A Rainy Villa Terrace Wedding in Milwaukee | Stephanie + John - Anna Page Photography - Modern Milwaukee Wisconsin wedding photographer

Newly married couple look at rainbow at Villa Terrace

Some wedding days have a way of unfolding with their own rhythm. Unplanned, yet perfectly right. Stephanie and John’s Villa Terrace wedding in Milwaukee will always stay with me for that reason. (Also, this is one of my favorite wedding venues, it never gets old!) I knew their day would be special from the moment I photographed their engagement session a year earlier, and it turned out to be a magical day filled with crafty hand-made details and multiple rainbow appearances.

Villa Terrace was the perfect backdrop for Stephanie + John’s wedding. The Italian Renaissance-style architecture, overlooking Lake Michigan, feels so romantic without ever trying too hard. There’s history and texture everywhere you look: archways, gardens, fountains, and a terrace that glows in the evening light. It couldn’t have been a more perfect setting for their celebration!

From Planning to Wedding Day

What stood out to me right away was how much of herself Stephanie poured into the wedding. She has a gift for detail, and it showed in every single piece she created. The embroidered cocktail napkin place cards, signage, and the stationery suite she designed. Nothing felt like décor for the sake of it. Each detail carried her touch, which gave the day an added layer of intimacy and artistry. (If you’d like to see more of her incredible work, check out her Instagram!)

A Courtyard Ceremony at Villa Terrace

Rain lingered through the morning, so the ceremony was moved to the Villa Terrace courtyard. Despite challenging weather, moving to the courtyard at Villa Terrace never feels like a backup plan. It has its own kind of charm, enclosed and intimate, framed by the estate’s architecture. Truly one of the most beautiful venues in Milwaukee.

Surrounded by their family and friends, Stephanie and John exchanged vows in a space that felt calm and beautiful. After the ceremony, the rain cleared…and the best part? A rainbow stretched across the sky! An unplanned moment that would be forever etched on their day (and mine).

Wide shot of wedding ceremony in Villa Terrace Courtyard in Milwaukee

Bride and groom smile in front of a rainbow

Dinner and a Rainbow

Not to be outdone, the design team brought the terrace to life for the reception. Gracious Events created tablescapes that blended gorgeously with Stephanie’s handmade details. Blue floral tablecloths set the foundation, with each guest’s place marked by a different vintage-style plate. Delicate flowers and candlelight added warmth to the already magical space. The overall effect was layered but not overdone. And the wedding cake! Simple, beautiful and flawless, which is why Lucy Bakes is so amazing.

The setting felt elevated and comfortable, and perfectly suited to Villa Terrace. A warm environment paired perfectly with the warmth of family and friends, one after another after another, toasting to the newly married couple. And as dinner was being served, an unexpected surprise! Yet another rainbow appeared in the distance! The timing was uncanny, almost inspired, so unlikely after the first rainbow post-ceremony. Yet there it was again, wreathed over the wedding couple and their guests while they enjoyed a truly magical evening.

Villa Terrace wedding reception table and details

Blue and white heart shaped wedding cake

Rainbow over the water outside Villa Terrace in Milwaukee

Kind Words from Stephanie and John

After the wedding, Stephanie and John sent me this message that I’ll never forget:

“Anna…I am so unwell right now. Literal tears are happening. The story-telling abilities you have with photography are unreal and the emotion in each photo you captured. John and I are so blessed to be captured by you! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to relive our wedding day through these STUNNING photos. You are such an artist I can’t even handle it!”

Their words mean so much to me. My goal is always to create work that helps couples relive their day…not just how it looked, but how it felt.

Bride and groom portrait at Milwaukee wedding venue Villa Terrace

Why Villa Terrace is a Milwaukee Wedding Favorite

For couples planning a Milwaukee wedding, Villa Terrace offers so many possibilities for romance in just one venue space. The terrace overlooks Lake Michigan and glows in the evening light. The courtyard is private and versatile, making it an ideal space for both ceremonies and receptions. Around every corner, the architecture and gardens create beautiful backdrops for portraits.

It’s a venue that adapts to the couple and the day, whether it’s clear skies or a rainy forecast. Stephanie and John’s wedding is proof of that! The rain didn’t take away from their celebration, it shaped it into something uniquely theirs. And it was such a joy for me to capture.

Reflections

Stephanie and John’s Villa Terrace wedding was a reminder of why I love this venue, and why I love photographing couples who bring their own creativity into their day. Between the handmade details, the artistry of Gracious Events, and the surprise rainbows, it felt like a day where every element belonged. I simply will never get over how beautiful it was.

If you’d like to see more of this venue, check out another Villa Terrace wedding I photographed. And if you’re planning your own celebration at Villa Terrace, I’d love to connect about photographing your day. Reach out and we can chat more about your plans!