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The first time I met Mallory & Brian they told me without hesitation this is going to be a little different. They wanted to focus less on flowers and shoes and ballrooms and instead make sure their day really reflected them, that it be filled with all their favorite people and places and things. This is not to say that flowers and shoes and ballrooms are unable to reflect the essence of a bride and groom, but it is to say that revolving much of one’s wedding day around Irish Fest kind of sets the tone rather differently. Awesomely different.
It started with the paper. Brian & Mallory decided to go “green” with their invites and their beer, only sending minimal paper to guests asking them to use their website to RSVP. They ceremony would be early and the couple would serve the communion themselves. They would ask friends and family to help design the day by making jewelry, signage, flowers and music. Ultimately, they would save most of the dancing for after the reception, inviting guests to come along with them to Milwaukee’s Irish Fest. Before the green beer would flow another green libation, Margaritas, would be delivered playfully via fountain at their all our favorite things reception. That reception, further complemented by Mexican-inspired glassware and tasty food, would feature a soft DIY patchwork of delightful colors and textures marking everything from the “guestbook” to the bridesmaids’ jewelry. Like I said, awesomely different.
From the Knickerbocker to the Cathedral to Zilli’s Coast Room, the day unwound in a relaxed way, with just that edge of happy bridal tension that comes around when everything is going swimmingly. I have to say, this wedding included a lot of my favorite things, too.
Mallory & Brian had a first look before the bridal party gallavanted around town. With a big, happy yellow school bus as our ride we sipped champagne on the roof at Hotel Metro, stopped traffic on Milwaukee Street, circled the great schooner down by the lake and generally enjoyed the sunshine.
Mallory & Brian’s day was positively bursting with love – their love for one another but also their love for the people who shaped and support them: spiritual mentors, softball soul-mates, fraternity brothers, the autistic children that Mallory works with and of course, their families. Thanks to you both for including me in what I know you felt was the most important day of your life so far. I felt it too.
*****
The Details
Dress: Alfred Angelo from New House of Design in Palmyra, WI
Bridesmaid dresses: Alfred Angelo
Alterations & Veil: Becky’s Custom Sewing & Design in Milwaukee, WI
Shoes: Nina from DSW
Tuxes and Guys Shoes: Mens Warehouse
Flowers: Handmade; all materials from Joanne Fabrics
Hair/makeup: Illustria Salon
Jewelry: Handmade by Jana Buck
Wedding Planner: Tracy at Inspire Weddings
Bus Company: Riteway Bus Company
Centerpieces: Handmade by Laura Gill
Walsh wedding sign & Seating charts: Handmade by Pat and Dianne Gill
Rings: Robbins Brothers
Guitar/Vocalist: Ryan Ogrizovich
Second shooter: Nadia Olker
Ceremony: St. John’s Cathedral Milwaukee, WI
About town: Zen on Seven at Hotel Metro Milwaukee, WI
Reception: Zilli’s Coast
