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Couple in wedding gown and navy suit walking down the streets of Milwaukee.

A Downtown Milwaukee Wedding With a Surprise Visit From Ludacris

October 17, 2024

When Modern Meets Romantic at GATHER at Deer District for a Gorgeous Milwaukee Wedding.

How They Met

Jon and Chandler started dating in 2015 after meeting at UW-Milwaukee. Shortly after they started dating Chandler asked Jon to go pet shopping with her, bringing home their fur baby, Stella the cat. Coincidentally soon after, Jon accepted a job in Chicago after graduation and Chandler started graduate school in the greater Chicago area. Their love story continued in the Chicago area driving to see each other and visiting around the Chicago area.

How They Got Engaged

Jon proposed on a December wintery night in downtown Milwaukee, one day before their seven year anniversary. Jon surprised Chandler with a private dining experience and champagne at Hotel Metro, where he proceeded to get down on one knee and popped the question! Chandler was over the moon as she had been waiting for this special day. They then celebrated with family and friends that weekend; including a party bus, brewery tour, dinner and happy hours!

The Planning Process

Wedding Date: June 22, 2024
Guest Count: 165
Style/Theme: Modern Romantic
Wedding Colors: Taupe, Black, Navy and White
Wedding Planner: Events to a T

What was your favorite design element?
“Our kings table was a must have! We had been looking forward to feeling like we were at a large dinner party with friends and family throughout the process. The low and lush floral garland with taper candles on our kings table made the night a dream. We also incorporated small details such as signature cocktails, edible drink toppers, patterned linens, chargers and black flatware from Well Dressed Tables (Arena Americas).”

Weddings Looks

Dress: Sarah Seven (Bridal Gown) & Meshki (Second Dress)
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Hair: Indigo Beauty Wellness – Kara
Makeup: RSVP Glam – Nina

How many dresses did you try on?
“I had been dreaming of a white crepe dress from Sarah Seven before we were even engaged. A white fitted crepe dress had my name all over it. I tried on 6 dresses before I found the one, the fabric was unmatched. I added a slit to my dress to fit in with our modern venue and a pearl cathedral length veil to bring it all together.”

Ceremony Details

Location: GATHER at Deer District
Photographer: Stephanie Koppa
Photo stops: The Pabst area, The Trade and GATHER

Ceremony Decor:
“We wanted our ceremony to capture our love story to share with family and friends. It was important for us to hire an officiant who was able to truly tell our story. Our mothers were incorporated into our unity ceremony by each lighting a candle for our unity candle. The ceremony was short and sweet, but also included spiritual elements that were meaningful to us.”

Reception Details

Location: GATHER at Deer District
First Dance Song: Still Falling For You by Ellie Goudling
Food and Drink: Levy Restaurants

“The overall flow of the day made us feel at ease and stress free! The most unique part was a surprise visit from Ludacris during our photos after our ceremony. Our reception included all of our favorite songs, which we danced the night away to. We felt at ease and had more fun than we ever thought! We loved our DJ, and the photo booth was fun touch. Our reception embodied our style and personalities. It felt like a large dinner party with our closest family and friends!”

Looking Back

Three Words that Described the Day: Joyful, Elegant and Relaxed
Biggest Wedding Splurge: Wedding Planner

Vendor Who Impressed You the Most:
“Our wedding planner, Andrea, from Events to a T brought our vision to life. She listened to all of our ideas, had answers when things were stressful, and offered choices in time of indecision. Our DJ, Conor, kept the dance floor packed all night long. Our photographer, Stephanie, had a vibe that was full of energy and fun, yet calming. She captured our day and has an eye for beautiful details. The coordinators and catering staff at GATHER created a welcoming environment and provided great menu options, accommodating special requests.”

What Moment Sticks With You the Most?
“First looks and private vows. I opted to do a first look with my dad and Jon. The first looks eased us into a day filled with emotion. Jon and I also read our vows in private at that time. Our first look did not take away from the first time we saw each other as I walked down the aisle.”

Special Tips or Advice to Future Couples?
“Invest in your vendors. A wedding planner, quality photographer and videographer are all worth it!”

 

Wisconsin Wedding Vendors

Vendor Service Website Instagram
Ceremony & Reception Location GATHER at Deer District @gatheratdd
Caterer & Bartending Levy Restaurants @levy.restaurants
Photographer Stephanie Koppa @stephaniekoppa
Videographer Salem Media Productions @salem_media_productions
Event Planner Events to a T @eventstoat
Cake & Dessert Classy Girl Cupcakes @classygirlcupcakes
Flowers Jane Kelly Floral @janekellyfloral
Invitations & Signage Minted | Custom by Events to a T @minted | @eventstoat
Linens BBJ La Tavola @bbjlatavola
Rental Items Well Dressed Tables / Arena Americas @welldressedtables_us
Wedding Day Newspaper The Newspaper Club @newspaperclub
Music & Entertainment Sound by Design @soundbydesign
Transportation Cruise a Palooza @cruise.a.palooza
Makeup Artist RSVP Glam – Nina @rsvp_glam
Hair Stylist Indigo Beauty Wellness – Kara @indigobeautywellness
Wedding Gown Sarah Seven @sarahseven
Bridesmaid Gowns Jenny Yoo @jennyyoonyc
Menswear Mens Wearhouse @menswearhouse
Officiant Love is Love – Rev. Steve Reid
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Party The Trade Hotel @thetradehotel

 

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