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October 2, 2025
Olivia Overend Photography
Olivia Overend Photography
Kaitlin and Ethan met when they were 15 years old after being paired up as dance partners for their high school theater’s production of “The Music Man.” When their eyes met at their first rehearsal together, they both knew it was love at first sight. After that they began their relationship during their sophomore year of high school and have been best friends and life partners ever since!
Ethan proposed to Kaitlin in November of 2024 after taking her on a variety of fun dates around Milwaukee. They started the morning with donuts (her favorite food) at Cranky’s before exploring a German Christmas Market. After, they made their way to Mitchell Park Domes that brought back memories of one of their first dates. From there they finished their day at Discovery World to take a walk along the lakefront as sunset approached. Here is where Ethan got down on one knee to ask Kaitlin to marry him, leaving the couple as giddy as could be.
Wedding Date: July 25, 2025
Guest Count: 72
Wedding Colors: Dusty Blue, Navy, Sage
Style and Theme of the Wedding: Enchanted Summer Garden
What was your favorite design element?
“Our favorite design element was the florals, along with the incorporation of candlelight during the reception.”
Dress: Maggie Sottero from Xandy’s Bridal
Menswear: DuBois Formalwear
How many dresses did you try on?
“I did try on a variety of dresses, possibly 5-7, but I remember that my dress was the second one I tried on in the shop. I knew it was the one when we added the sleeves after I had put it on a second time. It felt so elegant and romantic, I didn’t want to take it off.”
Location: Story Hill FireHouse
Photographer: Olivia Overend Photography
Ceremony Decor:
“Signage, drapery, bud vases and candles decorated the venue space as guests arrived, most of which remained for the reception. I aimed to keep the ceremony space simple in its decor, in order for the focus to be on the color dynamic within the bridal party as they stood up front.”
Ceremony Details and Favorite Moments:
“Our ceremony felt incredibly personal and full of love from everyone involved. My sibling, was our usher, all four of our parents walked us down the aisle, Ethan’s younger siblings were our ring bearer and flower girl, and Ethan’s older sister officiated. Not to mention our closest friends surrounding us as we committed our lives to each other. Our favorite part, however, was the personal vows we had written for one another, which we read during the ceremony.”
Location: Story Hill FireHouse
Caterer: Beans and Barley
Rentals: Windy City Linen
First Dance Song: ‘La Vien Rose’
Why Did You Choose Your Venue:
“We chose our venue because it perfectly accommodated our number of guests, our desires for a bride and groom suite, hopes for an affordable bar service, open catering choices, and both ceremony and reception options at a very reasonable price. Additionally, it’s a beautiful space with a fun back story! It just felt right.“
Reception Decor:
“Our dining set up incorporated navy linens, vases with pillar candles, candlesticks, and more florals into the reception decor, along with a simple plate setting.”
Reception Details and Favorite Moments:
“Our reception included all the classics; dinner, drinks, dancing, and dessert. However, we included three additional things that made it a bit unique. First, we used a service to rent a rotary phone for guests to leave voice messages for us, and it was located in a phone booth at the venue. Second, we had a game table inside and yard games outside for guests who might want a break from dancing. Third, our talented friend, Dain Thompson, drew caricatures for our guests throughout the night, which doubled as a “party favor” for the night.”
Three Words that Described the Day:
“It. Was. PERFECT!!”
What Moment Sticks With You the Most?
“I remember looking around the dance floor and seeing my new husband, all of my friends, and our family together celebrating us with such job. In the simplest terms, it was such a special night.”
Special Tips or Advice to Future Couples?
“Plan a night that you are excited about as a couple, don’t worry about what other people might want, they’re there for you!”
| Vendor Service | Website | Social Media |
| Ceremony & Reception Location | Story Hill FireHouse | @storyhillfirehouse |
| Caterer & Desserts | Beans and Barley | @beansandbarley |
| Photographer | Olivia Overend Photography | @oliviaoverendphotography |
| Invitations | Bride | |
| Florist | Family Friend – Brenda Fry | |
| Linens | Windy City Linen | @windycitylinen |
| Hair & Makeup | Team Bride MKE | @team_bridemke |
| Wedding Gown | Xandy’s Bridal – Maggie Sottero | @xandysbridalhouse |
| Menswear | DuBois Formalwear | @duboisformalwear |
| Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie, Selfie Leslie and Birdy Grey | |
| Rings | Holden (Groom’s) | Etsy (Bride’s) | |
| Rehearsal Dinner | Sprecher Brewing Co. | @sprecherbrewery |
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