Elena & Dasher’s love story began when they met in California, while Elena pursued her undergrad and Dasher worked in finance. They instantly clicked over their shared love of art and music, spending their first date walking along the pier in Dana Point and discussing their passions and interests.
The next eight years were a whirlwind of joy, adventures, and hard work. The couple lived in five different states, where they chased their respective dreams side by side. Their support for one another and shared values of kindness, freedom, openness, and humor helped them grow as a couple through the years. Eventually, they agreed it was time to say yes to forever, and they began planning their beautiful Milwaukee wedding.
The Wedding
Veronica Rose Wedding & Event Planning was the perfect match for Elena & Dasher. The couple’s top priorities were aesthetics and flexibility, and Elena recognized the value in having a team that understood her vision and helped the day run smoothly.
Working with their team, Elena & Dasher looked forward to their bright, colorful, summer wedding at Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens. A museum venue allowed them to embrace their creativity and honor the arts that first brought them together. Not only was the venue beautiful, but it also offered an array of indoor and outdoor spaces when the weather was less than perfect.
Preparations began in The Smith House, set against historic, Italian-inspired architecture and décor. Elena found her dream dress at L’elite Bridal, a fit-and-flare dress with elegant draping fabric, a pleated bodice with a sweetheart neckline, and off-the-shoulder sleeves. She accessorized with a satin-trimmed, high-low tulle veil, dainty pearl jewelry, and bold, pink flower-patterned heels.
Her bridesmaids wore unique, yet coordinating, warm-toned dresses (and pajamas!) in red, orange, yellow, and fuchsia.
Black Orchid Beauty also took unique style into consideration for the wedding party’s hair and makeup. Makeup tones stayed warm and radiant, accentuating a healthy glow and rouged cheeks. Dark eyeliner and lashes helped eyes pop, and pigmented lipsticks added varying pops of color that suited each dress and complexion.
Hairstyles varied from half-updos to updos, and an asymmetrical updo for the bride, with her hair left loose and curled on one side.
Dasher chose to stand out from his groomsmen subtly. He wore a vintage-inspired black suit with a vertically pleated white undershirt with colorful buttons, a “U”- shaped vest, and a black bow tie.
His groomsmen wore gray suits with gray vests, white undershirts, and bow ties that each matched one of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Knowing rain loomed over the horizon, Elena and her bridesmaids were able to sneak away into the Renaissance Gardens for a quick photoshoot with their photographer, O&B Photography, before the guests began arriving.
The vows were the most important part of the day for Elena, and she was relieved that the weather held out through her dream outdoor ceremony.
She wrote,
“It all worked out perfectly, though. We conducted the ceremony outside and said our vows outside, like I wanted. Right after…. Like right after the clouds started to roll in and drizzle. Our team was able to pivot and go to plan Bs for the rest of the day. People say it’s good luck to rain on your wedding day. Now I get to say not only did it rain.. But the Milwaukee newspapers called it a “1,000s years” storm because of how much water dropped on us. That’s like 1,000 times more luck right?”
A few breaks in the storm allowed for more outdoor portraits and portraits in the Mercury Courtyard, aptly named for the statue of Mercury at the center. The courtyard is surrounded by a vaulted loggia with Tuscan columns and Italian windows, which, because it is covered on three sides, still proved a beautiful setting for the reception tables.
Through bouquets, floral installations, boutonnieres, and vases at the reception, Ritual Floral played a major role in the day’s atmosphere. Saturated blooms included sunflowers, pink roses, various-colored zinnias, apricot dahlias, bright pink ranunculus, blue delphinium, blue cornflower, green amaranthus, and more. The compositions played with form and bright colors, encompassing all colors of the rainbow into cohesive, energetic works of art.
Eclectic rentals from Adorn Event Company and linens from BBJ La Tavola and Windy City Linen also shaped the reception vibes. Retro green and white crescent-patterned tablecloths spanned the length of every table. Other notable pieces included vintage floral plates, gold flatware, muted yellow napkins, and blue and hot-pink candles.
Noble Catering & Events provided delicious plated dinners for guests to enjoy while sipping custom cocktails on the patio.
Later, the couple served up a variety of desserts from Aggie’s Bakery & Cake Shop, including key lime pie, walnut pie, cookies, brownies, and more. The main event at the dessert table was a three-tier, blue cake with decorative white icing (we love the swan details!) and cherries.
DJ Sound by Design kept the vibes high as dancing moved inside at the end of the night. However, Elena & Dasher also entertained guests with a sentimental performance of their own.
Elena reflected,
“Instead of a first dance at our wedding my husband and I prepared a performance where we sang together and he played piano. We sang “Annie’s Song” by John Denver. It was the song I was listening to on repeat the week we first met. It became our song instantly. We both have a performance training background, so it was a way to share something we both love to do with our loved ones.”
Feeling inspired? Keep the creativity flowing by continuing to explore our blog, where more beautiful celebrations await. Happy planning from the WedPlan team!
