Wedding Planners
This is your moment to be the bride, not a project manager. Pass o the to-do list and keep stress levels in check by enlisting the help of a planner. These gurus know the ins and outs of weddings better than anyone, and with their help, the only tears you’ll cry are tears of joy.
Planning Tip: Be clear about roles and expectations. At your initial meeting, ask what your responsibilities will be and what your wedding planner will handle. Knowing who is supposed to do what before you start the heavy planning will keep miscommunications at bay later in the process.
Blissful Events & Weddings
414-405-5463 | ourblissevents.com
Blue Fancy Events
414-305-8435 | bluefancyevents.com
Dynamic Events
414-283-0051 | dynamiceventsinc.com
Events to a T
262-914-9661 | eventstoatmke.com
Golden Chic Events & Consulting, Port Washington
414-534-6943 | goldenchicevents.com
Rain or Shine Events
414-870-0664 | rainorshinemilwaukee.com
Timeless Events, Waukesha
262-751-6355 | milwaukeeeventplanning.com
Weddings with a Twist
414-403-1376 | weddingswithatwist.com
Cheri Denise Events
414-339-7478 | cherideniseevents.com
Tailored Engagements
414-380-3799 | tailoredengagements.com
Attire (His & Hers)
Let’s face it. The dress gets all the attention. But that’s not to say you don’t want your mate to turn some heads. Whether you want a look that is dressed to the nines or casually cool, you can both say “I do” in style with help from these formalwear specialists.
Planning Tip: Just as you want your bridesmaid dresses to coordinate with the look and style of your dress, your groom’s attire should – ahem – follow suit. So if you’re wearing a light, beachy dress, the classic black tux might be too heavy. Instead, opt for a custom or tailored suit in a lighter shade, such as gray.
Amelishan Bridal, Hubertus
262-628-1217 | amelishan.com
The Black Tux
888-717-1588 | theblacktux.com
Bliss Bridal, Brookfield
262-781-0211 | blissbridalonline.com
Eva’s Bridal Center
414-570-3800 | evasbridalcenter.com
Gigi of Mequon
262-241-1123 | gigiofmequon.com
LaSposa Bridal, Kenosha
262-694-7537 | lasposabridal.net
Mark Berman & Son, Mequon
262-241-8010 | bermanbasics.com
MinkMaids
amanda@minkmaids.com, minkmaids.com
Miss Ruby Boutique
414-339-7478 | cherideniseevents.com
Tailored Engagements
414-755-2900 | missrubyboutique.com
NL Suits
414-748-7848 | nlsuits.com
Squire Fine Men’s Apparel, Brookfield
262-754-2801 | squireapparel.com
Tom James
414-277-8185 | tomjames.com
White Dress Bridal Boutique
414-897-7208 | whitedressmilwaukee.com
Zita Bridal Salon
414-332-9482 | zitabridal.com
Photographers
These local photographers know Southeastern Wisconsin and all its good angles. Let one of the talented local wedding photographers below (featuring a wide variety of styles and specialties) help you express every single moment of the big day for years to come.
Planning Tip: Choosing a photographer is a little like conducting a job interview. After you narrow down your choices to a handful of finalists who meet your basic needs (date available, number of photographers, price), consider how well each meets your specific requirements. For example, if you’re getting married outdoors, you want a photographer who has plenty of experience (or even specializes) in outdoor photography. Or, if the venue is particularly dark, go with the pro who has some serious skill in low-light environments.
Autumn Silva Photography
414-531-1886 | autumnsilvaphotography.com
C.Mae Design, Burlington
262-510-0632 | cmaedesign.com
Ellagraph Studios
414-238-5316 | ellagraphstudios.com
Front Room Photography
414-294-0080 | frphoto.com
Happy Gnome Photography
414-550-0846 | happygnomephotography.com
JBE Photography
414-217-9014 | jbe-photography.com
Joe Hang
920-242-3552 | joehang.com
June & Jae
612-746-9842 | juneandjae.com
Laurelyn Savannah
laurelynsavannahphotography.com
Little Giant Photography
414-916-1481 | littlegiantphotography.com
Matt Haas
414-534-5855 | matthaasphotography.com
The Paper Elephant
262-923-8343 | thepaperelephant.com
Robyn Vining Photography
414-581-0700 | robynviningphotography.com
Studio 29 Photography + Design
414-335-4031 | foto-29.com
Uttke Photography + Design
414-928-5068 | tjuttke.com
Valo Photography
414-207-8256 | valophotography.com
Most Romantic Photo Locations
Love abounds in Milwaukee’s nooks and crannies, according to some of the area’s best shutterbugs.
“Milwaukee is virtual goldmine of beautiful photo locations, so how on earth do you choose? What makes a location romantic is what it means to you. Do you spend mornings running together at McKinley Marina? Did you get engaged at Lake Park? When you look back at your beautiful wedding album in 50 years, you won’t wonder where the images were taken. You’ll talk about all the romantic memories you’ve had there, and why it was so special to you both.”
– Jennifer Brindley Ubl, JBE Photography
“[Our] favorite place would be the slightly dirty, off-the-beaten-path locations in the old industry park areas of the Fifth Ward. People assume photos need to be taken in beautiful spaces, but sometimes the nitty-gritty brings people closer together and creates an interesting dynamic between the beautiful and the disheveled.”
– Studio 29 Photography + Design
“We love photographing at Villa Terrace. We also think it’s one of the most romantic locations, but because every couple is so different, they may have their own ideas of what’s romantic.”
– Uttke Photography + Design
“My favorite outdoor locations would be Schlitz Audubon Center, Doctors Park or the Riverwalk. My favorite romantic locations are Villa Terrace and the Wisconsin Club.”
– Tegan Jae, The Paper Elephant
“Our favorite locations include the Third Ward’s alleyways. It’s that feeling of something new with something old. The bride in the beautiful white dress and the contrast of the historical brick adds great interest to the shot. There’s this factor of, ‘We shouldn’t be here’ that is super sexy and exciting.”
– The C.Mae Design Team
Videographers
At first blush, hiring a wedding videographer can seem like an unnecessary expense. After all, your photographer will capture every memorable moment, right? Yes and no. Your wedding day goes by in a flash (we had to), and that’s where a skilled videographer who has the camera rolling and a keen eye for catching those in-between moments can quickly become one of your best wedding investments.
Planning Tip: Match your personal style with the filming style of the videographers. Before booking, clarify your style and then ask about theirs. Is it documentary? Journalistic? Cinematic? View samples to ensure how they shoot is what you want.
Aerodef Productions, Brookfield
262-510-3125 | productions.aerodef.biz
Artist Group Photography & Video
262-387-1001 | artistgroup.com
Champagne Studios
414-272-3377 | champagnestudios.photography
Character D Films
262-765-0100 | characterdfilms.com
Cream City Weddings
414-214-7312 | creamcityweddings.com
Honeycomb Productions
414-243-8246 | facebook.com/honeycombproductions
Langley Videography
262-492-5328 | langleyvideography.com
Once Upon a Time Video Productions, Hartford
262-370-3622 | onceuponatimevideoproductions.com
Moore Memories Videography
414-708-0564 | moorememoriesvideo.com
Orphonic
414-939-3399 | orphonic.com
Steve White Films
414-628-0800 | stevewhitefilms.com
Sweet Pea Cinema
262-227-6134 | sweetpeacinema.com
Video Verite Productions LLC
414-588-2662 | videoveritewi.com
Wedding Films
(414) 964-9414 | weddingfilms.com
Music, Sound & Lighting
Set the stage for a wedding to remember. Create a sound that lures guests to the dance floor, add uplighting to your venue to create a customized ambiance, or get technical to make sure everyone hears you say “I do.” Whatever you need, these music, lighting and sound pros have you covered.
Planning Tip: Before booking your music, lighting and sound experts, ask to see their work in action. Better yet – ask to see their work in the same or similar venue.
Accent Events
414-750-4504 | scottishdj.com
Bill Sargent Band
414-777-0100 | billsargentbands.com
Brew City DJs
414-305-1462 | brewcitydjs.net
Double Platinum DJ
414-732-1979 | doubleplatinumdj.com
Dream City Music
414-209-4102 | dreamcitymusic.org
Element 13
e13rocks.com
Midwest Sound & Light Shows, Waukesha
262-751-2900 | midwestsoundwi.com
Milwaukee Airwaves
414-306-8273 | milwaukeeairwaves.com
Milwaukee Soul
414-975-5023 | milwaukeesoul.com
The Milwaukee Wedding DJ Company, Pewaukee
414-202-6938 | themilwaukeeweddingdj.com
Musicbox Entertainment, Mukwonago
414-460-6938 | musicboxent.com
Rhythm in Motion
262-719-2137 | rhythmdjs.com
Sound by Design
262-968-9586 | soundbydesign.org
Smoov Music, Sound & Lighting Services, Mukwonago
262-893-5085 | smoovmusicdj.com
Vital Image Entertainment, Muskego
262-292-9000 | dj.vitalimage.com
Flowers
Flowers and weddings have gone hand in hand since the time of the Greeks. Make sure your wedding is one to remember with eye-catching blooms, stunning bouquets and show-stopping centerpieces created but these area florists and floral designers.
Planning Tip: To cut costs, choose flowers that are in season. Have your heart set on a specific out-of-season bloom? Work with your florist. He or she is likely to have suggestions of stems that bring a similar color, texture and appearance to your bouquet and arrangements – for a fraction of the cost.
Belle Fiori
414-272-2234 | bellefioriflorist.com
Designs Etc., Muskego
414-526-4888 | designsetc.org
Feisty Flowers
414-526-5202 | feistyflowers.com
The Flower Lady
414-259-0999 | theflowerlady.com
flower & bee
262-204-7818 | flowerandbee.org
Jane Kelly Floral
414-650-0204 | janekellyfloral.com
Jaimer’s Floral
414-243-0197 | jaimersfloral.com
Lamm Gardens, Jackson
262-677-3010 | lammscape.com
Lovelight Flower, East Troy
414-510-5505 | lovelightfloraldesign.com
Milwaukee Flower Co.
414-899-1395 | milwaukeeflowerco.com
Urban Sense
414-257-0434 | urban-sense.com
Waukesha Floral & Greenhouse
262-542-8152 | waukeshafloral.com
Willoway Farm, Fredonia
262-692-9691 | willowayfarm.com
Caterers
Next to the dress and the photos, a good chunk of your wedding budget will go to feeding your guests. Spend it wisely by choosing a caterer Milwaukee newlyweds recommend time and time again.
Planning Tip: About 50 percent of every wedding budget goes to the reception, and much of that is designated for food. To get the most value, be sure to ask prospective caterers if there are any extra costs above and beyond the per plate or package fee. For example, does the service include tables, chairs and linens? Are serving ware and cutlery included? And is there a charge per waiter?
Ball ‘n Biscuit Catering
414-962-9779 | ballnbiscuitcatering.wordpress.com
Bartolotta Catering
414-935-5014 | bartolottacatering.com
Chef Jack’s Catering, Waukesha
262-549-5558 | chefjacks.com
Emerald City Catering
414-762-8866 | emeraldcitycatering.com
From Scratch Catering, Cedarburg
262-618-4661 | fromscratchcatering.com
Gracious Events
414-777-0440 | gracious-events.com
Irene’s Catering Service
414-645-4469 | irenescatering.com
Lee John’s Catering, Waukesha
414-645-4469 | leejohns.com
Saz’s Catering
414-256-8765 | sazs.com
Shully’s Cuisine & Events, Thiensville
262-242-6633 | shullyscuisine.com
Smoke Shack Catering
414-431-1119 | smoke-shack.com
Tall Guy & a Grill Catering
414-777-0770 | tallguyandagrill.com
Zilli’s Catering
262-547-9447 | zillihospitalitygroup.com
Officiant
There’s as lot that goes into a wedding (as these pages evidence). But remember, between choosing the dress, the venue and the DJ, the entire day is built around the ceremony. Make sure the person you choose to lead you to “you may kiss the bride” is a perfect match.
Planning Tip: What’s the difference between a minister and a wedding officiant? A minister (also sometimes called a reverend, pastor, preacher, priest, etc.) is someone who studied theology at a seminary, church or religious-affiliated college and is ordained in a specific faith denomination. Not he other hand, an officiant can be someone who has completed a course of study from an online company or college for the sole purpose of performing weddings. The latter option can be a good choice for couples who are not religious or who come from two different religious backgrounds.
Brad Schnell
414-477-8785 | facebook.com/schnellofficiantservices
Creative Ministry Center, Brookfield
262-787-4200 | beginourjourney.com
Family Connect Weddings
262-384-8873 | facebook.com/familyconnectweddings
Heart Centered Weddings by Susan Bartel
262-238-1199
Rev. Jennifer Miller
414-232-7997 | weddingwi.com
Rev. Jewel Olson
414-397-1379 | jewelolson.webs.com
Judith Kubish
414-731-6340 | judithkubish.com
Marry Me, LLC
262-719-1098 | marrymeofficiant.com
New Beginnings Ministries, Mequon
414-531-0503 | dgawlik.com
Stationery & Invitations
You’ve chosen your closest friends, you’ve eliminated the third cousins. Parents on all sides are nodding approvingly. Congratulations – you’ve finished the guest list! Now it’s time to put it in print and let everyone know where to be and when to help you celebrate your special day. These stationary and invitation experts can help you and your honey make a great first impression.
Planning Tip: As a rule of thumb, your save-the-date announcements should be sent out six to nine months in advance, and your invitations should be mailed six to nine weeks before the big day.
All About You Designs, New Berlin
262-679-6970 | allaboutyoudesigns.net
Bay View Printing Company
414-744-0844 | bayviewprintingco.com
The Blooming Quill, Jackson
262-258-0525 | bloomingquill.com
Broadway Paper
414-277-7699 | broadwaypaper.com
Centennial Press + Design
262-339-9126 | centennialpressdesign.com
Coqui Paperie & Gifts, Brookfield
414-369-2589 | shopcoqui.com
Cracked Designs, Muskego
414-687-8803 | cracked-designs.com
Design That Flies
920-265-8397 | designthatflies.com
For Now and Forever Wedding Invitations and Accessories
414-202-6099 | fornowandforeverinvites.com
Mint & Lovely Studios
262-528-6468 | mintandlovely.com
Paperwhites, Hales Corners
262-224-1134 | paperwhites-invitations.com
Paper Envy, Elm Grove
262-780-0850 | paperenvy.com
Paper Pleasers, LLC
414-301-1751 | paper-pleasers.com
QBCheck Designs, Kenosha
262-358-6417 | qbcheckdesigns.com
Cakes & Sweet Treats
Let them eat cake! Or cupcakes. Or cookies. You can even dress your dessert table with gourmet Rice Krispie treats if that’s your thing. The metro area is filled with tempting treats that will make sure you end your day on a sweet note.
Planning Tip: If you’re having treats with multiple flavor options, help guests make their decision by labelling the sweets with artful name tags. Consider leaving baggies or boxes on the table for guests to take a treat (or two) home.
Angie’s Bakery & Cake Shop
414-482-1288 | aggiesbakery.com
Amy’s Gourmet Apples, Cedarburg
262-376-0884 | amyscandykitchen.com
The Cake Lady
414-294-4220 | cakeladydesigns.com
Carrie’s Crispies
414-858-8228 | carriescrispies.com
Classy Girl Cupcakes
414-270-1877 | classygirlcupcakes.com
Eat Cake
414-344-3119 | eatcakemilwaukee.com
Mrs. Wonn-derful’s Cake Ball Company, Oconomowoc
262-354-2882 | facebook.com/mrs.wonnderfulscakeballco
National Bakery & Deli
nationalbakery.com
O&H Danish Bakery, Racine
262-554-1311 | ohdanishbakery.com
Peter Sciortino’s Bakery
414-272-4623 | petersciortinosbakery.com
Red Elephant Chocolate
855-733-3574 | redelephantchocolate.com
Regina’s Bay Bakery
414-332-5340 | baybakery.com
Simma’s Bakery, Wauwatosa
414-301-1751 | paper-pleasers.com
Sweet Perfections Bake Shoppe, Waukesha
262-446-2253 | sweetperfections.com
Yield Bakehouse
yieldbakehouse.com
Additional Reporting by Emily Burton, Tom Conroy, Adam Rogan, Nyesha Stone
