I love a good love story and this one touches on love, weddings and generations past. In the 1940’s, at this very spot, the Bride’s grandparents met and fell in love. Now fast-forward 70+ years and a granddaughter and her beloved are saying “I Do”. It’s the stuff that movies are made of but it’s all real life and a beautiful one at that captured by Ann & Kam Photography. See so much more of this heartfelt celebration right here.
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/80811498 600 338]
From Dawn, the Bride… On the day of our wedding, I felt more peaceful than I ever could have anticipated and certainly more serenity than I had experienced in the two years prior. There were no fears associated job changes, relocating to a new state (times two), or major wedding planning disasters. We knew planning a wedding was work, but we had many more other bumps and surprises than we were sometimes prepared for. We had weathered through it and I was calm because everything felt right and it felt good. Life was great!
Bobby and I met in New York City, moved to Chicago together, and finally settled in Milwaukee where I grew up. The location of our ceremony and reception were very important to us. We wanted spaces that had architectural character of the NYC, as well as the charm and beauty of the Midwest. Our hearts were full when we discovered that our chosen reception venue was where my grandparents met in the late 1940’s.
Formerly a whole sale and retail hardware store from 1857-1957, Pritzlaff is now a symbol of love and commitment from one generation to another. I think the pictures of the Villa Terrace are easy to convince anyone of its inherent allure, so that was another easy choice!
For our big day, Bobby and I spent a lot of time on the details because it would mean that much more to us knowing they were homemade by our family, friends and us. Bobby created a beautiful sidewalk sign, my mother-in-law and her husband made homemade strawberry jam, my grandmother and bridesmaids helped make the boutonnieres and photo booth props, doilies were donated by friends and aunts, my dad made wooden crates, and I religiously collected vintage items to pull it all together. I also designed the stationary, most of the signs, and table settings. It was a lot of work, but I honestly loved it. When Bobby gave a short speech at the reception, he said “our wedding is like the suberbowl of pinterest.” Guilty! I spent hours on blogs and Pinterest ooking for vintage chic inspiration.
The entire day was magical. It was happy, emotional, fun, and loving. We had a first look and we are both so glad we did. It was one of my favorite moments. A wave of emotions came over us and it was such an intense, rich feeling! I also loved taking my grandparents upstairs of Pritzlaff for some special photos. It was like memories flooded my grandpa and I felt so lucky to hear him relive their past together. I hope our love is 73 years strong (and counting). Best wishes to all of you in the planning stage. Hire a planner, if you can ;) Our budget didn’t allow it, but I so wish it had!
Flowers: Flowers by Faye | Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Cupcakes: Milwaukee Cupcake Company | Ceremony Venue: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum | Reception Venue: Pritzlaff Events | Catering: Zilli Hospitality Group | DJ: Smoov Music | Photography & Cinematography: Ann & Kam Photography & Cinema