Maddie and Jesse both live in New York City but Maddie is originally grew up in Milwaukee(and Jesse originally from Long Island). Growing up she had always passed the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum and dreamed of having her wedding there someday.
They met in college at the University of Wisconsin, Madison working at a restaurant. “He was such a sweet, funny, helpful coworker – and even better friend to me! Summer of 2007, I went to visit Jesse in New York City for his big 21st birthday celebration, and that was the first chapter for us with many more to come!” After getting engaged in May, 2014, Maddie showed Jesse her “dream venue” and he loved it just as much as she did. They felt the Villa Terrace was the perfect venue for their “understated and elegant” vibe they were going for. Vesna at Gracious Events helped them plan everything from the florals, linens, food, and tables. “With her expertise, we were able to cover a lot of ground with relatively a few visits and stay on same page through calls, texts & emails!”
I got a chance to meet Maddie and Jesse shortly before their wedding day to go over last minute details. I knew from their impeccable taste that their wedding day was going to be amazing. And it was! They had told me about an after party they were planning on and wanting me to shoot after the reception was wrapped. I thought “hmm OK! There is a first for everything. I’m game!” You guys! It was one of my favorite things about that day. I showed Maddie a photo I took of her and Jesse at the party and she yelled “I love you!!!” and shoved a drink in my hand. That’s my people right there.
Maddie and Jesse chose to do a first look in the courtyard of the Villa so they could enjoy their cocktail hour. We were able to take advantage of all the beautiful backdrops the Villa Terrace has to offer. I fell in LOVE with Maddie’s gown, a unique strapless sweetheart corset with a full length tulle cape. They held their ceremony and dinner on the terrace overlooking Lake Michigan. The moon even came out over the lake later on during dinner. It was absolutely magical! After dancing was done they did a surprise release of sky lanterns over the terrace.
Thank you to Maddie and Jesse for choosing us to tag along(with all your other awesome vendors!). You are all things a wedding photographer dreams of: kind, genuine, generous, and totally in love with each other.
Bride’s Gown: Monqiue Lhuillier.
Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu.
Coordinator: Gracious Events.
Officiant: Rev. Carol Saunders.
Bride’s Hair: Shannon via Beauty.
Bride’s makeup: Bjorn Nasett at Beauty.
Bridesmaids Dresses: Alice + Olivia.
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Ammar Belal Menswear.
Flower Girl: BHLDN.
Catering: Gracious Events.
Menus and Placecards: Paper Presentation.
Floral: Gracious Events.
DJ: Sound by Design.
Cake: Milk Bar.
Pies: Elegant Farmer.
Custard: Copps Custard.
Tables and Chairs Rentals: Caponies.
Favors(assorted cookies): Milk Bar.
Welcome/thank you signs, cake topper: The Duo Studio.
After Party Site: Zen Den in the Intercontinental, Milwaukee.
After Party DJ: JP Solis.
After-Party Lighting, DJ booth, Letters, Screens: Double Platinum DJ.