Forgot Password?

User Registration
Natalie and Tanner at St James 1868 by Mariah Jones Photo

A Timeless, Black and White Milwaukee Wedding at St. James 1868

March 21, 2025

A classic and timeless wedding with pops of gold and lush greenery for a celebration that was as intimate as it was magical.

How They Met

Natalie and Tanner met in college at Marquette University when they both worked at the campus bookstore. During summer, they got to know each other and Natalie flirted (very obviously) the entire time (to which Tanner claims he never noticed).

When school started, Natalie decided that he wasn’t interested…and that’s when Tanner finally asked her out. The rest is history!

How They Got Engaged

“We got engaged at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield. We are members there as Tanner loves to golf and spent many summer nights there. He told me that we were going there for dinner to celebrate his grandpas birthday, but he wanted to go early and ride around the course since they were doing some updates. I had my suspicions but then we drove around for 15 minutes actually looking at the course! When we got to the 8th hole, which site on a hill overlooking the entire course, he asked to take a picture and then got down on one knee! It was a perfect fall day and the perfect setting.”

The Planning Process

Wedding Date: June 29, 2024
Guest Count: 150
Style/Theme: Classic and timeless
Wedding Colors: Black and white, gold accents and greenery

What was your favorite design?
“I loved our flowers! Going in, I was very overwhelmed with the idea of flowers because I didn’t know much about them. I knew I wanted white and green. Belle Fiori was amazing and was one of my favorite parts of the planning process. We had several meetings sketching out where everything would go from the ceremony to the reception. The vase, candles, centerpieces were gorgeous! They truly were the experts but also guided us and listened to our opinions. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience with something that was causing so much stress!

Weddings Looks

Dress: Paloma Blanca, White Dress Bridal Boutique
Menswear: Charles Tyrwhitt
Hair: Merle Norman – Erin Bubolz
Makeup: Merle Norman – Erin Bubolz
Rings: Gold Creations, Brookfield WI

How many dresses did you try on?
“I tried on about 10 dresses. I knew I wanted something classic and elegant, without a long of lace or bling. I definitely wanted something form fitting but with straps so dancing was a breeze! I tried on several dresses with a similar neckline and cut but I knew mine was the one once I saw the train. I could envision the train going down the long isle at our venue and it seemed perfect. The high neckline brought a sense of maturity and elegance but the open back made it fun and youthful. We added full buttons down the back and truly made it one of a kind!”

Ceremony Details

Location: St. James 1868
Photographer: Mariah Jones Photography

“Our ceremony was one of our favorite parts of the day. The pastor who married us has been a family friend of my husbands family for many years and we spent a lot of time with him prior to the wedding. The ceremony was so personal for us and really focused on a faithful union between us. Having our people standing next to us was an added bonus!”

Ceremony Decor
“We kept the ceremony decor fairly simple with lots of candles lining the steps and flowers. We wanted to showcase the venue itself; the historic details and beautiful stained glass windows.”

Reception Details

Location: St. James 1868

“This was the first thing we chose during the planning process and really set the tone for the whole day. We knew we wanted to be in Milwaukee and have a more formal feel. The story of this church and the historic elements, including the stained glass, were exactly what we were looking for. The church made us feel like we were in Europe and the courtyard was a perfect spot for an outdoor cocktail hour. No details were overlooked when they renovated this space and it all felt so intentional. We didn’t look at any other venues after touring the St. James, it was absolutely perfect!

Music & Entertainment: Sound By Design
First Dance Song: Lifetime by Justin Bieber

“Our reception was the best! During dinner we had several speeches from our siblings and then went into dancing. Our favorite part was the last few songs of the night when everyone was on the dance floor and it was really our closest people left. It felt like such an intimate time while also having the last of the party!”

Looking Back

Biggest Wedding Splurge: Venue

Which vendor impressed you the most?
“Our florist was so impressive. She really helped me find a vision without rushing or pressuring me and made it come to life! Also our photographer was amazing! Mariah captured the day so beautifully and we will cherish those memories forever.”

Three Words that Described the Day: Magical, intimate, so much fun!

What moment sticks with you the most?
“The moment that sticks out the most to us was before the ceremony, during our first look, we did private vows to each other. It was such an intimate moment, just the two of us to share our love for each other. No one else was there (besides our photographer!) and I will never forget it. I would recommend that for everyone. It truly centers you for the day and connects you together. It was our favorite part!”

What tips or advice would you share with future couples?
“Try not to stress about the small things. Planning is a really stressful time but at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you are married. There will be things that are not perfect, but that’s not what people will remember. People will remember how they felt that day and that’s the most important. Cherish this time with your fiancé because it’s short and such a special time.”

Wisconsin Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Vendor Service Website Instagram
Invitations Minted @minted
Florist Belle Fiori Florist @bellefiorimke
Gown Paloma Blanca from White Dress Bridal Boutique @mikaellabridal | @whitedressbridalboutique
Menswear Charles Tyrwhitt @charlestyrwhitt
Hair & Makeup Merle Norman – Erin Bubolz @mnbrookfield
Rings Gold Creations, Brookfield WI
Ceremony, Reception & Bartending St. James 1868 @stjames1868
Photographer Mariah Jones Photo @mariahjonesphoto
Catering Zilli Hospitality Group @zillihospitalitygroup
Cake/Dessert Sweet Perfections @sweetperfectionsbakery
Music/Entertainment Sound By Design @soundbydesign
Rehearsal Dinner The Bridgewater @bridgewatermke

Categorized in: , , , , , , ,