Megan & Derek kicked off my wedding season with a beautiful downtown Milwaukee wedding, set at the industrial/urban venue Black Swan. I walked in and was greeted by the most beautiful aisle of candles, all the way down the stairs and into the aisle and I literally got CHILLS! The day was beautifully planned and executed by Midwestern Bride, and florals by Flower Mill helped up the romance in an already stunning exposed brick space.

The couple got ready in separate rooms at the Homewood Suites just a short walk away from the venue (gorgeous suites if you ever need a place to stay in downtown MKE, so much natural light and the tallest ceilings I’ve seen at a hotel – I’m not kidding, so dreamy). One of my favorite parts of the day actually was during the getting ready. Megan and Derek had both planned an exchange of gifts prior to the ceremony, and when Megan’s arrived we all gathered around. Derek and Megan had written many love letters throughout their time dating, so much so that Derek was able to make a special keepsake out of them, “Our Story in Love Letters.” It was such a beautiful moment watching Megan relive the letters they had wrote throughout the years. We all had to keep from tearing up!

I loved putting together these photos and reliving this beautiful day all over again. Gorgeous ceremony, hilarious speeches, my first grand sparkler exit! These two know how to throw an epic wedding day. Congratulations on one month’s marriage you two! Scroll to the end for their full vendor list and leave a congrats for the new Mr. & Mrs. Christiansen!

Contributors:

Photography: Meghan Lee Harris // Videography: Clear Vision Videography // Event Planner / Coordinator: Ashley Kuehnel, Midwestern Bride // Florist:  The Flower Mill // Wedding Dress Designer: Essence of Australia // Wedding Dress Store: Bon Bon Belle Bridal // Hair/Makeup: Hair – Kimberly Gozdowiak // Make up- Meg Dionne // Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang at David’s Bridal // Cake/Dessert: Barb Christiansen (mother of groom)  // Band/DJ: Midwest Sound // Drapery: Chance Pro Events // Caterer: From Scratch Catering // Groom’s Suit and Accessories: Macy’s // Groomsmen Apparel: Blacktux.com