Romantic Milwaukee Bistro Wedding

Jessica and Patrick’s wedding is filled with personal touches, love, and laughter. The couple met while in college at Notre Dame and though life took them in different directions for a time, were reunited at a football game in 2010. As it is central to their love story, their alma mater became an inspiration for their Milwaukee wedding. Their color palette of navy and gold gives a nod to school colors, with blush added in for romance and whimsy, and the open lawn of their reception venue, Lake Park Bistro, played host to several matches of bags on a custom cornhole board. Belle Fiori created loose and romantic florals in a mix of blush and white which were set atop long, wooden farmhouse tables from A La Crate. Flowing ribbons graced the ladies’ bouquets. Jessica is an absolute vision in a mermaid Monique Lhuillier gown and blusher veil. We are head over heels for every image of this charming day as captured by Olivia Leigh Photographie!

Bouquet with Pink RibbonsBride in Monique Lhuillier Mermaid Gown

Bridesmaids in Royal Blue

Milwaukee Church WeddingRomantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

Romantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

Reiman Bridge Wedding PhotoRomantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

Romantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

Milwaukee Wedding PortraitsRomantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

Romantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

Royal Blue Bridesmaid DressBride with Pink Bouquet

Romantic Milwaukee Wedding Olivia Leigh

First Snowfall Handwritten Seating ChartLong Wedding Table with Pink Centerpiece

Pink and Ivory Wedding Flowers

Ivory and Wood Wedding TableElegant Dinner Party Wedding

Roses in Bud VaseWedding Cake with Pink Flowers

Sparkler Wedding Exit

From the bride: My husband and I met at Notre Dame as undergraduates and, while it took us years apart after college, graduate degrees at different schools and jobs in different cities, our alma mater eventually reunited us when we both found ourselves without tickets at a football game in the fall of 2010. The school looms large in both of our hearts and is central to the story of our love; as such, we knew we wanted to subtly reference it in details throughout the day. We did this using a color scheme of navy and gold (Notre Dame colors), incorporating a few pieces of signature Notre Dame signage at the reception, and including games of bags — a tailgating favorite — for guests on Lake Park Bistro’s expansive lawn.

The most important thing for both of us was that our guests were able to relax and actually enjoy the day, to experience it as full of ease and joy, with as little stress and “scheduling” as possible; we wanted to take a laid-back approach to our otherwise traditional, formal wedding.

My husband and I had a traditional Catholic ceremony at our parish church, and we were so lucky to have my husband’s childhood priest, Father Tim, as our officiant Having known my husband since he was a little boy, Father Tim was able to offer a unique, often humorous, perspective on our union. As both my husband and I had recently lost grandparents, we also had a special solo rendition of Ave Maria sung while we lit candles for loved ones not able to be with us.

We scheduled the ceremony and reception several hours apart so that the wedding party, comprised of our nearest and dearest friends and family, could enjoy the experience of taking photos together in different spots throughout the city. We also booked trollies for all of our guests, many of whom were from out of state and country, giving them an opportunity to tour the city prior to the reception.

Food was central to the celebration! In addition to Lake Park Bistro’s impeccable staff, storied history and immaculate grounds, we chose it for its food, widely considered some of the best in Milwaukee. It is a location we can return to for our many anniversaries to come, and one that our children can someday visit, too.

Photography – Olivia Leigh Photographie | Ceremony Venue – Old St. Mary’s Parish | Reception Venue – Lake Park Bistro | Floral – Belle Fiori | Day-of Coordination – Timeless Events | Stationery – Broadway Paper | Bakery – Cake Lady | Rentals – Canopies and A La Crate | DJ and Lighting – Sound by Design | Transportation – DMI Limousine Service | Hair and Makeup – Neroli Salon & Spa | Bridesmaids Dresses – Weddington Way | Gown and Veil – Monique Lhuillier from Bridal Galleria | Suit – J. Hilburn | Seating Chart – First Snowfall