Kim & Dan’s Wine-themed Wedding at the Domes

Kim from Kenosha and Dan from Muskego met on match.com and had their first date at Sail Loft in downtown Milwaukee. The pair got engaged on Christmas, after all the day’s festivities were over. “We went back to Dan’s apartment, and he told me that I had one more gift to open, but I had to find it in the Christmas tree,” Kim remembers. “Once I realized what I was looking for and found the ring, I turned around and Dan was on one knee. We celebrated with a bottle of champagne he had chilling in the freezer.”

Dan and Kim planned a wedding at St. Paul’s church in Muskego, followed by a reception at the Mitchell Park Domes. Before the big day, Kim attended the Wonderful World of Weddings show at State Fair park, found a gorgeous gown at Eva’s Bridal, and bridesmaid dresses at Images of Racine. When it came time to walk down the aisle at St. Paul’s, Kim says she wasn’t nervous until she was standing behind the door, waiting.

“I don’t remember much of the ceremony,” Kim admits. “Which is why I’m glad we have a video to remember!” Kim’s cousin Jason captured the whole thing on film. For photography, the couple chose In-Focus Photography and absolutely loved working with them. “They were so attentive to the whole process, from the engagement shoot to the presentation of our photos at the end. They did an amazing job!”

The Domes reception went just as planned — “a perfect day!” During cocktail hour, Zilli Hospitality Group provided specialty sippers (like a maple whiskey signature drink) and hors d’oeuvres. Then came a delicious sit-down dinner. Kim and Dan loved working with Zilli, especially Angie Majewski, wedding coordinator for the Domes. “She helped tremendously with planning and organizing it all.” Dessert came from Aggie’s Bakery with cupcakes of all different flavors (including pumpkin with maple whiskey frosting!) and a small tiered wedding cake.

While the Domes is a thoroughly unique experience in itself as guests can venture off into the various habitats, Kim and Dan took the reception to the next level by incorporating elements that really spoke to them as a couple. “The reception was wine themed! We had bottles of wine for the table numbers, corks used for place cards, and our favor was a wine stopper.” Kim made many of the decorations herself and her Maid of Honor put together all of the paper goods for the wedding, including menus, place cards, and programs. One of Kim’s favorite things about her reception, was the Shutterbooth photo booth.

Dan and Kim closed the night with a reservation at the Crown Plaza Milwaukee Airport. As Kim looks back on the day, she says what sticks with her most is “living in the moment.” Her advice to brides who are planning their own wedding: “Don’t stress about every little detail. When it comes down to it, guests overlook the little things. Remember to take time to enjoy your day — and your husband! — to the fullest. It’s easy to get sucked up in all your family and friends; focus on you and your husband, and make sure you spend as much time together as possible.”

[table]
Bridal Shows Attended~Wonderful World of Weddings
Wedding Consultant~Dreams and Designs by Danica
Invitations~Kelli Cross, Maid of Honor
Rehearsal Dinner~Buca di Beppos
Ceremony Location~St. Paul Lutheran Church Muskego
Reception Location~Mitchell Park Domes
Caterer~Zilli Hospitality Group
Cake Designer~Aggie’s Bakery
Flowers~Sendik’s Floral
Music/Entertainment~Sound by Design
Transportation~Cheesehead Limousine
Photographer~In-Focus Photography
Videographer~Jason Barton – Cousin of the Bride
Photo Booth~Shutterbooth
Bridal Gown~Eva’s Bridal
Bridesmaid dresses~Images of Racine
Formal Wear~Men’s Wearhouse
Rings~Robert Haack
Hotel~Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport
[/table]