Kallie and Aaron’s St James 1868 wedding in Milwaukee was classic black tie, with a Church of Gesu wedding ceremony, downtown portraits, and a reception in The Abbey. Despite rain threatening throughout the day, we were able to visit my favorite locations in downtown Milwaukee for photos! This wedding was elegant, beautiful, and so much fun to capture.
Why I Love St. James 1868
St. James 1868 was such a good fit for Kallie and Aaron’s classy wedding style. There are a couple of great spaces at St. James 1868 that are gorgeous for weddings, like their more intimate space, The Hyde. But the grand, historical space of The Abbey was perfect for Kallie and Aaron. The Abbey has so much character built in. There’s an arched ceiling, tall windows, and warm lighting. I absolutely loved the red door, stone exterior, and the inside of The Abbey. It had a formal, old-world feeling that matched their black tie wedding beautifully.
Photographing so often in downtown Milwaukee, I really love the central location of St. James 1868 for portraits! It makes it easy to take advantage of the variety of locations nearby. And it’s great to not have to rush the timeline of the day.
For more Milwaukee weddings and venue inspiration, you can see my work in my portfolio.
Church of Gesu Wedding Ceremony on Marquette’s Campus
Kallie and Aaron’s ceremony was at Church of Gesu on Marquette’s campus. This made perfect sense for them with so many Marquette friends and family in attendance. The long center aisle and Gothic arches were a great fit with their black tie wedding.
Outside the church, we spent some time taking portraits in front of the stone architecture of the building. One of my personal highlights from the ceremony was capturing a very excited Kallie and Aaron as they exited the church! Surrounded by all of their people, it was such a fun just-married moment.
Downtown Milwaukee Wedding Portraits
Because the rain held off (yay!), we were able to photograph near St. James, at Milwaukee Central Library across the street, and around Joan of Arc Chapel on campus. I love taking advantage of that gorgeous area of downtown Milwaukee. The portraits inside the library are probably my favorites of the day.
I really loved shooting this wedding and the energy of Kallie and Aaron. We took a variety of portraits throughout the day. Some with a more editorial feel, like Kallie stepping off the trolley in her Christian Dior sunglasses. Then there were the documentary moments, with the two of them moving through the day with their wedding party and family. From personal moments with family, to moments of pure bliss and excitement with friends.
That balance and blend is always what I’m looking to bring to my couples as a Milwaukee wedding photographer. A mix of editorial, candids, and portraiture that leaves you with a cinematic gallery to look back on.
Reach out to chat and see if we’re a good fit for your wedding here.
A Caffrey’s Pub Stop After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, we stopped at Caffrey’s Pub near Marquette with the wedding party. They grabbed drinks, played pull tabs, danced, and put all the just married energy into some fun time with friends before the reception started.
I love when couples choose to make their wedding day their own, and opt to do something out of the ordinary. Having a few minutes with your closest people in a place that you love together is so fun and so authentic that it always shows up in photos. I highly recommend planning a little getaway with either just the two of you or your closest friends right after the ceremony!
Dana & Dom’s micro wedding was one of the most personal celebrations I’ve been part of. See more from their intimate wedding day!
St. James 1868 Reception in The Abbey
Their St. James 1868 reception was in The Abbey, and the room looked incredible. Long tables, candlelight, white florals, and the black-and-white checkered dance floor. The ornate and grand space is so full of character, it’s impossible for it not to immediately feel elevated and classy. Props to Flowers for Dreams for their gorgeous floral design built around a classic color palette to complement the space! Candlelight warmed the room and let the design features of the venue really shine.
One of the sweetest parts of the reception was Kallie’s request for a surprise first dance with her mom. It was so touching and beautiful, and I loved being there to witness the moment. As the dance floor filled and the live music drew everyone out of their seats, the fun and excitement on the dance floor swept through the rest of the evening.
See some of my favorite wedding reception moments at another iconic Milwaukee wedding Venue – Villa Terrace. Check out my guide to Villa Terrace weddings.
Let’s Work Together
For couples planning a St James 1868 wedding, there’s so much to work with. Between all that downtown Milwaukee has, and the historic venue of St. James 1868, your day can feel elevated while still being so much fun. If you’re planning a wedding at St. James 1868, or another wedding venue in downtown Milwaukee, I’d love to talk more. Reach out to chat about your wedding day and see if we’re a good fit!
Vendors
Photography: Anna Page Photography // Planner: Jessie Austin Weddings // Ceremony Venue: Church of Gesu // Reception Venue: St. James 1868 // Floral: Flowers for Dreams // Videographer: Delicate Films // Entertainment: Funktastic Productions // Catering: Noble Catering // Invitations: Steracle Press // Day-of Stationery: Al Dente Designs Co // Cake: Yield Bakehouse //Second shooter: Coppens and Co