Ally & Nate’s Lush, Lovely Wedding at The Cooperage

How it Started

Ally from Stoughton, Wisconsin, and Nate from Bristol, Wisconsin, met through their mutual friend Maxine. Ally doesn’t remember the precise moment she met Nate (“oops,” she says), but when Nate started hanging around more, sparks started flying.

The two got engaged mid-pandemic. “It was Nate’s birthday and we got takeout from our favorite brunch spot, Uncle Wolfie’s, and he proposed on our balcony,” Ally recalls. “I don’t remember much else except crying and then jumping up and down and calling our families and friends.”

Wedding at The Cooperage

Nate and Ally decided to tie the knot at The Cooperage, located in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood. “The space is unquestionably beautiful with so much to offer between the private outdoor yard, large custom bar, and amazing reception area filled with plants and cream city brick. While every vendor made our wedding amazing, it really wouldn’t have been as incredible if it wasn’t at The Cooperage. We got the last date available for 2021 and it was the best decision.”

Outdoor Ceremony

Ally and Nate planned a May wedding with an outdoor ceremony. She wore a sleek, stunning gown by Sarah Seven, purchased at Strike Bridal Bar in downtown Milwaukee. The groom and groomsmen wore green suits with the bridesmaids in assorted dresses.

Ally was pleasantly surprised to find that the ceremony was one of her favorite parts. “I love how simple and intimate it was. Our close friend, Marcus, officiated and tied in so much of who we are, individually and together. That made it special and something that our friends and family were able to relate to as well. My favorite part was our vows. Nate and I wrote our own and it was so meaningful.”

A Lush, Elegant Reception

Nate and Ally’s wedding colors were a bold combination of green, blue, cream, and burnt orange. The overall look was one of greenery with tropical vibes. “With the decor and florals, everything came together to look like a whimsical and timeless little rainforest.” Ally says. “I loved looking around and seeing all our friends and family with the sunlight coming in through the large windows, lighting up the brick and greenery towers.”

Ally and Nate incorporated some DIY touches by making the name card display. Ally purchased magnolia leaves on Etsy and kept them in her fridge for a week. She then wrote everyone’s names in gold and displayed them from a wooden frame built by Nate and one of his best men. For another fun touch, Ally’s matron of honor designed a koozie with Nate and Ally’s cat, Kida, on it as a guest favor: ”The Kida Kooziie.”

Ally says one of her favorite parts of the reception were the speeches. “I had a maid and matron of honor, and Nate had two best men—all from different parts of our lives. I couldn’t believe we had four spot-on, hilarious, and authentic speeches.”

Catering by The Cooperage

Nate and Ally agree: “The food was amazing!” Everything was catered by The Cooperage. For appetizers, there were blue cheese meatballs and deviled eggs. The salad starter was a classic wedge, followed by entrees of forest-style chicken and Tuscan-style chicken. Sides were root vegetables and fingerling potatoes.

“The Cooperage also offered a very large selection of house wines, local and imported beers and seltzers, as well as signature cocktails. We chose an Old Fashioned and Gin Bramble.” For late-night food the bride and groom chose to do the taco truck that resides just outside of The Cooperage. A tasty end to a terrific day.