Wisconsin Club Wedding in Milwaukee | Stephanie and Nick
You don’t have to tell Stephanie and Nick twice (or even once!) how lucky they were to find each other. They crossed paths by happenstance because of friends-of-friends, did the long-distance thing for a while, and ended up quarantining together at the beginning of COVID. “We wouldn’t have met each other without each of these parts of the story lining up perfectly at the right place and right time,” Stephanie told me. All the serendipity paid off on a brilliant July day at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee when this beautiful couple promised to love each other forever.
A few months before the wedding, I photographed Stephanie and Nick’s engagement session at Milton Lee Olive Park in Chicago, where they are doing their medical residencies. I always return to photograph in this park because the view of the Chicago skyline is unbelievable! So, if a couple really wants to capture that city element in a natural setting, I know exactly where to take them! We had fun getting to know each other during their session and practicing their wedding day poses. With their engagement photos done and a day-of timeline planned, we were ready for the big day!
The morning of the wedding started with Stephanie getting ready in the bridal suite of the historic Hilton Milwaukee. All the accessories Stephanie wore had a special meaning: her garter was made from fabric from her mother’s wedding dress, her bracelet was a family heirloom, her earrings were her 30th birthday present, and her hairpiece was borrowed from a close friend. I loved seeing all these elements come together to form her complete look, with each detail holding memories inside it. She wore a simple, straight-line gown with thin straps and a lace overlay, which she found at Miss Ruby Boutique. Once dressed and ready, Stephanie did a reveal with her bridesmaids, who wore light blush-colored dresses from Azazie. Then, Stephanie did a first look with her Dad, and many tears were shed. But, spoiler alert: many more teary eyes were in the not too distant future!
The celebrant for the ceremony was the pastor of Stephanie’s family church in Wisconsin. This sweet personal touch immediately made the ceremony that much more heartfelt. I love when the officiant has a personal connection with the couple. It always makes for a more personal, emotional experience! Stephanie told me that she envisioned the ceremony to be “God-honoring with prayer, worship music, and close family members doing our readings.” This vision was certainly achieved in the historic church, surrounded by family and friends wiping tears away as Stephanie and Nick were pronounced man and wife.
After the ceremony, we took bridal party photos and portraits in the warm summer light and deep green foliage around Lake Park in Milwaukee. Then, I took the lovely couple off on our own for some portraits at a bridge that looked like it was straight out of a painting!
Then, we returned to the Wisconsin Club for the bride and groom’s grand entrance. Stephanie told me she’d always imagined a ballroom setting for their “big reveal” after being officially married. So for their grand entrance, they had the DJ, The Milwaukee Wedding DJ, announce each bridal party member as they entered. But Stephanie and Nick put their own spin on the traditional entrances. They gave him sentences to read about what they love most about each of the bridal party members! It was such a thoughtful touch, and everyone loved it. “We have a large wedding party because we’re blessed to have a lot of wonderful people in our lives,” Stephanie said. And she’s not kidding when she says, “a large wedding party.” At 26 wedding party members, this just might be the largest one I’ve ever photographed!
Next, Stephanie and Nick enjoyed their cocktail hour, dinner, and cake with their guests. I stayed the entire time to document it all because they booked all-day coverage. I love when couples do this because it allows me to tell their entire story. “We didn’t want to have to think about whether the 8 or 10 hours would expire before they could capture late-night dancing,” Stephanie told me when she booked. And I’m so glad I was there the whole time because the night rocked on! Two of the bridesmaids did a choreographed song and dance with props that told the story of Stephanie and Nick’s relationship. And, I was able to sneak the couple outside for some stunning sunset photos. Many of this wouldn’t have been possible without them getting all-day coverage.
Venue : Wisconsin Club
Hotel : Hilton Milwaukee
Ceremony : Church In the City
Floral Design : Jaimer’s Floral
Hair : Anton Salon
/Bridal Party Hair : Hare and Mane Beauty
Rentals : Vintique Rental
Bridal Boutique : Miss Ruby Boutique
Bridal Dress : Madi Lane
Bridal Shoes : Cole Haan
Groom’s Tux : Mens Wearhouse
Groom’s Tux Brand : Calvin Klein
Groom’s Shoes : Joseph Abboud
Bridal Party Attire : Azazie
DJ : The Milwaukee Wedding DJ
Bakery : Nothing Bundt Cakes
Desserts and Late Night Food : La Masa Empanada Bar
Floral Wall Design : Enchanted Wall Flowers
Transportation : Royal Limousine
If you’re looking to book an elegant Wisconsin wedding with a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, The Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee is the way to go! I’d love to hear about the party you’re planning, too! Reach out to me at my contact page. Or if you want to check out some more incredible weddings, click below!
xx,
Jennifer Lourie
