Real Wedding: Caitlin and Ryan

I always find it interesting to hear how couples meet and learn about the significant moments in their relationship. Here’s where I was going to tell you the story of Caitlin and Ryan but after looking thru their photos, and reading “their story”, I don’t think I could tell it any better than they did…

People ask Caitlin where and how she met Ryan and she responds… “Oh, you mean Twiggy?” This clearly leads to the Summer of 2009 where it all began on Badgerland when Caitlin rejoined and was constantly paired with a “Twiggy” (not the squirrel) for all her acts.

Let me add one side note here. Caitlin and Ryan were both on the Badgerland Water Ski Show team which is where they met. Ryan’s nickname was “Twiggy” and for the longest time, Caitlin didn’t even know what his real name was!  OK, back to the story…

Caitlin stole the heart of Ryan “Twiggy” after a ski set when she walked by with a smile, a laugh and her typical hair flip. He was a goner and no one saw it coming.

After a couple of dates, a coupe dinners, a couple awkward moments and even after meeting her outlandish family, he managed to stick around! They spent the last four years sharing a love for ambitious recipes, anything water sport related and putting up with Caitlin celebrating the holidays way too often and way too long.

On year 3, they were joined by a fluffy child – Zipper. He was nothing short of the missing piece needed for their little family. On October 5, 2013, Ryan proposed to Caitlin in front of all of their family and friends downtown Milwaukee. She said yes (through tears of joy) and now they’re beginning to write the next chapter in the best love story ever written… theirs!

Now how could I tell the story any better than that? Let’s pickup where that leaves off and tell you about their wedding.

Caitlin and Ryan chose Ideal Impressions Photography to photograph and video their wedding. Their photos are fantastic and truly capture the happiness and love that was in the air. Be sure to watch the “photo fusion” video at the end of this story – it’s one of their favorites! The most meaningful moment of the day came before the ceremony even started. Caitlin and Ryan did a “first look” session with the photographers. It let them enjoy one another on their own before being pulled into “what felt like a million people’s loving embrace” to congratulate them later on.

Vintage, modern, elegance is how Caitlin described the style of their wedding. And from the pictures, you’ll see exactly what she means. Old Milwaukee influences meet both rustic and classic touches from their choices in formal wear to the clean white and ivory linens, the soft pastel colored flowers and their beautiful cake. The reception was held at the Milwaukee Downtown Marriott. They were blown away by the service and individualized attention they received, not to mention the food! The description of their menu was so intricate and sophisticated that it sounds like a five-star restaurant. And to top it off, they also provided late night snacks for all their guests.

The flowers completed the look by providing a little bit of Hollywood elegance to the room. Caitlin and Ryan chose Flowers by Faye to design flowers for the church, cocktail hour, reception and the bridal party. It was just stunning.

The cake was designed by Brookfield Wedding Cakes. Caitlin and Ryan wanted their cake to have a different design for each tier. Sue worked with them and drew out the design right there on the spot! It was perfect.

Their gift table featured a card box made from a vintage old hat box situated next to an old marquee letter “D” (for their last name). On either side of that hung their mother’s bridal gowns with a story about how each of them met. See, a little bit of old, and a little bit of new.

Caitlin and Ryan had guests from all over – Australia, Mexico, California, Texas, North & South Dakota and Iowa (where Ryan’s family is from). To give them all a bit of Milwaukee flavor, their rehearsal dinner was at Saz’s State House Restaurant for epitome of Milwaukee food.  Each guest staying in the hotel received a care package of Sprecher Root Beer, Famous Milwaukee Pretzels and Mustard, Milwaukee Popcorn and a vintage thank you note from the bride and groom. Not enough Milwaukee for you? How about a visit from the Brewer’s Racing Sausages? Yup, you heard that right! While everyone was having fun at the reception, the Racing Sausages showed up for a great photo opp and of course some dancing!

Now here’s my favorite part. Caitlin’s brother knew how much their dog Zipper meant to them and how disappointed they were not to have him included in the festivities. So, he worked it into his speech and brought in Zipper to join the fun! As you can tell by the pictures, they were more than pleased he did that. My guess is Zipper was too!

When I asked Caitlin what stuck with her the most, she couldn’t pick just one moment. the entire day was simply amazing. She did have one piece of advice for future brides. Don’t dwell on what could happen, enjoy the day. It was 40 degrees and raining for their wedding day. Instead of being disappointed, they focused on the positives and paid attention to the reason they were doing this. Surround yourselves with your friends and family and be grateful for every single moment. How could you possibly argue with that? Congratulations Caitlin and Ryan. May you have an incredible life together and enjoy every moment!

Bachelorette Party~Chula Vista, Wisconsin Dells
Bridal Registry~Crate & Barrel and Bed, Bath & Beyond
“Day of” Coordinator~Linda Kruse, Classic Coordination
Invitations~Broadway Paper, Downtown Milwaukee
Rehearsal Dinner~Saz’s State House Restaurant
Ceremony Location~Christ King Church, Wauwatosa
Reception Location~Milwaukee Downtown Marriott
Catering and Late Night Snacks~Milwaukee Downtown Marriott
Cake~Brookfield Wedding Cakes
Flowers~Flowers by Faye
Music~Bobby Way and the Wayouts
Photo and Video~Ideal Impressions Photography
Wedding Gown~Tara Keely from Bliss Bridal
Formalwear~Men’s Wearhouse
Rings~Lyle Hussar Designs (Bride) and Gold Creations (Groom)
Honeymoon~Iberostar Paraiso Maya, Riviera Maya