A Woodsy Wedding at Hubbard Park Lodge

A Hidden Gem of a Milwaukee Wedding Venue Created the Perfect Backdrop for this Romantic Wedding

Molly, from Chicago, and David, from St. Louis, met one summer working together at a Summer Theatre in southern Indiana. Molly was a costume designer and David was the Executive Director of the theatre. It was the greatest summer getting to spend so much time together getting to know one another. After summer ended Molly went off to Milwaukee and David started grad school at Virginia Tech. Thus, starting three years of long distance. Fast forward to when Molly and David had been together for nine years, they decided they wanted to invest in their future and buy a home together. Shortly after moving in, they embarked on a trip to Italy together. While there, they celebrated David’s birthday by getting engaged. David had hired a photographer to capture their engagement at the Basilica in Florence, and it was the best surprise Molly could have dreamed of!

Wedding Planning

Planning their wedding, Molly wanted flowers to be the star of the day and David wanted to incorporate his love of Lord of the Rings. The couple decided on a theme of “romantic tavern” giving a woodsy feeling. The colors were greens, pinks and mauve tones. Choosing the venue of Hubbard Park Lodge created the perfect feel and backdrop for them. Molly describes it as a “hidden gem”. Hubbard Park allowed them to really decorate and transform the space into their perfect day for both the ceremony and reception.

The Ceremony and Reception

The ceremony was set right beside the Milwaukee River on the grounds of Hubbard Park Lodge. Leading up the aisle were beautiful thrifted rugs by the bride and the alter was a floral meadow created using silk flowers. Molly will never forget hearing David’s vows as he was truly speaking from his heart and sharing his love. The wind also worked in their favor as Molly’s veil flowed in the breeze creating some amazing pictures.

For the reception it was all about creating a romantic vibe. They were lucky enough to have some very talented friends to help their vision come to life. One of their friends helped them design a family crest representing their love story. The crest featured each state they lived in, David’s favorite hobby of Dungeons and Dragons, and needles and scissors to represent Molly as a seamstress and florist. Last but not least, they of course had to include their dog, Brekkie.

Food and Flowers

Looking back on the day, Molly said her favorite design element in her wedding was all the floral incorporated. Working with Flowers for Dreams, they created a beautiful color palette. A mix of goblets and thrifted vases were used to create the arrangements and a variety of candles throughout to help set the tone.

Bringing in the true Wisconsin flavor, the couple was excited to share a fish fry with their guests for dinner. A lot of guests were from out of town so it was a huge hit! A mixed drink generator was also incorporated as you got to have the option of rolling for your drink, taking a nod from Dungeons and Dragons. For dessert was coffee and donuts! Each guests received a coffee mug which also served as their place card that they got to take home.

Two Looks for the Bride

The bride donned two gowns for their special day. The first from David’s Bridal, actually purchased before the engagement with the encouragement of the groom’s mom. There was a sale going on in the store and Molly had admired the gown long before. The second came from Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique. Not ever planning to purchase a second dress, this one spoke to her as soon as she saw it on the hanger. Taking her mom to see it made it official and working with the team at Miss Ruby’s was even more of a dream making her feel so special throughout the process. David got his suit from NL Suits.

Their photographer, Becca B. Creative, was a welcome blessing as she gave great advice on how to be comfortable in front of the camera as well as knowing how to take charge of the day and the photos. Molly and Becca met in college and then reconnected when Molly was able to alter Becca’s gown for her wedding.

Words of Wisdom

“Even working with brides professionally and helping my best friends plan their weddings, there is something different about when you are the bride getting ready for your big day. Soak it all in, don’t be afraid to tell people what you need! If you are having a bridal party, they want to help. All you should do on the day of your wedding is get pampered and get married! We were able to trust in all the people working behind the scenes and it let us have the best day ever!”

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