From a proposal in a botanical garden to a wedding under the glass domes of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Zoe and Mike's day was filled with personality, greenery, and wedding inspiration worth bookmarking.
Zoe and Mike shared big dreams of graduating from the same medical school, and due to the intensity of the program, they were initially determined not to date any of their classmates. However, after being assigned to the same academic group for 12 weeks, they soon realized that their budding relationship could be a positive one, both personally and academically.
They officially began dating a few months later, supporting one another through clinical rotations, endless studying, and all of the highs and lows the medical field can bring. Zoe reflected, "Everything felt easier when we were together."
In 2020, after completing their third year of schooling, Mike planned a romantic date in Zoe's choice of location, the Cleveland Botanical Garden. There, they walked through the gardens, befriended the wildlife, and rested in a restorative garden full of beautiful trees and serene water features. Mike said a few words about his love for Zoe and snuck a small box from his pocket, proposing with a family heirloom ring. Later, the couple learned the family member the ring had belonged to had gotten married 100 years to the day before Mike proposed.
In order to stay together throughout the next part of their academic journey, they applied for a "couple's match" residency and were accepted into a program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The couple credits their planner, Brittany from B-Rad Weddings and Celebrations, as the most essential part of the planning process. With both Zoe and Mike busy with their education and residency, they would not have been able to handle the details and coordination by themselves. The couple was able to focus on finding delicious food and great live music while Brittany made the rest of the magic happen through meticulous planning, Google Drive organization, and by providing valuable advice and experience.
The couple's choice of wedding venue was a callback to their beautiful proposal, and they strove to create an atmosphere that was easy-going, warm, welcoming, and stress-free. They booked their dream location, Mitchell Park Domes, for a magical day surrounded by greenery, sunshine, and their closest friends and family.
Zoe wrote, "One of the greatest details of our wedding day was the themed show at that time (which we had no control over). We found out about a month before the wedding that the current show was DinoDomes, complete with pre-historic flora and dinosaur statues. We were beyond excited and included dinosaurs wherever we were able, like on the beer koozies we gave out... Pretty sure all our nephews think we are the coolest aunt and uncle now since we had a dinosaur wedding."
Zoe wore a beautiful fit and flare bridal gown from Bliss Bridal LLC, featuring a romantic lace overlay over nude fabric, a plunging neckline, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and a sweeping train. Freya Salon sculpted effortlessly beautiful curls in her hair, secured on one side with a sparkling clip. Zoe's makeup artist, Lisa, had the bride positively glowing, accentuating her eyes and lips without overpowering her natural beauty.
With input from the couple, NL Suits designed a custom suit for Mike in a dark green color and with an embossed floral pattern that became more subtle or striking depending on the lighting. He paired the suit with a white undershirt, textured brown tie, and dark brown shoes.
Hannah Toldt Photography worked with multiple backdrops, both inside, outside, and beneath the dome's triangular window and natural light, to provide a photo gallery that captured every vibrant moment of Zoe & Mark's special day.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with drinks, dinner, and dancing. Guests were led to their seats with wildflower seed paper as a thoughtful and botanical-themed favor, in addition to drink koozies and priceless Photobooth pictures from David Charles Productions. Zilli Hospitality Group catered the event's delicious food, and Aggie's Bakery & Cake Shop provided beautiful and tasty desserts, including a two-tiered wedding cake decorated to resemble a tree trunk.
Including live music was important for Zoe & Mike, so they knew they wanted to hire a band for the occasion. The North Coast Orchestra kept the joy and excitement high throughout the reception, keeping the dance floor packed until the night was over.
In addition to hiring a wedding planner, the couple has this advice for couples currently planning their best day: "Many wedding guests will have their own expectations or beliefs they may share with you, but just remember that it is you and your partner's special day!"
Love what you see? We're always on the lookout for beautiful, personal, and one-of-a-kind celebrations to feature! If you were recently part of a stunning Milwaukee-area wedding, engagement, or styled shoot, visit our submission page for more information about how to be considered for our magazine, blog, or social channels!
