Amanda & Sema's Sunday Brunch Wedding at the Seven Seas

Amanda and Sema met the modern way: “I had been talked into trying Tinder because someone told me you can legitimately meet people on there,” Amanda laughs. “I guess they were right!” Sema proposed with the help of the couple’s dog, Hurley. Amanda was watching TV when Hurley came bounding into the room after having gone outside with Sema. “Hurley kept putting his face in mine and wanting me to pet him,” Amanda recalls. “Sema finally said, ‘Look at Hurley’s neck!’ He had tied the ring around his collar. I think Hurley was acting the way he did because he knew what his job was!”

The happy couple decided to keep things beautifully simple with a Sunday brunch wedding. “We didn’t want our wedding to be a big party. We wanted it to be small and intimate. Sunday brunch was just perfect for what we had in mind — the perfect time of day for an outside wedding, plus everyone had the afternoon to do what they pleased. We wanted it as easy and with the least amount of pressure for ourselves and everyone who came. We don’t think we missed out on a single thing by doing a daytime wedding. It was exactly what we wanted!” In fact, Amanda and Sema were able to get all the vendors they wanted (given the non-peak day), and guests also loved how fun and carefree the day felt.

Both the ceremony and reception took place at the Seven Seas, with Indian Summer Photography on hand to capture the love-filled day. Amanda says there wasn’t a specific theme, rather a focus on gathering everyone together and feeling comfortable. “That’s why we chose a few very long tables instead of many smaller tables. Even the meal was family style. I guess, if there was a theme, it would be ‘family style!’”

A family friend even officiated the wedding, making the ceremony all the more meaningful. A string duo from Elegant Music Services played the procession and recession songs, and Amanda walked down the aisle in her Amelishan Bridal dress to the tune of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” — a favorite of hers. “Another special part is that I walked down with both my dad and my grandfather, who was a huge part of my life growing up.”

In keeping with intimate, family-style simplicity, a brunch reception followed with a little dancing, too. “I loved it because it felt like a family reunion,” Amanda says. “It was very relaxing without expectations or stress.” Brunch was catered by the Seven Seas and included scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, a basket of bakery, barbecue riblets, herb roasted chicken, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. To toast to the bride and groom, guests enjoyed champagne, mimosas, orange juice, bloody marys, and a full bar.

At the end of the day, Amanda and Sema wouldn’t trade their Sunday brunch wedding for anything — it was absolutely perfect for them. “Don’t worry about the expectations from everyone to have some huge party,” Amanda says. Her advice to future brides is to make the day about why you’re there: To celebrate the joining two lives together in love.

[table]
Hair Stylist~Jamie Schroeder of Hair by Jamie in Oconomowoc
Invitations~Purchased from LoveofCreating through Etsy
Ceremony, Reception, Catering & Bartending~Seven Seas on Nagawicka Lake
Cake~Maja the Bee Sweets
Ceremony Music~Elegant Music Services
Chalkboard/Custom Signage~Written by the Bride on signs/frames rented from Vintique Rentals
Flowers~Barb’s Green House Florist in Hales Corners, WI
Music/Entertainment~Vital Image
Photographer~Indian Summer Photography
Gown~Amelishan Bridal
Formalwear~Skeffington’s Formal Wear
Rings~Jared
Rentals~Vintique Rentals
[/table]

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Amanda & Sema’s Sunday Brunch Wedding at the Seven Seas