Violeta & Richard’s Chic, Culture-Forward Wedding at the George and Madcap Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Violeta wasn’t necessarily looking for love when she matched with Richard on a dating app in 2018. She had all but sworn off dating, ready to put her time and energy towards studying for the LSAT, but nonetheless enjoyed their conversations. Sensing the connection was special, her friends encouraged her to give Richard a chance. She accepted a first date, and despite Richard arriving a bit late, she was instantly drawn to Richard’s calming aura. They talked all night, each feeling a spark.

From then on, the couple alternated every weekend visiting each other between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. While their relationship became serious, Violeta worried her ambitions might eventually come between them, as it had with prior partners. As a daughter of immigrants and coming from a strong line of matriarchs, Violeta valued her strength and independence. She asked Richard if he would still support her if their priorities differed, and he not only answered “yes,” but offered to drive her to her LSAT exam and find accommodations for the trip.

Violeta also supported Richard along the way. After Violeta graduated law school, the couple fulfilled Richard’s lifelong dream of owning a home, and Richard proposed to Violeta in a sunflower field shortly after she passed the bar exam. They traveled to Japan to take their engagement pictures, and are planning another big trip to Italy to celebrate their recent wedding.

Culture and belonging were at the forefront for Violeta & Richard as they planned their wedding day. They not only wanted to honor their immediate families, but those who had come before them and a diverse community of local artists. Heather Farr Events made the couple feel seen and celebrated from the very first call, and they credit their planning and coordination for creating an inclusive environment on their wedding day.

On selecting their vendors, the couple wrote:

Keep scrolling to see all of the details of Violeta & Richards wedding day at The George & Madcap Lounge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The day’s color palette consisted of blue, red, white, and black. Stationery from Truly Engaging was simple and elegant, beginning with a contour-cut save-the-date with a blue floral motif. They later mailed an invitation and printed envelope closer to the wedding day.

Caroline Cavalcante photographed the suite alongside accessories, jewelry, Violeta’s bouquet, and the couple’s guest favor: Mexican tiles.

The couple prepared for the wedding on-site in the Celebration Suite and Madcap Lounge. For his first look, Richard wore a blue windowpane suit from Indochino with a matching vest, a white dress shirt, pale blue tie, white pocket square, brown dress shoes, and a floral pocket boutonniere.

Violeta found her dream dress, a silk sheath gown with subtle ruching, V-neckline, and off-the-shoulder sleeves, at Lovely Bride NY. She added a cathedral-length skirt and tulle veil for portraits and the ceremony.

While Violeta typically prefers her hair short, she wanted to wear a braid on her wedding day to honor her indigenous ancestors. She grew out her hair, which was styled by Rouje Bridal on the day. Her final hairstyle was an intricate braid with floral details and loose, face-framing curls.

Christy Swain at Rare Bird Beauties created a makeup look for Violeta that highlighted her natural beauty with subtle shimmering eyeshadow, dark lashes, and a pink lip.

Violeta & Richard’s indoor ceremony took place in The George Ballroom, surrounded by natural light, fresh greenery, and so much love from family and friends. The couple decided to keep their wedding party minimal, but wanted to honor their families. As one of nine siblings, Violeta found it hard to show her individuality growing up and wanted to make sure everyone felt comfortable and safe expressing themselves. Her siblings each wore a different color, and Violeta’s brothers each chose a poem to read at the ceremony.

All of Violeta & Richard’s siblings, nephews, parents, and Violeta’s grandmother walked down the aisle. Violeta’s brother planned and officiated the ceremony in both Spanish and English, and the couple and their family members read poems and exchanged vows in both languages.

The reception was also in The George Ballroom with long tables arranged in rows. The tables were dressed in white linens, white plating, gold flatware, candles, and bud vase centerpieces. 414loral provided and arranged the floral pieces in every space, from Violeta’s white bridal bouquet to greenery, to pops of bright red blooms at the reception.

Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee kicked off cocktail hour, followed by dinner from Saz’s Catering, Cake from Greige Patisserie, and entertainment from RC Productions. Many special dances took place throughout the night. In addition to a first dance with Spanish & Italian lyrics, honoring Violeta’s Mexican and Richard’s Italian backgrounds, the couple performed mother-son and mother-daughter first-dance songs. They also played “first dance” songs honoring special couples, family members, and friends who supported their journey as a couple.

Violeta’s mom also requested “La Víbora de la Mar,” an energetic Mexican wedding tradition in which guests form a dancing chain.

Milwaukee is a beautiful city, especially at golden hour. The couple & their photographer snuck away for some sun-drenched rooftop portraits during their reception.

Reflecting on their wedding, Violeta & Richard offered some valuable advice to couples in the planning process. “

For their second look, Violeta & Richard changed into traditional Chinese clothing in black, red, and gold to honor Richard’s cultural background. They also wore Chinese jewelry passed down from Richard’s parents. The Madcap Lounge was the perfect backdrop for bold, colorful moments before returning to the dance floor.

Want to see your wedding featured on our blog, socials, or in our yearly WedPlan Milwaukee printed publication? Visit our submissions page to learn more! We accept submissions year-round.