Discovery World Wedding in Milwaukee

From MU to “I do,” these college sweethearts’ story is a modern fairy tale.

How They Met

As fate would have it, Nicki was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Wisconsin while Jon was born in Wisconsin and grew up in Massachusetts. The two met at Marquette University when they both volunteered for freshman orientation. They were close friends throughout college, always cheering each other on or attending and participating in activities together. Eventually, they built a deeper, more romantic connection and have been in love ever since.

The Engagement

Before joining their families, Nicki and Jon celebrate their own Christmas together each year. They had plans to exchange gifts and grab holiday drinks at Cafe Centraal. When they arrived, they had the whole outdoor patio space to themselves. When Nicki opened her gift from Jon, it was an ornament that read, “Our First Christmas Engaged.” She immediately began to cry, and Jon got down on one knee to ask her to be his wife. Then, she noticed both of their families and a few close friends were there with them to celebrate the happy moment.

The Dress

Nicki found her dream wedding dress at Strike Bridal Bar in Milwaukee. She tried on about 10 gowns before finding “the one” – a timeless dress with floral details. She knew it was the perfect fit when she couldn’t stop crying as she wore it.

The Ceremony

Nicki and Jon got married at the Old St. Mary’s Church in Downtown Milwaukee. They had a traditional Catholic ceremony led by our favorite Jesuit priest from Marquette University, who professionally plays the Irish flute and surprised the couple and their guests with a beautiful song. Jon’s favorite part was seeing his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle.

The Reception

The newlyweds hosted their wedding reception at Discovery World on Lake Michigan. The cocktail hour was held outside on the water during sunset and featured a romantic string quartet. The Pavilion was filled with soft citrus-colored florals with leafy rustic Italian greenery and hundreds of candles, creating a grand, dreamy garden space.

Nicki and Jon got the party started as they entered the room to the song “Imma Be” by the Black Eyed Peas (their last name is Bie, pronounced “bee”)! All of the speeches were kind, supportive, and had everyone smiling from ear to ear. The dance floor was illuminated with twinkling lights and the glow of marquee letters that spelled out B-I-E. There were glow sticks, drink stirrers with their beloved dog Bogey, and a photo booth with a lush green background. The dance floor was packed all night long, with their favorite friends and family.

The Design

The head table, where the bride, groom, and their 22-member bridal party sat for dinner, was a long king and queen table with towering flower installations from All That Blooms above and lined with an abundance of candles. There were blush napkins and rose gold accents. “It was the garden party table of our dreams!”

The Food and Drinks

The wedding dinner menu, prepared and catered by Bartolotta’s, included braised boneless beef short ribs, coq au vin, and butternut squash ravioli. Guests enjoyed an all-night open bar with premium liquor, beer, wine, a champagne toast, and the “his and hers” cocktails – bourbon lemonade and a Wisconsin Mule. The late-night snacks were inspired by popular Milwaukee cuisine: brat sliders, cheese curds, and frites cones. For dessert, Black Twig Bakery in Wauwatosa designed the gorgeous wedding cake for all to enjoy.

The Honeymoon

Nicki and Jon celebrated their newly wedded bliss in Aruba.

Words of Wisdom from the Bride

“Although it can be stressful sometimes while planning the wedding, just remember why you’re doing it. You get to marry the person of your dreams! Remembering that all of it would mean I got to marry and spend my life with the love of my life, Jon, made it all worth it.”

Wisconsin Wedding Vendors: