Fiery florals, black leather, chrome accents, and a rebellious sense of style set the scene for Obsidian & Sunstone at 1903 Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Led by OSO IN LOVE Wedding and Event Curators, this edgy wedding editorial combines bold color, unexpected textures, statement fashions, and motorcycle details for a venue-themed take on modern wedding inspiration. The result honors the legacy of an iconic Wisconsin brand and celebrates individuality with just the right amount of rock-and-roll attitude.
In addition to OSO IN LOVE Wedding and Event Curators, this edgy wedding inspiration came to life thanks to Caroline Cavalcante Photography, Sam Lauersdorf Photo & Video, LK Bridal Studio, B-Style Floral, Bon Bon Belle Bridal Boutique, DuBois Formalwear, Bridal Beauty Team, Event Essentials, Stellie’s Ice Cream, Greige Pâtisserie, and models Madeline & Abe from The Rock Agency.
Watch the video below from Sam Lauersdorf Photo & Video, then scroll through every scene captured by Caroline Cavalcante Photography and learn more about the talented team of local vendors who came together for this stunning wedding editorial.
Vintage Tattoo-Inspired Wedding Stationery & Statement Accessories
LK Bridal Studio used geometric and organic elements in their printed pieces, working within a color palette of black, orange, white, silver, and red. The stationery suite began with a vertical invitation on a dark, textured background. They paired vintage, hand-drawn typefaces and a script font with a modern sans serif for smaller details across the pieces, including a save-the-date, details card, RSVP, envelope, tattoo bar sign, bar sign, table numbers, contour-cut menus, seating chart, and welcome sign.
The pieces also utilized illustrations and motifs to unify the materials across every scene. LK Bridal Studio took inspiration from vintage rose tattoos and, of course, tied in motorcycle imagery honoring the Harley-Davidson Museum venue. They also varied straight and curved lines, including arched and wavy lines, as well as contour-cut shapes on the save-the-date and layered menus that doubled as name cards.
Fashions and accessories were displayed on an iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle, arranged on the handlebars and seat, while Caroline Cavalcante Photography photographed smaller jewelry pieces on a keg—in true Wisconsin style!
A Bold, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony with Cascading Marigolds
Set on a 20-acre riverside campus, 1903 Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum has both indoor and outdoor event spaces. The team set an outdoor ceremony framed by natural foliage and cityscape views across the river. White chairs from Area Rental & Sales Co. led the way down the aisle.
B-Style Floral created a one-of-a-kind ceremony backdrop that contrasted bright orange, yellow, and coral blooms with a modern black arch, black vases, and pillars of varying heights covered in black drapery. They played with asymmetry by using each bloom’s unique qualities, limiting individual arrangements to one flower type: lilies, calla lilies, marigolds, roses, and daisies.
Most notably, the installation included hanging florals strung on garlands or individual blooms suspended from the ceremony arch. These pieces added a layer of whimsy to the overall setting, bringing bold pops of orange behind the couple for vows and portraits.
This type of suspended floral installation can create a memorable ceremony focal point without relying on a traditional, fully covered arch. Couples interested in a similar design should discuss the structure, installation requirements, and outdoor weather considerations with their florist and venue.
The models, Madeline & Abe, wore fashions from Bon Bon Belle Bridal Boutique and DuBois Formalwear, respectively. For her ceremony look, bride model Madeline wore a luxurious, halter-neck dress with a daring open back and a sleek, statuesque silhouette. She accessorized with a high-low tulle veil with pleated edges.
Groom model, Abe, wore a sharp black suit with a white dress shirt, black bow tie, shiny black dress shoes, and a floral boutonniere from B-Style Floral.
Industrial Wedding Reception Design & Catering
A dramatic reception in The Garage at 1903 Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum added reflective and chrome details to the wedding design. Three round tables were pulled together to create a larger reception table, while the models posed beneath florals and disco balls at a separate sweetheart table.
Tablescape details included linens, napkins, plates, glassware, and silverware from Event Essentials, and chargers, candles, disco balls, lighting elements, and frames from OSO IN LOVE Wedding and Event Curators.
The models incorporated leather jackets from the Harley-Davidson Museum and sunglasses into this setting, with Madeline also debuting a second look from Bon Bon Belle Bridal Boutique. Her second dress was short and sculptural, with a structured bodice and a bubble hem skirt.
The combination of black linens, reflective accents, and colorful florals offers a way to embrace an edgy aesthetic while keeping the reception inviting. Couples can adapt the look by selecting a few statement elements, such as metallic chargers, dramatic lighting, or a floral installation above the sweetheart table, rather than incorporating every detail.
As an all-in-one venue, 1903 Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum offers in-house catering options and plated dinners. The venue team displayed a few of their most popular entrées, as well as a starter salad with fresh rolls and butter.
Creative Wedding Bar, Cake & Dessert Displays
Drinks and desserts are often a priority for couples in the wedding planning process. 1903 Events at the Harley-Davidson Museum showcased their bar offerings with a trendy, industrial metal mobile bar featuring motorcycle décor, signage by LK Bridal Studio, and delicious cocktails.
The team creatively displayed desserts from Greige Pâtisserie and Stellie’s Ice Cream on a motorcycle, with a three-tier black cake on the motorcycle seat. Greige Pâtisserie matched the ceremony’s artful asymmetry, with orange spheres and shiny disco balls arranged on each cake tier and as a cake topper.
Stellie’s Ice Cream brought several of their signature ice cream cups with packaging that matched the design’s color palette.
For couples planning a nontraditional dessert display, the presentation can be just as memorable as the treats themselves. Work with your venue and dessert vendors to determine which display elements are practical, food-safe, and accessible to guests.
Rock-and-Roll Wedding Fashion & Motorcycle Portraits
Bridal Beauty Team did the models’ hair and makeup. They tousled Abe’s hair into a perfectly unkempt style reminiscent of the greaser look of the 1950s and early 1960s. Dark liner around his eyes further added to his edgy, vintage aesthetic.
The team straightened Madeline’s bleached-blonde bob for an angled, modern look, alternating between a loose style and tucking one side behind her ear. Smoky eye makeup and a bright red lip added to her rebellious, rock-star vibe.
The editorial concluded with portraits of the models around the Harley-Davidson Museum, including poses on the motorcycles, with the memorabilia, and in front of the museum’s bold architecture.
Want to see more of the incredible work beyond this styled shoot? Click the links below to learn more about the vendors who brought this vision to life and follow @wedplanmilwaukee on socials!
Interested in getting involved? We’re always searching for creative talent in the Milwaukee area and would love to connect with you. Contact us here for more information about how to join future projects!
