This one is for the true art lovers!

Ever since I saw a glimpse of Milwaukee’s new venue, The George and Madcap Lounge with it’s unique gallery wall space, I hoped to be able to shoot there someday! Luckily it must have been written in the stars because it didn’t take long. When the ladies of Events to a T reached out to see if I would photograph a styled shoot there during winter, I said absolutely yes!

Sometimes spaces are much different than I had imagined. In this case, immediately when I walked in I was taken aback – in the best of ways. Every inch of this space is so intricately designed and artistically inspiring. The gallery wall was even larger in person and makes for a stunning backdrop for indoor ceremonies or portraits. This bright naturally lit venue is also perfect for winter or rainy days when outside portraits are not an option! The bridal suite and downstairs lounge are also works of art in themselves – between the flooring, wall décor, ceiling, light fixtures, I could stare at the different rooms of this place all day and still find more to discover!

While the ballroom space offers a more traditional romantic ceremony with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop overlooking the city for sunset photos, the other eclectic spaces offer the best of both worlds for a dynamic couple looking to shake things up. As we were photographing the lounge downstairs at the pool table I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, I want to be a guest at a wedding here!” Something I honestly don’t think of or say haha. But the space is just *that* cool and such a vibe.

Haley & Cassi of Events to a T’s vision implemented refined textures and a desert color palette. Light pinks and warm tones of peach, terracotta, yellow and sand mixed in with sage green. Zap Bloom, sister company of Milwaukee Flower Co, recently announced their brand new shop that focuses on quick fix “add to cart” style florals to couples for their wedding day, and featured their Sedona-themed blooms for our shoot. And Miss Ruby Boutique provided our model the stunning sleeky, draped corset gown with a high slit and sheer chiffon gloves (which I had way too much fun incorporating the trendier direct flash looks down in the lounge).

Thank you so much to all who helped make this a gorgeous and fun day! 😍Here’s just a few highlights!

Insta reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cozydw3tQCV/

Creative Team:

Planning: @eventstoat@haleyabbate@cassi_frank / https://eventstoat.co/
Venue: @thegeorgemke / https://www.thegeorgemilwaukee.com/
Florals: @zapbloommke / https://zapbloom.com/
Dress: @missrubyboutique / https://www.missrubyboutique.com/
HMU: @archapothecary / https://www.archapothecary.com/
Paper Goods: @paperenvyusa / https://www.paperenvy.com/
Dessert: @cakeladydesigns / https://www.cakeladydesigns.com/
Rentals: @canopiesevents@bbjlatavola / https://www.canopiesevents.com/ https://bbjlatavola.com/
Videography: @filmsbydesign / https://filmsbydesign.co/
DJ + Lighting: @soundbydesign / https://soundbydesign.co/
Bride: @baileypetitgoue

Couldn’t let this one slip away from me and not share it! Leslie & Luke just celebrated their one year anniversary, and seeing the reminder of images made me fall in love with these two + this day all over again! Leslie & Luke planned an incredible rustic/romantic wedding, and I loved getting shown little glimpses throughout their planning. The simple ivory and greenery woven throughout, with antlers and white pumpkins as subtle nods to the changing of the seasons. Leslie’s dress was a showstopper, Luke described her as his angel in his vows and I myself couldn’t think of a better word. These two together are magnetic. It’s easy to tell there is a deep love and understanding and care for one another, and they balance it all out by being SO playful and fun. You just want to be around their energy! At the very end of the day, as speeches and the first dances were wrapping, Leslie surprised Luke with an appearance by Bucky the Badger and everyone immediately began jumping around. Is there a better intro to get a dance party started?

I loved loved getting to know these two over the years and capture this incredible chapter for them! One thing is certain, other than their adoration for eachother they absolutely adore their little pup Maple. And recently they welcomed a new human addition! I could not be more happier for their growing fam! Congratulations Leslie & Luke on your Year 1+ counting & wishing you both all the best :)!

 

 

When Brittany’s two friends came to her saying she *had* to meet this guy Zach cause they’d be a perfect match, she originally wasn’t interested in getting set up on a date at all. She would soon be moving across the country for a job, but with a little persistence she eventually gave in and agreed to meet him! They met at Firefly in Wauwatosa for a fancy first date (and little did she know what would then ensue the next couple months)! Fast forward a few weeks later and Brittany moved to Texas, (this would seemingly put a damper on their future plans, right?) but her and Zach kept an open mind and agreed they’d try long distance for the time being.

A month after Brittany moved, Zach came to visit and they spent an amazing week together in Austin, having quality time enjoying all the things they discovered they love to do together like hiking, eating all the bbq and tacos! and daily adventures all around the city. Looking back, they consider this time spent in Austin the week they fell deeply for eachother! The day Zach left to go back home, Brittany decided she would also be heading back with him! She jokes, “It wasn’t a very “long” long-distance relationship 😉 ”

Zach proposed in winter 2020 in the middle of a giant snow storm (he was determined to make it happen!), in front of the same place they had their first date. They were married last July in what I truly believe was the hottest day of the year! (right guys!!?) Thank goodness for The Covenant at Murray Mansion being so gorgeous on the inside, we spent 99% of our day inside with AC and popped out very briefly for photos!

They now enjoy even more discovered activities together, like their love for fitness, going on Harley rides, Badger games, traveling to new parks, kayaking, hammocking, reading, and spending time up north.

It was such a blast getting to know them & relive their stunningly romantic day! Vendor list below – Enjoy!

VENDOR LIST:

Wedding Dress: All About The Gown // Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle // Hair/Makeup: B. Beauty Bar // Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal + Azazie // Florist: Northgate Floral // Caterer: Culinary Infusion // Cake: Bake by Kayla // Band/DJ: Silver Spoon // Videographer: Mina George Films // Menswear: Jos A Bank

Let this wedding be proof that your Plan B can be JUST as beautiful as your Plan A.

It was a sunshining day at Villa Terrace, starting with Brenna slipping into her satin ballgown dress in the museum, to the first look down the terrace steps, the family first look in the courtyard, and wedding party photos on the lawn below. Everything was perfectly on track, smooth-sailing, AMAZING! Guests arrived and wow’d as the ceremony commenced, and everyone witnessed Brenna & Charlie say I do with the most stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. Seriously this day was gorgeous (can we also take a second for Bird and Bumble with these florals?!?) Afterwards guests grabbed some champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the courtyard as the strings played and set the tone for a romantic evening that truly felt like being whisked away to Italy.

This day was designed and led by Morgan with Blue Fancy Events and I’m so glad she, her assistant Eve, and Megan with Villa Terrace were on deck. While we were busy getting our shots they were keeping a watchful eye on the weather report, and when the forecast called for chance of rain, they perfectly (and quickly) switched the outdoor reception plan to inside. Would you even know this wasn’t the original plan?? I was so impressed. It’s always so hard to make the rain call. “Do we play it safe? Do we risk it?” Luckily in the end the right call was made. And just as all the tables and decor were placed indoors and candles lit, down came the rain.

Thankfully the rain didn’t last long and Brenna & Charlie were able to carry on with their dance outside as planned. But this is why I am always so thankful when working with a planner. I know they’ve got everything covered down to a science and allows everyone else (vendors included) to be at ease and in-the-moment! Brenna and Charlie were super go with the flow amidst all changes of plans, and never let anything stop them from enjoying their special day. This is the best advice I can give. Let go of perfection and realize that your day will be beautiful no matter what. I know it’s easier said than done, but on your wedding day, do release all control and expectations. Focus your attention on the here and now. These small moments will become your entire day. Pay attention to the beauty that surrounds you and let your emotions run free. And remember, you get to walk away from it as husband and wife. That in itself is a perfect day!

Thank you so much Brenna & Charlie for allowing us to be a part of your day! For the full list of talented vendors, scroll to the very end! Enjoy!

VENDOR TEAM 

Wedding Planner & Designer: Blue Fancy Events – Morgan Liddell // Venue: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum // Caterer: Ball N Biscuit // Gown: Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique // Rentals: TOC Vintage Rentals // Florals: Bird & Bumble // Officiant – Sonja Coster // Hair: Sweet Ginger Hair // Makeup: Makeup by Esa // Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Strings: Memorable Music Ensembles // DJ Services: DJ Anthony Deustch // Cafe Lights: Milwaukee Airwaves // Bagpiper: Piper Mike //Dessert: Sweet Demise Dessert Catering