Meg & Mike’s Glitzy New Year’s Weekend Wedding

December 30, 2016

Meg and Mike’s brothers have been friends since grade school, so their families have always been connected — even though their paths to romance didn’t cross until later in life. When the two had been dating about two years, Mike planned a wintry proposal after a special dinner out. “There was a terrible snowstorm and we were one of the only ones in the restaurant,” Meg remembers. “Mike convinced me to walk across a beautiful bridge where we frequently walk on summer nights. Halfway across the bridge, covered in a blanket of blowing snow, Mike knelt down on one knee and proposed.”

The two planned a New Year’s weekend wedding with a white color scheme, the men in tuxes, and the ladies in long navy-blue dresses. “Everything was soft and had a great accent of sparkle. An enormous number of candles, twinkle lights, and bling were added to accent the white flowers.” While planning, Meg attended the Bartolotta Bridal Show at the Grain Exchange. She found her gown at Bliss Bridal in Milwaukee, and the rings at Mid Continental Gems.

The ceremony was to be held on January 2nd at Old St. Mary’s Parish and the reception at Milwaukee Marriott West in Waukesha. On the eve of the ceremony, Meg and Mike celebrated with a rehearsal dinner at Louise’s in downtown Milwaukee. “Mike and I had trouble finding a rehearsal dinner location, since it was New Year’s Day,” Meg says. Luckily, Louise’s pulled through!

Because the wedding took place so soon after Christmas, Old St. Mary’s church was still decorated for the holidays. “There were beautiful Poinsettias that flooded the alter, with red roses to accompany them. We were lucky enough to have a family member serve as our cantor, who did an amazing job. Our favorite part was adding Christmas music into the wedding for a twist.” After the ceremony, Mike and Meg had a blast on the party bus with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. “We had the most amazing, supportive group. Mike’s groomsmen all went to the same grade school and high school, which made it even more special.”

Then it was off to the Milwaukee Marriott West. “They worked with us one-on-one, allowing the event to go off with ease. The décor was something we only dreamed of, thanks to great vendors. We utilized long and circular tables to create a unique setting that really wowed our guests.” There was an open bar hosted from the start of cocktail hour to the last note of the last song at midnight.

For the Marriott-catered dinner, Meg and Mike opted for his and hers meals, inspired by each of their favorites. Each option included four-courses: salad, soup, entrée, and dessert. Mike chose a filet accompanied by asparagus and mashed potatoes, and Meg went for salmon with mixed veggies and risotto. “We still receive many compliments on how fantastic the food was!”

Dessert was a five-tier wedding cake, and for a late-night snack, there were hot dogs and a nacho bar — “for something different than pizza.” Between the delicious eats, a packed dance floor, the support of friends and family, and hearts full of love, Mike and Meg started the New Year — and their new life together — with an unforgettable night.

Reception table setting at the Marriott West

Bridal Show~Bartolotta Catering & Events Wedding Showcase
Invitations~Village Graphics, Hartland, WI
Rehearsal Dinner~Louise’s, Milwaukee, WI
Ceremony~Old St Mary Parish, Milwaukee WI
Reception and Catering~Milwaukee Marriott West, Waukesha, WI
Cake~A Little Slice of Heaven, Stone Bank, WI
Flowers~Heard Through The Grapevine, MaryBeth Panos
Music/Entertainment~Platinum Band, North Coast Management
Photographer~Studio 29 Photography, Ren Davis, Milwaukee, WI
Videographer~Thomas Video Studio, Tom Koziol
Bride’s Dress~Allure from Bliss Bridal, Milwaukee, WI
Bridesmaid Dresses~Joanna August from Bella Bridesmaids
Men’s Formalwear~Men’s Wearhouse
Rings~Mid Continental Gems

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