to add a culinary touch to the meal. We make a roseberry latte, which is strawberry and rosemary. We do a sweet ginger latte, which has hints of ginger and vanilla. We do harvest lattes in the fall. One of our packages offers custom latte flavors that we work with the bride to create, if they want to add in their favorite flavor or match it to their wedding cake. We really do a wide range of beverages.” What should brides know about budgeting for an espresso bar? “Most brides view having an espresso bar as a luxury item, but it’s not as expensive as you might think it is. We have two different

packages and can work with a bride to make it as affordable as possible. Also, by having a custom espresso bar, you could be driving down the cost of an open bar since some people may choose coffee over a cocktail.” What have brides said about having a custom espresso bar? “Brides absolutely rave about it. I’ve had brides tell me that having a coffee bar was a non-negotiable at their wedding. They say their guests are still talking about it months after their wedding — you don’t see it very often, so when you do, it’s something that guests remember.”

CREATING THE

PERFECT COFFEE

wedd ing!

FOR YOUR

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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

unVeiled LOVE STORY

sarah & taylor married 07.01.17

Veil Advertisers FLOWERS

Belle Fiori

OVERNIGHT GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

The Pfister Hotel

PHOTOGRAPHY

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

WEDDING GOWN SALON

White Dress Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses: Various Stores Ceremony Location: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum Hair: Danielle Catalano (ridesmaid) Honeymoon Location: Italy & Greece Officiant: John Garrett (Groom’s father) Reception Location: Wisconsin Club Wedding Cake: The Cake Lady Wedding Planning & Design: Tailored Engagements

COVER WORTH EVERY PENNY We both agree that our photographer, Heather Cook Elliott, was worth every single penny. She did such a great job.

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

As Long As I Have You by Michelle Drewek

It was blizzarding on Christmas night 2015 at Taylor’s family celebration in Denver. As everyone gathered together in the tiny cabin perched on the foothills, Taylor announced he had a special present prepared for Sarah, and he began to recite a poem about the story of their relationship. Halfway through Sarah realized what was happening and was elated as she accepted. “The snow, the fire in the hearth, and the body heat from everyone being crammed into a one-bedroom cabin made for a very soul-warming proposal indeed,” Taylor reminisces.

WHAT MADE YOU “THE ONE” Sarah: Taylor treated me better than anyone in my life had ever treated me. He gave me care and attention, and showed and told me all the time how he felt about me. Just thinking about it still makes me smile and want to cry a little. Taylor: I knew that Sarah was the central pillar I wanted to build the rest of my life around. She was the constant and the priority, the only unanswered question about my future that I knew the answer to. The rest of the answers didn’t really matter. KEY RESOURCE Our wedding planner, Amanda Felsman of Tailored Engagements, was incredibly helpful. I was the first of my family and friends to get married so we needed a lot of advice! MUST-HAVE DETAIL Late-night food, a band and an open bar; our biggest priority was that our guests had a great time, and I think we succeeded! BIGGEST SURPRISE I quickly learned that in order to make any big decision, I had to make 25 little decisions first. This was tough to manage while trying to focus on grad school at the same time. PERSONAL TOUCH Taylor: It was really special to have my dad officiate the wedding. He took such care in asking us questions beforehand and crafting the ceremony in a deeply personal way. I also loved having my sister, Nora, walk me down the aisle. She and I have always been close-—my best friend in life— and there’s nobody else I would have wanted by my side for that walk. One custom I strictly adhere to is jumping into every body of water I see whenever I possibly can. After our reception and on our way to the hotel, I asked our driver to take us by Lake Michigan so I could skinny-dip. MY “SOMETHINGS” Old: My grandmother’s engagement and wedding ring combo (that I wear on my right ring finger). New: My Pronovias Oreste gown and Badgley Mischka shoes. Borrowed: A handkerchief that belonged to my great grandmother. Blue: A small blue wristlet where I kept my lipstick and handkerchief IF ONLY I KNEW THEN… Taylor: It’s important to have conversations early about how family will participate in the wedding. I have two sets of parents and Sarah has a large family. Neither of our families had ever planned a wedding, so it was difficult to balance convention, tradition, advice from family friends who had done it before, our own vision for the wedding, and everyone’s varying abilities to participate and contribute. We eventually figured it out and it worked out beautifully, but establishing early on who would do what would have been helpful. HAPPILY EVER AFTER After our honeymoon I moved to San Francisco to join Taylor. We are currently enjoying ourselves here, both working full time. We’ve spent a lot of time and effort making our new apartment our home, and we got a puppy a few months ago. In the next few years, we will move back to the Midwest so that we can be close to my family when we are ready to start our own family.

VeilMagazine.com

details LINENS

Layered and Covered in

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY By Erika Dufour for Debi Lilly/A Perfect Event and Windy City Linen Windy City Linen opened its doors in 2008 with just 2,500 square feet and three owners at the helm. They had no sales reps but themselves, and fulfilled deliveries in their cars until they hired their first full-time rep. 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

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

belt prior to joining Windy City Rentals. “I 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 foundation, 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

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

Kathy Carlson & Tera Stamm WINDY CITY LINEN, LLC result. In fact, they have local production crews that 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.” 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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Embrace perfection for your special day with our high-quality linens.

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Under One

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?

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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

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EVENT AND DÉCOR DESIGN

Wedding Décor

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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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,

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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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alyssa & joe

married 05.13.17

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Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: Gigi of Mequon Calligraphy: Kristen Henderson Calligraphy Ceremony & Reception Music: Indigo Band Chicago – Arlen Music Productions Flowers: Impressions by Esther Fleming Hair: Griffith Parc Salon Honeymoon Location: Thailand and Cambodia Ice Sculpture: Art Below Zero Invitations: Pretty Paper Designs Jeweler: Hakimian Imports Linens & Rentals: M&M Event Rentals Makeup: Cynde Cosmetics Men’s Formalwear: Groom’s custom tux, Trunk Club Photography and Photo Booth: Leo and Jenny Rabbi: Evan Moffic Specialty Desserts: Kopp’s Frozen Custard Wedding Party Gifts: Cufflinks for groomsmen from Hakimian Imports, coordinates bracelets from Hakimian Imports

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There Was a Spark by Laura Vietmeyer

When Alyssa met Joe, the two felt a spark immediately. It was love at first sight. After a few years of dating and an engagement that lasted just over a year, the couple said, “I do.” For the big day, they invited 500 guests and had a wedding party of 28. In order to plan such a large-scale event, the couple relied on their ace wedding planner and couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. From love at first sight to a life as husband and wife, Joe and Alyssa prove that some dreams come true.

Joe and Alyssa met in the summer of 2011 at Moe’s Cantina in Chicago. Alyssa was visiting the city with friends and her group ran into Joe and his friends. It turned out the pair had a mutual friend. “Within the first few seconds of seeing each other, Joe and I both went to our mutual friend and asked who the other person was,” Alyssa recalls. “Joe has a very charming personality – the kind that lights up the room when he walks in. After we met, I went home and told all of my college friends that I was going to date Joe when I moved to Chicago,” Alyssa says. “Joe is the happiest person I have ever met and will always remind you to be happy and live in the moment. His positive energy is by far his best quality and makes those around him want to spend time with him and be around him always!” Alyssa was right when she told her friends she was going to date Joe. A few months after Alyssa graduated from college, she and Joe made things official. Before proposing, Joe asked Alyssa’s parents to come to his office, Hakimian Imports, a jewelry store in Chicago. Tears were shed and they celebrated with a drink after. Alyssa says Joe then started dropping hints about popping the question. When her scheduled hair appointment on Valentine’s Day rolled around, Alyssa noticed that her hairdresser was acting weird. “At the end of the appointment, the hairdresser told me to leave my car keys at the salon and go downstairs. My hair appointment was stop #1 of the day-long scavenger hunt that Joe planned,” Alyssa says. “After I was sent to get my nails done and pick out a new outfit, Joe finally proposed at Moe’s Cantina where we first met.” After the proposal, Alyssa tried to call her parents and Joe’s parents and some friends, but only Joe’s parents answered and pretended to be on vacation. It turned out that Joe had planned another surprise by throwing an engagement party with all of their family and friends. He even flew in Alyssa’s best friend from New York. As they started the planning process, the couple worked with Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner of événement in Wauwatosa, Wis. “I had a lot of ideas from Pinterest in terms of what I wanted for my wedding. Janelle and Esther [of Impressions by Esther Fleming] both pushed me to go beyond what was on Pinterest and to achieve a look that was different than what most people were going for. Anytime I came up with an idea of what I wanted, Janelle helped find me a person who would execute that idea,” Alyssa says. With help from the professionals, the couple’s Modern Chic wedding came together. Their venue, the Milwaukee Art Museum, already has a modern look, so Alyssa added touches of blush, gold and ivory to bring warmth to the space. The couple agrees that hiring a wedding planner was worth every penny. “We hired so many different vendors that I was worried someone was going to forget to show up!” Alyssa recalls. “Janelle made it a point to tell me that she would be contacting every vendor and making sure everyone showed up!” Good planning was crucial for this wedding, as the couple invited 500 guests. “I knew planning a wedding, especially for the amount of people we were expecting, was going to be hectic so I tried to make everything as easy as possible,” Joe says. “Alyssa and I did a great job of working together on some of

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the major decisions, and then on the smaller decisions I gave my input and was helpful when I needed to be, but let Alyssa take the reins for most of it.” The ceremony was a traditional Jewish wedding. The couple signed a Ketubah before the ceremony, which represented their Jewish contract of marriage. During the ceremony, Alyssa walked seven circles around her husband, per traditional Jewish tradition. “We had a Rabbi marry us who conducted a Jewish ceremony that ended with my husband breaking a glass and everyone yelling ‘Mazel Tov!’,” Alyssa says. Alyssa wore a 2-piece Monique Lhuillier dress, with a beaded bustier top and a full large tulle skirt. For the party, she changed into a shorter tulle skirt made by Jenny Yoo. “I really wanted to have fun dancing at my wedding and knew that it would be impossible in my big tulle skirt,” Alyssa says. Bling was also on the menu for Alyssa’s ensemble. “With my husband being a jeweler, I had some pretty fabulous access to bling,” she says. “I got to borrow 8-carat stud earrings. I also wore a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet that my husband gave me as a wedding gift. And of course my go to jewelry was my ring and new wedding bands!” When Joe saw Alyssa for the first time that day, he was blown away. “Don’t tell my friends this, but I was crying and probably had the biggest smile I have ever had. All I could think of was, wow I am the luckiest guy in the world.” During the party, they couple did the traditional Jewish Hora. The reception also embraced the groom’s culture. Joe is half-Persian, so the couple hired belly dancers to entertain guests during the cocktail hour/room flip. They also had 30 minutes of Persian dancing when the band took a break. “Our wedding was honestly a party – all of our family and friends were out on the dance floor, putting his us their shoulders and dancing. We also had ice luges for our guests throughout the wedding as a fun/interactive way for our guests to drink and have the best time,” Alyssa says. She continues, “Things got a little wild and my friends took off my husband’s shirt. There are some hilarious pictures of my husband and I dancing – him shirtless. He had suspenders on and honestly looked like a Chippendales dancer! We both worked out a lot before our wedding and I think it was a hilarious way for him to show off all the hard work he put in for our special day!” Looking back at the big day and the planning process, Joe notes, “There are going to be ups and downs with wedding planning but there’s no need to stress about anything, it all works out in the end and you are going to have the best night of your life no matter what.” “Try to remember that everything will come together in the end, especially if you have a wedding planner,” Alyssa adds. “Also, be on board with what your partner wants for your wedding day and find ways to compromise if you don’t agree. Marriage is all about compromising!” As for the future, the couple is happy to announce that they just became puppy parents. “In a few years we hope to start our human family!” Alyssa says. “Both of us have really enjoyed life post-wedding planning and want to take some time to travel and just be together. Having a wedding is so important and significant, but at the end of the day, it’s really about being with each other and growing together. That has been the most fun part about being married!”

The Designer: Janelle Meyer-Brown Owner of événement planning

Alyssa and Joe’s wedding would not have come to fruition in the way it had without Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner of événement planning. Alyssa credits Janelle with pushing her beyond Pinterest — where she had initially been pulling ideas — to achieve a look that was different from what most people were going for. Janelle says that Alyssa wanted the wedding to be romantic with florals as the focal point. Janelle used this as a starting point and added many special and personal touches to tell the couple’s love story while including Alyssa and Joe’s must-have items. The wedding featured a traditional Jewish ceremony. They were also able to incorporate Joe’s family heritage with belly dancers during the cocktail hour. And finally, the couple’s favorite treat was incorporated into the evening. “We worked in Milwaukee's Kopps Custard and burgers for late night,” Janelle says. She and her staff donned the iconic Kopps paper hats with "Hakiman" printed on them. Janelle started working with the couple exactly one year and a few days before their wedding day. Joe and Alyssa live in Chicago, so whenever they were back in Wisconsin, they would get together with Janelle to plan. “We had tons of fun doing so!” Janelle says. With so many must-haves in the works, Joe and Alyssa’s parents were also involved in the process. “We had the pleasure in working with both sets of parents!” Janelle says. “The first time meeting the happy couple, I got to meet both sets of parents. Then at each consultation, one set of parents on either side would join in and always were supportive of what the couple wanted.” “All the families I work with become a big part of my year,” Janelle says. “And it was such a pleasure to be a part of their year, too!” With Janelle and both of their parents in the mix, Alyssa and Joe’s celebration went off perfectly. And the couple could not be happier with the result.

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BRIDAL SHOWS

The Ultimate Wedding

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.

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OFFICIANT

Making it

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

ceremony locale, finding an officiant to oversee which means they are able and willing to properly and legal sanction your vows is both a marry brides and grooms of various faiths, personal and necessary piece to your wedding traditions and backgrounds. While he or she will come equipped with a long list of activities that can occur within the ceremony, they are always open to interpretation of traditions that may be special to you as a couple, or incorporating new ideas that would not be allowed in a more traditional setting. An officiant will also usually come with a “bare bones” script, which is the minimal that must happen and be said during a ceremony to make it legal and binding. However, there is also a day. Usually, officiants who marry couples outside huge amount of leeway and room for addition of a church environment are nondenominational, within that script, allowing couples to add one

Planning Tips Attendants are a great help. Ask them to run errands – this way, you don’t look stressed or worn out.

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

Never drink anything colored.

Abstain from drinking alcohol until after the photographer is finished.

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

or multiple readings or write their own vows, for instance. Officiants can be lawyers or judges, practicing or retired. They can be nondenominational ministers, rabbis or ordained through online services such as those offered through Universal Life Church. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially important to vouch your officiant. Ask for references and actually speak to past couples about their experiences with the officiant in the planning stages and during the actual wedding day. Meet with your intended officiant before booking to see if you feel comfortable with him or her and where they are open to unique additions to your wedding day. Veil Magazine also offers options for you to consider. A professional officiant will be able to offer information that will help you coordinate your wedding ceremony so that it runs smoothly and appropriately. Below are some pointers to help you get started in the planning of your own vows.

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WEDDING PLANNING

The Perfect

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?

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 portfolio of other weddings you've planned?

Do you have anyone else help you, like an assistant, or are you a one-person show?

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ACING EMAIL ETIQUETTE By Claire Swinarski

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!

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.

Provide as many details as possible. Even if you haven’t gotten knee-deep 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 phoDON’T: Make the subject something generic like “hi” or “question” that tographer for their pricing without providing the venue could make them will leave vendors confused as to what your email is about and how long wonder if it’s a local reception or a destination wedding. When a vendor it will take them to answer. has to email you back to request this information it will delay the process.

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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 Use proper formatting, no matter how business. informal you and your wedding are. Leave spaces between paragraphs so that emails are DON’T: Send out a huge email blast just lookeasy to scan. Consider using bullet points if ing for prices. Of course it’s important informayou have multiple questions. And, don’t forget tion, but price shopping can be frustrating to the spell check! vendors, and it may leave them not emailing you back. If you send vague questions, like “How DON’T: Send huge chunks of unformatted much do you charge for weddings?” to a DJ with text. When the vendor sees it, they may click no information about location or hours, it’s hard away to deal with it later because it looks like it for them to respond accurately. will take them awhile. You want to make things

as clear as possible.

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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.

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.

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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.

Be considerate of business hours. It’s fine to send a weekend email, but don’t get upset if it isn’t responded to until Monday. DON’T: Forget that vendors have lives, too. If it’s a non-urgent matter, wait about a week before emailing to follow-up if you haven’t received a response. Remember that although you may be anxious about your florals, knowing exactly the breed of rose that will be in your bouquet probably isn’t an emergency that needs to be handled in the middle of the night. Although most wedding vendors are prompt and organized, inboxes can easily slide out of control, particularly during the height of wedding season. 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. VeilMagazine.com

details JEWELRY

Circle of

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

“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, such as open metal patterns or different shapes. They may contain different size diamonds or be made of 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. Any other trends you are seeing? A hot trend on a traditional ring is to pair a very delicate, thin band with a larger diamond. We show a lot of diamonds in the 1.25ct - 1.50ct. size. What are trends being seen in ladies’ Whether it’s the engagement ring or the wedding band, women are preferring the bands to be very wedding bands? For the first time ever, we are seeing a trend narrow with smaller diamonds going down the in ladies’ bands moving away from matching sides of the ring, and not much metal showing the engagement ring. You may still need a around the diamonds. David cautions against than helping customers design their special pieces. “There are literally thousands of style combinations out there,” David says. “I have a simple, systematic series of questions to help a man determine her style and design elements.”

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?

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 further so it doesn’t catch as much on their surgical gloves,” Liska says. There seems to be a greater focus on the design-work in the pattern of the metal such as open scrolls around or below the center stone on the band. When people chose smaller center stones in the .50-.80ct range they are enhanced with double halos or other metal work such as renaissance or scrolls surrounding it. Whether the diamond is large or small, often times women opt to only wear one ring so these patterns don’t get covered up. What’s hot in Men’s bands? The good news is that men are heavily weighing in on what style wedding band they are wearing! Men are becoming far more engaged in choosing

their wedding band and surprisingly they want to wear a style that compliments yours, even if it’s rose gold. Two tone styles and alternative metals are very popular for men. 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. Depending on his career as well, it's not unusual for your man to buy a plain ring to wear during the day and then something with more flair for the rest of the time. What are important points to keep in mind when it comes to selecting engagement and wedding rings? 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. Equally important is to know how many grams of metal a wedding band is. It may be 14k white gold and a size 10 men’s wedding band, but is it the same width or thickness of what you tried on in a store? A platinum 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 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. Go with one that will reflect the love you feel in your heart.

LOVE

banded

together

One-of-a-kind custom creations tailored to your budget! 740 N. Plankinton Ave. | 414.278.6000 | custombridaljewelry.net

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unVeiled LOVE STORY

elizabeth & brad married 07.22.17

COVER COUPLE

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The Blooming Quill

DÉCOR/EQUIPMENT RENTAL & STAGING

Barking Pony Studios & Canopies Events with Distinction

ENGAGEMENT RING & WEDDING BANDS:

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PHOTOGRAPHER

Front Room Photography

RECEPTION LOCATION

Milwaukee Art Museum

WEDDING PLANNING & DESIGN

Dynamic Events by David Caruso

Ceremony Music: Gabriel’s Horns Ceremony Venue: Old Saint Mary Parish Décor Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals & AFR Event Furnishing Entertainment: Ron Bedal Orchestra Flowers: Gregory and Company Hair: Craig Berns Salon Ice Sculpture: Art Below Zero Invitations & Stationery: Paper Envy Lighting: Majic Productions Linens: BBJ Linen Makeup: Blush Beauty Men’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Officiant: Fr. Timothy Kitzke Videography: One Fine Day Productions Wedding Cake: The Cake Lady Wedding Gown: Vera Wang

Growing Together by Laura Vietmeyer

Brad and Elizabeth met their sophomore year of high school. Brad says he knew early on that Elizabeth was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. From their first dance together that year at the winter turnabout dance to a private and romantic impromptu dance on their honeymoon, which was to Nat King Cole’s “For All We Know,” their relationship has only grown stronger after enduring long distance and time apart through college and grad school. The couple said “I do” before 200 guests and celebrated at the Milwaukee Art Museum, which was transformed into the space of their dreams to embrace the “Romantic Glam” theme. WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Elizabeth spotted Brad during her first class of the day sophomore year. They got to know each other over the next couple of years and officially started dating senior year. Brad left a week after graduation to attend college football camp, starting a 3-year period of long distance for the couple. Elizabeth went on to graduate school in Madison while Brad moved home and started working. “We managed to stay together and as in love as ever,” Elizabeth says. “Being long distance for so many years makes us so appreciative of our time together. We’ve been together for 8 years now, and they’ve been wonderful!” When asked how he knew Elizabeth was the one, Brad responded, “As cliché as it may be, it truly was love at first sight. It didn’t take a long time to know that she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.” As the couple grew together, they couldn’t picture spending their lives with anyone else. Brad says that planning the proposal was easy. “It only took me walking around with the ring in my pocket for a day until I found the perfect moment to pop the question. She loved it!” They were at Camp Randall for their high school’s state championship run. On the walk back to the car, it started to snow beautiful, thick flakes. “As we reached the car, he turned to me, got down on one knee, and proposed. It was such a simple, unplanned moment, but so romantic and special,” Elizabeth says. After sharing the news with their family and friends, it was time to plan the wedding. The couple says David Caruso of Dynamic Events was most helpful in planning the big day. “Planning with him and his team (looking at you, Shannon!) was a blast. He took our ideas and created an unforgettable event; a true fairy tale!” Elizabeth says. “I told David I loved crystals, so he showed me the Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. I said ‘that’s the look.’ He composed a dream team to make the design come to life. It was unbelievable!” Elizabeth wore a gown by Vera Wang with a matching veil and crystal belt and Badgley Mischka pointed toe pumps in cobalt blue, embracing the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition. She also had an old sixpence for her shoe and borrowed her mother’s Irish linen handkerchief. “Elizabeth always looks amazing, so it was no surprise how perfect she looked when she came down the aisle,” Brad says. Their special day was filled with tender and funny moments alike. “We had a very funny blessing given by our family friend, Fr. Tom Wittliff, and later on in the evening when Brad’s friends swapped their tux and dress, respectively. That made for some great photos,” Elizabeth recalls. Reflecting back on their wedding day and the process it took to get there, Elizabeth says, “Go with the flow and know that no matter what, you cannot control everything. This mindset will help you enjoy the process instead of stressing about it. Take a moment between cake tastings, dress fittings, and floral appointments to realize that you’re marrying your best friend, and that your journey starts after the wedding.” Looking to the future, the couple hopes to be living in their dream home with their two dogs, Molly and Opie, and maybe some other additions to the family! Later on in life, they see themselves in rocking chairs on their front porch in Charleston, S.C., one of their favorite places to visit.

be Inspired

BRIDAL DRESSES FOR MOTHERS

REGAL OPULENCE by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant LOCATION Hilton Milwaukee City Center BRACELETS, EARRINGS & NECKLACES Lyle Husar Designs MODELS Angila, Karen, Margaret & Roxanne MAKEUP Margaret Wendt, Mary Kay

As VIPs at the wedding, it’s the mothers’ chance to shine as well. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom should wear dresses that complement each other nicely and have similar textures. Color trends this season include champagne, metallic, navy, blush, red and any print. You should choose a color or print that goes well with your bridal party without being the same shade. Whether it’s your mother, stepmother, grandmother or aunt, the women in your life who have helped to raise you all deserve to look and feel great. Offer them guidance, but allow them to make a selection that they’ll truly love! That goes for her jewelry as well. These rings, bracelets and necklaces from Lyle Husar Designs are stunning accents that add a bit of glam without being overpowering.

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If they’d like some embellishment, encourage them to choose a pattern and fit that accentuates their best features. Your mom, grandmother or aunt wants to find the perfect balance between being appropriate while still feeling stylish, and there are plenty of options for her to feel gorgeous in. Still on the hunt for your venue? These photos were snapped at opulent Hilton Milwaukee City Center, located in the heart of downtown. Built in 1920 — coinciding with Prohibition — Wisconsin’s tallest hotel has a vintage “Gatsby” aura that is sure to dazzle your guests as they walk through this historic hotel. Mom will love watching you say “I do” in this gorgeous venue!

As the mother of the bride, your mom wants to look lovely without looking like she tried to outshine the bride or the wedding party. Assure her that she has nothing to worry about; after all, you’re the one in a wedding gown! Mom deserves her moment in the spotlight as well without worrying about how her dress style fits in. Also, don’t forget the mother of the groom — she has an added layer of not wanting to upstage your mom! Make sure she feels included and valued by showing her a picture of your mom’s dress. Tastes and styles of mothers of the bride and groom vary greatly. Many women will appreciate a long gown with some coverage on top. Another popular length trend right now is a hemline that hits just above the knees, as well as tea length or mid-calf.

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Favorite

FINDS

old something new

something

PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant

Something Old represents continuity while Something New offers optimism for the future… The legendary “Classic Crescent” engagement ring by TACORI is a brilliant round center diamond sitting along twisting ribbon strings of diamonds for a magnificent design. The handmade comfort fit wedding ring design by CARLEX was designed to represent the essential building blocks of a successful marriage. A perfect pair, these rings complement each other sitting upon a keepsake something old. all exclusively in Milwaukee at Lyle Husar Designs — Brookfield. Want a stunning keepsake to christen your big day? This limited edition SWAROVSKI crystal ornament. available in Milwaukee at Lyle Husar Designs — Brookfield.

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SALON & SPAS

Embrace and Enhance your

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant 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

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 Will hairstylist or makeup artist show your hair or makeup up on time and have during the trial run everything they need be the artist you will to create your style? be working with on your wedding day?

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

How will the hair and Can the makeup artist and hair stylist makeup artists work together to help work with you to bring your vision for your prep time day of go smoothly? your big day to life?

beauty

EXPERT ADVICE

-aesthetics list

Since 2011, High Brow Waxing Boutique owner and founder Stefanie Corbett-Daul 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 looking and feeling your best self. 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.”

7 Tips for Flawless Beauty, from beauty expert Stefanie Corbett-Daul

Exfoliate!

This is a must for flawless beauty. Without regular exfoliation, dead skin cells begin to accumulate, leaving your skin looking dull and clogging pores. Using a scrub or gommage twice per week keeps you looking radiant and your makeup will go on flawlessly. I love Yonka’s Gommage for the face, and Haven+Blythe Body Polish for the body.

Cut back on the dairy!

All my Wisconsin clients gasp when I share this tip, but reducing the amount of cheese and yogurt you consume (especially right before your cycle) will significantly reduce the amount of breakouts you see, especially on your chin. Cow milk contains whey and casein, which release a hormone similar to insulin called IGF-1 that is known to trigger breakouts.

Hydrate!

I know you’ve heard it before, but drinking water really does make a difference in achieving that glow we all love. It will help your body purge toxins, aid in circulation and even improve absorption.

Wear your SPF!

It's so much more cost-effective to wear the SPF now rather than pay the big bucks towards expensive laser or peel treatments later. How you treat your skin today will show 20 years from now, so layer that SPF on and be sure to apply it not only to your face, but to your neck and décolleté as well. La RochePosay Anthelios 60 is my favorite, and it’s non-greasy.

Use a great under-eye concealer!

I personally love Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. It comes in over 20 shades and blends beautifully on every skin type. Be sure to go two shades lighter than your foundation for that “I just slept 10 hours” look. When applying, be sure to blend below any under-eye dark circles. Applying only above the ocular bone can have an adverse effect, almost enhancing under-eye circles.

Add lip color!

Adding a touch of color will brighten your entire face, pulling any natural rose color from your cheeks. I personally love a lip stain like Benefit Benetint or Dior Addict Lip Tattoo. They stay all day and don’t dry out your lips like a lot of longwearing liquid lipsticks do. Bonus tip: exfoliating your lips with a lip scrub will keep your lips looking smooth and luscious under your lip color. Haven+Blythe Lip Whip is exceptional (and tasty).

Become besties with your Esthetician!

They will lead you down the path of beauty flawlessness. Your esthetician is an expert who has likely tried just about everything out there (we’re all product addicts), and can give you an honest assessment of your skin and at home regimen. They’ll help you frame your face with a brow shape most suitable for you and can even give you a stepby-step plan for filling in your brows with brow cosmetics at home. A little brow powder or pencil will make your eyes pop even more. My personal favorite: Brow Butter by Billion Dollar Brows. It’s waterproof and never seems to dry out or get old.

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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!

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

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

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your time to shine. Creative hair design from braids to bridal.

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J'ADORE 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 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

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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! VeilMagazine.com

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stefanie & doug

LOVE STORY

married 09.30.17

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The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

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Canopies

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Bartending & Catering: Surg Group Bridal Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bianca Ceremony Location: The Villa Terrace Ceremony Musician: Evan Christian Cocktail Hour Music: Extra Crispy Brass Band Flowers: Frontier Flowers of Fontana Guest Favors: Etsy Hair: Wonderlust Salon Honeymoon Location: Europe Invitations & Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas Men’s Formalwear: NL Suits Photography: jonathansportraits.com Transportation: Waukesha Trolley Co Wedding Cake/Pastries: The Cake Lady

MY “SOMETHINGS" The “something old” was a family heirloom cameo that has been worn by every bride in my family for over 100 years. The “something new” was my dress. The “something borrowed” was my grandmother’s diamond bracelet. And for the “something blue” I had our names and wedding date sewn in blue stitching inside my dress.

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Make Me a Match by Laura Vietmeyer

Douglas and Stefanie knew each other for over a decade through a mutual friend, but didn’t become the inseparable couple they are right away. They reconnected online, went on their first date, and after some persistence, discovery of mutual interests and their matchmaking friend it finally paid off in a second date. “I guess I played hard to get,” Stef says. This all eventually led to Doug asking Stef ’s father for her hand in marriage. After a one-year engagement, the couple vowed their love during a sunset wedding before 130 guests. Now, with their dream wedding in the books, the couple continues to build their lives together and looks excitedly towards their future.

OUR LOVE STORY It was the winter of 2013. We had known each other for over a decade through a mutual friend, but the magic of online dating connected us again. After many flirty emails back and forth, I finally accepted Doug's dinner offer. He was romantic, polite, a perfect gentleman ... yet the date ended with "good luck dating" and a handshake. Thankfully, a matchmaking mutual friend brought us together over our love of basketball and craft cocktails one night following a Bucks game. Doug's persistence, handsome looks and charm won him a second date! We’ve been inseparable ever since! THE PROPOSAL Doug: I knew she was the one during our first trip away, to a bed and breakfast up north. I just felt proud to be around her. I knew I wanted to propose on another trip up north, so I took her to The American Club and spoke to the concierge about having photos, champagne and a pianist play in the background. Stef: Doug is one of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever known. After seeing him put his family and friends needs before his own, time and time again, I knew he was “the one.” The day he proposed, we relaxed, drank champagne and on our walk to dinner, his voice began to shake, talking about our life together. Before I knew it, he was on one knee while a pianist played behind him. It felt like a dream. PLANNING PROCESS Doug: The little details are important; I didn’t think they were, but they made everything come together. Stef: Kimmy Klipsch at Kate & Co. Wedding Planners was our most helpful resource. INSPIRATION Stef: We knew we wanted an evening wedding with the sun going down. My grandparents were married in the evening, and their love has always been one to mirror. WEDDING STYLE “Classic Romantic” with lots of texture, and a nude, white and metallic color palette. MUST-HAVE DETAILS Stef: Being married at the Villa Terrace was a must. And our planner and the florist were worth every penny. They are both the best! Doug: Having great food and drinks, and great music were all important details, but the biggest was the traditional New Orleans 10-piece brass band. Stef grew up in New Orleans, and we go back every year. We wanted to get married down there, but because of travel restrictions for some of our guests we were unable to. So, we brought NOLA to MKE and had a “Second Line;” a wedding parade lead by a brass band. FIRST DANCE SONG “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. We both love Elvis. HAPPILY EVER AFTER Doug: Within the next 5 years, we see ourselves with a baby. And Stef will likely be planning a second wedding/vow renewal for us. Stef: Clients always ask me if being married is different than dating. It is! Now I have this man who I think is the kindest, most loving man as my own. I’m more in love with him now knowing he’s my husband.

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Feature

ST RY

BRIDAL FASHION AND PUPPIES:

a doggone cute wedding trend PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 29 Photography + Design GOWNS Bucci’s Bridal and 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 MODELS Adrienne, Mallory, Shannon VIDEOGRAPHY Sweet Pea Cinema

by Claire Swinarski

hen Veil 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.” The Wisconsin Humane Society jumped on board right away, bringing along mama dog Sally and her four sweet puppies. “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

In 2018, a popular wedding trend seems to be individuality. Brides and grooms want that extra something special, not just something they’ve seen on wedding blogs. One way to mix it up? Incorporate soft textures with metallic finishes. We used soft pink, creamy green, metallic silver and gray with Windy City Linens. But moving into the New Year, notable trends are moody color palettes with touches of soft pinks and purples using textures, unique natural accents, and more metallics. The gowns for this shoot were from Bucci Bridal and Stone Manor Bridal, two of Wisconsin’s premier wedding gown boutiques. Perfect for the fashion-forward bride, this boho wedding dress (left) from Martina Liana at Stone Manor Bridal is everything! A bold

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WEDDING GOWNS (This Page) Bucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal (Opposite Page) Top Left: Stone Manor Bridal Top Middle: Bucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal Top Right Stone Manor Bridal

lace pattern makes it way throughout the gown from the plunging V-neckline to the scallopedlace hem, truly making a statement. One big fashion trend this year is the high-end neckline (above). This gown from Bucci Bridal features a rich silver beaded lace that begins at the straps and works its way down the side of the body to the hips. A sheer, lace back is accented with a deep V, adding the perfect touch of sexiness to this sleek style. VeilMagazine.com

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LOVE STORY

WEDDING GOWN Stone Manor Bridal

Spray roses and full size roses mingle with Anemone, Protea, Scabiosa, Lisianthus and olive branch to create this updated pastel look. “Even if you love the neutral look that is all the rage, adding in some subtle color and texture can really personalize your wedding floral,” says Emily Neubauer of Belle Fiori.

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WEDDING GOWN & CAPE 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

Every bride needs some jewelry to help her sparkle. “Current trendsetters are shapes like ovals and cushions, as well as lots of rose and yellow gold and two-tones,” details Sharon Knott from David Liska Custom Jewlers. “Styles have turned to alternate stones like sapphires as well as a more simplistic design with the center stone being the focus.”

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

This sweet pup, Coffee, was rescued by the Wisconsin Humane Society. “Partnering with the Wisconsin Humane Society for your philanthropic wedding favors takes one task off your wedding checklist and makes a huge impact in the lives of homeless, injured, and abused animals in here in Wisconsin,” Christman says.

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details

BRIDAL ATTIRE

Dressed

by Laura Vietmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room Photography 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 clones. Showcase their unique personalities!

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Let your gown guide your accessories. Skip pieces 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. They want to help and will listen to your expectations.

Break out of your comfort zone; you may find something 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. available exclusively at Bruce Paul Goodman — Brookfield Lace yourself with this mesmerizing SWAROVSKI blue crystal necklace, earring and ring collection. available in Milwaukee at Lyle Husar Designs — Brookfield

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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

Original. Inspired. Genuine. Captivating. Elegant. Refined.

JUST LIKE YOU

262.377.5334 www.StoneManorBridal.com 1218 12th Ave, Grafton, WI 53024 (Second Floor)

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THE ANATOMY OF A WEDDING GOWN GOWN SILHOUETTES

A-line - Narrow at the bodice, with vertical seams that flow right down to a slightly flared-out skirt. Ball Gown- A fitted bodice that comes in at the waist and then flares out to a full, floor-length skirt with lots of volume. Trumpet Silhouette - A style of gown that features a gradually-flared skirt and a close-fitting bodice that skims the lines of the body, through the hips. Sheath - A close, form-fitting dress from bodice all the way down to the skirt. May have a slit at the legs for easier walking.



NECKLINES

Bateau - Straps are at mid-shoulders with the fabric reaching in a gentle dip across the chest and back, like an eye shape if viewed from above. Halter - Ties around the back of the neck. Sweetheart - Rounded fabric over each breast, meeting in a V-neck point in the middle. Its heart shape is the basis for its name. V-neck - The fabric extends downward in an angled V-shape at the top of the chest or lower to show some cleavage.

GOWN LENGTHS

Floor length- The skirt reaches just to the floor, the hem extended for a gentle glide obscuring the view of your shoes. Knee-length - The skirt reaches to or just below the knee. Tea-length - Also called a cocktail-length dress, the skirt reaches to mid-shin.



SLEEVES

Cap - A short extension to a sleeveless look offering a ‘pouf ’ of fabric over the shoulder, gathering under or against the very top of the arm. Illusion - Sheer netting-type material that forms a see-through sleeve, yet offers ‘the illusion’ of coverage. Three-quarter - Extending from the shoulder to mid-forearm.



TRAINS

Cathedral - Attached at the waist and extends dramatically behind the gown. Chapel - Attached at the waist and extends 3 to 4 feet behind the gown. Sweep- A few inches beyond the gown.



VEILS

Ballet - Falls to a length between the knee and the ankle. Blusher - A single layer, shorter veil that is worn over the face during the ceremony and then flipped back over the head after the ceremony. It can be worn alone and then removed after the ceremony, or paired as a layer to a longer veil. Cathedral - Is usually paired with a cathedral-length train. As such, the veil extends 3 ½ yards from the headpiece, with a significant amount trailing behind you as you walk. Fingertip - Should just graze your fingertips when your fingers are extended and falls below the waist.

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Bucci’s Bridal WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

Ariel Tobin BELLA BRIDESMAIDS IN THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT DRESS, don’t forget your supporting ladies who will stand beside you on your big day! With the largest selection of dress designers available to you, as well as sashes, flower girl dresses and jewelry, Bella Bridesmaids is the premier shopping experience for bridal parties. In 2007, Erin and Kathleen Casey, mother-daughter duo and current co-franchisors, opened their first Bella Bridesmaids showrooms in Chicago and Milwaukee. When Erin got engaged, her mom, Kathleen, came across an ad for Bella Bridesmaids in a bridal magazine. They hoped to find the store near home in Chicago, but couldn’t find any place like it. Kathleen knew she wanted to open a Bella and was relentless in pursuing the idea throughout Erin’s wedding planning process. On Mother’s Day, they decided they would go into the business of bridesmaids!

Ariel Tobin, the Milwaukee showroom manager, joined Erin and Kathleen after a move from Atlanta with her husband and puppy, Snoop. “The moment I stepped into the beautiful Bella showroom, I knew Bella was the PERFECT match for me,” Ariel says. At Bella Bridesmaids you’ll have an hour-long appointment that will pair you and your bridesmaids with an expert

bridal party can expect to receive exceptional customer service and one-on-one attention while choosing their gowns.” Each year, Ariel heads to the New York City Bridal Market to search out the latest and greatest in bridesmaids’ fashion to bring back to Milwaukee. “One of the biggest trends we are seeing right now is beading and sequins galore!” Ariel offers the following advice to brides: “Wedding planning can seem like a lot, so keep it simple and start with your attire. What you wear will help guide the style and formality of your bridesmaids' dresses, so focus on yourself first! After you have the dress of your dreams, that's where we come in. Believe me--there are A LOT of choices! Choosing your general color scheme and preferred dress length before visiting will ensure you leave your appointment feeling accomplished, not confused. We can't wait to shop with you!”

“ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRENDS WE ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW IS BEADING AND SEQUINS GALORE!" stylist to ensure the best possible experience with each visit. “During this time, I am able to assist in choosing the best color for the maids’ gowns that will blend with the rest of the wedding colors, find a style and fabric that will complement her wedding dress and lead the party through our streamlined sizing and ordering process,” Ariel says. “The bride and her

Love. Family. Friends. Fun!

Be inspired. Experience a Bella Bridesmaids showroom for the largest selection of bridesmaids dresses.

Rob + Kristen Photography

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

Franchise Opportunities Available

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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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WEDDING GOWN, JEWELRY & VEIL White Dress Bridal Boutique LOCATION Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

PERFECT FOR Apple

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Hourglass

Pear

The depth of the skirt provides shape in the mid-section while the high neckline and single straps highlight the shoulders and elongate the neck.

Understated elegance showcases the bride's sensational shape, further lended by the long, flowing train.

PERFECT FOR

Hourglass

Inverted Triangle

Rectangle

WEDDING GOWN & VEIL White Dress Bridal Boutique LOCATION Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum

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unVeiled

maggie & ben

LOVE STORY

married 06.30.17

Veil Advertisers PHOTOGRAPHY

The Paper Elephant WEDDING CAKE

Simma's Bakery

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bliss Bridal Ceremony Location: St. Mary's Visitation Catholic Church Entertainment: Brew City Big Band Flowers: Barb and Dick’s Wildflower Hair: Loreen Fournier and Natalie Kohl Sanfilippo Invitations & Stationery: Coqui Paperie & Gifts Italian Cookies: Canfora Bakery Makeup: Stephanie Mueller Men's Formalwear: Men's Wearhouse Reception Location: The Wisconsin Club Wedding Gown: Bliss Bridal

ESPECIALLY US Ben: When I saw Maggie walking down the aisle, all I could think was wow, she’s beautiful, and I can’t believe this is actually happening right now!

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A Classic Matrimony by Carolyn Fraser

OUR LOVE STORY Ben and I became friends while interning together during our junior year of college. Because we spent so much time together at work, we already knew a lot about each other when we started dating the following year. I knew the kind of man that he was, and the kind of husband he would be. After only a few days of dating, I knew that I would choose Ben for the rest of my life. THE PROPOSAL On the way to his parents’ cabin, Ben surprised me with a detour to a quaint, romantic town called Stillwater. At a park with a beautiful view, he got down on one knee. His proposal was so sweet and thoughtful. Of course, I said yes!

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COLOR PALETTE We loved the elegance and simplicity of the color white, paired with splashes of light blue and blush in the flowers and bridesmaids’ dresses. The men wore black and white tuxes. GUEST LIST We both come from very large, Catholic families, so we invited 320 guests, many of whom were relatives. THE CEREMONY Ben: Maggie and I are both Catholics, so the focal point of our wedding day was the Sacrament of Matrimony. We loved every aspect of our reception, but the mass was the most special part for us. Maggie: Some highlights from our ceremony were presenting a bouquet to the Blessed Virgin Mary statue during mass, and having the same liturgical music arrangement that is used in church at our alma mater, the University of Saint Thomas. PERSONAL TOUCH Maggie: In honor of my father’s Italian heritage, we offered Italian "confetti" (candied almonds) as our wedding favor and an incredible spread of Italian cookies and pastries for dessert, in addition to a massive wedding cake. MUST-HAVE DETAIL Maggie: In the beginning stages of planning, there was nothing that we were particularly set on having at our wedding, but once we started discussing various details, we became excited about certain aspects that we decided to include. Our florists, Barb and Dick, outdid themselves! For example, I loved having the church and Wisconsin Club adorned with flowers. A relatively last-minute decision to order pew bows turned out to be my favorite floral decoration on the wedding day. They were perfectly arranged and added so much to the beauty of the church. WORTH EVERY PENNY Maggie: My parents suggested using a big band in lieu of a DJ. After some thought, Ben and I were totally hooked on the idea and couldn’t imagine not having one. The Brew City Big Band was a fantastic, 22-piece big band that performed a wide variety of music for our guests. Having them perform at our reception completely set the tone we were envisioning for our event. They played all the Big Band era classics to start off the evening of dancing, and as the night went on, even mixed in some contemporary pop and classic rock. The musicians were not only incredibly talented with their instruments, but were true entertainers as well. Our guests could not stop talking about how much fun they had. SHOUT OUT Big shout out to The Paper Elephant for an extraordinary experience and beautiful photos that will last a lifetime. Tegan’s professionalism and organization put our minds at ease throughout the entire planning process and most importantly, on the day of the wedding. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an exceptional wedding photographer. ADVICE FOR COUPLES Wedding Planning Advice: The best way a couple can ensure a stress-free engagement is to avoid obsessing over the small details. Review your options and make choices without overthinking things too much. Brides and grooms-to-be are bombarded with thousands of ideas and suggestions on how to execute the tiniest details of your wedding day. Do not let others’ opinions make you second-guess decisions that you have already made.

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BRIDAL PARTY

Finding the

by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY Front Room Photography BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids GROOMSMAN FORMALWEAR Harleys: A Modern Man Store HAIR & MAKEUP Halo Salon LOCATION The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel FLOWERS Headpiece and Boutonniere by Belle Fiori WEDDING CAKE Missy Molly's Cafe & Pastry Shop WARDROBE STYLING Ariel Tobin STYLING Terri Blahnik MODELS Kurt from Ohlsson Model & Talent, Alexandra, Ariel and James When it’s time to get your bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed, a lot of thoughts may be flying through your head. You want them to look amazing, feel comfortable enough to rock the dance floor, be OK with the price, and complement you! But the old stereotype that brides prefer to dress their maids in something that won’t surpass them is totally outdated. You want your girls — and your groom’s guys — to look and feel great. Once the color scheme is selected, one of the first things a bride will do is explore how to infuse her chosen hues into the attire of her bridal party. Whether it is with one consistent shade or variations of a single color, she’ll search high and low for bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen attire that bring her vision to life while being comfortable and affordable. As for trends, Ariel Tobin, the showroom manager at Milwaukee’s Bella Bridesmaids, says she’s seeing an increase in the demand for dresses in all different shades of blue or any metallics. Another trend you’ll see a lot in the coming months? Mixing and matching various hues to create a dreamy aesthetic. “Brides are loving that designers have created styles that allow them to mix and match different fabrics and textures, while still be able to keep everything unified,” Ariel said. However, if you’re mixing and matching, remember a few basic rules. All bridesmaid’s dresses should be within the same color scheme and also the same length to look unified in group pictures. According to Ariel, brides have been particularly drawn to longer gowns as of late for their bridesmaids. Before you go shopping, have a basic idea of what you want in mind. Spend some time in the pages of Veil Magazine or on our website looking at different colors, cuts and styles. Once you have a rudimentary idea, head to the boutique — that way, you won’t be overwhelmed by the rows and rows of choices. In terms of men’s styles, Tim Ryan, the president of Harleys: A Modern Man Store, said colors continue to run the gauntlet. “Navy is becoming quite popular, black is making a resurgence, and any shade of gray is still appropriate,” Tim says. Select the attire for your bridesmaids first, so that you’re able to choose something for the men that complements them nicely. That will give your group photos a cohesive look and help your ceremony look pretty and put together. The level of formality should be complementary as well. When it comes to hair and makeup, even if your girls are low-maintenance ladies, you’ll still want them to at least apply minimal makeup. “Women that don’t wear makeup in everyday life definitely need to wear some on their wedding day, or they’ll be disappointed with the pictures,” advises Diane Mouse of Halo Salon in Milwaukee. “Using airbrush or HD makeup will prevent the white face and tan body combination that happens with a flash.” In terms of hair styling, Diane is seeing trends that are either soft and undone, or very polished, sophisticated styles. She suggests bringing in pictures for the makeup and hair artist of how the bride would look their bridesmaids to look. You can gather a lot of polished, picture-perfect looks in the many styled shoots we do. See pages 129-131 for some inspiration! No matter what you dress your wedding party in, they are there to make you and your groom look spectacular. So whether it’s a long satin gown with tuxedos or a chiffon sundress with simply styled suits, make sure your bridal party is ready to shine!

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MEN'S FORMALWEAR

The Art of

by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Studio 29 Design + Photography Bottom Left: The Paper Elephant, 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

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

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

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

How can you incorporate your wedding colors?

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

Wardrobe Wisdom 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 Visit Harleys: A Modern Man Store at 3565 N. Oakland Ave. in store, their staff has a unique perspective in offering the proper Shorewood, Wis. Call 414-332-3404. Haberdasher Limited is located advice to the groom when choosing wedding apparel. 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% another special occasion, consider Harleys WITH THIS AD! 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

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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!” 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.

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LOVE STORY

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

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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. There are many picture-perfect moments to be had. Check out the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Veil Magazine for more photo ideas to consider! 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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unVeiled

jessica & drew

LOVE STORY

married 09.29.17

Veil Advertisers PHOTOGRAPHY

Studio 29 Photography + Design

Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN Caterer: Gracious Events Catering and Event Design Ceremony Location: All Saints' Cathedral Dessert: Press. Waffles DJ, Equipment Rentals & Lighting: Milwaukee Airwaves Flowers: Gracious Events Catering and Event Design Hair/Makeup: Tailored Salon Honeymoon Location: Belize Invitations & Stationary: Minted Men's Formalwear: Generation Tux Reception Location: Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company Transportation: Adonis Limousince Wedding Band: Atrio Jewelry (bride) Wedding Gown: BHLDN

DIY We had a cigar bar that Drew took ownership of putting together. We also printed our own thank you notes for the table tops, our welcome sign and ceremony brochures!

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Can’t Help Falling in Love by Laura Vietmeyer

Drew and Jessica first met, in true Wisconsin-fashion, on a brewery tour in the Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee. That neighborhood would one day become their home. They hit it off completely on the first date, endured a long distance relationship while Jessica completed her pharmacy residency and were finally reunited again in Milwaukee. The couple got their first puppy, Basil, and not long after got engaged! The engagement lasted 15 months, and the pair were wed before 120 guests and their 8 person bridal party. They shared their first dance to a version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Drew’s favorite song. The rustic and romantic wedding was fun and relaxed, perfectly matching the couple’s personalities and style.

OUR LOVE STORY Jessica: I love Drew’s ability to find the best in any situation, his sense of humor and his genuine kindness. He motivates me to be my best self, always has me laughing and loves me and all of my quirks. Drew: Her sincerity, gentleness, love and constant consideration and inclusion of everyone's feelings. Oh, and I also love Jessica's laugh, it always cracks me up! THE PROPOSAL Drew: Throughout the time that we dated and as we grew closer I simply knew that I didn’t want to be with anyone else. The first step in planning the proposal was getting the ring! It took two months because I was so nervous and wanted to get it right! Then came asking her father, and although he made it easy and simple, it's nothing short of a tall task for any future husband! Jessica: We went to dinner at one of our favorite downtown Milwaukee restaurants. I noticed he seemed nervous, but I didn’t overthink it. After dinner, we took a drive along Lake Michigan. When we reached a spot near an overlook, Drew suggested we pull over and spend some time along the lake. With a blanket, wine and dessert in hand it wasn’t long after sitting down that he popped the question! STYLE INSPIRATION Walker’s Point, where we live, has many buildings, warehouses and shops with Milwaukee’s well known cream city brick. We knew we wanted a venue that incorporated that element and allowed for us to do really simple, romantic decor to emphasize the character of the space! MUST HAVE DETAIL Good food! I was super excited to find our caterer and to have Press. Waffles do our dessert! WORTH EVERY PENNY Our photographer, Studio 29 Photography, who captured the day perfectly THE CEREMONY Drew: The first thing I thought was, don’t cry, don’t cry. The moment I saw her it felt surreal, a feeling I have never felt and probably can’t ever replicate. She took my breath away and I couldn’t believe I had the opportunity to spend the rest of my life with her. FUNNY MOMENT The speeches from the best man and MOH were filled with great one liners. My favorite line from the best man’s speech was, “ This speech will be like the groom, short and not funny.” ADVICE FOR COUPLES Jessica: It’s easy to get wrapped up in budgets, contracts, emails and meetings, but at the end of the day it’s important to remember you’re marrying your best friend and celebrating your commitment to each other! Drew: Relax and enjoy yourself! Take time to laugh and let it all sink in, because, just like the wedding day itself, when you look back at the process it flies by. And lastly, to know that everything will come together in the end. THE FUTURE We’re both open to any adventure that may come our way. We haven’t mapped out our future too closely, but we know it will include plenty of time with our friends, family, our pooch Basil and traveling.

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BAKERIES

Delicious and

by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Studio 29 Photography + Design Bottom: The Paper Elephant 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 homestyle desserts, like pies 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 summer, but to make a cake resemble a watercolor painting is going to be a very labor-intensive 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 guests, how much dessert do you think I’ll need?

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Can you Do you deliver on the accommodate day of our wedding, allergies or will someone need (for example a to come and pick our gluten-free cake)? 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.

Molly Sullivan MISS MOLLY’S CAFE & PASTRY SHOP Molly Sullivan, owner of Miss Molly’s Pastries, a boutique Milwaukee pastry company, will be opening her first brink & mortar location this summer, Miss Molly’s Cafe & Pastry Shop, located at 9201 W. Center Street. Molly attended culinary school for Baking & Pastry, and has built a successful career for herself in the industry. She worked all over the country before returning home to Milwaukee. She was the pastry chef at Braise Restaurant four and a half years, where her responsibilities included creating and implementing seasonal and local desserts. She was most recently the head pastry chef for Black Shoe Hospitality, which owns popular local restaurants, including Maxie’s, Blue’s Egg, and Story Hill BKC. Molly’s responsibilities were menu creation and overseeing the pastry staff at each of the locations. Molly’s passion is weddings, and this shows in her work. “I started my business about five years ago doing small orders for family and friends. I am so excited by how much the business has grown, especially in the wedding industry of Southeastern Wisconsin. I have met so many other small business owner who have been truly supportive of my business; it is a community of people who really want to see each other succeed!” Molly says. What are you known for in the industry and why? I am known for the different types of petite desserts that we do. I also take pride in the fact that we make everything from scratch and use locally sourced ingredients. I think that the variety of different desserts we do appeals to brides because it gives guests so many options to choose from. Supporting local farmers and artisan producers is important to me and carry that through to my business practices.

How many weddings do you handle a weekend? As a small yet talented company, we accept a limited number of bookings per season. Explore our menus and portfolios, or get a jump start and book a tasting today! What are some unique requests you’ve had over the years? A couple of years ago I did a cream puff wedding where I filled cream puffs to order at their reception! People loved it because it was so fun and unique! I also did a pie pop wedding last year. The bride wanted three different types of pie pops. Her fiancé made special stands where he drilled holes into logs the exact size of the pie pop sticks. It wound up looking like a little forest of pie pops! What trends are most popular among the brides you work with? Many brides work with us because they are looking for a dessert option that is fun and different. We do a lot of dessert tables that have three to five different

bite-sized desserts and a small cutting cake. We also get many requests for simple and elegant tiered cakes made with buttercream frosting and decorated with fresh flowers. What are your words of wisdom for brides? Try not to stress too much! Leave the worrying to the professionals — we got you!

scratch-made desserts and cakes using all-natural, locally-sourced ingredients missmollyscafe.com / 414.249.5665

What is your process when working with a prospective client? Typically, I will schedule a tasting with the bride-and-groom-to-be, who choose five different items from our menu to taste. The tasting costs $25. There is an additional charge if the couple wants to taste more than 5 items or bring additional people. If the client does book us for their wedding the $25 tasting fee will be deducted from their final bill. And for clients who are too busy to book a tasting, we offer a Tasting To-Go for $20. Clients can pick up a box of five samples and decide at their leisure. Craig John Photography

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WEDDING CAKES & PASTRIES

SIMMA'S BAKERY Photography The Paper Elephant

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MISS MOLLY'S CAFE & PASTRY SHOP Photography The Paper Elephant

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danielle & joslyn

LOVE STORY

married 07.15.17

Veil Advertisers BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Bella Bridesmaids

PHOTOBOOTH,& VIDEOGRAPHY

Sound By Design

PHOTOGRAPHY

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

RECEPTION DJ & LIGHTING

Sound By Design

Ceremony & Reception Location: Milwaukee Marriott Downtown Décor Rentals: Heavenly Creations Events Engagement Ring: Kesslers Diamonds Flowers: Jane Kelly Floral Guest Favors: Homemade Bottle Caps Hair & Makeup: Neroli Salon Honeymoon Location: Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Portland, Oregon Officiant: Jack Laffey Transportation: DMI Limousine Wedding Cake: The Cake Lady Wedding Gown Salon: Wtoo by Watters

BEER BOTTLE CAP POEM By: Mr. and Mrs. Scott

Beer brought us together, From now until forever, We started a collection, Bottle caps from every direction, These magnets we created, We are married and elated, To share them with you, As we say “I do,” Magnets have a lasting attraction, We hope we have the same reaction, As we start our life together, We will remember your presence forever, We would just like to say, Thank you for being a part of our special day!

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Game On

by Laura Vietmeyer

Competitive couple Joslyn and Danielle brought their once joked about idea of a football themed wedding to life. Joslyn notes, “As a diehard sports fan myself, Danielle is the perfect partner to share a night on the couch or a day at the game with.” Married before 236 guests who came in from all over the country, they represented their favorite football teams, the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos, respectively, in blue and orange and with a myriad of unique football touches throughout the reception. As the happy couple looks to the future, they see themselves still being 110% in love.

Joslyn and Danielle met at Library Bar on Halloween in 2011. Neither cared much for the holiday, but dressed up and went out that night to appease their friends. Danielle met Joslyn’s best friend Dewy, and they found out they were both teaching assistants. After talking for a while, Dewy introduced Joslyn to Danielle, saying, “You should talk to this girl. She is really cool.” They hit it off immediately. The couple’s first date was over Daylight Savings Time. They went to Tracks Tavern, where the conversation turned to football. “Are you a Packers fan?” Joslyn asked. To his relief, Danielle replied, “I’m a Denver Broncos fan!” They knew then there was a connection. “Daylight Savings Time is still a special day that we celebrate!” Danielle says. Danielle knew Joslyn was “The One” when he met her childhood stuffed animal, Stinky Duck. “Stinky Duck is old and falling apart and Joslyn accepted ‘him’ for who he is,” Danielle says. Similarly, Joslyn knew Danielle was the one when he saw Stinky Duck lying on the snowy ground after falling out of Danielle’s bag. “Without thinking I dashed outside in my shorts, tank top and bare feet as if the stuffed animal was a child in danger. At that moment I knew I would do anything to make this girl happy.” The proposal came during a 2016 trip to Seattle for Danielle’s birthday. They had dinner and drinks upon arriving, and Danielle talked about how Joslyn was such a hooligan when they met. The next day, as they were getting ready to take the hotel shuttle to go meet a friend of Danielle’s, Joslyn asked her to stop getting ready. “He said, ‘I have something important to tell you,’” Danielle recalls. “Joslyn said, ‘Last night you called me a hooligan. You have turned me from a hooligan to a gentleman. Will you marry me?’ My initial reaction was, ‘What about the shuttle?’ Then realizing what happened said, ‘YES!’” Both Joslyn and Danielle were very involved in the planning. Joslyn says, “Wedding planning is a ‘boss fight.’ It can be challenging for not only those directly involved, but also those indirectly involved such as parents, friends and loved ones. Talk to them when planning becomes tough or overwhelming.” On the big day, the couple did a first look before the ceremony. “Joslyn told me that my dress was not anything like he pictured it to be, but that it was the perfect choice for me,” Danielle says. Joslyn donned a bone tie clip for their dog, Harvey, and pineapple cufflinks for Danielle’s love for pineapples. The day was filled with many special moments. Danielle’s bridesmaid, Dana, sang Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up,” at the ceremony. The Best Man and Maid of Honor held a competition for “best speech,” with the Best Man taking home the win. The couple had a Jamaican Rum Cake to honor Joslyn’s Jamaican heritage. They also had a DIY gift for their guests. “We made bottle cap magnets from all of the beer caps we collected over the years and wrote a poem to go with it,” Danielle says. Looking back, the couple notes that their photographer, Heather Cook Elliott, was worth every penny. “She did an amazing job with the photos. That was always the one thing people told us not to skimp on and they were definitely right!” Danielle says. As for the whole experience, Danielle advises other couples to step back and enjoy it all. “Have fun with it and take all the help you can get! Just enjoy the fact that you are going to marry your favorite person.”

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CALLIGRAPHY

Personally Penned

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTO COURTESY OF Jennifer Johnson Photography It’s not uncommon to spend many waking hours planning each part of your wedding, and then spend your remaining hours dreaming of what that day will look like. With so much time dedicated to day-of details, it’s easy to overlook the first impression your guests will have of your big day. In a time when electronic communication has taken precedence over written letters, your wedding invitation is an opportunity to bring joy to ever y guest who opens their mailbox. Captivate them in that instant with an individually hand-written envelope and beautifully scripted invitation that will hang proudly in their home in anticipation of your wedding day, and cherished for a lifetime as a keepsake. Debi Zeinert, the extraordinarily talented owner of The Blooming Quill, has been in love with letters since she was a little girl. She’s always loved to paint and draw, and to use her creativity to bring joy to others.

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chalkboards, as well as lettering on glass and metal with an engraver. And, very soon, The Blooming Quill will be offering Letterpress! Calligraphy isn’t limited to one style, either. You can choose to embrace a traditional approach, which is reminiscent of a black-tie event with few embellishments. Another option is something more contemporary that is less about the “frills” and is more edgy. Newer to her calligraphy repertoire is a whimsical style that looks vintage and feels playful. Whatever style you chose, Debi assures all of her couples that she is fully invested in every person she works with. “I will help them all along the decision to make wedding calligraphy my the way; etiquette, style suggestions, making only job. That’s when The Blooming Quill sure everything is right! I do beautiful work, I can work quickly if I need to, and I treat each was born.” Debi puts her pen to work in a number customer like they are my best friend.” of ways from place cards and signs to menus and programs. She also does hand-lettered “When I found out that I could actually make people happy with lettering, I was beside myself!” Debi elates. “I’ve been lettering for commissions since 1984, but it was in 2001 when I was doing calligraphy as much as working my full-time job that I made

Debi Zeinert 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

Front Room Photography

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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.

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Happily, there is no waiting period between the time the prenup is signed and the wedding date. It could be signed the minutes before you walk down the aisle! It is possible to include a myriad of details in a prenuptial agreement, including both monetary and non-financial requirements, and Wisconsin does not dictate any 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.

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; Studio 29 Photography + Design

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:

Wisconsin requires six months to pass after the granting of a divorce before another marriage license can be issued, regardless of where the divorce was given 6. Name, address, and telephone number of the officiant performing your wedding ceremony The cost of a marriage license varies in each county, so again, contact the county clerk’s office ahead of time, as cash is usually the only way the fee is accepted.

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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.

The information contained in this story is subject to change without notice.

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INVITATIONS & STATIONERY

Wild About

by Michelle Drewek

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Bottom: The Paper Elephant The first impression guests will have of your wedding are your save the dates and invitations. Guests learn more than just where the hotel accommodations are and what time the “I Do’s” take place. Color schemes, the wedding theme and the atmosphere of the entire day can all be encapsulated on this single keepsake. Because many couples decide to frame their invitation, it’s important to take time to put serious consideration into what message you want to convey before your guests arrive on the big day. Wedding invitations help to set a tone and theme that gives guests an idea of what to expect. For a more elegant affair, you may use calligraphy and a heavier stock. A beachfront wedding may have a sandpaper texture and stamped printing. When you opt for a true paper artisan, like those scattered throughout the pages of Veil Magazine, you are getting a custom experience so that your invitations are a distinct representation of you, your partner and your wedding day. There is no right way to decide what will guide the look and feel of your invitations. A typical starting point for couples is to incorporate their color scheme from other elements of the wedding. If you go this route, try playing with a variety of color options and see how they look with other facets of the printing process like the typeface and possible

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embellishments. You may end up deciding to base other decisions about your invitations on the colors you choose, or you may choose a different color scheme altogether to highlight a different element. You’ll also need to decide the type of material you want to print on. While cardstock has been the traditional choice because of its versatility and durability, you have an opportunity to break from tradition by choosing something a bit more diverse. Wood veneer, for example, is paper-thin and eco-friendly. You could also opt for something more dimensional like Jacquard. Your invitation specialist will have first-hand knowledge and samples of what you can create with, so feel free to explore beyond a sheet of paper. Once you decide on the type of material you will print on, you need to figure out what type of printing and typeface you are going to use. The material will often help guide the print type because of texture, delicacy or quite simply that certain typefaces and printing methods work better with certain materials. There are many varieties to choose from, as your invitation designer will discuss with you (i.e. laser, letterpress, engraving, calligraphy). If you plan on printing onto any other items in the wedding like cocktail napkins or your favors, you may want to pick something similar so you have

cohesion among your various wedding elements. Of course, feel free to break the mold a bit! Probably one of the most fun considerations when designing invitations are the embellishments. Including something currently in your wedding décor or fashion can take it the next level of astonishing. Try a fabric accent like a ribbon that matches the sash from your gown, or a ruffle accent from the bridesmaids’ dresses. Add some rhinestone bling to make your invitations dazzle. Or go a step further by mixing a few types of elements together—chiffon from your gown with crystals from the chandeliers or the print from the groomsmen’s’ ties with the feathers from your centerpieces. Let your imagination run wild and see where that takes you and your paper artisan! Understandably so, your budget may end up being the guide for a lot of these decisions. Let your invitation maven know where you stand up-front so they are able to guide you where you can feasibly go right from the getgo. There are endless options available to make your invitation dreams come true, so don’t let your wallet discourage you before you consider your options. And most of all have fun! This is your chance to make a lasting impression and get your guests excited well in advance for your wedding celebration. This is one of your special keepsakes of this truly extraordinary life event.

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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

have. In the end, after considering the different potential scenarios, about half of our couples each year choose to do a First Look.

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.

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 Doing a First Look allows us to get all of the photos done that the anything. We always try to help our couples achieve whatever goals they bride and groom have to be in together, like photos of the two of them,

PRE-CEREMONY PHOTO OPS

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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.

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 We always love to have variety in our collections. One way we touch the feeling of seeing your fiancé at the other end of the aisle with accomplish that is trying to balance out locations. If you are getting everyone you love between you two. Also, a number of couples have married somewhere urban, maybe working a little nature into the day expressed how having that private moment together actually calmed would be nice. Or vice versa. A First Look provides an opportunity their nerves and helped them be more present for their ceremony. to conveniently work different locations into a wedding day schedule.

ACHIEVING VARIETY

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crystal & mathew

LOVE STORY

married 08.20.17

Veil Advertisers CEREMONY LOCATION

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa

Ceremony & Reception DJ: MKE Sound Desserts: Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe Flowers: LilyPots Fresh Flowers and Gifts Honeymoon Location: Excellence Playa Mujeres in Playa Mujeres, Cancun Men's Formalwear: Blacktux Photography: Holen Photography Videography: Films Nouveau

All of My Love by Michelle Drewek

When Mathew proposed to Crystal he knew two things were a must: that it was private and that their dog, Mason, was included. During a camping trip together to Governor Dodge State Park, Mathew set up a picnic with champagne, put a bowtie on Mason, and pulled out a ring box that he specially ordered to record the entire moment. Crystal to this day watches the video of that moment when she said “yes” to the man she says was the easiest decision in her life. ESPECIALLY US Crystal: After going through so many life events with him by my side, I knew I couldn't picture him not being my partner for everything yet to come. He balances me out so well. He’s very patient, calm, gentle, hilarious,

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and my biggest cheerleader. He’s the first person I call with anything exciting to share because I know he’ll be beaming with pride over my accomplishments. Mathew: There wasn’t necessarily a specific instance where I knew she was “the one.” We started spending more and more time together and I realized that everything with her by my side was better. She is my rock in everything I do, is the most selfless person I have ever met, and she always wants the best for me and to see me truly happy. You don't find that often in people, so I knew when I found her that I had found something amazing. KEY RESOURCES I had a special love for Veil Magazine, The Knot, and WeddingWire through my entire planning process! Our wedding coordinator through the Grand Geneva, Kate, was our saving grace. She was there for us from start to finish and I have no idea what I would have done without her. MUST-HAVE DETAILS A doughnut wall. We are both in law enforcement and I thought the idea was hilarious. Plus, I'm addicted to cronuts so I was looking for any excuse to have them in my presence. We also wanted to make sure we got an amazing photographer and videographer. I can’t speak highly enough about Holen Photography or Films Nouveau. They are genuine people who love what they do and you can truly see that in their work. THE CEREMONY Crystal: We had written our own vows, and when it came time for Matt to read his vows he pulled out a folded piece of paper that, when he unfolded it, was the size of a poster board. It was adorable and hilarious! Mathew: If you ask anyone at the wedding, they’ll tell you I cried like a baby. I couldn't help it; she was truly beautiful. Honestly I don't think there are even words to describe what I felt in that moment. There’s something about seeing your best friend walking towards you, looking breathtaking, knowing that in this world you were able to find your “person.” Nothing else compares to that moment. NEW TRADITION After our wedding we got a wine box, put a bottle of champagne from our wedding day into it, and also put a copy of our handwritten vows in. For our first anniversary we’ll open the box, drink the champagne, and re-read our vows. We will then put in a new bottle and add in notes written to each other about the past year and year to come to open on our next anniversary. We got the idea from a friend and they say it’s so special each year. I think it’s such a sweet idea! ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES/GROOMS Crystal: Day of, take a moment to sneak away with your spouse. Matt and I snuck off and had a drink just the two of us after we got our photos taken before the reception started. It’s by far my favorite time of the day. Mathew: Do your research when picking vendors! We spent a lot of time researching and found talented, amazing people who we trusted during the entire wedding planning process. We look back at our beautiful photos and video and couldn’t imagine the regret we’d have if we cut corners on quality just to save some money!

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FLOWERS

Every

by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Front Room Photography Bottom Left: The Paper Elephant, Bottom Middle & 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

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 What flowers will be in season on my wedding day?

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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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SEASONAL

FLOWERS PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Cook Elliott Photography

SPRING

Bank of Flowers

Belle Fiori

SUMMER

Cosmos Hyacinth Hydrangea Jasmine Lilac Lily of the Valley Mimosa (acacia) Muscari (Grape hyacinth) Peony Poppy Sweet Pea Tulip Viburnum Violet

Anemone Aster Calla Lily Casablanca Lily Cornflower Dahlia Daisy Delphinium Garden Rose Gerbera Daisy Hydrangea Larkspur Lavender Marigold Sunflower

FALL

WINTER

Aster Calla Lily Chocolate Cosmos Chrysanthemum Dahlia Fuchsia Hydrangea Lavender Marigold Parrot Tulip Snowberry Statice Sunflower Sweet William Zinnia

Amaryllis Camellia Freesia Heather Holly Ivy Lisianthus Mimosa (Acacia) Narcissus Ornamental Berries Poinsettia Ranunculus Viburnum Violets Winterberry

BRIDAL

BLOOMS PHOTOGRAPHY The Paper Elephant

Belle Fiori

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

Bank of Flowers

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

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FLOWER BOUQUETS

BELLE FIORI

Photography The Paper Elephant Dress Bella Bridesmaid

BELLE FIORI Photography The Paper Elephant

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Photography Heather Cook Elliot Dress Bella Bridesmaid

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BANK OF FLOWERS

Photography Heather Cook Elliot 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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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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unVeiled

mallory & stephen

LOVE STORY

married 06-20-17

Bridesmaids Dresses: The Bridal Event Décor Rentals: Caribbean Celebrations Engagement Ring: Wonder Jewelers Entertainment: GCStar Punta Cana Wedding DJ Groom's Attire: Richard Bennet Custom Tailors Hair: Babor Signature Spa Headpiece: Blair Nadeau Millinery Honeymoon Location: Sanctuary Cap Cana by AlSol Officiant: Daniel Koth Photography + Videography: Punta Cana Photographer Planning & Design: Weddings by Funjet and Weddings & Honeymoons by AlSol Resorts Resort: AlSol Tiara Cap Cana Wedding Band: Groom - J.P. Haase

PERSONAL TOUCH I loved my custom-made crystal headpiece. I worked with Blair Nadeau Millinery Bridal Veils & Adornments to create this perfect accent to my wedding day look. Wish I could wear it every day!

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Waterfront Romance by Carolyn Fraser

THE PROPOSAL Stephen: I worked with a fantastic jeweler to custom-design Mal’s ring. We love the Milwaukee river and lakefront, so I reserved a pontoon boat on a Friday evening. After docking for a riverside dinner, we headed to Lake Michigan with wine, cheese and crackers. While the sun set behind the Milwaukee skyline, I got down on one knee. She said yes! Mallory: When Steve put the ring on my finger, I noticed the center stone was blue. It was the most gorgeous ring I’d ever seen! Fireworks went off shortly afterwards. It was perfect timing, and a fitting ending to our engagement boat ride. On the way back, the Coast Guard congratulated us and blew the air-horn. Such an unforgettable night.

COLOR PALETTE Gold, rose gold, cobalt blue and navy. We used rose gold sequined table runners for a bit of texture, and gold mercury glass votive candleholders to add some extra light and color to the tables. BRIDAL ENSEMBLE My dress was a Maggie Sottero Destination Wedding dress. I didn’t realize that the dress was meant for destination weddings until after I bought it. It was meant to be! I wore lace-up, rose gold heels embellished with crystal rhinestones, which were gorgeous and comfortable. My custom headpiece had a boho feel while still adding extra “bling” to the ensemble. Both of my bracelets were gifts; one was from my mother, and the other from my husband. I also had an embellished locket wrapped around my bridal bouquet in memory of grandparents. MY “SOMETHINGS” Old: My diamond earrings. They’re my favorite, and I’ve had them for over 10 years. New: My custom headpiece and wedding shoes. Borrowed: My hair extensions. Blue: My engagement ring and sapphire bracelet that Steve gave me as a wedding gift. MUST-HAVE DETAIL I wanted the bridesmaids to wear cobalt blue, floor-length dresses. DIY The bridesmaid bouquets, ring box, centerpieces for the cocktail hour, seating chart and table numbers were all created at home and brought to the Dominican for the big day. SHOUT OUT Stephen: The wedding planning process unfolded naturally, thanks to a tremendous amount of support from Karmen Schmid and her team at Weddings by Funjet of The Mark Travel Corporation. Mallory: Our good friend Karmen was hands down our best resource and asset when it came to planning! FUNNY MOMENT Mallory: During the toast to our family and guests at the reception, Steve got a little too enthusiastic with his “cheers” and spilled my entire glass of champagne on my head! WORTH EVERY PENNY Two things: 1) Our videographer - It’s so amazing to have footage of the whole event. 2) The DJ and entertainment package - The dance floor was never empty, and the playlist was fantastic! They also provided us with a smoke machine, which made for some nice effects in the video and photos. BRIDE AND GROOM GIFTS Mallory gave Stephen an engraved watch and a box of high-end Dominican cigars. Stephen gave Mallory a beautiful sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet to wear on the wedding day. ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES Mallory: Enjoy every second of planning and researching for the wedding. When it’s all over, you’ll really miss it. On the day of, relax. Even if things go wrong, most likely no one else will even notice, and it’ll end up being a great memory that you’ll never forget. HAPPILY EVER AFTER Mallory: If we had to do it all over again we wouldn’t change a thing. Our destination wedding in Punta Cana was the perfect choice for us and our guests. We cannot wait to go back to the Dominican Republic for anniversaries at our wedding resort in the future!

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Secrets Behind

by Claire Swinarski

PHOTOGRAPHY Top: Studio 29 Photography + Design, Bottom Left: Front Room Photography Bottom Middle: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Bottom Right: Studio 29 Photography + Design 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 How long will it take in the package? Can for me to receive I split the hours up? the photographs? For instance, day vs night?

Will I have rights to the photos?

credits

& ABOUT OUR COVERS

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info@frphoto.com 414-294-0080 films photo booth

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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

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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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

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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VIDEOGRAPHY

Wedding Films modern



ROMANTIC

BREATHTAKING



your best memories ARE meant to soar

sweetpeacinema.com

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A Living

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!

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HONEYMOON & TRAVEL

Explore

by Jessica Pairrett

Pause for a moment, close your eyes and let your mind wander. Imagine the two of you standing together on a beach, dressed in your wedding day's finest. An intimate gathering of loved ones is before you, awaiting the official "I now pronounce you husband and wife." A destination wedding on the beach, or at any other extraordinary spot in the world, can be yours. Not only does a destination wedding offer a spectacular experience but also it's a chance to leave your ceremony and start your honeymoon straight away. The memories you and those closest to you create will be cherished forever. Sure, this sounds wonderful, but a destination wedding is so expensive, right? Surprisingly not so, says Lisa Hoppe of Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting. Choosing a destination over a traditional wedding can save quite a bit of money. "The average wedding today costs over $20,000, whereas a bride and groom could spend less than 25-50% on a destination wedding and

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Depending on preference, the experience may include hiking in a rainforest, exploring local hot spots, scuba diving or relaxing on a beach. In particular, Fiji offers an exceptionally unique ceremony. The bride, on a decorated raft, floats to a beach location. Wearing garlands of fragrant flowers around their necks, the couple exchanges vows as the sun sets. "It's absolutely magical!" Lisa says. Once the location is picked, you're almost set! Your travel consultant can assist with any extra details you need help with, such as any necessary government paperwork that needs filling out. The team can also refer the couple to tour operators for activities and wedding planners for help with amenities, As for location, you may prefer a popular locale regulations or customs in the destination of like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Mexico or the Dominican choice. With a variety of experts assisting Republic at an all-inclusive resort. Hawaii is with your wedding plans, you're all but beautiful and ideal to avoid passport hassle. Or guaranteed to have a beautifully fabulous for something a bit different, Lisa suggests New wedding of a lifetime. Zealand, the Maldives, Tahiti or Fiji. have an incredible ceremony and honeymoon vacation." A travel consultant, like Lisa and her team, can create a just-for-you, upgraded package for under $5,000. Depending on your plans, some resorts might even provide a ceremony and reception for free.

Lisa Hoppe LISA HOPPE TRAVEL CONSULTING FIRSTHAND KNOWLEDGE, VIP service and pure passion are at the heart of Milwaukee's Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting, where you're sure to plan that perfect honeymoon or destination wedding. Owner Lisa Hoppe has traveled to 81 countries herself, lending her personal experience and insight to create that dream getaway for brides- and grooms-to be. Lisa's passion for travel and learning new things grew from childhood. Translating that into her business, Lisa says she works with couples, truly listening as she helps select the right destination and a resort fitting both needs and budget. Then Lisa's expert travel agent team assists the couple with anything from selecting flights, choosing activities in and around the destination, booking relaxing spa treatments and any other special adventures that'll make for a trip of a lifetime.

Lisa has "cultivated relationships with managers of resorts and destinations all over the world," and she's proud to say the same about Sandals and Beaches resort managers in the Caribbean, who welcome guests with VIP treatment. Additionally, Lisa is an exclusive Sandals Chairman's Royal Club member and for each of the past 14 years, she's earned Sandals STAR Awards. If you're looking for something other than a resort stay, you'll find plenty of suggestions here. As Lisa's done, visit Tahiti, Jean Michel Cousteau's resort in Fiji, or scuba dive Australia's Great Barrier or Mexico's Palancar reef. Or, glimpse pink dolphins in the Amazon! And if you’re leaning toward a romantic destination wedding and honeymoon all in one, Lisa's team will ensure every detail is precisely planned. Because traveling to the unknown may leave

“I CAN OFFER A LOT OF INSIGHT TO EASE ANY FEARS OR ANSWER QUESTIONS FOR A COUPLE”

you wondering "What if?" Lisa's extensive travel experience will calm those nerves. "I can often say 'I've been there' or 'I've done that,' so I can offer a lot of insight to ease any fears or answer questions for a couple." Is travel insurance really needed? Or is the water safe to drink? Let Lisa guide you. You'll soon realize how fast your wedding day passes, and the day should be cherished among one another, family and friends. But after, relish your honeymoon, Lisa says, as "it's the start of many wonderful years together."

Expert planning for the perfect

Destination Wedding

or Honeymoon.

Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Luxury or Value Vacations 6005 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (P) 414-258-8715 | 800-966-8715 lisa@hoppetravel.com | www.hoppetravel.com

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melanie & danny

LOVE STORY

married 09.23.17

Veil Advertisers FLOWERS:

Bank of Flowers

Bridesmaids Dresses & Accessories: Amelishan Bridal Ceremony Location: St. Peters Catholic Church Engagement & Wedding Rings: Douglas Jeweler Hair: Revive Salon Studio Honeymoon Location: Hawaii-Oahu & Maui Invitations & Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas Lighting & Entertainment: Van Rixel Productions Makeup: Amanda Lee Make-up Artist Photography: McManigal Photography Reception Location: Terrace 167 Videography: Today and Forever LLC Wedding Cake/Pastries: Tamara’s Cake Guru Wedding Gown Salon: Miss Ruby

WORTH EVERY PENNY Our venue, Terrace 167, and the flowers for sure. With both we got exactly what we asked for and more! I couldn’t believe how well Melissa from Bank of Flowers captured what I wanted and exceeded all of my expectations.

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Blossoms, Vintage, and a Dash of Sparkle By Michelle Drewek

Melanie and Danny’s love story began over a decade ago at her parent’s body shop where they both worked. Melanie first caught Danny’s sweet tooth with a birthday cake she made him, which kicked off their phone exchanges and eventually, their relationship. After 7 years of dating, Danny figured it was time to show Melanie just how much he cared for her, and after a clever proposal and 2-year engagement, the happy couple said “I do” in front 240 friends and family.

THE PROPOSAL Danny: I can’t pinpoint the exact moment, but I knew for a long time that we would get married someday. I slowly started gathering ideas on what she wanted the ring to look like and make secret trips to the jewelry store to custom design it. Once I got it made, I talked to her parents to get their permission. Then, I reached out to her sister. Melanie: He asked my sister if she would text me and ask me if Danny and I would model for her for some flyers she was printing. She had taken quite a few posed photos and then told us to do whatever we wanted. By the time I turned to ask Danny what he wanted to do, he was already down on one knee! It was amazing that my sister got to be there and that she captured it all on camera. KEY RESOURCE We went to our parents for their opinions. It made the process very fun getting to have them all be so involved in all the decision making! WEDDING STYLE It was very soft and romantic. There were touches of some vintage items, along with a rustic/industrial feel. I was surprised how well all those elements came together! It was different pieces of the many things we liked and felt like us. INSPIRATION I love fall, so I knew that was when I wanted to get married. Our palette was navy, vintage pink and wine. I love those three colors and wanted to somehow combine them. I also wanted to include a lot of greens into the flowers to make it feel fresh. BRIDAL ENSEMBLE I had a hard time finding exactly what envisioned. I wanted lace, a glittery skirt, and a lot of movement to the bottom of the dress. I found a dress that I loved, but something was missing. Miss Ruby offered to throw a light flowy overskirt on top of it and that made the dress! I bought some glittery tulle and had it sewn in-between the many layers and it gave just the right amount of sparkle. I found a vintage pink belt to tie it all together from White Dress Bridal Boutique. And my Maid of Honor sent me a link to the hairpiece I bought, which matched my belt perfectly! I kept my jewelry simple since I don’t usually wear much, and just wore some crystal drop earrings. THE CEREMONY Danny: I remember holding back tears and trying to wrap my head around this being our wedding. And of course how beautiful she looked and how lucky I am. FUNNY MOMENT After our priest pronounced us husband and wife, Danny was so happy to be married and was ready to start the party that he forgot to kiss me! I had to remind him and the whole church laughed with us. It was something I will never forget, but he wishes didn’t happen. ADVICE FOR COUPLES Danny: Things don’t always go according to plan. Stuff happens and you need to just roll with it the best you can to enjoy the process. Don’t get caught up in all the small little differences or changes that need to happen. Melanie: ALWAYS communicate! Don’t assume you know how your spouse feels; ask each other why they feel a certain way. It helps us a lot to get out of our own heads and see things from the others perspective.

Feature

ST RY

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.

The Paper Elephant

Front Room Photography

WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT BETWEEN THE GROOM AND HIS BRIDE ON THEIR WEDDING DAY BECAME A TAINTED PORTRAIT. Studio 29 Photography + Design

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

The Paper Elephant

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WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

“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.

“I WAS SITTING AT A FRIEND’S WEDDING AND COULDN'T EVEN SEE THE COUPLE BECAUSE OF ALL THE PHONES RAISED UP TAKING PHOTOS,”

The Paper Elephant

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

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.”

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WISCONSINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WEDDING MAGAZINE

ADVERTISERS INDEX BAKERIES

EVENT DÉCOR AND DESIGN

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

142

Miss Molly's Cafe & Pastry Shop 414.249.5665 missmollyscafe.com

143

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

115

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

114

Stone Manor Bridal 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

113

16-19, 183 Back Cover

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

160

Belle Fiori 414-272-2234 bellefioriflorist.com

161

HONEYMOON & TRAVEL

White Dress Bridal Boutique 414-897-7208 whitedressmilwaukee.com

26-27

BRIDAL SHOWS Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride mmbshow.com

CALLIGRAPHY 149

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

185

Lisa Hoppe Travel Consulting 414-258-8715 800-966-8715 hoppetravel.com

JEWELERS 85, David Liska Inside Back Cover Custom Jeweler 414-278-6000 Custombridaljewelry.net DavidLiskaCustomJeweler.com 8 Lyle Husar Designs 262-789-8585 lylehusardesigns.com

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

28-29

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

Saz’s Hospitality Group 414-256-8765 sazs.com

28-29

Wingman Formalwear 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

Saz's Catering & Special Events 414-256-8765 sazs.com

28-29

28-29 Saz's Catering Lake Country 262-691-9796 sazs.com Shully’s Cuisine & Events 24-25, 40, 50 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com

PHOTO BOOTH RENTALS

COFFEE CATERING

Front Room Photography 414-294-0080 frphoto.com

Roast Coffee Catering 414-828-2030 roastcoffeecatering.com

ENTERTAINMENT - DJ’S 16-19, 183 Back Cover

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

178

PRE & POST NUPTIAL PARTY LOCATIONS Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant 38, 44-45, 46 414-765-1166 bacchusmke.com Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

38, 44-45, 46

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

Harbor House 414-395-4900 harborhousemke.com

44-45, 46

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

10, 38, 46

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee 414-276-1234 milwaukee.regency.hyatt.com

38, 41, 48

Kil@Wat 414-291-4793 kilawatcuisine.com

14-15, 48

132

Mason Street Grill 414-298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com Milwaukee ChopHouse 414-390-4562 chophouse411.com

14-15, 48

16-19, 183 Back Cover

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

The Paper Elephant 262-923-8343 thepaperelephant.com

133

OFFICIANTS Two-Gether We Wed 414-813-7498 TwogetherWeWed.com

180

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, The 20-21,38,48 414-291-3970 journeymanhotel.com

MEN’S FORMALWEAR

CATERERS

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

EVENT LIGHTING Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

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

Barking Pony Studios 414-302-0778 BarkingPonyBrides.com

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

176-177

179

Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse 44-45, 50 262-790-7005 mrbssteakhouse.com Saz’s State House Restaurant – The State Room 414-453-2410 sazs.com

28-29, 50

Seeboth, The 414-841-9374 theseeboth.com

40, 49, 50

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

24-25, 40, 50

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

CONTINUED --->

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ADVERTISERS INDEX RECEPTION LOCATIONS Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant 414-765-1166 bacchusmke.com

44-45, 46

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin 38, 44-45 414-765-8610 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange 38, 44-45 414-727-6980 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

38, 44-45, 46

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

38, 43

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

10, 38, 46

Hilton Milwaukee City Center 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

14-15, 38

Historic Pritzlaff 143 Historic Pritzlaff 325 Historic Pritzlaff 333 Historic Pritzlaff 414-433-6088 pritzlaffevents.com

30-31, 38

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee 414-276-1234 milwaukee.regency.hyatt.com

38, 41, 48

InterContinental Milwaukee 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

14-15, 38

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, The 20-21, 38,48 414-291-3970 journeymanhotel.com Milwaukee Art Museum 414-224-3287 mam.org

Inside Front Cover 1, 40

14-15, 40

Pfister , The 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

5, 40

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 414-PAYSBIG (729-7244) paysbig.com/meetings

22-23, 40

Ramhorn Farm 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

6-7, 40

River Club of Mequon 262-242-1400 riverclubofmequon.com

Sazama's Fine Catering at the Marcus 28-29, 40 Center for the Performing Arts 414-276-2030 sazamas.com

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

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22-23, 40

SALONS & SPAS Beauty 414-276-5054 beautymilwaukee.com

Hair By Smash hairbysmash.com

Saz’s Catering & Special Events 414-256-8765 sazs.com

28-29

Halo Salon 414-272-4256 halomilwaukee.com

Saz's Catering at the Country Inn & Suites - Port Washington 414-256-8765 sazs.com

28-29

High Brow Waxing Boutique 414-967-7330 highbrowwaxing.com

VIDEOGRAPHY

Saz's Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club 262-691-9796 sazs.com

28-29, 40

Seeboth, The 414-841-9374 theseeboth.com

40, 49, 50

Shully’s Cuisine & Events The Watermark 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com War Memorial Center 414-273-5533 warmemorialcenter.org

24-25, 40, 50

39, 40

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

16-19, 183 Back Cover

Sweet Pea Cinema 262-227-6134 sweetpeacinema.com

Dynamic Events by David Caruso 12-13 414-283-0050 dynamiceventsinc.com 22-23, 40 événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

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

181

WEDDING & EVENT PLANNERS

CHECK US OUT

Studio 29 Photography + Design

ONLINE

For 29 years Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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