A Villa Terrace Wedding in Milwaukee - Giulia + Quinn - Anna Page Photography - Modern Milwaukee Wisconsin wedding photographer

Overhead shot of wedding ceremony at Villa Terrace in Milwaukee

From the terrace ceremony to the dahlia-filled reception, this Villa Terrace wedding was everything beautiful and intentional about a Milwaukee celebration.

A Villa Terrace Wedding Story

Some wedding days feel like a perfect match between people and place, and Giulia and Quinn’s Villa Terrace wedding was exactly that. The Italian-style gardens, old-world architecture, and soft lake breeze created a backdrop that matched the tone of the day…intentional, natural beauty. The day moved at an easy pace. Natural Elegance Events had everything planned down to the detail, which meant no chaos and no rushing. Just a calm, grounded energy from start to finish. It’s always a joy to photograph weddings like this! Weddings where everyone is truly present and able to settle into the moment.

Dahlias Everywhere

One thing Giulia knew from the beginning? She wanted dahlias. And Sunborn Gardens really delivered. The floral design was full of rich, romantic texture. Dahlias in every shape and color, woven through bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements. It added so much warmth and depth to the whole aesthetic! The flowers didn’t just decorate the day, they helped define the tone: artful, vibrant, and intentional.

Floral arch for wedding ceremony at Villa Terrace in Milwaukee

Dahlia bouquet at wedding ceremony in Milwaukee

Peony table arrangement at Villa Terrace wedding reception

A Villa Terrace Ceremony ft. Lake Michigan

Giulia and Quinn’s ceremony took place right on the terrace, with Lake Michigan as the backdrop. It was one of those calm, sunny afternoons where the light hits everything just right. The ceremony space was framed by dahlias, and surrounded by greenery. The whole thing felt beautifully private, even with guests looking on.

Wedding ceremony at Villa Terrace in Milwaukee

Cocktail Hour + Courtyard Reception

After the ceremony, everyone made their way into the courtyard for dinner and dancing. Candlelight flickered across long tables, a breeze moved through the courtyard, and the dahlias added beautiful color to the space. (And the cake? Probably one of my favorites of all time…the folks at Greige Patisserie are true artists.)

The reception carried the same thoughtful energy as the rest of the day. Nothing overdone or forced, just an evening with genuine connection, good conversation, and the kind of energy that made people want to stay a little longer.

Planning a Villa Terrace Wedding: What to Know

If you’re planning your Villa Terrace wedding, here’s how to take advantage of everything it has to offer (even beyond its obvious beauty).

The terrace makes for a stunning ceremony space, especially in late spring through early fall. With views of the lake and built-in structure, it doesn’t need much embellishment to feel complete. A few floral touches go a long way.

Cocktail hour flows naturally from the ceremony, no shuttles or major transitions needed. Guests can easily move from the terrace into the courtyard, which helps keep the day feeling connected.

The courtyard is ideal for dinner and dancing. It’s enclosed, it’s full of character, and it works beautifully with candlelit tables and the architecture surrounding it. There’s limited indoor space at the venue, but just enough for getting ready and small gatherings. So plan your layout accordingly!

Villa Terrace is also a museum, which means a few more logistical considerations. Working with a planner who knows the space (like Natural Elegance Events) can make a big difference, especially when it comes to timing, vendor setup, and layout.

Plan with light in mind. The terrace gets soft, flattering light later in the day, and the courtyard takes on a quiet and ambient glow as the sun goes down. If photography is a priority, shaping your timeline around that natural shift in light can make all the difference.

Why I Love Villa Terrace Weddings

Looking back on Giulia and Quinn’s wedding day, what stands out most about Villa Terrace is how seamlessly the details worked together. The colorful dahlias in every arrangement, the sunlight catching on the stone walls, the way guests lingered in the courtyard long after dinner. From the charming terrace ceremony to the courtyard reception, every part of the day felt thoughtfully placed without ever feeling overdone.

Guests toast at Villa Terrace wedding reception

Let’s Document Yours

If you’re planning a Villa Terrace wedding (or anything with character and space for real connection), I’d love to be part of it. I’m a Milwaukee-based wedding photographer with a unique approach that blends documentary and editorial styles. I love to incorporate 35mm film and Super 8 video to bring a nostalgic and cinematic feel to your gallery. My focus is on natural light, genuine interactions, and images that reflect the energy of the day without needing to stage a thing. You can see more Milwaukee weddings here or reach out to chat about your own!