Lisa & Tony | Pilot House at Pier Wisconsin Wedding Photography

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Lisa & Tony have known each other for a very, very long time. They grew up together and their parents are great friends. In fact, their love story owes its start to a not-so-gentle nudge from Lisa’s dad who insisted she get in contact again with Tony after years of growing up and going to school and, well, not hanging out with their parents as much. Lisa was hesitant, but did an “okay, dad, I’ll do it” and discovered that her long time old friend would be the perfect companion, love and husband for her future. Years later, after that first reconnection they decided to celebrate their I Dos back in Milwaukee instead of Minneapolis where they live. A little bit of distance can do great things for one’s appreciation of hometown charm and Lisa & Tony’s wedding is a classic example.

They designed their wedding to be a delicious mix of all things home grown Milwaukee and seriously classy, big city, easy elegance. I love when couples understand that goofy, sentimental fun can mix perfectly with elegant style to create memorable, extremely personal wedding days experiences – for them and for their guests. Unusually, I started the day with Tony, getting ready on the open air terrace of the Milwaukee Athletic Club’s roof. He donned his custom cufflinks and was surrounded by his best friends while Lisa zipped into an exquisite tiered Vera Wang gown in a tiny room at the church. They met at the altar of St. Hedwig’s and their parents beamed with happiness and pride. After a sunset tour of the lakefront, Lisa & Tony joined their guests on the Pilot House’s wrap around terrace where letter press, calligraphy, great eats and a polka band set the tone for an evening of toasts and dancing. As a special surprise for Tony, Lisa enlisted the Milwaukee Brewer Sausages to kick off the party and the fireworks at nearby Festa Italiana capped the night off brightly. Cheers.

Ceremony – St. Hedwig Church, Three Holy Women Parish
Reception place – The Pilot House at Pier Wisconsin
Florals – Urban Sense
Polka Band – Flying Dutchman
DJ and lighting – Sound by Design
Hair – Jill Martin-Sabatinelli of Salon Sabatinelli
Makeup – Anamelia Ramirez of Bobbi Brown
Bride’s dress and belt – Vera Wang via L’Atelier Couture Bridal, Minneapolis, MN
Bride’s shoes – Kate Spade
Bride’s handbag – NELLE Handbags
Bride’s bracelet and groom’s cuff links – custom made by Penny Larsen
Bridesmaid dresses – Jenny Yoo
Flower girl dresses – Lily Pulitzer and Us Angels
Invitations and other paper goods – Paperista, Minneapolis, MN
Cake – Le Cakery
Trolley – DMI Limousine

Second shooter – Ester R. for Heather Cook Elliott