Veil Magazine Spring 2016 Issue by Veil Magazine

WISCONSIN’S WEDDING MAGAZINE

SPRING 2016

Wedding Gowns Trendy meets TIMELESS

Dressed inLove PLANNING ADVICE

what to do

before I DO

Bringing Your Space to Life

LOVE STORIES

PLANNING A WEDDING,

$5.99 PRINTED IN USA

BUILDING A MARRIAGE VeilMagazine.com

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 & weldon Liles Welcome to the Spring/Summer issue of Veil Magazine! On behalf of the entire Veil family, we want to say congratulations. Being in love is an extraordinary feeling, and this is an exciting time of your life as you plan your wedding and venture into matrimony. 14 years ago I met and 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 the weddings could culminate into something creative and valuable to other Wisconsin bridal couples. Veil Magazine exists because of the support of my husband, Weldon, our loving families, our exceptional Veil team and our incredibly talented advertisers. Each year I fall in love over and over again with my Veil family and everything we have accomplished. It 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 all the bells and whistles. Wisconsin couples have a unique sense of style. To help nurture that flair, we have produced a stunning 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 venues, businesses, retailers and planners 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 have some timely articles about Building a Marriage, creating Fur-ever Memories, Transforming Spaces, What to Do Before “I Do” and an array of Love Stories featuring newlywed Wisconsin couples you can closely relate with. We hope this experience helps you feel close to our team and our advertisers, with an underlying understanding of your unique tastes. Cheers to the incredible journey that is marriage! Let us join you for the ride, and don’t be shy about giving us feedback along the way. You can connect with us on our website, on social media, through our blog. 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 m three studio photography

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

get to know

our team

Terri Blahnik

Ashley McDonell

Michelle drewek

Laura Vietmeyer

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

I started at Veil in 2012 after obtaining my graphic design degree from UW-Milwaukee. As a newlywed, I’m able to help brides dream up ideas, find resources, and answer any questions they may have, all thanks to the easily accessible information on VeilMagazine. com and our social media sites.

I began with Veil in 2011 after graduating from UW-Milwaukee with a Journalism degree. Writing has always been my passion, and combining that with the innate allure of the wedding industry has been beyond fulfilling. Being happily married myself, I love this opportunity to help couples plan their dream wedding and write about newlyweds’ Happily Ever Afters.

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

Favorite Wedding Movie: My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Favorite Wedding Song: Lucky by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat

Creative Director

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

Web Specialist

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

Managing Editor/Writer

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

Writer

Favorite Wedding Movie: The Wedding Planner

Favorite Flower: Tulip Favorite Wedding Memory: Taking trips to attend weddings! I’ve been to Portland, Oregon and Xalapa, Mexico to attend friends’ weddings.

VeilMagazine.com

about us

& Our Covers

Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Magazine

Spring 2016

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

President & publisher Denise M. Liles

vice president & cfo Weldon R. Liles

associate publisher Donald F. Hurtikant II

administrative assistant Terri Blahnik

creative director Terri Blahnik

fashion styling & Production Terri Blahnik Anne Sorensen

Managing editor/writer Michelle Drewek

contributing writers Photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography Styling Tailored Engagements Hair Laura Graven of Tailored Salon Makeup Tayla LaMacchia Dress Hayley Paige, Bliss Bridal Florals Daffodil Parker

Summer 2016

Katie Carlson Deserae Constantineau Sara Dahmen Michelle Drewek Carolyn Hartnett Gabrielle Loomis Jon Murrish Jessica Pairrett Laura Vietmeyer Robyn & Jim Vining

custom calligraphy services Debie Zeinert, The Blooming Quill

social media

Alyssa LaBarbera, Dapper LLC.

web specialist Ashley McDonell

contributing photographers Front Room Photography frphoto.com

Heather Cook Elliott Photography HeatherCookElliott.com m three studio photography mthreestudio.com Manning Photography manningphotography.com Robyn Vining Photography robynviningphotography.com Katie & Andrew Married July 19th, 2014 Photography Robyn Vining Photography UnVeilded love story page 186

Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Magazine

Studio 29 Photography & Design foto-29.com *Covers change quarterly, content changes bi-annually. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However WD Publishing Designs, LLC dba Veil Magazine cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. All Rights Reserved. Veil Magazine will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers or any other portion of this publication. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of WD Publishing Designs, LLC. dba Veil Magazine.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY (This page) Pamela Strohl. (Opposite Page) Tricia Dewar Photography & Bottom Left Photo by Laura Borkenhagen

Amid some of Mequon’s most immaculate land lies a sanctuary that, like most everything at The River Club, was created with romance and magic in mind. The spectacular Grand Ballroom is the very manifestation of contemporary elegance and can accommodate receptions from one hundred to over five hundred guests. The River Club features $1.5 million in programmable theme lighting that compliments an array of stunning vistas overlooking the golf course and countryside. An expansive outdoor covered veranda called The Sunset Deck further enhances a sensory experience that justifies The River Club of Mequon’s standing as a dream destination for receptions aiming to be remembered forever. Dining at The River Club features the kind of contemporary American Cuisine that becomes a buzz unto itself. Whether it’s a sumptuous entree or a lavish buffet, you can be assured that your meal will be one to savor from the start to a finish that longs to be prolonged. Brides are fast to embrace The River Club’s warm and welcoming Bridal Suite, replete with comfortable appointments, private bathroom and flattering mirrors. Should you want to dazzle-up your evening with waterfall fireworks cascading across the western wall of windows or have a helicopter deliver a bride or groom or both, simply ask. Weddings at The River Club have a reputation for converting the blur of accelerating events into an indelible memory of a storybook evening. As invaluable as anything is the peace of mind that comes

from knowing every detail has been covered by a gracious staff committed to delivering in ways that exceed your dreams. “At The River Club, it is our privilege to deliver a wedding that will surprise and delight the senses and swell the hearts of our guests. Moreover, it is our never-ending quest to uncover new ways to sincerely touch the souls of our brides.” From its inception, The River Club of Mequon has been the home of the redoubtable wedding maestro, Larry Kreiner. Mr. Kreiner grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and graduated with a Masters degree Larry Kreiner Event Sales Director in Communication and Hotel Management from the University of Johannesburg. Now in the US and loving life on Milwaukee’s north shore, Larry has been cultivating his own brand in the banquet arts by delighting bridal parties with his enlightened and singularly exquisite special event design and execution. That reputation speaks to why Larry Kreiner has played a large part in orchestrating galas for VIPs ranging from former Presidents to Hollywood starlets. Just ask the man whose accent never sleeps; he’ll tell you stories that’ll make you glad you asked.

d • Receptions • Ceremonies

• Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers

• Post Wedding Day Brunch

Featuring ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING RINGS

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

Engaged by Husar THE PRIVATE COLLECTION

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

|262-789-8585 |

Spring / Summer 2016

Table of Contents 100

118

102

132

144

Be inspired 99 132 151 160 169

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

Features & fashion

52 Extraordinary Table Décor 74 Bringing Your Space to Life 88 LOVE: Custom Rings Set to Perfection 100 Planning a Wedding, Building a Marriage 108 Wedding Gowns Trendy Meets Timeless 118 True Romantic Elegance 132 Your Well-Tailored Gentlemen 144 Fur-ever Memories 170 What to Do Before "I Do"

Bridal shows

OnSite & upClose

5 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 6 River Club of Mequon 8 Lyle Husar Designs 10 Milwaukee Art Museum 12 Dynamic Events By David Caruso 14 Sound By Design 18 Marcus Hotels & Resorts 20 Saz's Hospitality Group 22 événement planning 24 White Dress Bridal Boutique 26 Historic Pritzlaff

Every issue 2 32,34 40,42,44 191,192

Letter from the Publisher & Our Team Reception Site Directory Party Locator Advertiser’s Index

80 Milwaukee's Magnificent Bride 81 The Bridal Show at Overture

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

Micah Kaufman & Katie Shorts milwaukee art museum

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

explains. Plus, with the special exhibitions changing three times a year, the pair works on introducing new and innovative experiences and menu items, and using the feedback given by previous brides and grooms to make updates. “Our goal is to give each couple their perfect day, in the perfect setting,” Katie says. “As an art museum, encouraging creativity and expressing oneself is a given. It’s almost like the setting of the Museum inspires couples to be more creative!” That creativity is also captured often by Chef Micah and his staff within the Museum’s catering department. He often looks to local vendors and farms for his delectable suggestions on the menu, and because of that, his favorites to serve wedding guests moves with the season. “The art in the Museum and the menu are constantly changing, so the beauty of it never gets old,” he offers. “The architecture cannot be out done; it’s bright, fresh and clean, a perfect marriage of landscape and industry. A Chef can’t ask for a better stage than this.” Micah and his team meet with every couple for tastings, spending many hours planning and preparing dishes that are as remarkable as the venue itself. Katie also invests herself in each bride and groom that walk in the door, so their entire experience of the Museum, as well as their guests, is fresh, professional and yet still creative. “I work with each and every couple that walks through the door to see to every last detail,” she reveals. “With some basic restrictions to protect the art, couples have a lot of freedom to use the indoor and outdoor spaces to make their ceremony and reception personal and intimate.” She points to Windhover Hall as an example. The light-filled, column-free space is breathtaking in and of itself, but allows for an enormous amount of leverage in creating a completely customized look for a wedding. Whether you want a simple, cozy affair or a huge extravaganza, an outdoor cocktail party or indoor formal meal, the Milwaukee Art Museum is the perfect place to get creative, focus on what style you want for your wedding, and execute it against a stunning backdrop. You can’t go wrong here.

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

front room photography

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Art Museum is an icon. We are a symbol of Milwaukee, exemplifying the majesty of the landscape and representing the city and its people.” 2013 marked the 125th anniversary for the Museum, and with the ability to seat upwards of 400 guests, with stunning views of the lake and city, and with both indoor and outdoor locations to hold events, the Milwaukee Art Museum is capable of making anyone’s wedding dreams come true. So many brides and grooms want the “wow” factor of holding their most special day within the walls of the Museum that Veil Magazine decided to sit down with Katie Shorts, Wedding Coordinator, and Micah Kaufman, Chef de Cuisine. Both Katie and Chef Micah recently joined the staff at the Museum, but already they’ve refined the catering menu, elevated the personal service offered, and refocused the entire planning process inward toward the Museum’s best features: art and architecture. The Quadracci Pavilion and Burke Brise Soleil (the Museum’s “wings”) have been adopted as an icon for the city. “The Quadracci Pavilion has put Milwaukee on the map,” Chef Micah

Spring / Summer 2016

Table of Contents 82

74 62

168

156 126 unVeiled love stories

28 kristey & harish 50 natalie & mike 62 niki & aaron 72 elle & brad 82 sarah & ryan 90 emily & ryan 104 kristin & andrew 126 annie & matt 138 kelly & nick 152 stephanie & joel 162 becca & patrick 186 katie & andrew

details

30 Venue & Food Pairings 41 Prepare, Party & Plan 45 Party in Brew City 46 Perfect Custom Cocktails 48 A True Coffee Obsession 52 Extraordinary Table DĂŠcor 64 Covered in Quality

66 Choose Canopy Rentals 70 Wedding DĂŠcor & Design 78 The Show Experience 84 Find the Perfect Partner 92 Finding an Officiant 94 Breathtaking and Beautiful 96 Hair Affair 106 Face the Future 112 Dressed in Love 114 Inside Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC. 128 Power to the Men 132 Your Well-Tailored Gentlemen 140 Truly Customized 142 Wrapped with Love 148 Enamored with Sweetness 154 Personally Penned Mementos 156 Wild About Words 164 Fall in Love with Petals 172 A Living Keepsake 174 Dance the Night Away 176 A Candid Moment 188 Dream "I Do" Destinations

VeilMagazine.com

onSite

& upclose

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

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

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

by Sara Dahmen

stylish and present disc jockey music and Master of Ceremonies services for weddings - an award winning service that continues to be what drives couples to speak with Sound By Design. What many brides and grooms don’t expect is a DJ service that comes with many entertainment options rolled together in one package. Torie Gamez, the Director of Operations at SBD, spends a lot of one-on-one time with couples who come in looking for said amazing DJ entertainment. “Even after 13 years in the industry, I still love hearing about couples’ wedding days when I first meet them,” he admits. “And I get to share with them how SBD can help with so many aspects of entertainment.” Once you’ve received an overview of Sound By Design’s capabilities from Torie, you’ll establish a very full, personal and warm relationship with Josh Erickson, the Director of Client Services. “I provide couples with a carefree experience once they come on board with us,” he explains. “Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and my goal is to make

photography by front room photography

the entertainment side as easy as possible, from helping the Lighting Division design the reception room or recommending vendors.” With the family oriented baseline that is SBD’s mantra, Josh strives to make couples feel like part of that family as well. “You should never feel like a number,” he says. “We’ll stay away from the gimmicks and let the music do the talking.” Paul, looking at the business from over 17 years in the industry, also advises couples to be budget conscious about your wedding at all times, “But make sure you allocate your funds to the most important areas. Make sure you invest in the entertainment because that truly is the backbone of the reception.” But sometimes entertainment for your wedding reception needs to be even more interactive, because entertaining is most definitely a myriad of dynamic pieces beyond music. “We do an open concept photobooth or standard inclosed one,” Torie says. “But we have a modern approach that uses a backdrop and allows for more movement, bigger groups, and

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

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

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

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

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

can let guests leave video messages for the couple.” Josh agrees. “People love them and the quality is great.” With that evolving, unique, modern approach to entertainment, Sound By Design really does customize a wedding package to help create a day with all the elements handled. Entertaining your guests is of course important - providing a killer sound and music experience is what can make a reception memorable. But there are the other parts of entertainment that all come together to make the overarching day that much better. David Hackbarth is the Director and Founder of Sound By Design’s Lighting Division. He works to create lighting design that is customized to your colors, your overall wedding vibe and be smashingly gorgeous all without breaking the bank. “I help clients put together lighting packages that will make the most impact for the budget they can afford,” he explains. “And I love problem solving and learning how to make things happen in some of the most impossible lighting situations.” This, once again, is how SBD’s team strives to entertain you and your guests - lighting can be a feast for the eye, and give an entirely new meaning to a space that might have usually been quite ordinary. Plus, the product is top notch and plays with the newest up and coming options. “We are very careful about selecting the lights,” David says. “By buying the newest equipment in uplighting, we’re able to provide a lot of light with very little hassle.” Some of those ideas are whole room washes, which almost ‘paint’ a room with an intense wash of color, or using creative cording to light the interior of a tent with unique

chandeliers. “Lighting is a compliment and a statement to illuminate the most important aspects of a wedding and it’s design,” describes David. Lighting is essential to creating that high energy entertaining vibe, which dovetails nicely into Sound By Design’s overall prerogative for your wedding; they want the whole room to feel the music, get caught up in the party atmosphere, and feel as though they’ve been transported into a wedding fantasy exclusively yours. And what better way to make sure that entertainment vibe is exactly what you wish for yourselves, your memories, or your guests than with an extraordinarily professional and warm group of individuals, who together make a seamless team? Sound By Design will have worked with, and followed you, through the whole wedding process - from lighting decor, planning photobooths and coordinating speeches and introductions, to

the dance party itself. They have an innate understanding of who you are and what makes your love story special. How more personal and customized to your style can it get? Plus, everyone is invested in your entertaining experience from Day One, which is a huge part of why Sound By Design is so well loved in Wisconsin. “Each and every person has so much pride and passion for this company that it really shows in the end result,” reveals Josh. “We are so much more than the guys who push play.” Paul, who makes the big management decisions at Sound By Design, agrees wholeheartedly. “SBD’s backbone is our amazing staff. We continue to employ only those that are closest to us, who are willing to look forward to how to make SBD better, so that we can continue to guarantee premier quality in every avenue of entertainment we offer.”

sound by design DJ • LIGHTING • PHOTOBOOTH

DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU soundbydesign.org • info@soundbydesign.org • 262.968.9586 • Est. 1996 VeilMagazine.com

Sydney Johnson Waisanen Marcus Hotels & Resorts MARKET DIRECTOR OF CATERING

Do You Believe in love at first sight? You will soon! “Our hotels offer a variety of style options which suit the needs of the For a wedding you’ll cherish, look traditional bride to the modern bride. to Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Milwaukee Your wedding can be part of the rich properties. From the historic Pfister Pfister history, a timeless celebration Hotel, stylish InterContinental Milwaukee at Hilton Milwaukee or a chic affair at and classic Hilton Milwaukee, each InterContinental Milwaukee," says Sydney goes the extra mile to ensure a flawless Waisanen, Marcus Hotels & wedding. For more than 115 years, The “Our hotels offer a variety of style options Resorts’ Market Director of Catering Sales. "Your event Pfister Hotel has established a which suit the needs of the traditional will be created with the utmost tradition of elegance. Spectacular care as we work with you to architecture, luxurious accommobride to the modern bride” transform your dream wedding dations, unrivaled venues and into a reality. Let us worry about the For a sophisticated affair, look to a sense of grandeur position this historic hotel for an unforgettable event. A storybook InterContinental Milwaukee, which brings details while you enjoy celebrating with backdrop highlights its Imperial Ballroom contemporary style to the downtown family and friends. We look forward to while The Grand Ballroom combines business and theatre districts. Its Grand welcoming you and your guests with our old-world sophistication and contemporary Salon is spectacular with the warmth gracious Marcus hospitality.” You’ve been dreaming about your of the chocolate brown suede walls and appointments. wedding your whole life. Start planning it contemporary lighting. For an intimate Charming weddings are the specialty of Hilton Milwaukee, a city landmark setting, choose The Lobby Salon, which today with Marcus Hotels & Resorts. For located in the heart of downtown. In its is located across from InterContinental package information and more on each Crystal Ballroom, your wedding will be Milwaukee’s art gallery—guests can browse property, visit MarcusWeddings.com. as timeless as the room itself, which art and enjoy cocktails before entering. defines grace through art-deco details, high ceilings and brilliant mirrors. Every bit as impressive is the Empire Ballroom, a tiered space boasting rich woods, gold-leafed adornments, gorgeous carpets and textured window treatments in deep russets.

Kerry Doyne Marcus Hotels & Resorts Private Dining Sales Manager Though the wedding day may be “The Big Day,” a wedding is an event spread over weeks and months for many brides and grooms. Bachelor parties, wedding showers and rehearsal dinners require excellent locations, and none are better than those from Marcus Restaurant Group: Mason Street Grill, Kil@ wat, Milwaukee ChopHouse, 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. “Their private

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

dining rooms, unique in décor and size, create a personal setting for a memorable experience that is truly ‘theirs.’” For pre-wedding parties and post-wedding receptions, The Pfister Hotel—Milwaukee’s premier hotel—has plenty to offer. Located adjacent to the hotel, Mason Street Grill has three private dining rooms that can fit up to 40 guests. For spectacular sights, nothing beats Blu, The Pfister’s 23rd floor lounge. “Mason Street Grill’s private dining rooms are equipped with complimentary flat screen TVs and menus everyone will enjoy,” Doyne said. “Follow dinner with cocktails in Blu to enjoy the best views of the city.” Next to Hilton Milwaukee you’ll find Milwaukee ChopHouse, which is tailor-made

for one last night with the guys. “The private dining room seats up to 30 guests and is perfect for a pre-bachelor party dinner,” Doyne said. “Our chef can even create a special menu for you featuring your favorite beer pairings.” Looking for a spark? Look no further than Kil@wat, located on InterContinental Milwaukee’s second floor. “’The Loft’ [at Kil@wat] is perfect for a reception or casual brunch,” Doyne said. “Its location makes this a great venue for a wedding shower, the complimentary flat-screen TV is perfect for pictures or videos of the couple-to-be and the sunny décor makes a great daytime setting for a gift-opening brunch.”

Your

FAIRY TALE deserves the perfect setting

Celebrate lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest moments in luxury in one of Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most elegantly appointed ballrooms. Our expert staff will help you design an event dreams are made of. Consult with our wedding specialists by calling 414.390.3802.

MarcusWeddings.com

Photo Credit: Front Room Photography

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Endless Possibilities

Catering to Romance

Saz's Catering Saz's State House Restaurant

Creating World Class Cuisine at Stunning Wisconsin Locations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saz's Catering Lake Country

Exclusive Caterer for Western Lakes Country Club

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

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

A Passion for Planning

The Image Is Found Photography

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 to go around!” Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner of événement planning explains. In the beginning, événement offered event lounge rentals, but about one month after leaving her Director of Catering and General Manager position at Pier Wisconsin, Janelle was getting many calls from industry people and past clients asking her for help with events, she decided to add planning to the mix. As business grew, Janelle began to grow her team as well, seeking out talented individuals with great spirits, personality and who truly care about the clients. And, she wanted them to be willing to get their hands dirty. Now in their 5th year of business, Janelle has two seasoned planning professionals—Amanda Bird and Anne Radtke—who dedicate every ounce of their passion into their events. The group has recently welcomed Erin Hochevar, from local restaurant group Hospitality Democracy, selling and planning corporate dinners, rehearsal dinners, weddings and more, and Elizabeth Neupauer who adds an interior design background and exciting new and young ideas and so much attention to detail. Together, the team has 40-plus years of experience to offer clients. “When we work with you, we enter into a partnership,” Janelle says. This proves true in reading through some of the many testimonials from past clients: “My first phone call solidified my desire to work with événement, as they were honest, straight forward, funny and seemed to have a clear understanding of what I envisioned for the big day.” “We never imagined having a planner when we first started our wedding journey, but now I can't imagine what it would have been like without événement.” From weddings and corporate events, to photo/TV shoots and design consulting, to customization of lounges and unique touches, to everything they do, événement’s team will work tirelessly for their clients. “We become family in the planning process, and we care about our families!” Janelle elates.

Below images: Robyn Vining photography

The Artist Group

Reminisce Studio by Miranda & Adam

Robyn Vining photography

Robyn Vining & Andy Stenz

Kate Weinstein Photo

design

262.617.8826

plan

consult rentals

â&#x20AC;˘ evenementplanning.com â&#x20AC;˘ 7208 W North Ave, Wauwatosa

You said YES! What an exciting and memorable time in your life! Whether you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day since you were a little girl, or you’re only just starting to piece together your vision for this extraordinary occasion, I want to personally invite you to book an appointment with White Dress Bridal Boutique, Milwaukee’s newest bridal establishment. At White Dress, we strive to provide an exceptional, exclusive, individualized dress shopping experience for each and every bride as she embraces her journey from Miss to Mrs. Our appointments are an hour and a half in length, during which time we celebrate you and your love story while catering to your every need. We provide Milwaukee’s finest selection of wedding dresses & accessories and so much more! No detail is overlooked. Your time at our boutique is incredibly special, managed by an elite team with a flow that allows you and your guests to fully engage in the experience and live in that moment as long as possible - that serene, pure, serendipitous moment - that moment when you discover you are standing in your dream dress! Love Is In The Details. Experience The Difference. Best Wishes! Christina Wegner Owner, White Dress Bridal Boutique

Love Is In The Details. Experience The Difference. 237 East Pittsburgh Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53204 www.whitedressmilwaukee.com 414-897-7208

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT

VeilMagazine.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

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love love story story

Veil Advertisers Ceremony & reception location:

InterContinental Milwaukee Equipment rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Mandap & other Fabric Installation:

Barking Pony Studios Reception DJ:

Sound By Design Wedding Planning & design

Dynamic Events by David Caruso

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Ceremony & Reception Location: Milwaukee County Historical Center Day of Stationery: Sugar River Stationers Flowers: Dahlia Blooms Hair & Makeup: Executive Edge Salon Invitations: Hew+Co Lighting: Majic Productions Linen Rentals: BBJ - Table Fashions Men's Formalwear: Suit Supply Photography & Photo Booth Rentals: Valo Photography Videography: Don't Shout Films Wedding Cake: Cakes by Erin Salerno Wedding Gown: Zita Bridal Salon

Intimate Moment

Beautifully Blended Traditions by Michelle Drewek

Weddings and traditions often go hand-in-hand. What makes each wedding unique is not only the traditions themselves, but the significance behind them. Harish and Kristey value their family, friendships and the deep roots of their religious backgrounds. Each played a special role in their wedding celebration and made for a beautiful beginning to their lifelong journey together as husband and wife. About 10 years ago, Harish took a break from his medical school studies to celebrate his birthday. He was initially planning on leaving early to hit the books again, but happened to meet Kristey and they ended up talking until closing time. “We hit it off immediately,” Kristey remembers. “Well, after I teased him for ordering a chocolate martini, that is.” The pair has been inseparable ever since. Harish and Kristey had taken their first vacation together several years prior to their engagement, making it the perfect place for Harish to plan this special moment. And, Kristey’s mother and stepfather helped him put the surprise proposal together.

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

“Her stepdad, Bill, and I pretended to go down to the bar before dinner and told Kristey and her mom to meet us in a bit,” Harish describes. “I actually went down to the beachside cabana. When Kristey was brought to me, she saw the cabana and tiki lights and thought I had simply arranged a nice dinner.” As the sun was setting in Playa del Carmen, Harish got down on one knee and was met with an elated “Yes!” from his bride-to-be. Being in another country, they waited until the next day to call Harish’s parents and brothers, and spent that evening enjoying the moment together.

kristey & harish

married 05-08-2015

The couple spent the next year relishing in their engagement before starting to plan. It was then that they enlisted the help of Milwaukee wedding extraordinaire, David Caruso, to prepare for the big day. “In lieu of sticking to one style, we preferred to incorporate ourselves and our family into the details of the wedding,” Kristey elaborates. “I wanted to keep the look of the wedding clean by using white and gray elements with small pops of varying shades of pink, my favorite color, in the details. Harish’s parents influenced how we setup our mandap, and Harish added a chandelier and pink to the seat covers—both of which were a surprise to me until I walked down the aisle!” Kristey wore a gorgeous dress created by a local designer in Chicago. Indian designer Anushree Reddy inspired the design, which was a fusion of Indian and western styles. Thanks to some fabulous last minute tailoring by Maria of Zita Bridal Salon, the extraordinary help of her mother and jewelry from Harish’s parents purchased from their hometown of Hyderabad, India, Kristey was absolutely stunning from head to toe. The ceremony was a beautiful blend of traditional Hindu and Christian rituals. They had an intimate mehndi party the night prior to the wedding, a blessing ceremony for them prior to the wedding ceremony, followed by a post-wedding Hindu ceremony at the Milwaukee temple the morning following their wedding.

“Each ceremony was filled with our closest relatives and embodied our families and love for each other—not to mention three days of amazing Indian food!” Kristey elates. Incorporating family into the wedding was incredibly important to Harish and Kristey. From their wedding party to the Something Old (a diamond baby ring Kristey’s mom bought when she was born), Something Borrowed (Kristey’s greatgrandmother’s pin) and Something Blue (a heart-shaped piece of fabric from one of Kristey’s stepfather’s shirts sewn into her dress on top of her heart), each element represented these important relationships in their lives. Kristey also designed a family crest for her and Harish, and they combined white and red paint during the ceremony and painted the resulting pink paint onto parts of the crest. It then acted as a guestbook for their loved ones during the reception. Other unifying aspects included the beautiful paper products Harish helped make a dream come true for Kristey, and the music selection, something that’s always been an integral part of their relationship. They also admire the phenomenal work done by their photographer and videographer. Harish and Kristey are truly grateful for every detail that went into making this moment as meaningful as it was. For future brides and grooms, Kristey says to follow the advice of Aaron Rodgers and “RELAX! The day will move fast. Enjoy the moment; getting married to your soulmate.” VeilMagazine.com

details

receptions

Venue & Food

by Sara Dahmen

photography Top: Heather Cook Elliot, Bottom Left: Front Room Photography, Bottom Right: m three studio photography When you first get engaged, the first thing people do is ask to see that gorgeous rock on your finger. The first question asked is what date you’ve selected for the nuptials. And then everyone usually wonders where you might be holding the big celebration. If you’re like most brides, selecting a venue can be a daunting process, especially if you have very little notion about all the options available in your area and are not quite sure what to consider when finding your reception space. First of all, consider the date you actually have chosen. Did you pick a date in the middle of the summer - high season - or in the traditionally chilly time that has become more popular due to the great designs now available in the cold months? You both need to discuss what you want for your day: a hotel ballroom, a warehouse loft, a vintage barn or a swanky tent. Some of your choices may be limited due to weather if you’ve chosen a time period during the year that is not conducive to an unheated - or non-air conditioned - tent or barn. Sometimes those locations can be accommodating and can bring in either option if weather necessitates it., but you’ll have to weigh cost with practicality then. Once your date is selected, you’ll want to book a venue that matches the aesthetic you desire as well as your estimated guest list. It’s important to realize how quickly locations book in advance. Many venues start to book two years out - so

be sure to make inquiries early. You may also find it easier to select a time of year and, armed with several dates that work for your particular ceremony venue or church, go to the most popular and heavily booked locations with many options open instead of just a single date to try and match together. Or, you may not care so much about an exact venue as you do a particular caterer or service level. If that is the case, you’ll want to encompass all the properties covered by that vendor to better understand your options regarding room and capacity size as well as style. Even if you are set with a single date, or you started a bit late and most of the locations you were considering are all booked up throughout the season, all is not entirely lost. There are many vendors, especially here in Veil Magazine, that have multiple locations with the same high level of service, food design and host in a variety of settings sure to fit with your wedding hopes in some manner. So while sometimes it is important to choose an interior vibe that best describes your personal style, when food or some other element is equally important to you, it can help to open your horizons to include other venues you may not have initially added to your list. Remember, a reception is where you can get creative about your tastes and offer up dishes that can be a memorable part of the evening. This is also an important part of your guests’ experience, beyond the venue surroundings itself. If you

choose a location that can provide a culinary and gastronomic memory, it will be something guests remember for a long time. Therefore, once your venue and caterer are selected, you will want to go over the type of service that you’ll be providing your guests. Here’s a brief summary of your options. Heavy Appetizers: This option for food service is best used for midday events, morning brunches or cocktail receptions. A combination of stationary food items and passed or experiential appetizers is the likely route to ensure guests have time and opportunity to get some food in their belly. Because alcohol is usually part of the event, you’ll want to emphasis having food with a bit of weight using meats and breads as well as considering vegetarian dishes as well. You can liven this up with appetizers that match your theme, colors, or even are presented in unique ways, such as on acrylic trays or in ice shooters. Buffet: While this is another more informal way to feed your guests, you need never worry about guests being hungry later, as everyone can fill their plates with however much food they think they need. You can also create a very familiar, cozy environment with guests getting served in a ‘family style’ way at each table, which is a step up from the traditional long buffet line but still allows for bulk food options. There is a myth that buffets can be less expensive than a plated meal, but that is not true. Buffets require

continued on page 35

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

VeilMagazine.com

M o. in M Ad ax va im um nc e # to # of Re of Pr se G i va Pr u rv iva te es e t R te s o Ba om Av rS (s er ) er ag vic e O C e ut os sid tP e er O Ca Pe ffte Pr rs re em on r s Ce ise Pe re r Ca m m on itt te O ed y rin ns S g ite ite Lo Av O ai dg ut la do in bl g o e r Pa Av A re rk ai la a in bl g Av e Av Vi ai ew la ai bl l a on e bl e Pa ge (s )

Reception site Directory

ballroom tent

restaurant

Comments

Bacchus A Bartolotta Restaurant

300

•

75+

1000

•

75+

•

Contemporary American cuisine in a sleek downtown space. Featuring a

•

38,39 variety of private rooms, including a

•

38,39 sites with views of Lake Michigan and

•

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

•

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

•

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

glass conservatory overlooking Lake Michigan.

414.765.1166 bacchusmke.com

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin

Choose from an array of breathtaking the twinkling lights of downtown. Pier Wisconsin will delight your guests.

ballroom

414.765.8610 bartolottacatering.com

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange

425

•

75+

restaurant tent

Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro

hotel ballroom

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

hotel ballroom

414.727.6980 bartolottacatering.com

Hilton Milwaukee City Center

414.962.6300 LakeParkBistro.com

800.558.3417 GrandGeneva.com

warehouse

Historic Pritzlaff

hotel ballroom

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

InterContinental Milwaukee

414.433.6088 prtizlaffevents.com

quadracci pavilion

Milwaukee Art Museum

hotel ballroom

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

Pfister, The

414.224.3287 mam.org

414.390.3802 MarcusWeddings.com

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

12-18

6-24

300

800

•

400

600

12-18

350

400

12-18

400

•

rent per hour

call

•

call

•

75+

call

•

call

•

call

•

The Hilton features beautiful ballroom space including the renowned Crystal, Empire and Regency Ballrooms. All are 18,19 elegantly styled with classic European flavor including antique chandeliers, rich draperies and marble accents. The Pritzlaff Building offers 3 event spaces as well as a separate ceremony space. The beautiful, raw, open space becomes your blank canvas where your vision can 26,27 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.

•

call

•

call

•

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

IFC, 1, 10

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 antique chandeliers 18,19 and marble accents, to beautiful views of Milwaukee's lakefront,The Pfister will provide the perfect atmosphere for your wedding.

Reception site Directory

ballroom

country club

farm barn & tent

hotel & venue ballroom

Comments

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino

414.847.7891 paysbig.com/meetings

1200 varies

barn 100 varies tent 500

Ramhorn Farm 262.617.8826

evenementplanning. com

River Club of Mequon

262.242.1400 x 219 riverclubofmequon.com

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

6-24

open

500

2200

•

call

•

call

•

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.

•

hotel & banquet

varies

400

•

varies

•

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

•

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

golf club banquet

262.284.2100 sazs.com

Saz's Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club

varies

375

•

varies

•

venue rents for $2250$2500

•

urban event space venue ballroom

262.691.9796 westernlakes.com

Seeboth, The

Shully's Cuisine & Events - The Watermark

414.841.9374 theseeboth.com

2-12

200

375

•

call

•

2 studio apts.

call

•

6,7

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

414.276.2030 sazamas.com

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

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

•

varies

•

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.

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.

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.

venue ballroom

restaurant

262.242.6633 shullyscuisine.com

Turner Hall Restaurant

414.227.0457 tunerhallrestaurant.com

War Memorial Center

414.273.5533 warmemorialcenter.org

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

call

250

300

•

call

•

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.

•

extra amounts of food to be bought by your caterer to ensure that they don’t run out as people fill their own plates and portion sizes cannot be controlled. Carving Stations: This is truly a culinary experience for your guests - getting to select, point and watch as their food is being cut and served. Carving stations do not even need to be confined to meat. You can have potato bar stations, pasta bars, sauteed vegetable and seafood bars, or even an omelette bar if you’re hosting a brunch reception. Carving stations tend to end quicker, so while this is a buffet type of serving style, be sure that your guests are aware that there is an end time to the food being available. Small Plates: A classy step up from carving stations and ‘help yourself ’ bars, small plates are exactly what they sound like: small plates of pre-served food that guests can grab. There are usually several small plate stations throughout a reception room, but they can be fancier items, such as lobster, scallops, certain types of beef cuts or specialized pastas. The pates are expedited by whatever chef is manning the station, so they have the finished appeal of a plated meal but in smaller portions. This is an elegant way to still create the movement in the room you’d get with a buffet or carving stations but offers a more delectable cuisine. Plated: This is the traditional way to serve a wedding meal. Whether you allow your guests to choose their entree table side, on the RSVP cards, or offer one single dish, plated meals are the most formal way to feed your guests at the reception. You will have several servers on hand to make sure tables are served relatively at the same time, allowing guests to dive into a fully created and executed meal with proper proportions and final design. It is still possible to have unique dining experiences with a plated meal. Offer an amuse bouche, sorbet before the entree, or have a cheese and fig course before offering cake. You are the masters of the menu at your reception: have fun, even when doing something traditional. Remember your reception should be a reflection of your wedding style, but that doesn’t mean you are limited to a vintage venue if you want vintage flair or specific meal options. You can create that vibe with everything from the decor, lighting and the food service, so don’t feel completely edged in by your theme. Select what fits all pieces of your wedding and your personality the best and you won’t be left with any questions about your final decision.

Photography Left: m three studio photography, Middle: Heather Cook Elliott Photography, Right: Studio 29 Photography & Design

VeilMagazine.com

Jennifer Metz 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

“Paired with the backdrop of our building… and the city skyline, you cannot find a more beautiful location for your wedding ceremony.” 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 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 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.

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

In The Parks

Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the Parks Discover locations throughout Milwaukee County. From the manicured formal gardens of Boerner Botanical Gardens, to the year-round Mitchell Park Domes, “Milwaukee’s Living Landmark,” or the rustic Seven Bridges Trail—a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan’s shore— you’ll find the ideal location for your wedding photos, ceremony, or reception. Learn more! Call 414.257.8005 or visit countyparks.com search: weddings

Find the ideal location for your… Shower • Photographs • Wedding Ceremony • Reception • Gift Opening

countyparks.com VeilMagazine.com

Type

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

bacchus

Average Price per person

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

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

partylocator Comments

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

- a bartolotta restaurant

Milwaukee

American, Steak, Seafood

call

$$$

All Attire

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

bartolotta ' s lake park bistro Milwaukee

18 call

French

$$$

All Attire

camp bar

150

All Attire

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

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

galleria , the Milwaukee

Catered

Situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, Lake Park Bistro offers rustic French cuisine in a beautiful park setting. Perfect for any event, from small gathering to large weddings.

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

Shorewood & Wauwatosa

American Cuisine

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

250

call

The Galleria is a warehouse space that can be utilized for corporate meetings, private parties, ceremonies and more! With cream city brick walls will bring any event an amazing feel.

By Event

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

harbor house Milwaukee

American, Seafood

All Attire

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

call

$$$

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

details

Pre & Post Nuptial Party Locations

Prepare,

by Michelle Drewek

photography Front Room Photography Weddings are more than just a one-day event. Parties from bridal showers to bachelor/ ette parties, rehearsal dinners to receptions, a lot of venue considerations come into play. Before you jump into planning these events, you need to come prepared. 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

continued on page 43

VeilMagazine.com

Type

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

Average Price per person

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

joey gerard ' s

partylocator Comments

5601 Broad St. Greendale WI • 414.858.1900 & 11120 N. Cedarburg Rd. Mequon WI • 262.518.5500 • www.joeygerards.com

Greendale & Mequon

American, Steak, Seafood

call

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

All Attire

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

kil @ wat Milwaukee

Contemporary American

All Attire

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

mason street grill Milwaukee

American, Steak, Seafood

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

All Attire

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

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

milwaukee chophouse Milwaukee

Steak Seafood

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

All Attire

mr . b ' s

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

- a bartolotta steakhouse

Brookfield

Steaks & Chops

All Attire

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

14 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.

Robyn Vining Photography

service? How long do you need bar service for? Have these questions answered ahead of time so when you visit the venue, you are prepared to cover all of your bases. Finally, come in with a budget. It is easy to get carried away planning an unforgettable night. The budget will keep you levelheaded so you 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!

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

VeilMagazine.com

Type

: Banquet Space

Average Price

: Country Club

per person

: Lounge/Bar/Food : Restaurant : Warehouse

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

saz ' s catering lake country western lakes golf club

partylocator Comments

W287 N1963 Oakton Rd. Pewaukee WI 262.691.0900 • www.westernlakes.com/weddings_And_Banquets.aspx Saz's Catering Lake Country at Western Lakes Golf Club is perfect for banquets, weddings, and rehearsals. Whether buffet or sit-down, formal or casual, hot or cold hors d'oeuvres with complete bar service.

Pewaukee

19 20+

Cuisine Varies

call

Formal Attire

saz ' s state house restaurant the state room

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

Milwaukee

American Cuisine

call

Casual

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

seeboth , the Milwaukee

200

call

Catered

By Event

shully ' s cuisine

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

& events - thien room

Thiensville

Continental Cuisine

$$$

All Attire

Milwaukee

All Attire

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

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

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

turner hall restaurant

Gastropub Fish Fry

call

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

250

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

Milwaukee hosts your night on the town Front Room Photography

by Carolyn Hartnett Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers a fantastic selection of arts, entertainment, and architecture. You have numerous options for an unforgettable celebration here, including brewery tours, riverboat cruises, and ethnic festivals. Whether you want a simple, low-key night on the town with a few girlfriends, or a high=energy, fist-pumping extravaganza, there's something here for everyone. What better place to host your bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, or wedding after party than the city featured in the recent movie Bridesmaids? The rehearsal dinner is meant to be an intimate gathering for your wedding party and closest family members. Just like your reception locale, the place you choose for this event can help spark conversations and make a huge impact on the tone of the evening and later events to come.

Looking for a casual outdoor setting where you guests can feel comfortable and at ease? Consider renting a tent from Canopies and hosting a fun, catered barbecue, right in your own backyard. Prefer a more formal outdoor rehearsal dinner? Try the tent at Pier Wisconsin, or the Fitch Plaza at the Milwaukee War Memorial for a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. Looking for something unique and different? The historic Miller Caves at MillerCoors are an excellent choice. Leaning towards a modern, trendy locale? Milwaukee Art Museum, Cuvee, or Bacchus may be perfect for you. See Veil's Reception and Party Locator on starting on page 32 for many other great local options for your rehearsal dinner.

The

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

Seeboth AN URBAN EVENT DESTINATION

JENNIFER JANVIERE PHOTOGRAPHY

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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Bartender

Perfect Custom

by Sara Dahmen

Photography Front Room Photography Some of the most special moments of your wedding are the toasts given by all the people who love you both. But before your guests raise their glasses, make sure that the champagne in their stemware is as tasteful as the well wishes you receive. Over ten and a half years ago, Gary Ozuna started Bartenders On The Go when he realized there was a need for a serious enthusiastic bartending and beverage specialization service in Milwaukee. Having lived and worked on the East Coast, as well as Houston and Austin, Gary has insight to the latest hot trends, creative cocktails and newest themes. Europe is also an extensive research and informational guide for him, and Gary travels there often. In Wisconsin, Gary Ozuna’s staff of licensed and energetic professionals not only get excited about their work, but they also strive to create a memorable experience for your guests. “I believe in hiring fun,

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

insured, and find out whether the bartenders are capable, outgoing, and professional in demeanor and appearance. Will the company you’re hiring actually provide you and your guests with great service all throughout the preparing process? Gary knows goes amazing service goes beyond serving a good drink. “Recently a couple ran behind the bar to give me a hug. It took me a second to realize that I had organized their daughter’s wedding years ago and they were still complimenting my company. That’s when I know that what I do is all worthwhile.” Gary also customizes drink menus for your event, and creating specialty cocktails is something of an art form; one that Gary has perfected. “It’s guests will be served a properly mixed martini a custom craft,” he explains. “And it’s why we with the same suave service you’d find at a do custom beverage packages as well - no two weddings are the same.” high scale bar. Couples can pick their preferred types of Gary recommends that couples look for several key factors when vetting options for beverage liquor, wine and beer to be served according services. Check if the company is licensed and to their budget and personal preferences. qualified employees who really want to be there,” Gary divulges. Bartenders on the Go is more than just a bartending service, and in fact, is practically a one-stop shop for your event, offering wedding consultations and menu design in addition to guaranteeing your

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

Bartenders On The Go works with you to uncover the details that make your event unique. In addition, Gary’s team of servers can even dress in theme for your wedding, or simply don their standard uniform of a classy black vest, white dress shirt and a tie.

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

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

KB IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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Coffee Catering

A True Coffee

by Sara Dahmen

photography Manning Photography Coffee and cake go together, a bit like strawberries and champagne. They compliment each other, and make the whole experience just that much better. But so many times, the coffee served at a wedding is not much more than an after thought. Now there’s a way to change that. Roast Coffee Catering is the premier coffee and espresso bar catering company in Wisconsin and has taken the wedding scene by storm. However, their services are still relatively unknown by wedding guests, making a specialty espresso bar with onlocation baristas a huge unexpected and special treat for your guests. The Roast Coffee Company opened 10 years ago by owner Ryan Mason as a retail coffee location. In 2009, they were asked to provide espresso bar service for a corporate event, and from there the notion took off. Brides and grooms routinely want to provide a unique service at their reception that leaves

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Roast also makes sure there are no hidden costs on the paperwork. This means every couple knows that their mocha infused drink is included, as is delivery and set-up, all in one bill. That kind of level and attention to detail is required when handling many people while still keeping the orders straight and the quality of the product perfect. With the option to have an espresso bar on location for the whole evening, or for a three-hour stint, there’s something for every budget. Some couples like having this alternative for guests who will not be drinking alcohol, but more importantly it’s about the experience: to order a coffee Coffee Catering uses local ingredients drink in the middle of a wedding reception whenever possible. The baristas at the Roast and have it made just the way you like it. It Coffee Catering have been trained in the art feels personal, luxurious and special – every of espresso preparation, how to properly steam couple wants their guests to feel that way! milk and offer the best customer service. guests talking, and a coffee bar serviced by professional baristas with made-to-order drinks and specialty concoctions is always a huge hit. As everything is about the details, Roast

Ryan Mason Roast Coffee Catering When Ryan Mason was twelve, he wrote a paper about ‘How to Make a French Press Better’ – not exactly what every 8th grader is going to discuss. “I don’t know many kids that were thinking about how to make coffee taste better,” Ryan muses. It is still obviously a passion for him, because 10 years ago he started the Roast Coffee Company and hasn’t looked back. When the opportunity to break into the wedding market unfolded in 2009, Ryan invested in the more mobile pieces of special equipment and bookings have exploded since. “I’m often asked why to have a specialty coffee and espresso bar at a wedding,” Ryan says. “Coffee at weddings is usually pretty stale,

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

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

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

Creating the

PERFECT COFFEE

wedding! For Your

414-828-2030 | Ryan@RoastCoffeeCatering.com

roastcoffeecatering.com 2132 East Locust Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211 MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY

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Intimate Moment

Romantic Sparks and Fireworks by Laura Vietmeyer

Thanks to mutual friends who thought they would make a great couple, Mike and Natalie first met in the Twin Cities in 2009. As it turns out, their friends were right. Mike and Natalie stayed in touch, and two moves and an engagement later, the couple finds themselves happily married in the Milwaukee area. Mike proposed to Natalie on April 18, 2014, which happened to be Good Friday. The couple now calls the day “Great Friday.” After visiting her parents the night before, Natalie arrived home to find that Mike had dimmed the lights and set up rose petals leading up the stairs. She was so busy getting her bags into the house that she didn’t realize what was going on at first. “I saw Mike and our dog, Cooper, at the top of the stairs holding some signs with writing on them,” Natalie recalls. “Mike slowly went through the signs, which were based off of one of my favorite movies, “Love Actually.” Mike dropped to one knee and revealed the last sign, asking Natalie to marry him. Natalie said, “Of course!” and then Mike took the ring out of a little

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

bag he had around Cooper's neck and put it on her finger. “It all was perfect and definitely a surprise!” Mike and Natalie told their parents, a few other family members, and their close friends about the engagement before anything was posted on social media. The couple knew they wanted an August wedding, so they waited 16 months to allow themselves plenty of time to plan the perfect wedding day. Natalie made use of Pinterest while planning to collect all of her ideas in one spot. She also found using the various Wisconsin bridal magazines helpful, especially for looking at venues before choosing The River Club of Mequon.

natalie & mike

married 08-08-2015

The River Club of Mequon proved to be an even greater asset to them beyond a venue. “We didn’t use a wedding planner,” Natalie says, “but Larry Kreiner, the event director at the River Club of Mequon, was extremely knowledgeable and helpful when planning our wedding. He was able to direct us to other vendors, as well as provide us great ideas on how to set-up and decorate our venue space that we had not thought of.” She also did some DIY projects that displayed their theme and style as well. The biggest project was making the table numbers. Natalie found an idea on Pinterest to wrap burlap twine around papier-mâché numbers and then glue on pearls. It was a tedious project, but they made the tables a little more unique and personal. One major piece of preparing for the big day was the bride’s ensemble. Natalie’s dress was from designer Hayley Paige in the mermaid shape she always wanted. She found her veil, hairpiece and belt on Etsy, and her mom found the bracelet she wore at a local bridal store back in her hometown. Natalie also donned a necklace, a gift from her mother-in-law. She visited a pearl shop while on a trip to the Philippians and had the necklace made special for Natalie. The couple was married in front of 250 guests with their 17-person bridal party at their sides, and had a few special performances during the ceremony. Natalie’s

brother wrote a song and sang it during the lighting of the unity candle, while Mike’s aunt asked two of her musician friends to join her in playing the music for the ceremony. The couple also wrote their own vows, making their promises to each other mean that much more. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to an unforgettable reception. “Our band did a phenomenal job!” Natalie says. “They learned extra songs that we wanted played and kept the night going and everyone on the dance floor. The wedding photographer and the photo booth captured some pretty great moments of people dancing throughout the night.” Their reception also included Lemoncello, a traditional drink in Italy that the couple offered to guests to pay tribute to Mike’s father’s Italian heritage. The night was topped off with a fireworks display that Mike and Natalie agree was definitely worth the splurge. “They made the night memorable for sure!” When it comes to advice for other couples, Natalie recommends reaching out to friends who have already gotten married for guidance, but to also stay true to what the bride and groom want from the wedding. “Remember that this is your wedding and nobody else’s. Make sure the things you have for your wedding are the things you and your groom want,” Natalie says. VeilMagazine.com

Feature

st ry

Extraordinary Table

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Top: m three studio photography, Bottom Left: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Middle & Right: Manning Photography Imagine the moment that your guests enter your reception space with their place cards in hand. What will they see when they take their seats? What is the overall feel of your space and how does your wedding décor speak to that atmosphere? Your choice in wedding décor can bring unexpected touches to make your reception memorable for you and your guests by exhibiting your personal style or by tying together a theme or feel for your entire day. This comes from a collaboration of wedding planning and design along with the bride and groom and their families. We’ve pulled together four looks from four wedding planners from real-life weddings that were inspired by the unique requests of the brides, grooms and their families. The décor speaks to each venue, creating a look and experience to fit the theme and space. From opulent, over the top designs to a rustic, antique feel, or from a romantic, elegant feel to a vintage meets modern look, each design is unique and befitting the couple. There is no limit to how detailed elements such as flowers, candles, menus, and linens can be implemented and tailored to create a seamless look and feel. A professional can help you reach your ultimate design goals. Wedding planners and event designers can work directly with

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

you and your family using their skills to create a design to meet, and often exceed, your expectations. They have a repertoire of style ideas to tailor the look of your venue. Almost any space can be transformed, so never let your venue limit your design ideas for the look of your reception. With the right amount of creativity and teamwork, your venue can be transformed into something truly magical. If you don’t already have ideas for what you want your venue to look like, choose a starting point to get the creative juices flowing. Oftentimes, a color or two, or a pattern, can be a good place to begin. A planner can take the color or pattern and come up with detail ideas to infuse into the tables, the chairs, the lighting, the flowers, and even the cake. If you have an item or heirloom that you want incorporated into the design, a wedding planner can make that happen. If you wanted to incorporate your grandmother’s napkins from her wedding into your design, for example, but you only have eight, you can use them at the head table and your wedding planner can work with the linen company to procure a design that is comparable. Wedding planners are excellent problem solvers and can easily come up with solutions that you may never have imagined were possible.

Aside from being expert problem solvers, wedding planners also have a wealth of knowledge on who to hire in order to get the job done. In order to pull the entire look together, it’s necessary to work with multiple vendors. Wedding planners have the experience and expertise to know which Wisconsin vendors are reliable. Wedding planners also will know which vendors work best with your style, making it much easier to achieve the look you desire for your reception. The four very different but equally fabulous looks on the following pages can be used to help inspire your own ideas to pull unique details into your design. Take your time to notice the little details that make up the overall atmosphere of the space as you peruse the designs on the following wedding décor pages from Cherry Blossom Events, Dynamic Events by David Caruso, événement planning, and Let’s Have An Affair. Which elements really speak to you? Use those elements as a starting point to begin brainstorming your own ideas to make your wedding decor speak to your overall vision.

CSI summer

stylish wedding The Designer:

DYNAMIC EVENTS BY DAVID CARUSO

The Resources: Veil Advertisers: Equipment & Tableware Rental

Canopies Events with Distinction Paper Fan Backdrop

Barking Pony Studios VENUE

HISTORIC PRITZLAFF Wedding Planing & Design

DYNAMIC EVENTS BY DAVID CARUSO Cookie Favors: Sugar & Flour Floral Décor: The Flower Garden Lighting: Majic Productions Linens & Charger Plates: BBJ - Table Fashions Mirrored Pedestals: AFR Event Furnishings Photography: Cassie Rosch Photography Stationery: Sugar River Stationers Wedding Cake: Cakes by Erin Salerno

The Palette:

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

The Design:

How do you design a wedding for two stylish Forensic Investigators? This was our approach: (1) listen to their wishes; (2) create a fingerprint design of their love poem; (3) include a tagged body sticking out of the cake; (4) offer custom cookies with a chalk outline of a body; and (5) duplicate the body outline on the inside of the restroom stall doors. Excellent design is all about personalization.

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garden

chic

The Designer:

événement planning

The Resources: Veil Advertisers: caterer

Sully's Cuisine & Events ceremony & reception location & Plate, Barrells & Lantern Rentals

Ramhorn Farm Lighting

Milwaukee Airwaves Photography

Robyn Vining Photography Tent Rentals

Canopies Events with Distinction Wedding planing & Design

événement planning Floral Décor & Drape: Impressions by Esther Stationery: Benches & Harbor Table Rental: Á La Crate Vintage Rentals

The Palette:

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

The Design:

Simply elegant is the best way to describe this garden-set wedding. Although open to the elements, it felt cozy and warmâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a true representation of the love shared by those in attendance. Ram horns were tied in throughout, uniquely unifying each tabletop along with the florals and greenery. Gold etched plates with aged silver and miss-matched glassware added the cozy quaintness of the ambiance.

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vintage

sparkle

The Designer:

let's have an affair

The Resources: Veil Advertisers: Chiavari chairs

Canopies Events with Distinction Invitations

Paper Envy Wedding Planing & Design

Let's Have An Affair Ceremony & Reception Location: Heidel House Resort and Spa Flowers: Endurance Floral Lighting: Double Platinum DJ Service inc Linens and Chargers- "I Do" A Decorating & Rental Service Photography: Boutique Photographer

The Palette:

Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Magazine

The Design:

Gold inspired the bride in the creation of this sparkling kings table that was placed in the center of the room so all could have a view of the couple. The newlywedsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chairs were whimsically draped in fabric and adorned with Mr. and Mrs. signs. Each attendant had their place set with a special "to have and to hold" plate. Various shades of gold set the tone throughout every detail from the mercury glass vases and chargers, to the lavish cloths.

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backyard

vineyard

The Designers:

Cherry Blossom Events

The Resources: Veil Advertisers: Wedding Planing & Design

Cherry Blossom Events Ceremony & Reception site - Private Residence, Bliss-Kneubuehl Homestead Desserts: Donna Lessman Floral DĂŠcor: Garden Laurels by Donna Sager Photography: Jenna Kutcher Rentals: Event Essentials Stationery: Sugar River Stationers Tent Rental: Sperry Tents Great Lakes Videographer: Orange Wedding Films Vintage Rentals: A La Crate Vintage Rentals.

The Palette:

Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Magazine

The Design:

This vineyard inspired setting took wedding guests into the French countryside. The red brick of their classic home popped beautifully in unison with the rich colors of the flowers against the unassuming wood tables and chairs and canvas colored tent. Simplistic in design, yet bold in execution. The entire setup was light, airy and absolutely breathtaking.

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Veil Advertisers ceremony location, photography, photobooth rental & Videography:

Front Room Photography Bartender Service

Bartenders on the Go Flowers:

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Historic Pritzlaff

Caterer: Bianchini Child's Dress & Brides Fur: Etsy Event Planner, Day of Coordinator: Cori Coffman (Events Director at Historic Pritzlaff) Hair & Makeup: Naturally You Honeymoon Location: Caribbean Cruise Men's Formalwear: Saks Officiant: Neil Kiekhofer Reception Location: Indulge (for dinner) and Evolution (for ping pong and drinks) Wedding Gown & Jewelry: Macy's

Intimate Moment

The Priceless Details by Laura Vietmeyer

Niki and Aaron first met at work, before Niki joined Front Room Photography and was immersed in the wedding industry. When it came time to plan her own celebration with Aaron, her experience working around weddings gave her a unique perspective that would shape their day. Ultimately, the non-traditional wedding was exactly what Niki and Aaron always wanted.

As the studio manager for Front Room Photography, Niki has been to enough weddings to know exactly what she wanted for her own. So, when Aaron proposed, the couple set out to plan a wedding that had all the details that were important to them. The start of Niki and Aaron’s seven-month engagement began with a proposal in St. Germain. Aaron and Niki went to a campground, Lynn Ann’s. Just after sunset, the couple went out to the pier to look at the stars. The stars shone overhead, people had launched lanterns on one side of the lake and heat lightning flashed from the other side of the lake. “He couldn’t have planned it to be any more beautiful,” Niki Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

says. Aaron gave a very sweet and slightly nervous speech about how he loved Niki and then got down on one knee. It was so dark that Niki couldn’t even see the ring. She said yes and the newly engaged couple sat on the pier and talked for a while before going back to her grandparents’ house to see the whole family. Aaron had asked Niki’s mother for permission, and as it turned out, the entire family already knew that Aaron was going to propose to Niki on the trip. “It was great to come back into the house to see everyone, including Jayla, who is now my step-daughter,” Niki says. “She was sleeping when we got back, but was very excited the next morning. She had kept the secret for weeks!”

niki & aaron

married 02-21-2015

After telling Niki’s family, Aaron was so excited he jumped on Facebook and changed his status before they had a chance to tell anyone else. “It was funny that he didn’t think anything of it,” Niki recalls. “I got some grief around the studio for telling the world before telling my co-workers.” As the planning for the wedding day came together, Niki and Aaron were surprised how easy planning is by just sticking to what they wanted from the experience. Niki has always wanted a winter wedding by candlelight. In the process of putting together their modern winter wedding, Niki designed her own invitations and programs. The couple chose silver, gray and blue as their colors to tie the winter theme together. Niki and Aaron began their non-traditional wedding weekend with a fish fry rehearsal dinner followed, by bowling, as there were a number of kids involved. There was no actual rehearsal, since the couple had no wedding party. A wedding that was small and intimate and had just the details that were important to the couple was the aim of the weekend. When the wedding day arrived, Niki and Aaron were wed in an intimate ceremony that was attended by 35 guests. Niki tied her great grandmother’s ring to her bouquet, her “something blue,” and borrowed her mother’s fur. Her “something new” was her wedding band. Aaron’s wedding band was also one of the items the

couple splurged on. Niki wanted to make sure that he would have a ring that would last forever. The ceremony turned out to be Niki’s favorite part of the day. The couple made personal vows to each other and to Jayla. “It was very important to me that she be involved in the wedding,” Niki says. Their officiant, Neil, put together a personalized and special ceremony that was full of details that were unique to the couple. This included a ring warming that allowed the guests to be intimately included. Looking back on the weekend, Niki notes that Indulge was an amazing venue for their dinner and that the food was delicious. Niki and Aaron also remember the comical moments, including when Niki’s mom and sister accidentally took Aaron’s bag from their hotel room. The bag had all of the couple’s clothes for the night and the following day. Niki was lucky enough to have had the outfit she’d worn earlier in the day, but Aaron had to take a walk of shame after his own wedding! Although Niki has worked in the industry for years, she notes that it was a different experience to celebrate her own wedding. “I now know firsthand just how true it is that your wedding photography really is the most important and lasting set of memories you will have from your day,” she says. “Having those details captured so exquisitely is priceless. We adore Front Room!” VeilMagazine.com

details linens

Covered In

by Michelle Drewek

photography By Erika Dufour for Debi Lilly/A Perfect Event and Windy City Linen Windy City Linen opened its doors in 2008 with just 2,500 square feet and three owners at the helm. They had no sales reps but themselves, and fulfilled deliveries in their cars until they hired their first full-time rep, Debra Jenkins. Not long after their humble start, they moved to a new location in 2009 to meet client demands. The new location was 7,500 square feet, but they quickly outgrew that space and within two years had to obtain a new section bringing their total square footage to 15,000. And, they are still growing! Kathy Carlson, a recent addition to Windy City Linen, has been in the linen industry for 15 years. Prior to joining the team, Kathy worked in the hospitality industry, specializing in hotel catering. This extensive background, along with her abundant knowledge of the special events industry, has made her a valuable addition to Windy City Linen. Kathy is

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

“Commitment to excellence is what we live by,” says Kathy. “We try to be as efficient as possible because our clients have so many other things they are working on and linen should be the least of their worries.” 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 recently begun to move business into Wisconsin. The goal wasn’t just to grow business, but to reach out to a unique market linen industry. With an emphasis on meeting with a beautiful product at a very competitive customers’ expectations and providing the price, which will work within all budgets. “When we entered the linen market, we best products available, paired with unparalleled service, they have established a sound wanted to accomplish the ability to offer reputation with quality infused in every beautiful linens at an affordable price,” says general manager Marcella Medellin. “We have aspect of their business. married to the love of her life, Roy. Together, they enjoy traveling and spending time outside kayaking, boating, snowmobiling and skiing. It’s no wonder Windy City Linen has experienced such great success in the event

Kathy Carlson windy city linen, llc

priced our linen to be competitive within the market, which will enable our brides to have the color palette they want with many options in fabric and price points in order to keep the décor of her special day within budget.” Since they don’t have a showroom located in Wisconsin, they’ve set up a helpful and highly convenient swatch request tool on their website to help brides interested in the fabulous Windy City Linen selection of colors and textures. “Some people want to see the fabric before they rent,” explains Kathy. “They can go on our website and select colors and fabrics they are interested in, and we will mail them swatches to use with the linen selection as well as for them to use for color matching and contrast will all of the other wedding decisions and details.” Windy City Linen offers many beautiful and seasonal colors in their Classic, Lamour, Bengaline and Shantung Lines. They also carry the much-requested Pintuck and Crush fabrics. Their newest line—Jute—is a softer version of burlap and natural-like fabrics and will be available for rental at the end of April and will come in 7+ different colors. And, they are constantly adding new items to their already sensational inventory. But their products aren’t the only boast-worthy part of what they do. Windy City Linen has been told time and again by clients that their customer service is the best amongst their competitors. Their

knowledgeable staff and friendly nature lend to that stellar reputation. “A bride and groom can expect to be assisted by a knowledgeable representative that can give them ideas on how linen will accent their event,” Kathy says. “Our reps will ask them questions they might not be thinking of at the moment, like cake table covers or ceremony cloths. Sometimes the smallest things and can be forgotten with so much planning to do, and we want to make that planning easier by being the expert on sizing, layouts, color combination suggestions and any other assistance we can provide.” Because they want you to have the best experience possible, they advise you come prepared when you are ready to place a linen order with table sizes and color scheme. With that, they will do all the rest. They can take the image you have created in your mind and make it a reality. Nothing will be left missed. As far as day-of service, you will be taken care of by their fabulous on-site staff that will assist with the setting up of the linen and chair covers for the event. They also add that when ordering chair cover, they include the chair tie at no additional cost. From start to finish, they have you covered! “We enjoy what we do and we value each of our clients,” Kathy emphasizes. “We want to provide you with options, pricing and service that will exceed your expectations for you perfect day!”

Embrace perfection for your special day with our high-quality linens. From Elegant patterns to classic solid colors, we make it easy for you. windycitylinen.com

(P) 224-279-1500 x7

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details rentals

Choose Canopy

by Laura Vietmeyer

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

mother and grandmother. Joan raised her six children to treat others as they would like to be treated, a philosophy that shines through in her successful family business. The Canopies women include Joan and her daughters, Margo, Shelly, Danielle, Jackie and granddaughter Martha, all of whom greet customers with a contagious enthusiasm. Ken and Joan’s sons, David, who has perfected the technical side of event planning, and Steve, who handles the production schedule, delivery teams and truck fleet, as well as Doug, Ken and Joan's nephew, who is responsible for sales and numerous front office duties, round out this brilliantly successful team. Together, Joan, Margo, Dave, Steve, Ken and the rest of the Canopies team can turn any outdoor area into a grand affair. Throughout the years, Canopies has worked with many planners, venues and vendors. Because of these relationships, they know what can be done and will go above and beyond their call of duty for you, working alongside your wedding day team. Their experience and respected reputation within the industry is another testament to not only how brilliant their work has been, but also how transcendent david hudak they can make your event. And, Canopies the tabletop side of things, making sure brings more than exceptional knowledge to the everything is in pristine condition, properly table. As your guests sit down to dinner, they stored and ready for your big day. Joan’s talents will be wining from stemware and dining from extend beyond the business into her role as high-end china thanks to their large, eclectic Close your eyes and begin to imagine your wedding day. You can see how your color palette translates through each detail, hear your family and friends laughing, smell the amazing floral arrangements; every sight, sound and smell is distinctive. No one knows distinction better than Canopies Events with Distinction. With 26-plus years of industry experience, these experts in party rental equipment are more than just a tent and furniture company, they are creators, with a large assortment of offerings. They can take your venue or outside event and work with you to create an unbelievable day. The family-owned company was founded by the Hudak family in 1995. Since its inception, Ken’s charming wife, Joan, has been managing

collection of glassware and china. But, an event with distinction wouldn’t be complete without a floor to dance the night away on. Canopies will make sure that from first bite to last dance, you and your guests are taken care of. They truly are the culmination of your wedding’s foundation. Best of all, their undying passion for their work makes every event not only one of detailed execution, but beautiful splendor. What brings it all together is their unsurpassed customer service. It begins and ends with you, and they aren’t satisfied until they know they have gone above and beyond to make your once-in-a-lifetime happily ever after a complete success. They will work with you to see that each of your requests are taken care of, be it through them or with the help of one of their many industry connections. Canopies will always recommend the best fit for each event. For them, it’s not about selling. Rather, it’s about what’s best for margo hudak the final results. Margo Hudak is one of the first people you will meet when booking a rental. Her pleasant, outgoing personality makes her a natural at her job of fielding phone calls and directing

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Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Rentals

photography Craig John Photography

stemware

pink colored stemware

green water goblets

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

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

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

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

white china

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

delano glassware

square white China

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

want, and then the Canopies staff will make their event special for both them and their guests to be remembered for years to come. “I think we do a good job of getting to know the specific needs or desires of our clients. If you take the time to come in and talk with us, we do our very best to make your vision a reality,” Jackie says. During your interactions with Canopies, you’ll also likely meet Doug Barzyk, who works in sales for Canopies, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the Milwaukee event rental industry. He’s also a graduate of UW-Milwaukee and served for two years of active duty in the Army and 19 years in the Army Reserves. In sales, Doug meets a lot of people, measures a lot of yards, and is familiar with many venues. He’s customer focused and driven to give you the best results! Doug has worked on many events over the years, and no two events are alike. “What I like about my job is that because no two events are the same, no two days for me are the same,” he says. From May through October, he spends more time out of the office than in as he meets clients, inspects job sites, completes walk-throughs and supervises installations. Doug does hands-on work to reach his goal, which is for each customer to be completely satisfied with their rental experience and to help them navigate through the planning and execution of an event with as little stress as possible. When asked what advice he has for clients, Doug says that it’s best to get started sooner than later. “It is never too early to begin the rental process or to place your rental order. The sooner you begin, the more likely what you are looking for will be available,” Doug says. Canopies Events with Distinction is focused on making the best memories for you and your family and friends.

Making Every Party Memorable

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

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event and dĂŠcor design

Wedding DĂŠcor

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,

Front Room Photography

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

to use your best judgement, and narrow your focus toward those aspects of your personalities that will best translate into a stunning visual experience for you and your guests. Our experience has shown us that these websites tend to make novices into experts almost overnight, at least in the minds of some people who have never had to “make it happen”. Combining the ideas you have collected with our artistic portfolio is an efficient and cost effective way to put your priorities in order. Excellence requires preparation. With that in mind, we offer a unique set of services that will help set your wedding day apart from those that simply occupy the memories of your families and friends. Would you rather follow a trend, or set one? It’s your call.

THE ARTIST GROUP

FRONT ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY

When just a room won’t do... Unique décor & design to enhance any event wedding canopies • chuppas • mandaps fabric treatments • tent décor • backgrops Military Discount Available www.BarkingPonyBrides.com 414.302.0778 | kathy@barkingpony.com

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Let's Have An Affair

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Demetrios Ceremony & Reception Location: Heidel House Resort and Spa DJ and Lighting: Double Platinum DJ Service inc Flowers: Endurance Floral Hair: Kelly Bongiorno Linens and Chargers- "I Do" A Decorating & Rental Service Makeup: Evensong Spa Photography: Boutique Photographer Wedding Gown: Bridals by Lori Wedding Rings: Shane Co.

Intimate Moment

Love in Perspective, Love from the Start by Laura Vietmeyer

Elle and Brad knew from the moment they met that one day, they’d be married. What they didn’t expect was for Brad to break his leg after slipping in his tuxedo shoes on the big day. The couple found their silver lining and enjoyed the reception, however, learning first hand that a marriage is not just about pretty dresses and fancy table cloths. It’s about the people they love and each other.

How did you meet? While attending the University of Wisconsin, my future maid of honor, Tina, and I decided to go to a Phil Vassar concert, but the night of, Tina couldn’t find her ticket. Through a friend, I found someone who was trying to sell a ticket. I called and arranged to meet this mystery ticket holder. As I approached the meeting spot, I noticed a handsome dark-haired gentleman. He turned to meet me and we both froze and his jaw dropped a little bit. Brad offered me his two tickets and refused to let me pay for them. After a somewhat awkward side hug, we both

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thought to ourselves, “This is the person I am going to marry.” After telling Tina about Brad, it turned out they had grown up together. Tina demanded Brad attend the concert, and he picked us up in his red pick up truck. The rest is history.

How did he propose? Brad bought the ring just before Thanksgiving with the intention of proposing around Christmas, but just could NOT wait another 30 days. “The ring was burning a hole in my pocket and I couldn’t wait any longer for you to

elle & brad

married 06-27-2015

be my wife,” he says. After a long ride back to Atlanta from Wisconsin, he got down on one knee and said, “I was waiting for the perfect moment but I realized that driving back and forth to Wisconsin, doing something we will do with our future children for the rest of our lives, this is the perfect moment.”

What was your biggest surprise when planning your wedding? I’ve always been a huge fan of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress,” so when a new work assignment placed us in Atlanta, I was certain I would find the dress of my dreams at Bridals by Lori. I was surprised and elated that Miss Lori herself helped me find the dress. It really upped the ante and inspired a more polished and classic look for the wedding.

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If you had one thing to splurge on what would it have been? Our wedding was all about the people that were there. The absolute best part of our day was looking around and realizing that all of the people that we love were in the same room. If we would have had infinite amounts of money we would have paid for all of our guests to stay the week leading up to the wedding at the resort.

What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? Linda Smallpage with Boutique Photographer is amazing. She really understood the vision of how we

wanted to capture our big day. She was persistent and ended up capturing the loveliest of moments, even the moments we didn’t expect to want captured.

Did you include any special traditions or customs? I wore a pair of red cowboy boots under my dress that I’ve had for 12 years. They were the boots that I was wearing when I met Brad, on our first date, and on the day he asked me to marry him. Also, to honor the memory of my grandmother, I had my bouquets wrapped in lace from her wedding gown. Did you do anything special during the ceremony? Brad and I were both worried that we would be overly emotional during the ceremony, so we picked upbeat and lighthearted music. My dad and I walked down the aisle to one of our favorite George Strait songs played by a string quartet. Brad and I exited the ceremony to Phil Vassar’s “That’s When I Love You,” because if it weren’t for Phil Vassar, we wouldn’t have met.

What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides? We would have taken more time to savor each individual moment. Also, to future brides, do not let your husband wear his tuxedo shoes longer than necessary! VeilMagazine.com

Feature

st ry

Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding Magazine

AFTER

Bringing Your

Space to Life by Laura Vietmeyer photography Front Room Photography There are many venues throughout Wisconsin that serve as a beautiful backdrop for a wedding reception. However, some brides and their families can have a hard time envisioning their personal styles fitting into a ready-made space. With the talented skills of the many vendors featured in Veil Magazine, brides can only be limited by their imaginations. These wedding artisans can bring a bride and groom’s vision to life by orchestrating the appropriate resources to transform a space. By choosing the right vendors to not only but capture the spirit of your personal vision, the bride and groom can expect that the best possible options will be offered to them without breaking the bank. The following pages show just how a space can be transformed by highlighting its character, creating a distinct ambiance, and utilizing vendors who can collaborate to make your wedding day dreams come true. Pictured here is The Seeboth, a dramatic urban special events venue located in the Historic Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee. On the surface it is both rustic and metropolitan, but what our expert artisans demonstrate is how the bones of a venue can take on new life. The design was executed by several skilled professionals, including Janelle Meyer-Brown, owner of événement planning, Emily Neubauer from Belle Fiori, Ltd., Kathy Carlson of sales development for Windy City Linen, LLC, Peggy Carollo, owner of Simma’s Bakery, and David Hackbarth, director and founder of Sound By Design’s specialty lighting and sound division. Their imaginative work with the features of this space played off of each other to create a truly unique and seamless look.

BEFORE

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Frame The Space:

Create Ambience:

Collaboration:

Planning a design that works best with a chosen venue makes for a solid foundation in bringing a vision to life. Carlson says that she will ask the client what their vision is and select something that will show of the uniqueness of the venue as a baseline for the amazing additions to come.

Lighting, florals, and fabrics can all come together to create a sense of ambience throughout a space. “It’s a statement to illuminate the most important aspects of a wedding and its design,” says Hackbarth. The remainder of your décor and design will work to accent those main features and harmonize the various elements of your space together into masterful symmetry.

Combining the talents of your various wedding artisans is what really brings the entire vision together. It only takes a spark of imagination to ignite the creativity within each facet of the design. Trust in your vendors to guide your unique style from a concept into a reality. It’s what they do! They all work together, hand-in-hand, to make the space become yours.

Beyond the building’s framework, it is important to keep your frame of mind centered on the cornerstone of this entire day. Every wedding and every venue undergoes a unique transformation based on the personalities of the couple being wed. Make this your focal point and “Always showcase you!” emphasizes Meyer-Brown.

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Neubauer adds, “We will create custom designs based on the bride's inspirations and the best features of the venue, such as the exposed beams that flowers can hang from.”

From the lighting and the linens to the delicacies you serve, every element comes together to transform a venue from a structure to striking. “The possibilities are endless,” says Carollo.

Get The Look: Floral Décor: Belle

Fiori LTD.

Invitation, menu cards & calligraphy: The

Blooming Quill

Lighting: Sound By Design linen & napkin rentals: Windy City Lounge furniture rental: événement

lounge event rentals Photography: Front Room Photography Table, Chairs, Stemware, flatware & dinnerware rentals:

Canopies Events with Distinction venue location: The Seeboth wedding cake: Simma's Bakery Wedding planning & design: événement planning VeilMagazine.com

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Bridal Shows

The Show

by Michelle Drewek

photography m three studio photography Most brides have been thinking about their wedding day since they were little girls. Dreams of the perfect dress, delicious cake and ornate décor dance around in our heads for years before we meet “the one.” When the day comes that the love of our life asks us to marry them, the idea of planning a wedding seems so natural. But as easy as it was for our childhood fantasies to take flight, reality quickly grounds a bride as the list of to-dos begins to grow. Before you press the panic button, take a step back from jumping headfirst into intensive planning and look to the ultimate wedding resource available to the modern-day bride. Bridal shows are the best place to let your eyes and intuition guide you. Instead of having to spend countless hours of time and energy researching, calling and meeting with a myriad of vendors separately, a bridal show gives you the opportunity to meet with numerous experts for every facet of your wedding day under one roof in a single afternoon. Once you determine which show(s) you want to attend, take time to prepare so you can make the most out of this incredible opportunity. Start by printing off a list of vendors that will be there so you can highlight those you absolutely want to speak with. Then, come up with a general list of questions you can ask each vendor for a specific need (i.e. florists, ca-

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

terers, DJs, etc.). After the show, filter through all of the information that was handed out to you, keep those you want to learn more about, and review the notes you took when speaking with vendors. You can easily compare their answers to figure out what you like and don’t like, discover new ideas you never would’ve thought up on your own and figure out whom you want to do a follow-up meeting with. By now you will most likely have a good grasp on who you “clicked” with, and can drastically narrow down the field of vendors you will take the time to have an individual meeting with post-show. Besides doing your due diligence to collect information while you are at the show, it’s equally important to let your intuition guide you. Vendors will have a display set up showcasing their unique styles and services. It can be visual overload, but if you stay focused you can begin to see what you are drawn to and better envision what you want your wedding day to look and feel like. Don’t be afraid to tell them when something doesn’t match the style you are going for. A true professional will be accommodating and have a different sample to show you, or perhaps even give you a recommendation of someone they feel is a better match for the specific need you are looking to fulfill.

If you are too intimidated to talk to vendors right off the bat, try easing your way into the process by speaking with other brides in attendance. You can gain insight from someone that is in the same boat as you, and get advice from their own time spent researching. Who knows, they may be doing something unique at their wedding that you might consider for yourself as well. Finally, make sure you stop by the Veil Magazine booth or check your gift bags for the latest issue of Veil Magazine. Wedding magazine publishers have been in the business for a while and more than likely have worked with many of the vendors in attendance (or showcased weddings that used featured vendors). They’re in this business to provide information for brides and would love to meet and speak with each and every one of you! Bridal shows truly are the time to stop around and meet various artisans under one roof, which can save you time. Best of all, you are the #1 priority of every professional in attendance. In a room full of brides-to-be, everyone will make sure you feel truly exceptional and important. It’s an unbelievably positive experience that not only takes a layer of pressure out of the planning process, but also allows you to embrace the special feeling that comes along with being a bride.

WEDDING SHOW

PRESENTS

Sunday, March 6, 2016 RETURNING IN 2017

The Pfister Hotel | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM www.mmbshow.com “You’ll feel empowered, inspired, informed and better prepared for the planning that lies ahead. This is a must attend show!”

Front Room Photography

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Simma's Bakery Ceremony Location: SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church Furniture: Bowery & Bash Hair: Aveda Salon Invitations: Paperwhites Makeup: KM Beauty Men's Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Reception Band: The Stangs Wedding Gown: Belle Vie Bridal Couture

Intimate Moment

Rustic Romance by Laura Vietmeyer

Sarah always knew she wanted a winter wedding. Her vision would come to fruition five years after meeting Ryan at work. The couple’s 14-month engagement allowed them to plan their “Classic Romantic” celebration. A focus on cozy and rustic elements set the scene for a day full of love as Sarah and Ryan took the next step in their life together. Ryan and Sarah love to take their fluffy golden doodle, Bailey, on long hikes. When Ryan told Sarah to get ready for a hike one Sunday in November, the hike, as it turns out, would be anything but typical. Sarah waited in the car while Ryan looked for his phone in the house. “He was in there forever!” Sarah recalls. “I tried to go inside to help him find it and he told me I needed to stay in the car, which was strange at the time.” He finally came back outside and the couple headed out. When they reached the top of a ravine, Ryan said he needed to rest. He called Bailey over and told Sarah she had a slug stuck in her fur. “As I bent over, I noticed there was a ring

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

hanging from her collar! Ryan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes and then asked if I could keep the ring!” They got in the car and called their family and friends. When they arrived home, Sarah discovered Ryan had lit candles and chilled their favorite champagne. “It was perfect!” Ryan had asked Sarah’s father for permission prior to proposing. “Apparently he was so nervous that he had written a speech to give to my dad. On our wedding day, before the ceremony, we exchanged letters and in my letter he had included the speech he had written and given to my father,” Sarah says. The inspiration for the big day came from cozy and rustic elements tied together

sarah & ryan

married 01-31-2015

with cream and gold tones. Sarah and Ryan incorporated amazing textured linens to add to the elegance of the Grain Exchange and used “petal” type linens and sparkly linens as complements. Also, as homage to their surname, Buck, they incorporated deer antlers as a rustic twist on the cozy, classic, romantic vibe. They used a huge, white antler centerpiece for their card table and Melissa, from Bank of Memories, incorporated beautiful flowers to compliment the antlers and the linens. Sarah and Ryan were wed before 183 guests. Sarah wore her dream dress, which was a French lace bodice, Italian silk organza skirt Reem Acra Spring 2014 dress. It had a high neck and cape sleeves in this dreamy lace. Her something old and something borrowed were two pieces of jewelry from her paternal grandmother. Sarah also carried her paternal great-great-grandmother’s gold-chained watch. “It is over 100 years old and is inscribed with an ‘S’ for her last name, which is ironically my first name!” The ceremony had some traditional elements, including a unity candle. In honor of Sarah’s maternal grandmother, Sarah and her sisters had a tribute to the Virgin Mary as a celebration during the ceremony. This part of the wedding day did have some funny moments, too. “Ryan and I forgot to kiss!” Sarah says. “We have been so conditioned to hear ‘you may now kiss the bride,’ that when it didn’t

come during the ceremony (we had a Catholic ceremony), we totally forgot. Our priest had to remind us.” At the reception, the couple had their best friends, Mandy and Casey Stang of “The Stangs,” play their first dance acoustically. “It was one of the best and most personal parts of the day to dance to them singing,” says Sarah. Guests were treated to seating from Bowery & Bash, which came through to create the most luxurious and chic groupings of furniture that Sarah feels really contributed to the coziness of the room. Sarah and Ryan also splurged on the food, as their families and friends are huge foodies. “We landed on The Grain Exchange in large part because of The Bartolotta’s Catering Company,” Sarah says. “This restaurant group is famous in Milwaukee for some of the best (and consistent) food. If it meant sacrificing a little on décor, we insisted on having amazing food that was piping hot to each and every guest, as if they were the only ones being served.” Guests were also able to enjoy a s’mores bar to top off the evening. Looking back on the process of planning the wedding, Sarah offers the following sage advice: “Very few people are fortunate enough to have an unlimited budget— we were not one of them. As such, when wedding planning begins, take a moment to really think about the top items that are most important to you and your fiancé.” VeilMagazine.com

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wedding planning

Find the

by Carolyn Hartnett

photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography Are you obsessing over venues, menus, flowers, décor and everything wedding-related? Do you have a list of to-dos without the slightest clue about where you should begin tackling it? So many details go into planning a wed¬ding that it can be difficult to manage event coordination along with your career and personal life. Save time and eliminate anxiety by hiring a professional to guide you through the process. A wedding planner works closely with you to help bring your dream wedding to life. The ideal wedding planner is reliable, stylish, personable, professional, organized and detailoriented. It is vital to choose the right person so you can enjoy the excitement of your wed¬ding day without worry. Because this person will be such a vital part of successfully planning and executing your wedding day dreams—as well as avoiding potential pitfalls and costly mistakes—you’ll want to do your due diligence in finding your perfect planner that will provide you with confidence and composure during this whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. When vetting a planner, look for someone with experience. Be sure they have references and find out how long they have been in the business. The caliber of wedding planners varies. And beware of hiring a friend as a planner. Even if some¬one managed to successfully plan their own wed¬ding, that doesn’t mean they

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

have the ability to orchestrate other people’s events. Professional planners are prepared for any situation, as they have encountered many challenges throughout their years in the business. There is no substitute for experience and reputation. A well-respected wedding planner will have much more success working with vendors than a ‘new customer’ without much focus or knowledge. Experienced planners embrace opportunities to network with vendors and uncover trends to figure out what will work best for your event. They attend educational seminars to keep upto-date on what’s hot nationwide from coastto-coast. But just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it will automatically fit your particular event. That’s why it’s important for a planner to know how to help the bride and groom find their own style and apply it in a way that works for their wedding, for a timeless and beautiful event. When interviewing planners, it is important to determine their business acumen. Ask how payments to vendors are made, how the planner charges, what exactly the planner does on the wedding day, what paperwork the planner provides, and to see an updated portfolio of work. You should receive a clear, direct answer to these questions. In addition to discussing the technical points, determine if you are comfortable with

the planner. “It's always best to hire a planner that you ‘click’ with. This is so important because you will be working closely with this person and it’s such a personal and momentous occasion in your life. You want it to be fun and enjoyable along the way. Having a planner that you can be open and honest with is important. You also will likely build a bond with your wedding planner that extends beyond a professional relationship. Planners absolutely love their personal connections with the couples, and they foster that by spending a lot of time with them, even hosting dinners in their homes just to hang out. They re¬main in touch with most of their couples forever, even after their big day. Great wedding planners love what they do, and this enthusiasm carries through to your event. They truly enjoy bringing your vision to a whole new level that exceeds your wildest dreams. The best thing a couple can do for themselves is to hire a qualified wedding planner that can maximize their budget, create their ultimate fantasy experience and have fun while doing it. Afterward, you will look back on the months leading up to your wedding day with true fondness, knowing you planned the wedding you always wanted with the true calm only a professional can provide. Be sure to say “I Do” to hiring a qualified wedding planner.

Chris Albrecht let's have an affair

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

to enjoy a stress free event. From the time a bride gets engaged until they are on their way to their honeymoon there is an overwhelming and cumbersome amount of details and planning involved. Chris will alleviate that making the planning experience one that is smooth, organized, relaxing and fun. Her vendor contacts locally are extensive and she will effortlessly guide you to whoever best meets your needs best through the planning process. There is nothing too small or too big for Chris as she has covered a wide range of parties over her many years of being in the special events industry. When asked about her experience with Chris, a client noted that, “Throughout the entire planning process, Chris will dazzle you with her devotion to detail. She has the uncanny knack with staying five steps ahead of everything. Her

persistent follow-through allows you to sit back and enjoy the planning process.” Chris informs all of her clients to “Be a guest at your own wedding.” Clients can be assured every detail will be attended to throughout the planning process. Behind the scenes she will be covering all the fine particulars so that everything runs seamlessly from start to finish. Let Chris be your one stop shop for all your wedding and planning needs. Save yourself time, money and stress by selecting Let’s Have an Affair to partner with you to create memories that will last a lifetime and allow you to truly cherish each moment of your memorable day. For more information, contact Chris Albrecht at 262-691-3303 or visit her website www. letshaveanaffair.com

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

We Listen, We Create, We Celebrate

Let's Have An Affair

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

Chris Albrecht, Wedding & Event Planner

(262) 691.3303 LetsHaveAnAffair.com

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Andrea VandeBerg & Sarah Sarbacker cherry blossom events

Andrea VandeBerg and Sarah Sarbacker of Cherry Blossom Events are passionate about creating beautiful and cohesive weddings that truly express each couple’s unique personality. They take great pride in planning elegant events filled with rich meaning for both newlyweds and their guests. Your wedding day is an incredibly special occasion, and you deserve only the best as you celebrate your love and commitment to one another. Their goal is to make you the priority on that unforgettable day by providing you with the expert guidance you need. All you have to do is enjoy the wedding of your dreams. “From the very beginning I felt extremely at ease and comfortable with Cherry Blossom Events. You can immediately tell how passionate they are about what they do. As a bride, I was so pleased that they were as concerned as I was about pulling together the entire wedding.

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

vow to take the time to get to know you, because your wedding should reflect YOUR tastes. Every couple is different, and therefore, each one of our celebrations is one-of-a-kind. We love melding our experience in design with our sense of style and attention to detail, in order to turn your dreams into a reality. “We had vendors who have been in the wedding industry for 20 years tell us that they had never seen more hard-working or organized coordinators – quite a compliment, and very well-deserved. On top of it all, they are genuine, caring women and really just wanted to make sure that we were happy with everything.” — Christine Khosropour (Bride)

“every couple is different, and therefore, each one of our celebrations is one-of-a-kind” At Cherry Blossom Events, our designers treat each wedding as if it is our own. We pay meticulous attention to every detail, because we are completely devoted to making sure your event is absolutely perfect. We believe that understanding and identifying the needs of every client is the key to creating beautiful experiences. We

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L VE Custom Rings Set to Perfection by Laura Vietmeyer

David Liska of David Liska Custom Jeweler, located in Milwaukee, doesn't do anything traditionally. There is a uniqueness to almost everything he does, whether it be in the design of the jewelry he makes or the role he plays in his clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; special moments. David works by appointment only so that he can spend time with each client, getting to know them personally. David focuses on relationships, both with the client and understanding the relationship between a couple, educating his clients rather than merely selling them jewelry.

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Out of all the jewelry he has made over his 36-year career, David remembers the stories of surprises he was involved in the most. At times, he met clients in odd places to discreetly pass off newly designed engagement rings. Sometimes he would be present at a charity event, often sitting at the same table with an unsuspecting fiancé-to-be. Being a part of these special moments in his client’s lives fuels David’s passion. When it comes purchasing an engagement ring, sometimes the couples come in together, but when the man comes in alone, he is often in need of guidance on many levels. Some girlfriends will leave subtle clues or give specifics, but when the man truly wants to surprise her but has no idea what to do, David provides the confidence! David helps him recognise her tastes through a series of simple questions to provide clues to determine her style. David spends many hours getting to know his clients and often asks, “How did you meet?” This establishes a more personal connection and is the type of relationship building that puts a person at ease and fosters friendship. Through this trust and David's process, his rings become an integral part of the couple’s relationship! He is also excited by the special design elements that he can incorporate into his rings, making the design precious to the couple. Often, these special elements are symbols, such as the couple’s initials, a design element that symbolizes an ethnic upbringing, or special interests such as the sun, Spanish fans, architectural influences. One of David’s favorite custom designs was for a Marine who, with his girlfriend--an architect by trade--was very fond of sunrises and touring famous architectural buildings. The Marine proposed to her during a sunrise at the Vatican in Rome. For this special rose gold ring, David discreetly incorporated a sunrise design carved out between two Corinthians columns, a favorite architectural design of hers, supporting

the halo of diamonds that contained the center stone, a deep blue sapphire. David’s business is as much about building relationships as it is about commemorating special moments in his clients’ lives. One of David’s favorite long term stories is about pro football player Adam Timmerman and his wife, Jana. After working with the couple over the years, he was asked to make pieces for both Adam and Jana for their 10th wedding anniversary. Adam and Jana planned to surprise each other, so David made a bracelet with 10 -.50 ct. radiant cut diamonds for Adam to give to Jana. He also made a custom knife for Jana to give to Adam, each without the other knowing. The surprises didn’t stop there. For the couple’s 20th anniversary, David was involved in creating gifts for the couple once again. This time, Adam and David got Jana to send her original bracelet in for “maintenance”. David made a second identical bracelet with another 10 diamonds and fastened them together with special custom hand-carved links. When she got it back it now had 20 diamonds! For Adam, David conspired with Jana to give him a custom designed key tag with symbols of their life together. Adam was so focused on the excitement of the double bracelet for his wife that he had no clue this special gift awaited. He was blown away! David is also known as a helping industry partner and is noted as the go-to-guy for customer service. On two occasions, Front Room Photography called David on the day of the wedding for assistance. Once was to size a watch a bride gifted to her groom so that he could wear it during the wedding. The other instance was when David pulled together seven pairs of matching pearl earrings for a bridal party the afternoon of the wedding. It’s ongoing special moments like these that make David a truly unique and passionate jeweler. VeilMagazine.com

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Intimate Moment

Expect the Unexpected by Michelle Drewek

Life is full of the unexpected. Plan as we might, what’s meant to be has a way of happening regardless. Learning to embrace the unknown is something that carried Emily and Ryan through planning their wedding. After a year and a half engagement, cross-country venue switch and the support of their loved ones all the way to the altar, the pair said “I do” to a future full of endless possibilities.

What resource did you find most helpful? My mom really did her research and was the most crucial. The amount of time and energy she and my sister, Carolyn, dedicated to pulling together this wedding was incredible! I wholeheartedly couldn’t, and wouldn’t have wanted to, plan this without them.

What were the colors, patterns and textures of the wedding? I knew I wanted a warm color palette. Going through my closet I realized all my “accent colors” were bright coral, and thus our main wedding color was born. We built the palette around that: turquoise, yellow and fuchsia. To “glam” it up a bit we

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added sparkly gold into the mix. The invites were centered on two-tone gold foil stamped text, and the day-of decorations were meant to be the most vibrant mix of our palette.

Did an item inspire the style of the wedding? Two things were key for me: including lots of vibrant color and incorporating our love for games.

What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have? Emily: I wanted the wedding to be outside and was set on having the ceremony and reception

emily & ryan

married 07-04-2015

at the same location. Originally I was convinced I needed to have it at an outdoor campsite, but the logistics were ultimately too complicated. After exploring many venues, we decided on the Irish Barn at Whistling Straits. Ryan: The most important thing to us was to have all of the people that we loved present to celebrate. This helped us in choosing the best location.

in San Francisco, Marina Morrison. It was the third dress I tried on and seven boutiques later I came back to buy it. I knew from the get-go I did not want a strapless dress so this one spoke to me. It felt classic, modern and really unique. The dress had a lot of intricate details so we kept jewelry simple: drop crystal earrings and bracelets.

Were there any funny moments at your wedding? Ryan: Father Rob announced that we could share our holy kiss. We kissed and were ecstatic since we were now officially married. Emily turned around just as Father Rob was raising his hand for a blessing. She thought he was initiating a high five and went for it. Laughter erupted throughout the entire ceremony. Father Rob had a hard time containing himself and told everyone present to high five each other to celebrate.

What part of the wedding was worth every penny? I still can’t stop thinking about the flowers on our wedding day. Our florist was a true artist in every sense of the word, and her arrangements were the most talked-about aspect of our decorations. We gave her an idea of our color palette and she worked closely with Janelle, our wedding planner from événement. I did not know what they planned, but I still remember jumping up and down with joy seeing the flower arrangements hung from the trellis covering our aisle.

What item was so important you knew you had to splurge on it? Hands down, the photographer. We wanted someone whose style revolved around taking candid photos and capturing moments, as well as provide a photo booth (or "crazy booth" in this case) to give guests a chance to loosen up and get silly. What was your biggest surprise during planning? We originally started planning the wedding in California, which is where Ryan’s family lives, where we went to school and where we were residing. We researched almost every venue in Northern California and after putting down a few deposits, picking a wedding planner and securing a date, I decided I wanted to get married in my home state of Wisconsin. Biggest takeaway: listen to yourself and stay true to who you are, no matter how far along you are in the planning process. Tell us about your bridal ensemble. I bought my dress at a beautiful salon

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Officiant Finding an

by Sara Dahmen

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 properly and legal sanction your vows is both a personal and necessary piece to your wedding day. Usually, officiants who marry couples outside of a church environment are nondenominational, which means they are able and willing to marry

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

add one or multiple readings or write their own vows, for instance. Officiants can be lawyers or judges, practicing or retired. They can be nondenominational ministers, rabbis or ordained through online services such as those offered through Universal Life Church. It’s especially important to vouch your officiant. Ask for references and actually speak to past couples about their experiences with the officiant in the planning stages and during the actual wedding day. Meet with your intended officiant before booking to see if you feel comfortable with him or her and where they are open to unique additions to your wedding day. Veil that would not be allowed in a more traditional Magazine also offers options for you to consider. setting. An officiant will also usually come with A professional officiant will be able to offer a “bare bones” script, which is the minimal that information that will help you coordinate your must happen and be said during a ceremony wedding ceremony so that it runs smoothly and to make it legal and binding. However, there appropriately. Below are some pointers to is also a huge amount of leeway and room for help you get started in the planning of your addition within that script, allowing couples to own vows. brides and grooms of various faiths, traditions and backgrounds. While he or she will come equipped with a long list of activities that can occur within the ceremony, they are always open to interpretation of traditions that may be special to you as a couple, or incorporating new ideas

Wedding Tips from Reverend Weldon elax! Everything has been set and it’s time R to enjoy. Attendants are a great help. Ask them to run errands like buying an extra pair of pantyhose – this way, you don’t look stressed or worn out. Walk down the aisle imagining what you will be thinking when you kiss your groom; this will help you maintain your confidence even if you are nervous. Never drink anything colored. Abstain from drinking alcohol until after the photographer is finished to keep from filling your album with intoxicated expressions or bloodshot eyes. Don’t lock your knees at the altar; it can cause you to faint.

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Breathtaking and

by Michelle Drewek & Laura Vietmeyer

photography m three studio photography Being in love instantly adds a radiant glow to those struck by cupid’s arrow. When your wedding day arrives, you want that glow to shine brighter than ever, but how? To keep that refreshed and flawless from dawn till dusk, the answer is preparation. Truly capturing a picture-perfect appearance depends on your skin care, makeup application and hairstyle. Be sure to give yourself time to prepare; the perfect glow just doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with a great skin care regimen using a quality product line. First, find a cleanser geared toward your skin type. Next, exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate, again paying attention to skin type. Most importantly, use a great moisturizer. There are different moisturizers created for all skin types, from dry to oily or combination, but radiance relies in replenishment—don’t skimp or skip! Talk with a skin-care professional to help point you in the right direction and get you started on a plan toward a beautiful complexion. And don’t forget the most important beauty tip of all, for both your face and your body: Stay hydrated! Never underestimate the power of water. If you want to keep your complexion clear, deflate those under eye bags, and keep your skin looking plump and youthful, get yourself a water bottle and keep it full. Drinking enough water is great for your whole body. Cheers!

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Once you have your skincare regimen down and are beginning to enjoy the magnificent results, you can move on to truly capturing a picture-perfect appearance. This flawless face also relies on your makeup application and the products used. Makeup artists don their title for a reason; they’re pros at prepping your makeup, so choosing a local professional is a must. When working with any professional, ask friends and coworkers for recommendations or look at online portfolios to help you hone in on someone you might like to work with and who captures your personal style. When you find the right person, you can benefit from the knowledge and experience that a professional makeup artist has to execute the perfect tips and tricks and to use the personalized products that are right for you. Give your makeup a couple of practice runs to make sure you love the look and still feel like yourself, your absolute best self. Now that you have prepped your face and chosen your makeup pallet, your headpiece and hairstyle go hand-in-hand. Together they become the cherry on the sundae. There are so many options for headpieces, so try on as many as you need to in order to find the perfect ornament to complement your gorgeous self. Once your headpiece is decided on, you can move onto the hair. Up or down? Curly or straight? Do I color or don’t I? What to do with your wedding hair can be a tricky affair.

Ideally, your hairstyle will flatter both your face and your overall ensemble. If you plan on experimenting with your hair color, do so at least four-to-six months before the wedding. This allows your hair time to recover from any major malfunctions or catastrophic color choices. Keep in mind your makeup pallet and the color of your dress. You want your hair to complement your look, not overpower it. To start, pick out a few different looks and share them with your stylist. Schedule your trial hairstyle a few months in advance, and bring your veil and/or headpiece as well as any photos you like. Remain open to new ideas. You may hate up-dos, or only be open to up-dos, but be willing to take chances—at least during your trial run. Your headpiece may also dictate your hairstyle, which would be beneficial to keep in mind as you make your choice. A full, elaborate veil will be heavier on your head and may require a tighter up-do. However, if you decide to go for the long, loose romantic look, remember that generally, your veil should be longer than your hair and tousled does not mean tangled. With these and any beauty tips you might come across to achieve your wedding day look, there is one important lesson to keep in mind: Preparation and practice make perfect.

Hair Affair by Deserae Constantineau

Robyn vining photography

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

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

hairstyle will most flatter both your face and your overall look. Rounder faces look better in sleeker styles, while fuller styles flatter more narrow faces. Book an appointment with your stylist soon after you have chosen your gown and headpiece. You’ll want to discuss both the color and cut of your hair, as well as its condition and what kind of treatments you should begin in preparation for the big day. “To look your best you need your hair to be shiny and beautiful,” says Maia Hanson, owner of Glow Salon & Spa. “Color has a big impact on

your look, but you may need a deep conditioning treatment, too.” If you plan on experimenting with your hair color, do so at least four-to-six months before the wedding. This allows your hair time to recover from any major malfunctions or catastrophic color choices. Keep in mind the color of your dress and the style of your veil. You want your hair to complement your look not overpower it. Schedule any touch-ups two-to-three weeks before the big day, allowing time to correct any dryness or damage and avoiding that “just-dyeddo.” The same goes for haircuts. Allow your hair enough time to grow out a bit after cutting, to avoid that “fresh from the barber” look. Just like everything else wedding, when deciding on a wedding day hairstyle, you have to do some shopping around. Pick out a few different looks and share them with your stylist. You want to schedule your trial hairstyle at least two weeks before the wedding. At this time, you should bring in any photos you like, bring your headpiece and bring your honesty. “Don’t waste time and don’t be afraid to voice your opinion,” says Hanson. “Be reasonable and honest and never walk out of the salon hating your hair.” But do remain open to new ideas. You may hate up-dos, yet leaving your hair long would not do your strapless, scalloped neckline justice. Be willing to take chances, at least during your trial run. That’s what you’re there for. Keep in mind that your headpiece does somewhat dictate your style choice. A full, elaborate veil will be heavier on your head and may require a tighter up-do. However, if you decide to go for the long, loose romantic look, remember that generally, your veil should be longer than your hair and tousled does not mean tangled. Practice makes perfect. And if you follow these few simple suggestions, the only thing you’ll be worried about when sitting in your stylist’s chair on your wedding day is whether your groom will remember the rings.

Diane & Leroy Halo Salon Before opening her first salon, Halo Salon’s owner Diane trained in New York and Boston. She was one of ten chosen to represent the United States in the World Hair Show at Wembley Hall, London, and she also won first place in the hair cutting competition at the Midwest Hair Show in Chicago. Diane opened her first salon on Milwaukee Street in 1982. Then, in 1994, she and Leroy Buth became partners, acquired a building on Brady Street, and created the space for Halo Salon. They chose Brady Street because of its history, vitality and unique energy. Diane, Leroy and the staff pride themselves on creating elegant hair and makeup in a beautiful workspace. With sleek, modern décor and an abundance of fresh flowers, Halo Salon provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs of wedding preparations. Halo is known for its expertise and talent. The staff keeps up with current global fashion, hair and makeup trends. A bridal trial is very important, as it can help

“Our staff is small and receives highly specialized training. We choose to work only with artists that are completely committed to their craft.” eliminate any uncertainty on your big day. The day of the trial, they will dress your hair and design your makeup, giving you options to find a look that will enhance your beauty. They recommend bringing any photos of inspiration that are close to your natural skin tone and hair color. They also advise brides to stay away from anything overly trendy, so photographs look classically beautiful for years to come. Lash extensions translate beautifully in wedding photos and compliment any makeup choice, while airbrush makeup gives a flawless natural finish that needs no touch up. Your photographs will look timeless for years to come. For color range and hair care lines, Halo Salon uses Davines, a privately owned company out of Parma, Italy. Sustainable beauty is at the heart of Davines’ philosophy. An ecological position is fundamental for the ethics of an attentive, pioneering company with a cosmopolitan, open attitude towards new trends and change. Jane Iredale is Halo Salon’s primary cosmetics line. Classic looks, with a touch of modern style, are a specialty of Halo Salon. Brides will find that the staff is there to accommodate their every need and can rest assured that they will give close attention to detail to create a look that is a personal signature for this most important day!

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Planning a Wedding,

Building a Marriage by Robyn & Jim Vining #TeamVining photography Robyn Vining Photography

being engaged is a dreamy, emotional, sometimes panicky and stressful

roller coaster...

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Things can get a little crazy as you plan your wedding. This is a special time, a good time and an exciting time! But even special, good and exciting times can bring with them stress. Being engaged is a dreamy, emotional, sometimes panicky and stressful roller coaster. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long after you make your first calls to loved ones to tell them the great news that people will begin to ask if you have a date set, if you found a dress, where will it be, etc. In a split second, you go from the proposal to planning a wedding and, if you're not careful, preparing for the actual marriage can very quickly get left behind.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to take a step back and remember the engagement is not forever. It has a beginning and an end, both of which include those moments you depict on top of fancy cakes. And there is a lot of planning in the middle that can bring about a lot of busyness, and sometimes a lot of stress. The closer that you are to the end, the sooner you want it to be over. And then it is. On the other hand, it is important to keep sight on what the engagement helps you work toward. Your relationships, including your relationship with your partner, continue long after your engagement is complete. In your

engagement, you and your fiancĂŠ are, by the very nature of relationships, building your marriage. You are getting to know one another and are defining your priorities. You are also setting your communication patterns and establishing how you navigate conflict. Planning a wedding brings to light how you are (wonderfully) different. You are learning to work as a team. And your engagement officially ends the moment you walk down that aisle and out in to the world together as a brand new team. So, we've put together a guide on how to help you plan your new life together.

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1. Walk together down the marriage is just the two of you. People will 4. Communicate. have advice for you—good advice, healthy Planning a wedding can squeeze out a lot of aisle and into the world. There is this moment that I, as a photographer, see often. I see the faces of our couples right after that "You may kiss the bride" moment. I see your eyes shift toward all of your family members and friends. I see your shoulders turn toward the aisle. I see you standing there, hand in hand, with all the excitement in the world on your faces. And then I watch you take your first steps as a husband and wife, down the aisle and into the world. You are a team, a freshly minted team ready to face the world…together. No marriage is like your marriage, no dynamic like yours. Each of you is a distinct individual, and together you will create a unique team. You will walk down the aisle and into the world together, with a marriage the world has never seen before. And it's going to be fantastic! But first, you will need to figure out who you are and how you’ll work together on this team.

advice, helpful advice. And people will also get too close, infringe on your space or climb into your world. No one else is a part of your marriage. Not in-laws, not friends, not pets. Your marriage is set apart from the rest of your lives. Of course you have other people in your lives, but now there are parts of your lives that are just for the two of you. On your wedding day, you are choosing to give yourselves to each other. There is no a

2. Create the centerpiece of your home. As you plan your wedding, you'll likely think about centerpieces. And to think about centerpieces, you'll likely think about who you are as people. Centerpiece design if often a reflection of the couple; what you love and what you love to do. This type of reflection is similar in marriage. As you merge your lives together you will create a home, and you get to decide what will be central to it. Comfort? Peace? Fun? Adventure? Will your newly minted life together be built on traditions? Spontaneity? Both? Will your home be open to hospitality or kept intimate? Your home will be built on certain foundational blocks that will support these centerpieces of who you are as individuals and who are you are as a team. Talk through the kind of home you want to create together. Ask questions, design together and figure out how to mix together what you each love, as well as what you hope for in your future.

greater gift that you can give and there is no a greater gift that you can receive. On your wedding day, you make the choice to give and receive that greatest gift with one person. You choose them above all others, trusting them with all that you have and accepting all that they are. In marriage you give and receive, and continue to give and receive with your spouse in ways that are unique and sacred. This changes life. All of a sudden best friends take a different role. Parents take a different role. Your marriage rises up above all your other relationships, and at least initially that can be challenging. Give yourselves room 3. Find the sacredness for the adjustment. Expect to fail as you settle of marriage. Whether or not marriage is religious to in. Extend grace to each other as you shift into you and your fiancé, marriage is sacred. Your this new world as a married couple.

chatter about your relationship and your future marriage by the mere fact that there are so many details involved in planning and only so many words that can be spoken in a day. Don't let this happen. Carve out time to work on communication now, and work on how you want communication to evolve as you get married. One of the best things you can do for communication in your relationship is to talk. Sounds elementary, doesn’t it? Yet so many times we forget to keep talking with one another and take for granted that our loved one knows a lot about us. We tend to assume that means we can talk less over time, but in reality we need to continue the conversation. And one of the best ways to talk through life each day is to ask questions. Sometimes you ask questions of your spouse, sometimes of yourself. Here are some questions we have found helpful: • Am I clearly and accurately expressing myself? •A m I listening to understand my fiancé (spouse)? • Is it worth an argument? • Am I acting in love? • Is it just about winning? •A m I giving my fiancé (spouse) the benefit of the doubt? Engagement can be stressful, but it is a special time set aside for nurturing your relationship before you make your marriage vows. Don't let all of the wedding planning prevent you from building a marriage that starts right with that first kiss.

We'll be continuing this series on Building a Marriage with the hot-button topics of Sex and Money. Stay tuned by following us on Facebook and Instagram, as well as our blog and digital edition. Cheers to your newlywed years!

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Intimate Moment

A World of Love by Laura Vietmeyer

After a year and a half engagement planning their travel themed international nuptials, Andy and Kristin’s officiant asked them to close their eyes and take in the moment during their ceremony, which became an especially memorable moment for Kristin. From the ceremony and reception in Wisconsin to a Blessing in England, Kristin and Andy’s love and marriage brought two families from across the world together to celebrate the future.

How did you meet? Andy and I met online. I was in Houston for my residency and told my friends that the only thing that would prevent me from moving back to Wisconsin would be if I met the man I was going to marry. Towards the end of my residency, I joined Match.com just as Andy joined after moving from England for work.

How did he propose? Andy took me on my first trip to Europe to meet his family. He planned a whirlwind tour of the most popular places, including Paris.

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We spent an amazing day visiting the Louvre, Notre Dame and placing a padlock on the Love Lock Bridge. He suggested a nice dinner after our long day to relax. When the taxi dropped us off at the Trocadero, my jaw dropped at the amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. After taking a few pictures I turned to ask Andy which restaurant we would be eating in and he pointed at the tower itself. When dessert was served, I was instructed to open an intricately wrapped box and inside was my amazing engagement ring. I was speechless! To top it off, our waiter captured it all on our camera.

kristin & andrew married 05-24-2014

Did he ask permission from parents before the proposal? Andy took my parents out to eat during one of their visits to Houston to get their blessing. I actually asked him to take them out while I was working an overnight shift, so I set it up without even knowing what was happening.

What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? The venue was the most important. In England, the buildings have a lot of character and most weddings are in beautiful castles. In Madison, the options aren’t quite the same, but The Madison Club was absolutely perfect because it has a lot of character.

Were there any funny things or moments that happened at your wedding? One of the most memorable moments was having Bucky and the UW Marching Band come to the reception. It was a surprise from my parents since I’m a UW alumni and it was fantastic! It was definitely a culture shock for our British guests, but they loved it and it was great to see them taking photos with Bucky.

What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? Andrea, our wedding planner with Cherry Blossom Events. Andy and I were able to enjoy the entire wedding weekend without having to worry about any details.

Did you include any special traditions or customs? British tradition is for the groom to go to the Pub before the wedding, which Andy did with his friends. For the recessional we followed British custom and had the father of the groom exit with the mother of the bride and vice versa. Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?” The “Something New” was my wedding dress, shoes and earrings. The “Something Old” was antique napkin rings from England that I used for my bouquet handle. One of these was the napkin ring from Andy’s christening. My “Something Borrowed” was my grandma’s broach, which has been used by all the grandchildren in our wedding bouquets. My “Something Blue” was a pearl incorporated into my bouquet.

Tell us about your bridal ensemble. My wedding dress was actually picked out by my mother. I had wanted a simple lace dress, but decided on the opposite. It had exquisite beading on the upper bodice. I wore a cathedral length veil for the ceremony and a headpiece at the reception that was made by a family friend out of my grandmother’s wedding dress.

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health & beauty

Face the

by Katie Carlson

As a bride-to-be, you want to put your best foot forward, or in this case, your best body and face. And why shouldn’t you want that? After all, let’s face it- you are going to be the primary focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including those photographers! While a good diet and exercise plan are always important before the big day, most brides overlook the wonderful services that medi-spas can provide for those irk¬some issues, like acne, dry skin, wrinkles or a little trouble fitting into that dress. One such spa in the area helping brides look their best is Lumière Laser & Vein Center, and we spoke with them, to get the scoop on their must-do services, and to get answers to common misconceptions about medi-spa treatments. Their estheticians are licensed, and have extensive experience in acne management, skin rejuvenation, and facial/skin care and anti-aging treatments. Lumière’s procedures are noninvasive and fairly easy to do, everyone wants to

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for instance, the Lumière Signature Facial is only $175 for a personalized treatment to your specific needs. Lumiere also offers financing through care credit. “Now that I got the i-Lipo Ultra treatment, I’ll never have to diet or exercise again!” Even though the treatment is great for fat reduction and slimming, you do need to continue a wellbalanced diet and exercise to maximize the results. “I have acne, and I don’t want to use moisturizer on my face before my wedding because it makes me break out.” The truth is, if you want your face to be acne-free and beautiful, choosing the right products (yes, including moisturizer!) with a professional consultant will help achieve the skin you will Some common misconceptions about the love. The professionals at Lumière provide the tools that you need to get the skin you want! services that Lumiere offers: “I’m afraid to get Botox- what if it paralyzes “Medical spas are too expensive, and I won’t have any extra money in the budget to get my face?” Botox Cosmetic is an FDA approved prescription medicine and gradually takes effect anything done.” Actually services are very affordable… (usually about 7-14 days from treatment).

look and feel their best, and Lumiere Laser and Veil Center can help everyone do that! i-Lipo Ultra is the intelligent, noninvasive alternative to liposuction WINNER of "Best Slimming Treatment" at Les Victoire De La Beaute in France.

Lumière consultants go over each patient’s medical history to make sure that they are good candidates for all procedures. And, as with all procedures, resident physician, Dr. Michael J. Phillips, supervises all services to ensure the safest results. “If I am thinking about laser hair removal treatments before my wedding how many and when should I start the treatments?” If a bride is considering laser hair removal the treatments usually take about six to nine treatments per area. Appointments are scheduled one month apart. "If I'm considering Latisse® or eyelash extensions which would you suggest and how long does it take to notice a difference?" I would suggest Latisse®, it is more of a permanent solution to giving you longer, fuller and darker lashes. Latisse® solution is clinically proven to grow lashes. You should see the full results within 16 weeks, and to maintain your lash growth you want to continue using Latisse® daily. We asked Lumiere what the top services are for brides to try out: 1. The Lumiere Signature Facial 2. Laser Hair Removal 3. Latisse® 4. Botox, Dysport and Dermal Fillers 5. i-Lipo Ultra is a non-invasive alternative to liposuction that results in slimming, contouring, cellulite reduction, and skin tightening for your body. And the best part- there is no pain, no needles and no down-time! Brides should consider this before a wedding if a little extra help is needed fitting into that gown.

• S kin Care: relax with a state-of-the-art skin care treatment customized specifically to your unique skin needs. •L aser Hair Removal: perfect for all skin types, this process removes unwanted hair using an innovative cooling technique that provides long-lasting results. • F illers: receive a personalized anti-aging treatment that fills lines and softens wrinkles. • Cellulite Treatment: reduce cellulite and melt away inches for a slimmer, tighter body with this non-surgical approach to body contouring. • S kin Care Products: browse our selection of professional medical grade skin products that will enhance your skin’s pure tone. We carry products from brands such as Janssen, Latisse, and Colorescience PRO After all this great information, what's a bride to do? Call Lumière to schedule a free bridal consultation, and begin your journey to flawless beauty.

CHECK LUMIEREVEINCENTER.COM AND FACEBOOK FOR MONTHLY SPECIALS

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

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

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Wedding gowns

Trendy meetsTimeless in 2016 Exclusively Available At

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5 Styles

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our boutique

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Pronovias

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bridal attire

Dressed

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Robyn Vining Photography The bride-to-be has many important decisions to make for her wedding day, especially when it comes to her wedding dress. Brides demand a lot from this special dress. She might want to feel absolutely beautiful, or comfortable, or sexy. To find the dress that fits into her wedding vision and makes a statement, the bride has to begin by finding the style that will allow her to strut her stuff. On top of finding her perfect dress, she has to keep the bridesmaids in mind, too! Showcasing everyone’s personalities within the bridal party while fitting into the scope of the wedding’s overall style can easily be achieved with the perfect bridal attire. When searching for the perfect dress, there are multiple styles for the bride to consider. And the best place to get dress advice? From the bridal boutiques in Veil Magazine: Bella Bridesmaids; Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc.; Gigi of Mequon; and Stone Manor Bridal. Each boutique helps brides figure out exactly what they are looking for in bridal party fashion. The fashion mavens at bridal boutiques will sit down and listen to what the bride wants in a gown and they will also inquire about the details of the wedding. Knowing those little details about the wedding can help the dress stand out even more. Brandi

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Nehmer from Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. explains, “The location of your ceremony and reception will help set precedence for what you will want with your gown.” Once the backdrop has been set, it’s about the dress and the accessories. Soft and whimsical romantic looks are always classics for bridal style. “One of the most important trends we see in bridal right now is romance,” Kate Iggens of Stone Manor Bridal says. “If a bride wants to acquire that soft and romantic feel to her wedding, it can start with the fabric of the dress. Having a dress made of silk, chiffon, organza or tulle will give the bride an effortless look.” To see these romantic styles in action, check out page 118 for our bridal shoot showcasing beautiful looks from the boutiques mentioned above. Art Deco styles create a vintage twist on the romantic look, with beading, sleeves, and interesting necklines. Once the dress has been chosen, accessories are a bride’s next stop. According to Gigi of Mequon, for bridal jewelry, a lot of sparkle in all shapes and sizes is always on point. Earrings and bracelets are more popular than necklaces at the moment, but the right necklace with the right dress can make the whole look really pop. In veils, cathedral veils and blushers are definitely in! With all of these choices to make, the

staff at any of these bridal boutiques can assist you in finding the perfect fit for your big day. Shoes are another important accessory! You can find a comfortable shoe to wear all day without having to resort to a flat, if that’s the not direction you are looking to go. You can also find a comfortable shoe that is flattering. At Gigi of Mequon, they are looking into new shoe lines to offer a wider variety of styles, keeping in mind that their customers will be in them all day. Bridging style and comfort is important! At many bridal boutiques, shoes can be dyed various shades or colors. You can even dye your ivory shoes black after the wedding day! These shoes are also the perfect fit for a variety of social occasions. The romantic look can apply to the bridesmaids as well. Ombre colors are on trend for bridemaids dresses at the moment. Create interest by pairing different colors and styles together. Subtle or bold, there’s no right or wrong way to incorporate color. Your bridesmaids don’t have to look like clones from every other wedding. Dresses with tiered bodices, glamorous fit-andflare skirts and whimsical gauzy overlays are just a few ways to give your bridal party a fresh take.

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Inside Brandi's Bridal Galleria, etc. “I had a great experience at Brandi’s! Love the new salon… like stepping onto a TV show, really!” by Laura Vietmeyer

Where can you strut your stuff on the runway to get a 3-D view of your wedding dress? The savvy bride knows that the answer is Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. in New Glarus. With a new 12,000 square foot showroom and 10 years in the business, Brandi’s is the bridal salon to go to for exceptional prices, exceptional service and an exceptional experience. Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. offers a wide selection of bridal fashions brought to you from around the world. With over 500 handpicked bridal gowns and 1,000 bridesmaids’ dresses, Brandi’s offers you and your bridal party the opportunity to explore your options in a space that helps you relax and have fun. The state-of-the-art space has edgy, metallic, silver, black, and mirrored decor. “I wanted to create a salon where the bride felt relaxed so she could enjoy herself and her bridal party could have fun!” said Brandi. She continued, “Combining technology and intimacy was a challenge, but we are thrilled with the results.” As a bride at Brandi’s, you have the opportunity to use technology in the form of touch screens and runway videos to help you choose the perfect gown. The runway experience allows you to see yourself as your groom & guests will see it on you on your wedding

day. That day, you’ll be focused on your groom, but at Brandi’s you can focus on finding your dream gown. Brandi herself travels the world to bring the best bridal fashions to the Midwest, traveling as far as Barcelona, Spain to bring the Pronovias brand to the salon. The new salon was even honored with a visit from the Director of US Operations for Pronovias, Lluis Sole, who was impressed by the new store. He stated, “Brandi’s Galleria represents perfectly the values of bridal and Pronovias: love, passion, beauty and joy. It is an honor to have Brandi’s Galleria to represent our brands.” Brandi’s also offers exclusive fashions from Martina Liana and Anaiss Bridal, and more traditional lines from LaSposa, Allure, Maggie Sottero, Stella York and many more. Once you select your perfect gown, you and your bridal party can celebrate with a champagne toast and photo op on the red carpet runway. Brandi’s is “The Home of the Original” Champagne Toast and they know how to properly pamper you and your party. Visit Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. website at www.brandisbridal.com.

Experience Our State-Of-The-Art 12,000 sq ft Salon! Over 500 Bridal Gowns • Over 1000 Bridesmaids 12 14th Avenue, New Glarus, Wisconsin

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

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Kate Iggens Stone Manor Bridal Stone Manor Bridal has been located in Grafton since the fall of 2013, but its roots date back to the spring of 2002. Its name was inspired by the original space in Cedarburg, a stone house built in the early 1900s. Owner Kate Iggens was met with success the minute she opened the doors and Stone Manor Bridal quickly outgrew its first location. When you step into the new store, you won’t be disappointed! Stone Manor’s loft setting, with walls made of Milwaukee’s signature cream city brick and warehouse windows that let in gorgeous natural light, offers an extensive collection of unique gowns for both brides and bridesmaids. Additionally, Kate says the large space allowed her to add tuxedo and prom lines too. The Wingman Formal Wear area is dedicated to the dashing grooms and their groomsmen. Kate, a University of Wisconsin grad with a background in buying and retail, knew she found her perfect fit as a business owner in the bridal world. She is proud of both the knowledge and customer service levels she and her staff can offer to clients. When first visiting Stone Manor Bridal, Kate offers this simple piece of advice to brides, “Come with an open mind.” She notes that it’s okay for you to love a look online or in a magazine, but later change your mind when you see it in person.

We offer an extensive selection of wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses carefully selected for their unique style and beauty. Rent a tuxedo, suit, or separate piece in our Wingman Formalwear Shop.

“When you find the dress you will know. It’s a lot like your finding your fiancé— you know when it’s the right one!” For some brides, this process can be overwhelming, which is why Kate and her wonderful staff are there to assist you along the way. They’ll help you navigate the wide array of beautiful dresses, many of which come from vendors that are unique to the Milwaukee area and are not offered in other stores. Once the dress has been selected, your consultant will work with you to add the perfect accessories from their collections of headpieces and veils, shoes, and jewelry. From start to finish, the bridal consultants at Stone Manor Bridal are there to help. They’ll work one-on-one with you, listening to your likes and dislikes and tailoring your dress selections to meet your needs. “When you find the dress you will know,” Kate says. “It’s a lot like finding your fiancé—you know when it’s the right one!”

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

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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

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

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True Romantic

by Michelle Drewek

Photography m three studio photography Bridal gowns, Jewelry & Veils Bella Bridesmaids, Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC., Gigi of Mequon & Stone Manor Bridal Hair & makeup Beauty Milwaukee, Halo Salon, The Color Tube (Make Up Assistant Jeana Bujanowski) Draping, set design, fabric & installation Barking Pony Studios Lighting Sound By Design location Historic Pritzlaff Styling Terri Blahnik & Anne Sorensen Models Elyse C., Hanna E., & Jemme L. from Ohlsson Model Management Your wedding day is all about the love between you and your spouse to be. A romantic and elegant look in your bridal attire celebrates that love and showcases it to your guests. Flowy fabrics, ball gowns and lace details create a traditional romantic look, while beading and Art Deco inspired gowns with vintage elements create an elegant twist on romantic looks. Whether you want a classically romantic look or you want a little more drama in your dress, bridal boutiques can work to find what you’re looking for to create the perfect, truly romantic look. You can be the sophisticated, sweet, feminine bride you’ve always dreamed you’d be. The gorgeous gowns in the following pages come from Bella Bridesmaids, Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc., Gigi of Mequon, and Stone Manor Bridal. Various elements make these wedding gowns truly stand out, from plunging necklines to jewel illusioned backs. Sleeves are another detail that create a romantic spin on a dress. From cap sleeves to illusion necklines that translate into full sleeves, they can really up the elegance factor. There are a myriad of styles to choose from. In ball gowns, you can combine vintage and modern through ombre silk organza, a lace bodice accented with crystal appliques, or a strapless sweetheart neckline, ivory to sherbet ruffled organza a-line skirt, and a chapel train. Some ball gowns seem simple at first, but it’s easy to add unique elements, such as a pretty blush color. Slip gowns are another way to add in romance. These delicate and feminine looks create stunning silhouettes and leave room for special details to be added, such as beading and ruffle accents. Your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to wear a dress that makes you feel truly gorgeous and confident, and you can’t go wrong with any of the romantic looks you’ll find here. These dresses celebrate your love and showcase your beauty while fitting your style and needs as you plan your big day. You can finish off the look with well-chosen accessories, such as veils and headpieces. These beautiful dresses shine even more thanks to the joint efforts of Molly from m three studio photography and Kathy and Jon from Barking Pony Studio, who created the soft, dreamy backdrops for shoot. A special thanks also goes out to Sound By Design, who worked on the lighting for the shoot, and to the Historic Pritzlaff staff, for allowing Veil Magazine to use the wonderful space. Right page: Bridal Gowns Left: Brandi's Bridal Galleria, ETC., Middle: Bella Bridesmaids, Right: Gigi of Mequon, Hair Left & Right: Beauty Milwaukee, Middle: The Colour Tube Makeup Left & Right: Halo Salon, Middle: The Colour Tube

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Left page: Bridal Gown, Headpiece & Jewelry Stone Manor Bridal Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup Halo Salon Right page: Bridal Gowns Gigi of Mequon Hair Beauty Milwaukee Makeup The Colour Tube

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

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

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unVeiled

love love story story

Veil Advertisers Calligraphy & Photography

Studio 29 Photography & Design Lighting & Reception dj:

Sound By Design

Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Minkmaids Caterer: Zilli Hospitality Group Ceremony Location: Old St Mary’s Event Planner: Lindsay Flasch Events Favors: leather luggage tags Flowers: Adorn by Zilli Hospitality Group Groom's Formalwear: Macy’s Hair & Makeup: Neroli Salon & Spa Reception Location: Milwaukee County Historical Society Wedding Cake: Regina’s Bay Bakery Wedding Gown: Miss Ruby Boutique

Intimate Moment

Love Is the Best Souvenir by Michelle Drewek

From their first “I love you” in Paris to her “yes” by their favorite bench in Lake Park, Annie and Matt’s time together is spent embracing tradition and appreciating history. Having traveled near and far during their 5-year relationship, their wedding was a chance to relive each of those special moments and incorporate elements that made for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.

Did any items inspire the wedding’s theme? We first said “I love you” at the Wall of I Love Yous in Paris. I was on a month long trip to Europe just 2 months after starting to date Matt and I pretty much begged him to come visit me at the last minute. He bought a ticket, hopped on a plane and we went to Dublin and Paris together. It was so special that he was willing to cross an ocean so we could be together that we had to embrace the travel theme. We collected maps and suitcases to use throughout. And, our place cards and favors were leather luggage tags.

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What was the first detail you absolutely had to have? We have an immense love for the city of Milwaukee. We knew right away we wanted to have our reception at the Milwaukee County Historical Society because it had such an important role in the city when it was the Second Ward Bank. We also loved the location and it’s proximity to hotels and the church we were getting married at.

What was the most important item for your wedding? We knew we had to splurge on photography. Ren Davis is incredibly talented and she was the perfect

annie & matt

married 07-18-2015

person to capture our day. She’s not just a fantastic photographer either; she’s become a great friend.

beautiful bridesmaids (and man) gifted me a custom brass knuckle, gold glitter clutch made by MinkMaids.

What part of your wedding was worth every penny? Without a doubt, hiring Lindsay Flasch Events. We had so many details we wanted to incorporate the day of but didn’t have a way to set it up ourselves. Lindsay helped us figure out our timeline, sort out details we hadn’t even thought of and really put together an overall beautiful day.

Were there any aspects of DIY incorporated? Because we were engaged for 2 years, we did a lot! We weren’t allowed to use rice or bubbles for our exit at the church so we made a bunch of ribbon wands. It was so much fun coming out of the church and seeing all of the smiling faces and ribbons. We also made the map garland for our tables out of maps of some of our favorite places, including Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., Boston and Paris. My mother and I made the groomsmen’s pocket square. There’s so much more, I wish I could talk about it all!

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Tell us about your bridal ensemble. I couldn’t be happier with my dress from Miss Ruby. The staff was amazing. My veil belonged to my mother. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to wear it at first because my parents got divorced when I was young, but someone told me my marriage will be what I make of it and to not let superstitions get the best of me. I think that was excellent advice because the veil was gorgeous. My beautiful earrings came from Lizzibeth. And, I absolutely loved my gold and glittery 4-inch heels!

Did you have a “Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue?” Something old was my veil. Something new was my necklace from my husband. It matched my earrings perfectly! Something borrowed was a beautiful bracelet from my mother-in-law. And something blue was the inside of my clutch. My amazing,

q q

Did you do anything special during the ceremony? We lit a unity candle during our ceremony. This was particularly special for us because it was hand carved by Sister Clarice Steinfeldt of the Sisters of the Divine Savior. I worked with them for a brief time and always admired her beautiful carving and paper cutting skills. Matt’s aunt and cousin also played music for the ceremony. It was phenomenal and brought tears of joy to our eyes.

Any advice for future brides? Take advantage of the various wedding shows and contests in the area. VeilMagazine.com

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Men's formalwear

Power to

by Michelle Drewek

photography Top: Heather Cook Elliot Photography, Bottom Left & Right: Front Room Photography, Bottom Middle: Studio 29 Photography & Design Brides, we all know the dress is one of the most talked about items you will plan for your big day, and rightfully so! It will more likely than not be the most expensive gown you’ll ever have the joy of twirling in, and all eyes will be on you the instant the bridal march begins. A dazzling woman deserves a stunning dress! But, what about your groom? The experience of finding attire for your wedding day takes many days, several fittings and plenty of intricately detailed choices. And now that we are well into the 2000s, groom and groomsmen attire is being given more due diligence. Luxe, custom services and diversified offerings have made male wedding attire a whole new experience for engaged couples. It’s no longer all about the black tie affair, although that dashing combination is truly timeless! Indeed, now you can add color to almost anything the groom and his men will wear—including the suit itself. Black is making its comeback, but navy blues are also a huge trend this year. Likewise, we’ve seen a rise in the number of gray suits and tuxes being incorporated into wedding day apparel, from a deep charcoal to lighter stone shades. Before you dive headfirst into the sea of suits, you’ll want to discuss having the men’s clothing match the vibe and style of your wedding. While some weddings call for the traditional black suit or tux, many couples simply ask their groomsmen to wear a suit in a certain color, letting the freeform

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styles mix and match with the variety of the bridesmaid gowns. This is especially true when grooms decide to go with a look that isn’t the usual black. The fabric itself is also an important consideration depending on when and where you’ll be getting married. Hot climates typically call for a looser weave and possibly even a sandy khaki, whereas a winter wonderland will mean layers and tight-knit fabrics. Even if you opt for a more formal suit, tie and vest combination, there are so many stylistic options available in terms of accessories that even the most simple of suits can become a statement piece. While cuff links are still an often-discussed wedding staple, men are expanding their accessory horizons and incorporating more eye-catching elements to display their personality. From brightly hued pocket handkerchiefs to bold bow ties and shoes in an array of colors, the sky’s the limit for what your groom and his entourage can do! All of these options can be overwhelming, but that’s what experts, like the vendors in Veil Magazine, are there for. They’ve juggled many requests in their years of experience and will no doubt have some amazing ideas in mind for the look you want to accomplish. Also, don’t let reservations hold you back from experimenting. Try mixing in patterns and colors to a variety of different accessories to see what you like and what you don’t. You don’t have to decide

in one session what your final ensemble would be, so come in ready to explore and let your imaginations take you on this exciting journey. The tuxedo itself was born from the imagination of a man daring to push the boundaries of fashion. Pierre Lorillard VI, a wealthy tobacco magnate in the 19th century who lived in an area outside of New York City, helped to create a thriving social scene around a park that the locals had dubbed Tuxedo Park. For a particularly extravagant Autumn Ball, Lorillard commissioned a design for a jacket that was noticeably missing the long tails that were standard on formal wear during that time. It is thought that he fashioned it either after a dinner jacket that was made for England’s Prince of Wales (soon to be King Edward VII), or after the red coats that were traditionally worn during fox hunts. While Lorillard did not end up wearing his new design to the ball, his son and his friends wore the tailless jackets, and because of their high social standing, the trend was noticed and quickly caught on. The style has since been called the tuxedo in homage to the town of its origin. Steeped in a history of pushing boundaries, the tuxedo can be transformed into something stylish and different for the groom and his groomsmen. Personality and personal style matters just as much to the men, and they’re ready to show it.

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. 1. W hat color suit / tux should the men wear? Blue, black, navy, grey, charcoal, khaki, white or striped? 2. A ccessories for the chest can be vests, cummerbunds, suspenders, or even sweaters. 3. W hich tie style would best match the wedding’s mood? Among other options, there’s the cravat, bow tie, skinny tie...and then choose a color or fabric pattern. Remember, some couples don’t rent this - they buy them as groomsmen gifts. 4. A re there other fabric pieces we want to consider? Colored or patterned socks shoes or shirts? 5. W hat about jewelry or other accessories? These can be as traditional as cuff links and watches or as unusual as bolero hats with a brim band to match the wedding design. 6. D o you want props? Top hats, canes, belt buckles or other elements that will add to our wedding vibe? 7. H ow should the groom be slightly different from the other men in the wedding party? He is, after all, the man of the hour.

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

Tim Ryan harleys the store for men

IN 1968, a stockboy named Tim was working at Harold and Stanley Dubman’s store, Harleys: The Store for Men. After getting involved in sales and buying, he worked his way up to co-owner of the store in 1987. While the other owner, Tom Brill, retired in 2000, Tim Ryan, President/CEO of Harleys, is still hard at work. Harleys is an industry leader in menswear, and strives to make sure that every customer is priority number one the instant he walks through the door. “Our mission is to provide quality apparel, exceptional customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience,” Tim emphasizes. While many people tend to put emphasis on the wedding dress, the groom’s attire shouldn’t be a last-minute detail. Tim recognizes that finding a wedding day ensemble can be intimidating for grooms, but Harleys is fully prepared to help any groom find what he is looking for. “Being both a retail and rental store gives Harleys staff a unique perspective to give proper advice to the groom to ensure he makes the right choices for his wedding,” reassures Tim. “Tuxedo rentals are provided by Jim’s Formalwear, and we are an Elite dealer within their network, which allows Harleys to do whatever might be necessary to ensure the wedding party looks their best. We also have an in house tailoring staff to take care of any last minute adjustments.” This past July, Harleys’ quality reputation was honored by the menswear industry at MR Magazine’s annual Uptown Downtown awards ceremony for retail innovation. It was a huge honor for Tim and the Harleys team who strive every day to do what they do best. “We were honored to be recognized by our industry as one of the top retailers in the country, but what’s more important is

that our customers like the product selection we offer. They receive exceptional customer service, and they have an enjoyable shopping

“Harleys is very involved in the community supporting numerous charities, Shorewood schools and our own Teeing Up for Charity golf outing to benefit the Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation,” Tim explains. Whether it’s business or charity, experience at Harleys,” says Tim. Harleys provides nothing short of exceptional Beyond being leaders in the industry, service and unparalleled dedication. As “The Harleys is a leader in the community. Harleys Store for Men in Shorewood,” Harleys is looking moved to its current Shorewood location in to uphold its reputation and exceed your harleys veil ad feb 2010:Layout 4 2/5/10 1:33 PM Page 1 2009, and since then has been giving back to expectations. the neighborhood and other great causes.

“nothing short of Exceptional”

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Men's formalwear

Your Well-Tailored

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Manning Photography formalwear & accessories Harleys The Store for Men Location Historic Pritzlaff Models Michael B. & Tanner P. from Jennifer's Talent Unlimited, & Tony M. Grooms and their groomsmen may not spend as much time going to fittings as the bride and her bridesmaids, but that doesn’t mean their wedding wear can’t be as precisely tailored for a perfect fit. Men can opt for a classic tuxedo, but they also have a myriad of other options to choose from to leave them feeling sharp and confident as they stand up before their family and friends. Just as the bride might try on different silhouettes to find her perfect dress, the groom can try on different fits in formal wear. Now more than ever, tuxedos and suits are being tailored for a trimmer fit, tying into trends in men’s fashion on a wider scale. According to Timothy E. Ryan, President and CEO of Harleys: The Store for Men, located in Shorewood, this general trend is being requested more frequently in rental apparel. Once the ideal fit has been found, there are plenty of ways to get creative with color. In terms of the actual tuxedo or suit, Ryan notes that grey has definitely been the trend in requested colors, with three shades being offered at Harleys, which are dark, medium and light grey. Navy and medium blue shaded tuxes are also being requested, while black still continues to be a classic and popular choice. To tie into the overall theme of the wedding, pops of color can easily be added in ties, shirts and vests, and even in socks and shoes. The sky's the limit! To achieve the ideal look, the groom and his groomsmen can’t go wrong by going to experts in menswear to prepare for the wedding day. Talking to someone about the theme and style of the wedding can help narrow down the options. Understanding the demands of the wedding venue can also be a big factor in choosing the style and fabric that is best for the groom and his groomsmen to wear that will allow them to be stylish and comfortable from the start of the ceremony to the last dance of the night. The groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits may only be one part of the big picture that is the entire wedding day, but well chosen attire that has been tailored to perfection is not to be overlooked. With the men taken care of, the entire wedding party will be dressed to impress!

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Veil Advertisers Caterer & Reception location:

Saz's Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club Flowers

Bank of Memories & Flowers Photography

Heather Cook Elliot Photography

Ceremony Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Hair: Anton’s Salon Invitations: invitationsbydawn.com Men's Formalwear: Du Bois Formalwear Reception DJ & Lighting: Kyle Feerick Rehearsal Dinner Location: Artisan 179 Wedding Cake: Classy Girl Cupcakes Wedding Gown: Bliss Bridal

Intimate Moment

All in the Details by Laura Vietmeyer

The time leading up to Nick and Kelly’s official meeting reads like something out of a romantic movie. Nick was the liquor sales rep for Casa Tequila in Pewaukee, where Kelly went every Thursday for happy hour with a friend. On one of those Thursdays, the door opened and a cold breeze blew in and Kelly saw Nick. “My only thought was that I was going to marry a guy like him,” Kelly recalls. Since the day he breezed into Kelly’s life, Nick turned out to be the best man in Kelly's cousin’s wedding, Batman at a Halloween party who would not reveal his face, and the guy who a friend of Kelly's wanted to set her up with. A date was set up for them to formally meet at a Christmas party in December 2008. From that date on, they’ve been together ever since. The day Nick bought Kelly’s engagement ring, he went to her mom's house to ask for permission. Kelly’s mom was thrilled, and the proposal planning commenced.

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Nick’s original idea was to propose at Lapham Peak, the highest point in Waukesha County, but due to poor weather that day he had to improvise. Although lightly raining, Nick for her hand in marriage on a pier at beautiful Okauchee Lake. He followed the proposal with a dinner, flowers, wine and a card so they could celebrate. Throughout their 16-month engagement, the couple used various resources to plan the wedding, including Veil Magazine for help and insight on local vendors. “We had literally gone to over 50 weddings as a couple to vet out what we liked and

kelly & nick

married 11-07-2015

didn't like from venues to food to desserts and DJs,” Kelly adds. “Given that we had gone to so many weddings and have been a part of so many, we were actually able to quickly organize what we needed.” The couple’s wedding colors were navy blue with lime green and silver and bling. Their design also included Mercury glass. “With the wedding being in late fall and not a lot of color, we wanted something bold, yet simple and classy,” Kelly explains. “We repainted a globe with chalk paint to have our guests sign it as our guest book, and we had birch wood hand-cut pedestals for our centerpieces and cupcake table.” In their planning, Kelly and Nick made sure the wedding would include plenty of personal details. Kelly's uncle had designed a brooch bouquet for her cousin, which she fell in love with, so he created one for her, too. Kelly also included “something old” with her father’s classic car. He passed away prior to the wedding day, but her family friends who had purchased her dad’s car, took it out of storage so they could capture some great photos and share fond memories. Kelly had a heart-shaped blue piece of her dad’s shirt sewn into her lace back dress with rhinestone details from Bliss Bridal. She also made a small ribbon anklet with a photo of her dad to symbolize him walking her down the aisle. On the big day, the couple was wed in a Greek Orthodox ceremony before 250

guests and a wedding party of 19 people, which included a Koumbaro—Greek for “sponsor” or “best man.” Their Greek Orthodox ceremony included exchanging of rings, crossing of crowns, sharing wine from the same cup and walking around the altar three times together, all with the assistance of the Koumbaro. The reception also incorporated customs like traditional Greek dancing (and lots of it), which includes being showered with money from their Greek family. The couple notes that while every bit of their wedding was worth every penny, the photography by Heather Cook Elliot Photography, their DJ, and the open bar were all worth every penny. “We planned to splurge on these and had lots of fun,” Kelly says. “The great photographers were there to capture every little moment.” Another memorable moment from the day was when Nick surprised Kelly with their fur baby, Brauny, who made an appearance with a bow tie for some photos at the beach. “Brauny really didn't care that it was the wedding day. He just wanted to get in the lake,” Kelly reminisces. Looking back on the entire experience, Kelly offers brides the following advice: “Set up goals and timelines, and also set expectations up front with your vendors and family. A fun and beautiful wedding doesn't have to mean an expensive one! Do not stress over the details and soak in every bit of love that is shared on your day.” VeilMagazine.com

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Truly

photography Robyn Vining Photography If the two of you could be satisfied with average, you wouldn’t be with each other. For this reason, brides and grooms who view themselves and their relationship as special and unique are choosing to have their wedding rings custom made to reflect their personal tastes, lifestyles and experiences. The first time Mary saw John, they were in St. Robert Church in Shorewood, which has a beautiful, round window above its confessionals. This light-filled, enchanting window became a symbol of their love. When planning their wedding, which was held in that same church, they asked us to create custom wedding bands carved with the window design. The artwork created for the rings was also used in their wedding program and Mary (a writer) wrote a poem. The resulting church window-inspired rings are perfect rings for Mary and John. Contrary to popular belief, custom made jewelry costs no more than common, ready-made

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

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

By setting a private appointment and discussing some basic parameters up front regarding diamond selections, you can view diamonds in the right quality and size to fit your budget. Most diamonds are brilliant by themselves, but comparing them side-by-side, with differences pointed out, can help you to arrive at a confident decision. David can teach you where to compromise to get the most for your money. Most people are very visual and styles can be categorized into traditional, contemporary, or antique. Using these basic design elements, some great visuals and lots of experience David can create a 3D wax model incorporating anything. For really complex designs and convenience, David uses highly advanced computer technology and can actually e-mail computer photos of what the piece will look like prior to carving the mode. If you already have your engagement ring, a matching wedding band can be made incorporating the design elements and even conforming exactly to it.

Before

after

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

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

For men, the hottest new material is Tungsten Carbide. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardest metal, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permanently polished with zero maintenance and a very masculine gunmetal color white metal. They can be inlaid with precious metal or diamond accents. Contrasting finishes maintain their look long after your wedding day.

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gift registry

Wrapped

by Jessica Pairrett

photography Robyn Vining Photography One part of the wedding-planning process that shouldn't be stressful: your gift registry. After all, it's window-shopping and choosing items that fit your lifestyle. Plus, wedding guests will love to glimpse through your impeccable style. To create that perfect registry or find just-right gifts for wedding attendants, think about future needs: Will you be hosting large holiday gatherings? And precisely how formal will those place settings be? Since 1870, Milwaukee's George Watts & Son, Inc. has been assisting brides-to-be with personalized service from highly trained registry consultants who are industry experts and will guide you to the right selections for life now and well beyond the wedding. By working with a Watts consultant, you won't accidentally choose a beautiful dinnerware pattern that is not dishwasher safe—especially when you despise washing dishes. Consultants also know trends. Take gold, for instance. Jessica Piorier, buyer and web administrator at Watts, has tuned in to this trend, ensuring

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The showroom offers something for everyone in your wedding. Thank your maid of honor or best man with a sentimental dish or flask. Other ideal wedding party gifts you'll find: decanters, pin trays, money clips, trinkets and jewelry boxes. Items can even be engraved, allowing you to add a touching yet simple note of thanks. After the wedding, don't forget those discounts on remaining items. "Your consultant can even call your husband in the future to remind him of anniversaries and birthdays!" Jessica says. So stop over to Watts when it's time to create your registry and find a unique, different and utterly convenient time at their "fabulous restaurant, stunning bridal salon and art baby gifts! Among 250 top brands are Waterford, gallery," says Sam Watts, president and store Wedgewood, Baccarat, William Yeoward and manager. "Brides and grooms will find more than Simon Pearce. "We offer the same brands as places just a perfect registry... and the future has even like Macy's and Bloomingdales but also carry lines more exciting prospects on the horizon." That's for that you can't get at those stores—smaller, more both Watts and the happy couple. upscale or exclusive offerings," notes Jessica. the store offers trend-right patterns. Besides adding beautiful dining patterns to the registry, you'll need stemware, barware and serveware. Competing with big-box retailers, the Watts offerings include other items ideal for your home like crystal, frames, candles, figurines and even

Feature story love

st ry

Fur-ever Memories by Michelle Drewek

photography Studio 29 Photography & Design We share the most important events in our lives with those closest to us. It makes sense, then, that when it comes to being engaged and getting married that we would want our furry family member to be a part of these memories somehow. Increasingly, incorporating dogs into engagements and weddings, and the photos that go with them, is a growing trend. After all, who doesn’t love an adorable photo of a sweet pup? Ren Davis of Studio 29 Photography doesn’t just love incorporating dogs into her work, she encourages all of the couples she works with to do so. “Our pets are such an important part of who we are as people and complete our families in such a unique way,” Ren explains. “I love capturing the spirit of the couple and the relationship they share with each other and with their dog. It’s such a special bond!” Ren’s had plenty of experience photographing dogs with their humans, and included her own fur baby Kenzo in her engagement photo shoot as well as in plans for her upcoming wedding. (He’ll wear a GoPro to document the day from his point of view!) Being a part of these special times is something she feels is just as meaningful to a dog as it is to its humans. On the day that Chelsea and Billy got engaged, their dog Raji was not only there to share in the moment but was the one to deliver the proposal to Chelsea. “There was a silver dog tag on his collar I had not seen before,” Chelsea remembers. “It had 05-30-2015 on one side, and when I turned it

over it read ‘Mommy will you marry daddy?’ on the other. It would not have been the same without Raji there, and I’m thrilled Billy included him in this special moment for us!” While your dog may not be there for the engagement itself, you can still find fun ways to bring them into the engagement photo shoot. Ren advises that you do a meet and greet with your photographer and dog prior to the photo shoot so they can get to know one another, and on the day of the session come prepared for anything that may happen. Even if they decide not to cooperate, it doesn’t mean all is lost. “The candid moments are some of the best memories to get on camera,” Ren says. “You’ll get some amazing posed shots, and some even more amazing unplanned shots!” “Buddy was such a little model when it came to our engagement photos,” Megan Mauer reminisces. “He followed directions so well and when he wasn’t listening it still made for some pretty adorable moments!” On the day of the wedding, including your furry best friend may not be possible for the actual ceremony or reception, but you can still let them be a part of the day before hand or during some special moments in between the action. “On our wedding day, S’bu hung out with the guys during the day while the girls got ready,” says Annie Ross. “He then joined us for the first look and pre-ceremony pictures. I felt a lot of stress and anxiety on our wedding day,

continued on page 147

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engagement

marriage

maternity

first child

like a lot of brides, but that all disappeared when I walked over to Ben and S’bu during our first look. S’bu sprinted to me and yelped with excitement! The moment stood out on its own, but it also set the tone for one of the most incredible days of our lives.” If you are lucky enough to include your dog in your ceremony, consider ways you can have them participate. Depending on their demeanor and how well you can train them, some ideas are to have them be a part of your wedding party as a ring bearer or even an usher, or simply having them sit by the best man so they can be by your side as you say “I do.” Sometimes the logistics of a wedding may make it unfeasible to have your fur baby present on the big day. Whether they can be there in person to celebrate with you or not, you can find ways to represent their spirit by encouraging donations to the humane society at the gift table or including some type of memorabilia. “Besides a few photos before the ceremony with Blue, we had a custom cake topper created with a bride, groom and a Great Dane standing atop our last name,” newlywed bride Lindsay Good says. “That was the most creative way we were able to include Blue in the reception, and it made me realize that we had officially started a new family of our own.” Long after your wedding day has come and gone, your dog will remain an important part of your family. Incorporating them not only in your engagement and wedding, but in future life moments can make for sweet photo opportunities. “I’ve always been more of a fan of candid shots or shots without faces, so we took an engagement photo of just our shoes, which we called the ‘boot shot,’ with our dog Tater sitting by them,” Lindsay Hackbart recollects. “When we did it, Ren suggested we continue the trend as our family grew. So, we recreated this shot on our wedding day, in our maternity photos and then after our son was born. It’s such a special collection, remembering these

important times as a family, and Tater is in every picture!” However you decide to incorporate your furry family member, Ren offers these pieces of advice to prepare your dog before the engagement, wedding or photo shoot day: • Give your dog a bath so they look (and smell) their finest. •D o some practice runs with your dog around large groups of people as well as around a camera. You want to get them used to the scenarios they will be in so when the day comes, they aren’t experiencing it for the first time. • Do not use release and extend leashes, and avoid crazy colored leashes. • I f you incorporate animal attire, make sure they are comfortable in it and have a chance to wear it a few times. Cute as some outfits and accessories may be, they may not work for your dog. • Bring along plenty of treats and poop bags! • Walk your dog beforehand to help eliminate excess energy during photo sessions or wedding day participation. • Let me meet your doggy, please! Dogs are full of personality and love, and they hold a truly special place in their family’s hearts. Finding a photographer, like Ren, who is not only talented with a camera but also understands the special bond between a couple and their dog—and can bring out the best in both parties whatever the occasion may be—will make for some incredible keepsakes you can cherish fur-ever. “Our girl Rucca is such a sweet, happy dog,” describes Caley Bohn. “She’s watched us grows in our relationship, helped us through our ups and downs like any couple has, and brought us closer together. She has really made us a family. Dogs have an amazing ability to connect with you with their unconditional love, and we are so grateful to have her be a part of our lives.” VeilMagazine.com

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bakeries

Enamored with

by Gabrielle Loomis

photography Top: Front Room Photography, Bottom Left: Robyn Vining Photography, Bottom Middle & Right: m three studio Photography One of the most delicious parts of planning a wedding is the cake tasting! Many couples find this decision is the most enjoyable, and if you have a sweet tooth you are going to love sinking your teeth into a variety of cakes like carrot, red velvet, chocolate and cheesecake. While not all bakeries will let you taste everything they have on the menu, be sure to make the most of this sweet opportunity while you can by trying some delicacies. Also be sure to bring along some extra tasters! Your loved ones will be begging to come along. One main question to ask when choosing the cake is: fondant or buttercream frosting? Fondant icing is a type of sugar dough that is rolled onto cakes. It is flexible and durable, allowing bakers to make detailed and elaborated designs. If you choose fondant frosting, your guests will most likely not eat all of their frosting because of its extremely sugary taste. If you prefer, you can always opt for the popularly delicious buttercream frosting. While budget may cause you to lean toward buttercream frosting, make sure you are first and foremost happy with how the cake design will look. Milwaukee’s greatest local bakeries, like the delectable Simma’s Bakery, can provide you with the look and taste that you wish for. You can see

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some of their fabulous works of cake art on page 149. There was a time when wedding cakes were only made with white/cream frosting and layers and layers of cake, but today brides are choosing to go a less traditional route. Bakery shops are creating beautiful and embellished cakes with fresh flowers, pearls, ribbons, monograms, lace, etc. Almost any type of decoration can be added to the exterior of a cake. Bakeries are also creating different styles of cake such as round, square or multi-shape. You can complement the wedding theme and colors to the cake if you wish to do so, but of course you can always be a bit daring with your design. Whatever you chose let it be true to you. Besides cake, a lot of modern brides opt to have a table full of delicious goodies. Those sweet treats can be cookies, artesian chocolates, candy, cupcakes, chocolate fountain or any other variety of delectable dessert. The possibilities are endless and it makes the guests anxious to dive into what’s in front of them. Traditionally, the top part of the wedding cake is made specifically for the bride and groom to take home after the wedding and is saved until the first anniversary. This is a delicious reminder of their special day. If you

don’t want to freeze the cake to eat in a year, you can always have the baker recreate the top layer of your wedding cake. And, while you can opt to have it be the same flavor as the rest of the cake, bakeries do have the option of creating a top layer that is different from the bottom layers. Many brides are opting for a special treat like cheesecake. One big tip to couples, the number one complaint about cakes is that some venues throw away the cake when the wedding is over. Make sure to tell your event coordinator if you want to take home what’s left from the cake and that they should pack it for you. This seems like a small detail, but a lot of couples forget about it and the day after their wedding they call the event coordinator but it’s too late. Another solution is to have someone like your maid-of-honor take care of the cake, that way you won’t have to stress about it. No matter what you choose, let your baker help you in this fun process. He or she can help you pick the best cake for your taste (and tastebuds)!

Mark & Peggy Carollo simma’s Bakery

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.

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wedding cakes

Simma's BAKERY Front room Photography

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Vendors Bride's Jewelry & Wedding Rings: D&M Jewelers Ceremony Location: Prince of Peace Catholic Church Flowers: Farmers Market Men's Formalwear: Dubois Overnight Guest Accommodations: Hilton Gardens Photo Booth Rentals: Lealiou Photography Photography & Videography: Amenson Photography Reception DJ & Lighting: Special Moments DJ Service Reception Location: Brett Favre’s Steak House Transportation: ELS Limo Service Wedding Gown & Bridesmaid's Dresses: Elaine’s House of Brides

Intimate Moment

Simply Us by Michelle Drewek

It was Joel’s “big cheesy smile” that first grabbed hold of Stephanie’s heart, and neither could expect what was to become of their relationship after meeting that night at the bar where they both worked. After driving to Stephanie’s hometown to visit her dad on a November Wednesday afternoon, Joel came home with her father’s blessing to propose to the love of his life.

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Knowing that the quickest way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach, Joel picked up a cheeseburger for Stephanie from one of her favorite dive restaurants. When she got home from work that night, the cheeseburger, a candy bar and a single rose sat on a table next to a note telling her to head upstairs. She never saw the note, though, because she was too distracted by her appetite for that burger. While it was heating up in the microwave, Joel called down for her to come upstairs. As she made her way up the tea light lined stairs toward a hand-painted sign that said “Babe, I love you…” she rounded the corner to find him down on one knee with the ring outstretched. “I was in such shock, all I remember is crying and saying ‘Yes,’” Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

Stephanie remembers. “Luckily he recorded the entire thing so I could relive it once I calmed down.” Stephanie and Joel were ready to dive headfirst and hands-on into planning their wedding. “Joel and I work well when creating and building projects at home,” Stephanie says. So they took that knack for collaboration and creativity to build a wedding that was “us,” as they say. Much of what they did combined their love for simplicity with her tendency towards vintage to create a style that was both rustic and romantic. One detail that was an absolute must for the bride was flowers, namely her

stephanie & joel married 08-22-2015

favorite—sunflowers. “We had tiny touches of them throughout the décor and invites,” Stephanie elaborates. Additionally, they used farmer’s market flowers on half of the tables and accented their incorporation of flowers with cut up wood branches and candles on the others. They also created wood block centerpieces. A centerpiece floral arrangement ended up saving the day after a snafu with her bridal bouquet. “It was horribly messed up,” Stephanie details. “So last minute we were putting together my bouquet, a centerpiece from the reception site. We wrapped it with some found lace and added a touch of pink from one of my bridesmaid’s dress’s hanger straps, which became my something borrowed.” Although unexpected, the bouquet came together beautifully and made for a perfect match with the reception adornments. The flowers weren’t the only greenery of the day. In order to incorporate Joel’s favorite color into the wedding party ensemble, the groomsmen wore lime green vests and textured lime green ties that popped against their dark grey suits. The groomsmen’s attire were complimented by the deep hot pink of the bridesmaids’ dresses. Almost two years after Stephanie received that delicious cheeseburger (and proposal), she walked down the aisle in an all-lace gown with diamond stud earrings from her husband-to-be. With hair loosely curled and pinned back, she looked as carefree as she felt. After the ceremony, the wedding party put on a show at the reception with a

blockbuster grand march. “Every couple chose a movie and a theme song to coordinate,” Stephanie reminisces. “We had everything from Top Gun to Risky Business to the Wizard of Oz, and Joel and I brought up the end with his all-time favorite movie—The Lion King. I found him a full lion’s mane to wear and a stuffed Simba to walk out with.” The 250-plus guests continued to enjoy plenty of laughter following the grand march. “We didn’t want a basic slideshow, so instead we created a video with the help of one of our photographers, Mark, and filled it with skits of Joel and I with our maid of honor and best man that was mixed with photos of us. People laughed, cried and are still talking about it to this day!” The evening wrapped up delectably with a DIY candy bar that Stephanie crafted up with brown paper lunch bags, fun scissors and a cute rubber “Thank You” stamp. From “Yes” to “I do” to first dance to last song, Stephanie and Joel’s wedding day was personal and perfectly them. Looking back on that day and the time that went into planning their wedding, Stephanie has this piece of advice she’s already shared with her own newly engaged friends: “If you are on the fence about a destination wedding or a big wedding, follow your gut. Know that a big wedding is a lot of work, so just stay true to you and your fiancé.” VeilMagazine.com

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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 The Blooming Quill Discuss the types of calligraphy. There are two categories of calligraphy. The first is broad pen, which is the kind that was first used by the monks and scribes. It is still highly practiced and is used for certificates, wall art, and some invitations. It’s commonly known by the names ‘Italic,’ ‘Uncial,’ and ‘Old English,’ to name a few. Then there is pointed pen calligraphy, which is American calligraphy and more commonly follows cursive handwriting. Common types of pointed pen are ‘Copperplate’ and ‘Spencerian.’ I do pointed pen calligraphy. What are trends you've seen in how calligraphy is used? While the traditional formal styles will always be in fashion, contemporary pointed pen styles have become all the rage. They can look very cool and fun if the lettering artist is trained in letterforms, but can be a mess if they are not!

A lot of couples are cost-conscious. Can you explain how pricing works to benefit any wedding budget? Calligraphy is not for the budget bride. If a bride is looking to save money, she may choose to have just a few special calligraphy touches like her place cards or some signage. But when a bride spends a fair amount on her invitations, she really needs to have the envelopes match the quality of what’s inside. That’s where I come in. Tell us about some of your memorable experiences over the years. I’ve done the calligraphy for the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Great Britain, for the owner of the Red Sox, for Neicy Nash (reality TV star), and for the CEO of NASCAR, just to name a few. I do some funky things too! This past fall I had to letter a party invitation on the side and bottom of 20 pink stilettos for Jamie Foxx’s sister’s birthday party.

What are your words of wisdom for brides and grooms? Do-it-yourself is not always cheaper. Sometimes the timesavings alone to have a professional do the job are worth it. I think this holds true in all aspects of a wedding. Calligraphy is truly a timeless art form. What does that statement mean to you? Beautiful hand calligraphy cannot be dated. What I do now will still be in fashion in 20 years, as it was 20 years ago. There is nothing more exciting than when you open your mailbox and see an envelope addressed beautifully to you. It’s the first impression most of your guests will have of your wedding—make it one they will remember and get excited about!

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Invitations & Stationery

Wild About

by Michelle Drewek & Gabrielle Loomis

photography Top & Bottom Right: Heather Cook Elliot Photography, Bottom Left: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Middle: Manning Photography The first impression guests will have of your wedding are your save the dates and invitations. Guests learn more than just where the hotel accommodations are and what time the “I Do’s” take place. Color schemes, the wedding theme and the atmosphere of the entire day can all be encapsulated on this single keepsake. Because many couples decide to frame their invitation, it’s important to take time to put serious consideration into what message you want to convey before your guests arrive on the big day. Wedding invitations help to set a tone and theme that gives guests an idea of what to expect. For a more elegant affair, you may use calligraphy and a heavier stock. A beachfront wedding may have a sandpaper texture and stamped printing. When you opt for a true paper artisan, like those scattered throughout the pages of Veil Magazine, you are getting a custom experience so that your invitations are a distinct representation of you, your partner and your wedding day. There is no right way to decide what will guide the look and feel of your invitations. A typical starting point for couples is to incorporate their color scheme from other elements of the wedding. If you go this route, try playing with a variety of color options and see how they look with other facets of the printing process like the typeface and possible

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

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

Ellen Albertson Paper pleasers, llc ELLEN has a unique knack for executing inspiring and breathtaking designs. Her sixth sense of creativity started at a young age, as a result of dreaming up craft projects with her mother. In college, as the only girl in her dorm equipped with a glue gun, Ellen’s ingenuity was requested by many. It was her own wedding, however, that launched her into the world of wedding invitations

and all the paper accessories that can be used to set and express the mood, atmosphere, and personality desired for an individual event. From there, endeavors for friends quickly led to referrals and now include dedicated clients who trust Paper Pleasers to design never-seen-before, handmade goods for all their life events. “I love the process of working with engaged couples and their families. They usually come with an initial source of inspiration for their big day, whether it’s simply a color, a general theme, or a more specific vision. The challenge to make a vision into reality sparks my creative juices.” If you are looking for a particular style with unique touches, Paper Pleasers can customize to your liking. If you have a dream, but it is something you’ve never seen before, you’re in Ellen’s specialty. She takes your vision and ends up with an invitation

“the challenge to make a vision into reality sparks my creative juices” concept that will exceed expectations and take your guests by surprise. Every outcome is 100% unique to the couple, from the carefullyselected paper features (thickness, texture, pattern, shine, color, etc.) to the ornate detail of a custom designed monogram or a hand-tied twine wrap. Ellen’s degrees in Mathematics and Business from Marquette University and experience as a small business consultant are a contrast to her creative side, but have fed her entrepreneurial spirit to the benefit of her clients. She understands the demands of managing a project, like a wedding, and the communication, coordination, budgeting and timelines required to ensure a smooth process for the bride. “I’ve had countless people say to me, ‘I can tell you really love what you do!’ I think it’s because they see that I work very hard yet enjoy every minute of it. I feel very lucky to have found what I love to do and have a talent for at such a young age.” Ellen’s easy going nature will leave you wanting to share a cup of coffee (or tea) while feeling confident that she understands exactly what you are looking for to create the perfect wedding stationery suite and paper accessories for your big day.

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Debbie Pape Paper Envy Like many, Debbie Pape dreamed of turning her artistic hobby into a career. She loved creating holiday cards for friends and fun. Sixteen years ago she was asked to design a wedding invitation, and soon she found herself filling multiple orders. “One thing led to another,” Debbie recalls, and Paper Envy was born. “I started out of my home,” she explains, “and eventually moved into the Elm Grove studio and have been here ever since.” All of Debbie’s wedding creations, including save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and menus (to name a few), are uniquely designed to fit each couple’s vision. “I meet each client

and get to know them,” Debbie explains. “We go through different samples and determine their likes and dislikes and overall style.” Paper Envy is a full-service firm. They not

to be part of the process, they are more than welcome. They can be as involved as they want.” With a staff of five, Debbie’s clientele spans as far as New York to California, and her art has expanded to include letterpressing and engraving. But her mission to provide personalized service and one-of-a-kind design remains. Looking back, Debbie couldn’t be more thrilled with what her hobby has become, and she enjoys it every day. “I am fortunate enough to work with happy events,” she says, “and I get to take part in customizing everything a client desires.”

“i meet each client to get to know them. We go through different samples and determine their likes and dislikes and overall style” only design and create wedding materials, but will also stuff, address, and stamp invitations, etc. This is often a much-needed service for the modern, busy bride. However, Debbie’s services are not all-or-nothing; she encourages client participation and stresses that “if someone wants

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invitations & Stationery

paper envy Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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paper Pleasers LLC. Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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unVeiled

love story

Veil Advertisers Photography

m three studio photography reception location & Caterer

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin Wedding Planner

événement planning

Ceremony Location: St. Eugene Catholic Church Flowers: Impressions by Esther Fleming Hair: Luxe Beauty Salon Invitations: Broadway Paper Linen Rentals: M&M Event Rentals Makeup: Blush Beauty Boutique Men's Formalwear: J.Crew Photobooth Rentals: Shutterbooth Reception Band: North Coast Orchestra Wedding Cake: The Cake Lady Wedding Gown & Bridesmaids Dresses: HITCHED Bridal Couture

Intimate Moment

A Family Affair by Laura Vietmeyer

Becca and Patrick’s year-long engagement gave them plenty of time to plan the perfect wedding day steeped in family traditions. The couple’s families played a big part in making the day extra special. “Our parents are saints,” Becca says. “Everyone worked so well together to pull this off.” Three years to the day they first met, the 25-person bridal party and 180 guests gathered together to celebrate the happy couple. What was the first detail that you knew you absolutely had to have at your wedding? For one reason or another, the table setting was always really important to me. I knew I wanted textured linens, silver beaded chargers and silver chiavari chairs. As soon as we picked the venue, the décor elements just fell into place.

How did you announce your engagement? Through a series of phone calls. We wanted our nearest and dearest to hear the news from us directly—it was a whirlwind of a weekend, I even managed to get ahold of one of my best friends in Dubai!

What was the most important item for your wedding that you knew you just had to splurge on? My mom surprised Patrick and I with a Herend china cake topper. Patrick’s mom has been collecting Herend figurines forever, and last Christmas

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How did he propose? Patrick proposed at our home in Washington D.C. We were going out to dinner and he asked me to lock up the house, and when I turned around he was on a bended knee. I first thought he fell, but shortly thereafter he proposed.

Wisconsin’s Wedding Magazine

becca & patrick married 06-13-2015

she passed the tradition on to us. We used the two blue lovebirds as our cake topper, and now they’re on display in our kitchen with the other pieces we’ve received.

What was your biggest surprise when planning your wedding? My best friend and Matron of Honor got married the August before Patrick and me. My parents attended her wedding in Minnesota and surprisingly loved the photo booth. As soon as my mom got home, she booked one for ours and it was as big of a hit as she had hoped, especially with the little ones!

What part of your wedding day was worth every penny? Is the whole wedding an answer? It was just the most amazing day! If I had to pick one thing, I’d say upgrading the wine was a must! Fortunately, that was a budget item that was easily agreed upon by my parents, and Bartolotta worked with us to pick some other choices from their area restaurants’ wine lists.

Did you have a “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue?” I carried my “something old” and “something borrowed” in both of my pockets! To remember loved ones that have passed, I carried a script from my grandfather’s prescription pad, as well as a frog brooch that was passed on to me from Patrick’s grandmother. I also carried a wedding handkerchief with the initials

and date of my grandparents’ wedding, which was the same date as our wedding. My mother-in-law also lent me a handkerchief with blue embroidery. My dad would probably tell you that the whole wedding was “something new,” but the most significant were my wedding dress and wedding band. Another “something old” was the center stone of my engagement ring that was Patrick’s grandmother’s, and my “something blue” was a sapphire wedding band.

Tell us about your bridal ensemble. My dress was Amsale. The best part about it was that it had straps so I wasn’t pulling it up all night, and it had pockets! For jewelry I wore my engagement ring/wedding band, diamond and pearl earrings that matched my floral lace veil, a diamond David Yurman bracelet, and a silver Tiffany T that I received from my husband the morning of our wedding.

What would be one piece of advice that you would offer to future brides? Your engagement can be such a whirlwind. It is an exciting time that is filled with anticipation, but there is also a lot of coordinating and planning. We did everything in phases, and took breaks so that we could enjoy being engaged while planning our wedding. It’s important to make things fun, and when you do hit bumps along the way remind yourself what’s important. VeilMagazine.com

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Flowers

Fall in Love

by Carolyn Hartnett

photography Top: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Left & Middle: Manning Photography, Bottom Right: Robyn Vining Photography You receive them for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and “just because.” They overflow from a vase on the table, brighten your windowsill, and fill your garden with color. Flowers are perfect for any occasion, and they are especially important on your wedding day. Many variables will impact your floral selection: your tastes, location, date and more. Avoid stress by working with an expert to determine your floral décor needs. Schedule your initial consultation around nine months before your wedding, once your venue, budget and style are defined. An early appointment helps to ensure the availability of your date and can allow you to see in-season flowers at the time of year when the wedding will take place. It also gives you plenty of time to come up with ideas for personal touches. Leave your entourage at home, and instead include only your fiancé to help keep the meeting focused and on track. Your first meeting is your chance to interview the florist and determine if their style and personality meshes well with yours. Don’t be afraid to explore your options by booking a consultation with more than one floral designer. Ask questions to start getting an idea of the scope of your floral needs. You will learn what flowers are in season, what your budget will allow, and delivery options. Custom bouquet samples can be ordered, and exact details can

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be further discussed if you decide to book a follow-up meeting. Come prepared in order to ensure that the consultation flows smoothly. Decide on your budget ahead of time, and be upfront about what you are able to spend so the florist can recommend the best options for you. Bring a swatch of the bridesmaid dresses to help with color selection, along with inspirations such as a photo from a website or publication like Veil Magazine (see our photo shoot on pages 171173), unique item, or container to help spark the florist’s creativity. Also, create a list of locations where you may need floral décor so you can discuss any unique aspects that could be accentuated with a garland or prop of some kind. The artisans found within the pages of Veil Magazine are highly experienced and have worked in many venues. Their insight will be instrumental in creating the perfect ambiance. Don’t worry if you haven’t narrowed everything down just yet. Florists will have a portfolio, fresh blooms on hand, and plenty of advice to share in order to define your needs. What are the newest trends in Wisconsin weddings? Loose, unstructured bouquets filled with texture and interesting botanicals are popular this season. Think herbs, berries, fruit and locally-grown blooms. Many brides are leaning towards incorporating foliage with

a lush, organic feel. Blend in some natural elements like feathers, fur, moss or bark as well. Consider also adding a sentimental item to personalize your bouquet, such as a loved one’s picture, piece of heirloom jewelry, broach or rosary. Your color scheme should reflect your tastes. Soft, romantic blush and nude colors are hot right now, but you can also go bold with more vibrant flowers. Bouquet size varies depending on the bride’s personality as well. Some brides love simplicity, and others prefer extravagance. Choose a style that speaks to you. Rentals are a great option to help manage costs while still making a statement. Local shops offer a variety of items to use for centerpieces: lanterns, mercury glass jars, vintage bottles, iron stands and over-sized vases, to name a few. Using bold containers and mixing things up with a collection of different centerpieces creates a great visual effect. Ceremony rentals, such as arches and arbors, are also available. For a modern twist, keep in mind that an altar arrangement is a perfect place to hide a GoPro camera to capture your “I do’s.” Remember that on your wedding day, flowers will be pinned close to your loved one’s heart, admired by your guests, and photographed extensively. Consider your options and find a great florist who can deliver on your vision for a creative design that symbolizes your love.

Melissa Maas bank of memories & flowers

LOVE IS OFTEN DESCRIBED like a flower, blossoming and flourishing. It’s no wonder flowers play such an important role in a wedding. With all of the colors, varieties, heights and arrangements for brides to choose from, why not have someone who has a long-standing relationship with flowers to create something magical for your big day? Melissa Maas, owner of Bank of Memories & Flowers, can’t remember a time when her life didn’t include flowers. From her

childhood days of arranging flowers in her mother’s and grandmother’s vases (including her favorite—the romantic, lush peony) while begging her father to build her a greenhouse, to today as the owner of two shop locations (Pewaukee and Menomonee Falls), Melissa is nothing short of a floral mastermind. “One of my first floral jobs was

soaking up everything she could about the flowers, plants and business. After graduating from UW-Oshkosh, Melissa journeyed to Seattle, Washington., to the Floral Design Institute where she received her Advanced Floral Certificate. “I wanted to experience the West Coast floral ways,” Melissa explains. “There were students from all over, and even one from Alaska. It was interesting to see how things are different from the Midwest.” After the Floral Design Institute, Melissa worked at the TV ABC affiliate in Madison with her degree in Radio-TV-Film, but that didn’t keep her from her first passion. A flower shop nearby hired her to help during Valentine’s season, and she stayed on afterward to work nights and weekends after her day job. Then, she learned that Bank of Memories & Flowers in her hometown of Menomonee Falls was going up for sale. “So at the age of 24, I followed my dream and put everything I had into the shop,” Melissa elates. “That first year I worked 10-plus hour days, 6 days per week, and I loved it! I loved it so much that a year later I started another shop in Pewaukee.” Melissa loves to continue learning and as a member of the Teleflora Board of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, she has an unlimited pool of talent and resources to draw from. “I love learning new tips and tricks—anything I can bring back to the shop and show the girls,” she says. With a passion as deep as Melissa’s, you can be sure that your wedding day—a day she is overjoyed to share with you—will be nothing short of sensational. “I love weddings; my eyes light up,” Melissa says. “I am in the moment, excited about your wedding and wanting to hear more. The consultation is an experience of personalized attention—creating a customized design just for you.”

“the consultation is an experience of personalized attention - creating a customized design just for you”

ALL THE FEELS PHOTOGRAPHY

in a grocery store’s floral department at age 16,” Melissa says. “This is where the love grew.” From there she went on to work as a florist for four years while she was studying at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh,

Uniquely Elegant or Simple Chic... MENOMONEE FALLS N88 W16723 Appleton Ave. 262-253-9111

www.bankofflowers.net

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PEWAUKEE 346 Oakton Ave. 262-695-9911

Emily Neubauer, AIFD & Team Belle Fiori

ltd.

How did you get into floral design? I was a high school student that needed an after school job, and I have never left.

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

Are there specific influences you draw upon when you are in the creative process? At Belle Fiori, we try to find inspiration in many of the same places as our brides. We love Instagram and Pinterest. Other florists inspire us, as well as the new flowers that are available with each changing season.

Where do the flowers you use come from? It is wonderful how small the world has become in terms of shipping. We source flowers by the best location for each variety. We get flowers domestically from warmer states all year through, and internationally from South America, Holland, Israel, New Zealand and Australia. Our favorite source is right here in Wisconsin! We work with a fabulous flower farm for sustainably grown local flowers from April to November.

Where did the name Belle Fiori come from? The original owner selected the name. It is Italian, loosely translated to mean “Beautiful Flowers.” I apologize to anyone who speaks Italian; I know the grammar is incorrect! What do you like most about where you are located? I love all of Milwaukee; it is the best small, big city around. Our exact location on the East Side, just north of downtown, makes

Besides flowers, what other elements can you incorporate? We love to include the unexpected: feathers or fruit, succulents and air plants. We’ve also incorporated sentimental items like family heirloom jewelry or modern elements like a GoPro!

What are some unique experiences and requests you’ve had over the years? A wedding from just a few years ago had a very detailed Harry Potter theme where we filled potion bottles with flowers. We also worked with a bride who was an artist that had a Day of the Dead theme. We included hand-made paper flowers from an Etsy vendor. What can a couple expect from you as their wedding florist? We always customize the designs for each couple. We take pride in each creative design and paying attention to even the smallest detail. What are your words of wisdom for brides and grooms? Don't expect the day to be perfect; there is always something that happens. At my wedding our cake was the wrong shape and icing pattern, but the yummy flavors were correct. None of the guests even noticed!

belle FIORI RI

LTD.

Beautiful Flowers for Every Occasion m three studio photography

2014 n farwell ave, milwaukee, wi 53202 phone 414.272.2234 www.bellefioriflorist.com

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floral Bouquets

belle fiori ltd. - Bold Vintage Elegance Photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography location Historic Pritzlaff

Rich texture and deep color make this bridal bouquet an elegant option. Picasso mini Calla Lilies are the star of the show accented with Blue Mountain Thistle, purple Fringe Tulips, merlot Carnations, gray Brunia berries, and looped burgundy Ti leaves. The gold and rhinestone encrusted lotus pods add an element of glam with vintage brooches sprinkled on top.

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bank of memories & Flowers - Elegant Garden Photography Heather Cook Elliott Photography location Historic Pritzlaff

Love is in the air! This soft, romantic bouquet is filled with contrast and texture, yet so simple and elegant. Blush pink roses and black-eyed anemones are nestled into antique pink hydrangeas accented with Queen Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lace and variegated greens. As a finishing touch, soft velvety air plants were used as a focal, giving this bouquet an almost whimsical feel.

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Feature

st ry

What to do

Before "I Do" by Michelle Drewek

Studio 29 Photography & Design

2. 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.

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

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3. 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.

3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. Invitations & Registries Once you have your guest list and date set, you can send out Save the Dates so your loved ones can plan ahead to celebrate with you. Actual invitations don’t need to go out until about 45-60 days prior to your date. It’s inevitable that you’ll have a handful of guests that will forget to send back their RSVP by the due date. Plan in an extra week for you and your fiancé to be able to

follow up on any unknown RSVPs before your final guest count numbers are due to vendors. When it comes to the registry, starting early on isn’t a bad idea as some people will want to buy you a gift as early as your engagement party, but don’t feel pressured to create a more complete registry until the bridal shower invites are ready to go out. You’ll want to revisit your registry after your bridal shower to make sure wedding guests have enough of a selection of items at various price points to browse through. For ideas about what to register for, visit the Veil Magazine website. 7. 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.

m three studio photography

Heather Cook Elliott Photography

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! Robyn Vining Photography

Manning Photography

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Videography

A Living

by Michelle Drewek

photography Heather Cook Elliot 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

FILMS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOU www.soundbydesign.org

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info@soundbydesign.org

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Entertainment - DJs

Dance the

by Laura Vietmeyer

photography Studio 29 Photography & Design You’ve both said “I do” and shared your first kiss as a married couple. Your whirlwind wedding day is underway and it’s time to head to the reception that you’ve been planning for months. You’re ready to party! But before you can hit the dance floor, you have to pick the perfect DJ. The following tips can help you easily plan and execute an unforgettable party that you and your guests will never want to end. Wedding DJs set the mood and help the evening flow seamlessly from the grand march to the final song of the night, so choosing the best DJ for you is essential! Understanding the different types of DJs to choose from is a good place to start. Are you looking for a more traditional reception, where the DJ engages your guests through music and acts as the emcee? Or would you prefer a more interactive DJ who uses games and reaches out to the guests to really get the party go-

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After meeting with and selecting your DJ, it’s time to pick the tunes that will set the tone at your reception. Many companies now offer online portals where you can select the music you want to hear that night. You will have the opportunity to discuss the flow and feel of the night with your DJ, touching on any traditional or nontraditional elements of the reception, how music will play into those moments and how the DJ will act as the emcee to keep guests in the know as the evening progresses through toasts, dinner and first dances. The reception is your chance to wow your guests and make incredible first step. Meeting with potential DJs—or memories. With research, communication the companies that represent them—will and proper planning, you’ll find the right DJ be paramount to throwing the ideal party to take that effortless first dance with your and will give you the best idea of his or her spouse and enjoy your celebration. style and how the company can help you on your big day. ing? Or, if house or club music is your jam, club-style DJs can mix up modern music. Knowing the style of DJ you’re looking for will help narrow down your choices so you can start shopping around to find your perfect fit. But research is just the

Ramsey Renno & Tyler Curran Milwaukee Airwaves Milwaukee Airwaves, fresh on the market after lighting the torch five years ago, brings to the area a new breed of event DJs that provide a clean and professional approach to events with influences in indie and alternative music. They are well versed in all genres as well as the B-sides. But they don’t just play music, Airwaves helps create the event you envision with refined lighting designs and personalized music suited to your style. They will curate a playlist to match the flow, progression, and energy of each event. Having been on the scene for more than 17 years, Owner Ramsey Renno has always had a passion for music and turning up the party. When he isn’t filling up dance floors, find Ramsey checking out live music at Pabst, Turner or Riverside Theatres. Managing Partner Tyler Curran has a penchant for creating fun no matter the circumstance and when at the helm of a party, he really shines. Airwaves is an entertainment company that not only focuses on a client’s personal preferences, but also strays away from the traditional gimmicks that give wedding DJs a bad rep. Airwaves DJs are also the emcees for the evening and effortlessly execute the timeline, working together with other vendors. Their experience and savvy with the newest lighting options and sound solutions makes Airwaves a preferred vendor of Milwaukee’s best venues to help make any event memorable and unique. They are your ambassadors of fun for all party-goers.

“We know that a DJ can make or break your wedding!” “Remember, putting on a successful wedding isn’t just about the tunes, it’s about great customer service, noticing the details, and reading the vibe of the room. Airwaves delivers on all fronts and we know that a DJ can make or break your wedding!” Ramsey, Tyler and their team look forward to bringing the same energy and passion to your event. Amplify your event with professional sound and lighting from Milwaukee Airwaves.

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Photography

A Candid

by Sara Dahmen & Michelle Drewek

photography Top: Robyn Vining Photography, Middle Left: Heather Cook Elliot Photography, Middle Right: m three studio photography, Bottom Left: Manning Photography, Bottom Middle: Studio 29 Photography & Design, Bottom Right: Front Room Photography Wedding photography is the ultimate gift you give yourselves. It is the key to memories, the moment of glamour captured, a snapshot of love. There are a hundred adjectives to describe how beautiful wedding day pictures are, and you look long and hard through the many photographers available to you to find the perfect fit. Finding a wedding photographer is not unlike the courtship you danced before becoming engaged. It is a relationship built on trust, understanding, connection and style. You peer back through the lens at the artist behind the machinery and know your day is being photographed and preserved the way you’ve always dreamed, and will create photographs you continue to cherish for decades to come. A tried and true wedding photographer, like those featured in Veil Magazine, is so much more than a body behind a camera. They are an artist with ideas in their head long before you finally look at them and wink. These artisans bring so much more to the table than simply showing up for a consultation and your wedding day. It’s important for the truly educated bride to understand the technical aspects of a photographer’s role and duties in order to better grasp and understand what happens behind the scenes before and after the wedding day. Couples often wonder what exactly they are getting when they pay for a professional photographer. After all, there are many newer,

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up-and-coming photographers out there. With the Internet and digital photography, anyone with a camera is starting to call themselves a wedding photographer after only capturing a small handful of events. However, many of those small-time photographers don’t have even the most basic paperwork—such as property insurance on their gear—in place to protect you and your expectations of having a photographer on hand with the high-tech equipment you’ve paid for. Professional photographers all carry incredibly involved and expensive equipment to provide you with the ultimate in photography quality based on the style you’ve selected them to give you. Some newer photographers may rent equipment as the cost is quite heavy to have the appropriate cameras and lenses, but a professional will buy everything that’s needed and then some. Having the right equipment is a gigantic part of properly running a wedding photography business, and what sets the professionals apart from those people who just dabble on the side with a single camera. It’s a huge investment as upgrades are needed, new technology comes out, and larger files call for more memory and computer space. The necessity for productive and strong equipment is essential to professionals who want to keep the chances for breakdowns on the wedding day to a minimum. If gear is rented, there’s always the chance it wasn’t properly maintained, or is prone to malfunctioning. Plus,

when the gear is owned, your photographer has better control over the images he or she can create. Experience is the largest factor for why you should look to hire a true professional. Weddings are unpredictable. The more apt photographer is going to catch the spontaneous moment and react quickly to demands placed on them. If your photographer lacks that experience, they won’t be vocal enough or too overbearing. And the job never ends for a professional. A professional photographer usually logs hours every day of the week, giving up evenings and weekends. Once you decide on a photographer and the wedding day approaches, your photographer is already busy working on the preparations that are necessary to ensure you have the best of the best that they can offer you. Formatting memory cards, cleaning lenses and other gear provisions are all important steps in quality control and preparedness. Your wedding is a serious business for your professional photographer, and it’s the type of business that comes with some very particular trimmings. So many brides take the time to seek out a specific style, thanks to the online sources available for wedding dreaming. It’s also important to spend just as much time finding the right photographer locally to match your style and expectations, combined with professionalism and experience and you’ll have a wedding photography experience that will, like your photos themselves, last a lifetime.

credits

& About Our Covers

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Ren Davis studio 29 photography & Design Ren and Caleb make up the extraordinarily talented (and newly engaged!) 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 is excited to be using all of her knowledge to plan her own wedding. 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. In 2014 Ren was 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, quirky, and unique coverage for creative and inspirational couples, with a style best described as soft, timeless, and genuine. 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, and their two cats, Yoshi and Lamar, taking long walks, 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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Heather Cook Elliott Heather Cook Elliott Photography Love. A four-letter word that brought you two together. It's also the foundation of the breathtaking photographs captured by Heather Cook Elliott Photography: "For those who love love." Heather Cook Elliott is the principal force behind her namesake company, which allows her to practice one of her passions. Noting her background in architecture and sociology in addition to photography, it's that combination that drives Heather's shooting style—a rather undefined style. Imagine photojournalistic meets eclectic, then hooks up with artsy and sensual. And don't forget contemporary, timeless and vintage. Heather sums it up best: The results are real. "My job is built on a skillful understanding of how families and traditions work and being able to discern who and what is important." When Heather arrives to capture your magical day, you'll also meet one of her associates (Carolina, Emily or Sara) or colleagues. "We always shoot in pairs because I believe the groom is as important

as the bride, the family as important as the décor details, guest portraits as important as bridal portraits." The four leading women collaborate, challenge and inspire one another. In fact, they're so simpatico it's nearly impossible to know who captured what shot, although Heather is the final editor for all photos. Heather and her associates act as discreet wedding party members, quietly leading your group to settings with the best light, the most striking backgrounds

the photographers joke and become a little playful. However, couples typically say that Heather and her shooter are so happy and calm that the couples pick up the Zen mood. And speaking of personalities, make sure you really love your photographer and their artistry, as he or she will be your constant companion all day. Also make sure to personalize your big day. One of Heather's couples met at a library and love reading, so stacks of books wrapped in twine and accented by flowers made for an extremely personal touch as table centerpieces. "Exactly the kind of detail we love to photograph." With Heather Cook Elliott Photography, every detail will be captured—none too small and no love story too big to capture as timeless snippets of art.

“My job is built on a skillful understanding of how families and traditions work and being able to discern who and what is important.” around Milwaukee—or anywhere from Door County to northern Illinois, and even to destinations such as Hawaii, Ireland and the Bahamas. If your wedding party needs to loosen up a bit,

HEATHER COOK ELLIOTT P H O T O G R A P H Y

MODERN LOVE STORIES

.HCE. ..

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Patrick Manning Manning Photography

When it comes time to choose a wedding photographer, most couples first want to see the albums of work that showcase each artisans unique style and flair behind the lens. But a truly dedicated, well-rounded photographer goes behind what you see in the final shot. Patrick Manning and his team of expert photographers at Manning Photography combine their natural approach to photography with a personal knack for building relationships with their clients to create an experience specially for you and your loved ones. True professionals to their core, the Manning Photography team takes their profession very seriously, putting in the time and dedication needed from the months of planning leading up to the big day, to the day of preparations and execution and the final editing process. Their sincerity for their craft is only made more enjoyable by the playful, candid personalities of the photographers. They want to get to know you like lifelong friends, and will make you feel completely at ease in every single frame. As far as their artistic style, the photographers at Manning Photography take a fashionoriented and photojournalistic approach to photographing weddings. They capture the real emotions, expressions and surprises that happen throughout your wedding day. The result is a portfolio of memorable images that show the natural, relaxed and spontaneous nature of couples and their guests. They utilize a responsive approach, always ready to immor talize those once-

in-a-lifetime moments of joy; and use unobtrusive techniques in ways that do not intimidate guests with a heav y flash. This approach allows the photographers at Manning Photography to blend in with guests and capture images in a way that does not intimidate your family and friends. This talented team also takes time to get to know each couple they photograph, and they build the trust and rapport necessary to help put everyone at ease. Their goal is to preserve the intricate details of the preparation, the beauty of the event, and the complete range of emotions that only a photograph can capture. No matter the venue, no matter the conditions, Manning Photography is dynamic and quick thinking, able to juggle the many variables that may arise. In the end, the photographers at Manning Photography take a creative approach to capturing the wedding day at it unfolds naturally. Their goal is to preserve the important moments and fleeting details that couples will cherish forever. Patrick Manning is the brilliant owner of Manning Photography, and he has been photographing weddings since 1998. His fashion-oriented style of photojournalism yields unforgettable results. “Weddings, by nature, are beautiful events,” Patrick details. “The challenge is to capture the right moments at the right time to make it a lasting memory.” When he’s not photographing weddings, Patrick works on commercial and magazine photography assignments, and loves to take his cameras while traveling with his family.

“The challenge is to capture the right moments at the right time to make it a lasting memory”

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Molly M. Michel

m three studio photography I'm m three. Those are my initials, always have been, always will be. When I met my husband and realized he also had an "M" last name, the deal was sealed. When he agreed we should start this business just days before we embarked on our own marriage, I knew I was in for a fun and wild ride. I was right. Eight years, one dog, two kids, and over 300 weddings later, I'm still anxious to capture another story every weekend. My team and I have photographed weddings all over the world, from Italy and Jamaica to California and South Carolina, and of course every nook and cranny of Wisconsin. I have an insatiable case of wanderlust that leaves me constantly seeking new inspiration wherever the less beaten path leads me. I tell stories. Really amazing ones. Every couple has an amazing story if you are brave enough to uncover it. You're thinking that isn't true for you, but trust me, it is. I'll find it. I'm always looking for it. And when I do, I'll photograph it beautifully. I lived a former life as a filmmaker and animator, and that storytelling bug has settled deep in my heart, built a fire and put it's feet up.

without you. Because, what's the fun in that? When it's all over you'll have a collection of photographs that is cohesive, artful, stylized, and all about your story. Photographs that look like your memories feel.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe your wedding photography is one of the few choices in your planning that isn't just for you. It's also for generations after you.â&#x20AC;? I believe your wedding photography is one of the few choices in your planning that isn't just for you. It's also for the generations after you. That's a serious responsibility. So we treat it with care. Photography that illustrates how your day felt, not just how it looked. Editing that stands the test of time. Heirloom albums that your grandkids will crack open with glee when they get engaged. And an experience that is tailored to you. I also believe that wedding days are about experiences. Really great ones, that lead to even better photography. So we'll plan together, and I'll help you fit your photography into your day in a way that isn't obtrusive to that experience. It's a personal goal of mine to make sure you get to your cocktail hour and aren't trapped in a park taking pictures while everyone parties VeilMagazine.com

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Robyn Vining Robyn Vining photography

I'm lucky in that I get to do what I love. I go to work each day in the art + people world, and that makes my heart sing. I love my job, my clients, my studio, my staff, and I love working to push any boundary I can to push our work better, deeper and further. And then I go home, sit in my favorite corner of the couch, snuggle my kids, rest with my brilliant husband, and break for things like a good long run and a great glass of wine. It is a good life, for which I am very thankful! You seem to break from the traditional portraiture mold. Tell us more about that. I do! There aren't two people in the world who are the same, and thoughtful portrait artists

will convey the uniqueness of the individuals and couples on the other side of the lens. When I go out to shoot, I ask myself, “Who are my clients?” I love how my clients leap out of molds, and I want to be sure to capture that in my photographs.

online, so I think people get a sense for me and my work before they ever walk through the door. At that point I am excited to meet them, learn who they are, what they love, and give them the chance to decide if they want to spend 10 hours with me the day they get married!

As a photographer, you get to be a part of some of the most wonderful (and intimate) moments in people's lives. What feeling does that bring to mind? Honor. Not a wedding goes by that I am not humbly aware that I have been invited in to some of the most private, precious moments in people's lives. This is a privilege and I feel honored to be invited in.

When it comes to engagement and wedding photography, what is your shooting style? Couples often ask, "Do you pose people or do you not pose people?" But for me, that's not the starting point. I feel the starting point is, "Who are you guys? Who are you together as a couple? A team?" And if you want me to pose or "un-pose" you, I will. And if you don't, I won't. But the starting point isn't whether or not I pose you; it's who you are as individuals and as a team.

How do you help a couple decide if you’ll be the right fit for them as their wedding photographer? I try to be a pretty open book

What specifically about weddings do you love to photograph? People. Details are fun, and they can be special in many ways. But more recently I’ve become aware how often I have a camera pointed at a centerpiece or shoe while someone is hugging, laughing or crying, or a grandmother is looking across the room and her face speaks to the decades of love that have led up to this day. So, I've had to do a self-check on what I think is central to weddings. We'll grab beautiful images of details as we go, but for me the people and emotions are central.

Robyn Vining photography

Fine Art + Storytelling robynviningphotography.com

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Can you speak a bit about your passion and how it translates into your work? I absolutely love being a photographer. My favorite part of it all is having a couple find me, and then I get to fall absolutely in love with them. My clients inspire me: the individuals they are, the unique teams they create, and how they see the world unlike any other two people. And yes, atmospherics, textures, color, timing and composition play a really big role in my work, because my background is in fine art, but that is all very much married to my love for people. People are my favorite.

Photography Checklist It is important to be certain that your photographer captures the most important moments of your wedding and reception. To insure this, provide them with a list of specific event times, locations and names of important guests to photograph. It is also a good idea to designate a close friend or relative as a point person in-case the photographer has any questions.

Pre-wedding: Bride and attendants getting ready Bride leaving for ceremony Groom and attendants getting ready Groom leaving for ceremony Mother and Maid-of-Honor Helping bride get ready Reception site set up

Ceremony: Signs directing guests to wedding Wedding programs Guests arriving Ushers escorting guests to their seats Both sets of parents entering Groom walking down aisle; awaiting bride Child attendants walking down aisle Bride walking down aisle Groomsmen lined up for ceremony Special guests watching ceremony Wedding kiss Bride/Groom leaving recessional Guests throwing rice or flower petals Signing of the wedding certificate Bride/Groom's hands displaying rings

Reception: Friends signing guest book Guests at cocktail hour Reception site set for dinner Seating cards display Centerpieces Place settings Favors Wedding cake Stationery and Invitations People giving toasts Bride and Groom listening to toasts Group pictures of guests at each table Bride and Groom's first dance Bride dancing with her father Groom dancing with his mother Guests dancing Bride and Groom cutting cake Bride and Groom departing

m three studio photography

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unVeiled

love love story story

Veil Advertisers Photography

Robyn Vining Photography reception dj & lighting

Milwaukee Airwaves Rings

Lyle Husar Designs

Bakery: A friend who makes her own cupcakes Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Ann Taylor Caterer: Tall Guy and a Grill Catering Ceremony Location: Meadowbrook Church Ceremony Music: Acoustic Guitarist Favors: Ground Coffee from Colectivo Flowers: Sendik's Hair & Makeup: Carenza Men's Formalwear: Boston Store Reception Location: The Grace Wedding Gown: Eva’s Bridal

Intimate Moment

The Perfect Blend by Michelle Drewek

Katie and Andrew were in their sweet sixteens when they met on a Church mission trip to Belize. They were smitten from the start and despite attending different high schools they stayed close ever since. Even after a year of long distance dating in college, the two of them only grew deeper in love as they moved from one stage of life to the next. That next stage was marriage. On June 27, 2013, Andrew took Katie and their dog, Wallace, on a walk to a beach in Bay View. While strolling along the beachside, Andrew began reminiscing about their life together and everything they had to look forward to. With that, he got on one knee. “It was the best Thursday night any girl could ask for!” Katie elates. Andrew and Katie were engaged for about a year before they said “I do,” so they began planning not long after that unforgettable beachside proposal. Baby’s Breath was a must for Katie, and it became the primary inspiration, along with burlap, for their Rustic Elegance themed wedding. Their vision was tied

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together through shades of blush, cream and light gray, which accented the chic pastoral ambiance of their venue space. “I loved the idea of having a barn wedding,” Katie describes, “but Andrew preferred the reception to be in Milwaukee. Once we toured The Grace Center, we knew it was the one because it had an upscale barn shape and feel with beautiful wood vaulted ceilings, while also being in our desired location of downtown Milwaukee.” Andrew and Katie were surrounded by 250 of their closest family, friends and loved ones on the day of their beautiful July wedding. Beyond the special bonds they each shared with their 12-person wedding party, a few other special

katie & andrew married 07-19-2014

people were a part of their ceremony. “Andrew’s mom did foster care, and one of the girls—who was about a year old when they first got her—ended up staying with them for over a year,” Katie says. “Andrew fell in love with this little girl, and she ended up being adopted by the pastor that took us on the mission trip in 2007. She was our flower girl, and the pastor from our trip was the one who married us at our wedding. My father, who is also a pastor, did our wedding vows. It was so special to have them be a part of it!” Beyond the sentimental was a moment of hilarity when the couple couldn’t get their unity candle to light during the ceremony. Katie ended up taking the middle unity candle away and blowing out one of the two side candles so there was only one burning candle left to place in the middle for their own makeshift unity candle. Although the unity candle improvisation wasn’t a planned DIY moment, there were plenty of personal touches throughout the rest of their wedding décor. Katie made burlap banner signs and chalkboard signs that were placed throughout the reception, and the seating chart nametags were printed out and placed in wine corks that they individually cut. They also created their own favors for guests inspired by Andrew’s job working at Colectivo at the time—little bags of ground coffee that said “The Perfect Blend.” Katie couldn’t have looked more breathtaking on their wedding day. She graced the room in her Mori Lee Organza gown that featured a strapless sweetheart neckline.

The voluminous skirt had optic print detail of 3D-like flower adornments throughout. Keeping to simpler jewelry that would accent her gorgeous gown, Katie wore teardrop diamond earrings with a sterling silver bracelet. And, she added a little pop of color with her light pink Badgley Mischka shoes that incorporated beautifully into their décor color palette. Everything about their wedding day was a true representation of who they are as individuals and as a couple. All the details blended together in a perfect unison and created an atmosphere that could be enjoyed by all. Looking back on their wedding day, they have advice for couples that may not know where to start when planning their own wedding. “We can’t stress enough how memorable our photographer and DJ made our wedding experience,” the pair agrees. “There were so many ways to save money in other areas to keep within our budget and still get the most out of those two areas. Also, really consider a videographer! It is the one thing we wish we would have included.” Katie also offered sage advice about handling the entire planning process. “It’s wonderful to get planning advice because you can learn so much through other weddings, but sometimes the different advice can conflict with one another and then you easily find yourself overwhelmed with who to listen to. In the end, we always had to come back to what was true for us.” VeilMagazine.com

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Honeymoon & Travel

Dream "I Do"

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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ADVERTISERS index Bakeries Simma’s Bakery 414-257-0998 simmasbakery.com

150

Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

14-17, 173 Back Cover

Event Décor and Design

Bartender Bartenders On The Go 414-899-6151 bartendonthego.com

Barking Pony Studios 414-302-0778 BarkingPonyBrides.com

Bella Bridesmaids 414-270-0344 bellabridesmaids.com

117

Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. 608-527-4436 brandisbridal.com

114

Gigi of Mequon 262-241-1123 gigiofmequon.com

116

Stone Manor Bridal 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

115

Milwaukee Airwaves 414-306-8273 milwaukeeairwaves.com Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

175

14-17, 173 Back Cover

Flowers

24-25

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

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

166

Belle Fiori LTD 414-272-2234 bellefioriflorist.com

167

Gift Registry

Bridal Shows Bridal Show at Overture, The overturebridalshow.com

Milwaukee’s Magnificent Bride mmbshow.com

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

155

Caterers

George Watts & Son 800-747-9288 georgewatts.com

143

Health & Beauty Lumière Vein Center 262-569-VEIN (8346) LumiereVeinCenter.com LumiereMedicalSpa.com

107

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

189

20-21

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

20-21

Paper Envy 262-780-0850 paperenvy.com

159

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

20-21

Paper Pleasers LLC 414-301-1751 paper-pleasers.com

158

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

Invitations & stationery

20-21, 34, 44

34, 35, 44

Coffee Catering Roast Coffee Catering 414-828-2030 roastcoffeecatering.com

David Liska 141, Custom Jeweler Inside Back Cover 414-278-6000 DavidLiskaCustomJeweler.com 8

Men’s Formalwear

Entertainment - DJ’s Milwaukee Airwaves 414-306-8273 milwaukeeairwaves.com

Jewelers

Lyle Husar Designs 262-789-8585 lylehusardesigns.com

175

Photo booth Rentals 14-17, 173 Back Cover

Photography Front Room Photography 414-294-0080 frphoto.com

178-179

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

181

m three studio photography 262-497-7246 mthreestudio.com

183

Manning Photography 414-962-8180 manningphotography.com

182

Robyn Vining Photography 414-581-0700 robynviningphotography.com

184

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

180

Pre & Post Nuptial Party Locations Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant 32, 38-39, 40 414-765-1166 bacchusmke.com

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

Saz's Catering Lake Country 262-691-9796 sazs.com

Two-Gether We Wed 414-813-7498 TwogetherWeWed.com Sound By Design 262-968-9586 soundbydesign.org

Event Lighting

Bridal Boutiques

Officiants

Harleys The Store For Men 414-332-3404 harleys4men.com

131

Wingman Formalwear 262-377-5334 StoneManorBridal.com

130

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

32, 38-39, 40

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

Galleria, The 414-433-6088 pritzlaffevents.com

26-27, 40

Harbor House 414-395-4900 harborhousemke.com

38-39, 40

Joey Gerard’s Greendale 414-858-1900 Mequon 262-518-5500 joeygerards.com

38-39, 42

Kil@Wat 414-291-4793 kilawatcuisine.com

18-19, 42

Mason Street Grill 414-298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com

18-19, 42

Continued --->

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credits ADVERTISERS index & About Our Covers

Milwaukee ChopHouse 414-390-4562 chophouse411.com

18-19, 42

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

38-39, 42

20-21, 44 Saz’s Catering Lake Country Western Lakes Golf Club 262-691-0900 westernlakes.com/weddings_and_banquets.aspx 20-21, 44 Saz’s State House Restaurant – The State Room 414-453-2410 sazs.com 34, 44, 45 Seeboth, The 414-841-9374 theseeboth.com 34, 35, 44 Shully’s Cuisine & Events Thien Room 262-242-6633 shullyscuisine.com 34, 43, 44 Turner Hall Restaurant 414-227-0457 414-763-1490 turnerhallrestaurant.com

Reception Locations Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant 414.765.1166 bacchusmke.com

32, 38-39, 40

Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at Pier Wisconsin 32, 38-39 414-765-8610 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta Catering Company & Events at The Grain Exchange 32, 38-39 414-727-6980 bartolottacatering.com Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro 414-962-6300 LakeParkBistro.com

32, 38-39, 40

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

18-19, 32

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

26-27, 32

InterContinental Milwaukee 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com

18-19, 32

Inside Front Cover 1, 10, 32

Milwaukee Art Museum 414-224-3287 mam.org Milwaukee County Parks 414-257-8005 countyparks.com

Mitchell Park Domes/ Milwaukee County Parks 414-257-5600 countyparks.com

Pfister , The 414-390-3802 MarcusWeddings.com Potawatomi Hotel & Casino 414-PAYSBIG (729-7244) paysbig.com/meetings Ramhorn Farm 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com River Club of Mequon 262-242-1400 riverclubofmequon.com

18-19, 32

22-23, 34

6-7, 34

20-21, 34

Boerner Botanical Gardens/ Milwaukee County Parks 414-525-5601 countyparks.com

Saz's Catering at the Country Inn 20-21, 34 & Suites - Port Washington 414-256-8765 sazs.com

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

32, 33

Saz's Catering Lake Country - 20-21, 34, 44 Western Lakes Golf Club 262-691-9796 sazs.com

Studio 29 Photography & Design

Seeboth, The 414-841-9374 theseeboth.com

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34, 35, 44

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

34, 43, 44

War Memorial Center 414-273-5533 warmemorialcenter.org

34, 36

Rentals-Linens Windy City Linen 224-279-1500 x7 windycitylinen.com

Rentals-Party/Reception Equipment 69

Canopies Events with Distinction 414-760-0770 canopiesevents.com événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com

22-23, 34

Salons & Spas 5, 34

Sazama's Fine Catering at the Marcus 20-21, 34 Center for the Performing Arts 414-276-2030 sazamas.com Saz’s Catering & Special Events 414-256-8765 sazs.com

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

34, 44, 45

check us out

Beauty 414-276-5054 beautymilwaukee.com

Colour Tube, The 262-641-7538 colourtube.com

Halo Salon 414-272-4256 halomilwaukee.com

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

14-17, 173 Back Cover

Wedding & Event Planners Cherry Blossom Events 608-497-0133 cherrybevents.com Dynamic Events by David Caruso 414-283-0050 dynamiceventsinc.com événement planning 262-617-8826 evenementplanning.com Let’s Have An Affair 262-691-3303 LetsHaveAnAffair.com

online

12-13

22-23, 34