Looking back on the night they met, Emilie & Rich felt like their love story was written in the stars. Emilie wrote, “It was like we had known each other our whole lives and were just waiting for the universe to connect us!” In this case, that connection started on a dating app when Emilie lived in the Chicago suburbs and Rich lived in the city. Rich immediately won Emilie over with his politeness, compassion—and his quick approval from Emilie’s cat, Scooby!
From then on, the couple began building a life together. They embraced their shared love of skiing and travel, going on many adventures and taking on big and small challenges side by side.
Eventually, it was time to start planning another milestone: their wedding! Emilie & Rich decided on a theme of Old Hollywood glamour with an eclectic twist, a combination that represented their unique style as a couple. With the help of Perfect Day Event Planning, they bridged classic with modern through their venue choice, fashion, and a color palette of black, white, green, purple, and pink.
The George & Madcap Lounge is a historic, thoughtfully renovated space in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point. With 19th-century architecture, high ceilings, expansive windows, and artful décor, The George & Madcap Lounge offers several beautiful spaces for ceremony, reception, and lounging. The Celebration Suite, an on-site preparation suite, is also included in wedding rentals, making for an easy morning for Emilie and her bridal party.
Emilie found her dream dress, a luxe, versatile gown, at Lovely Bride Chicago. The dress featured a scoop neckline, detachable, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a corsetted bodice that led into a subtle fit-and-flare skirt. She accessorized with a custom-embroidered, satin-trimmed drop veil, sparkling hair clips, tulle gloves, blue heels with crystal gems, and a layered pearl necklace.
Lexi Lee Hair and Jenna Hayes did hair and makeup for the day. Emilie wore her hair in a dramatic side part, with soft curls landing just beneath her collarbones. Makeup was fit for Hollywood, with a soft cat eye, cut crease, and dimensional eyeshadow. Highlighter and blush accentuated Emily’s cheekbones, and a pink lip added a subtle pop of color.
Allexx B Photography understands that photography is more than just taking pictures. They get to know their clients, making them feel comfortable, confident, and heard in the time leading up to the wedding as well as the day of. Emilie & Rich built a genuine friendship with Alexx B Photography, allowing their authentic selves to shine through in the final gallery of candid and posed moments.
The walk down the aisle was one of Emilie’s most cherished memories of the wedding day. She wrote,
“It was truly surreal and so magical being able to share our day with those we hold so near and dear to Rich and I’s hearts. I had to remind my dad not to let me walk too fast!”
Rich and his groomsmen found their formalwear at The Black Tux. Groomsmen matched in black suits with white undershirts, black bow ties, checkered pocket squares, suspenders, and black dress shoes. Rich stood out from the crowd, choosing a cream suit jacket.
“Pastel pink” was the bridesmaids’ dress assignment, with each choosing her own style, fabric, and pattern to fit the theme.
Florals by Reflections of You played a key role in the eclectic atmosphere throughout the day. Each bridesmaid carried a different monotype bouquet, a bouquet that consisted of only one type of flower. The flowers in those bouquets, made of athurium, spray roses, sweet pea, and orchids, were all included in the bridal bouquet, which also featured ranunculus and hanging amaranthus.
Overall, the floral styling, which included a ceremony arch, bud vases, and ground florals, was playful and fun. Each piece (played) with asymmetry and movement, with blooms ranging in color, height, and composition. Additional elements included purple allium, white delphinium, and textured greenery.
Guest experiences and personal touches were at the forefront during Emilie & Rich’s planning process. They included both of their mothers in brainstorming and decision-making, which the couple credits as an enjoyable bonding experience that brought their families closer together.
Emilie honored her grandma with an angel pin on her bouquet, the couple printed Rich’s love letters to Emilie on cocktail napkins, and laser-engraved stir sticks with an image of Scooby served as functional keepsakes. Guests also had multiple guestbook options: a traditional photo album to sign, and a trendy audio guestbook on a vintage phone.
After cocktail hour, Saz’s catering served up a delicious dinner followed by a pink cake from A Little Slice of Heaven. Tablescape rentals, some provided by Dish & Decor Vintage Rental, included pink and green crystal glassware, pink napkins, cream and sage linens, and more.
When it came to planning and keeping on budget, a longer engagement and identifying priorities were key for Emilie & Rich. Emilie reflected, “It was less stressful to plan all of the elements of a wedding with simply more time. Plus, you will have better luck with vendor availability.” They also chose which vendors to focus on and wants versus needs.
For a final—and perhaps most important—piece of advice, Emilie wrote,
“Have fun and be as present as possible. There will likely never be another time in your life where all of your favorite people are in one room. That sounds so cliché, but it truly is a treasure!”
The inspiration doesn’t end here! Grab your free copy of our WedPlan Milwaukee publication at our vendor locations or request yours online to keep the ideas flowing. And if you have a beautiful wedding story to share, fill our our submission form for a chance to be featured in our annual planning guide, on our socials, or right here on our blog!
