Taylor + Kyle's elegant wedding at Villa Terrace and Milwaukee War Memorial
Taylor and Kyle's summer wedding ceremony in the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum garden and Milwaukee War Memorial lakefront was a triumph.
Saturday, July 9, 2022: quite possibly the fourth best day of my life. Why, you ask? It starts here: we all have a style icon. For some people it's Cher or Twiggy or Harry Styles...but for me, it's Taylor (Ziegler) Deignan.
During the first few minutes of our consultation call, I was drawn to the passionate and unequivocal way that Taylor described her wedding vision. Although there were so many specifics, she was also so warm and receptive to alternative ideas + designs.
When we ultimately moved forward in the wedding planning process, I very much looked forward to our coffee meetings. Taylor, Kyle and I would connect and audit everything - from chair selections to paper goods...and all that lies between.
Outside of their passion for planning a dreamy wedding day, Taylor and Kyle also opened themselves up to me on a more human level. Sadly, we dealt with a few serious hurdles during our planning process - which resulted in a series of vulnerable discussions on their end.
For as frustrating as those times were, they truly handled it with grace. Sometimes we'd laugh about it...and sometimes we'd cry. But all the while, Taylor + Kyle's strong and beautifully reciprocal relationship surrounded us. It kept us steady - and their planning journey steadfast.
Clearly, I'm a fan. But I know what you're really here for; so I'll get to it.
Taylor and Kyle always wanted an elegant wedding celebration with a chic + stylish progression of (sometimes interactive) vignettes that focus on guest experience.
Since their surprise proposal resulted in a champagne-soaked celebration at St. Paul's Fish Market, I knew that oysters and bubbly were something to highlight throughout their wedding design. With that came the Cape Cod inspiration: rattan, nods to the sea (or in our case, Lake Michigan) and Blue Point oysters.
Taylor's bridesmaids wore the most beautiful shade of champagne-y sage...a color we played on with their wedding invitations + guest table linens. Elegant details were a' plenty, too. Taylor + Kyle gave their guests an entire wedding weekend of entertainment - good food, drink and laughter...all wrapped in an elegant bow.
We took a simple approach to the wedding ceremony, with natural bentwood chairs + lush but neutral floral groundies flanking the start of the aisle. Why try and rival the natural beauty of the Villa Terrace garden, right?
In hopes of wow-ing the guests (and newlyweds), we placed a sailcloth tent in the main Gallery of the War Memorial. Sailcloth flags blew as guests enjoyed hand-shucked oysters and champagne upon arrival. It felt elegant, coastal and celebratory.
After cocktail hour, guests progressed into the War Memorial for a coursed out reception meal. Tables were dressed in garden-inspired neutrals, greens and linen-boho fabrics. Every guest had a champagne truffle nestled in a foraged oyster shell...a welcoming taste of the merriment to come.
Well-timed (but not planned) fireworks over Lake Michigan sent the reception tent roaring with guests enjoying good music + good vibes. Cigars and Shake Shack were the tips of the feel-good iceberg.
These wedding vendors were phenomenal - as you can tell by the video above by Tribute Film & Photo! All photography comes from the talented eyes of Cassie Rosch. Floral from Briar Loft | Catering from Chef Jack's Catering | Paper goods from Scarlet Gilia Creative | Tent, furniture + lighting from Chance Productions | Custom oyster escort wall was created by Cedar & Spice | Sound By Design set the vibe, along with Fretless Music for the ceremony | Alexis with Yield Bakehouse created lovely sugar flowers that adorned their wedding cake | Artists from Rouje Bridal did makeup and Taylor's bridal style is from Strike Bridal Bar and White Dress Bridal Boutique |
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