Intimate garden wedding at Sanger House

Milwaukee's hidden gem wedding venue

Lo McCarville Photography

Wisconsin may not be famous for lush gardens, and if you tell someone you’re getting married in the heart of the city, they probably wouldn’t expect a venue as enchanting as Sanger House.

Perhaps it’s because my brother recently got married there—or maybe because I helped plan several COVID-era weddings at Sanger House—but I consider this place a true hidden gem among Milwaukee venues.

From the start, Sanger House Gardens was high on my list of recommendations when Addie reached out to plan her intimate August wedding. Although she had lived in Louisville, Seattle, and Ohio working as a traveling nurse, we collaborated closely through email and video calls to meticulously plan every detail of her Wisconsin celebration.

She envisioned an elegant wedding with a naturally romantic feel, which made Sanger House Garden the perfect choice for her summer wedding. With a venue this beautiful, we didn’t need much additional floral or decor to create a stunning atmosphere.

Justin, a passionate foodie, inspired us to create a truly memorable meal. I enlisted my brother, the chef and owner of Bartlett Dining, to design a personalized, multi-course dinner with wine pairings. The meal was served in a cozy, rustic potting shed, where guests enjoyed vibrant dishes accompanied by the gentle sounds of a violinist.

One of the most interesting aspects of planning Addie and Justin’s wedding was the design and aesthetic inspiration that came from Addie’s Sareh Nouri wedding dress. Long before we selected a venue or vendors, she fell in love with this gown, and her passion for it influenced the entire wedding’s style and palette.

Her dress was a guiding light, inspiring the polished garden vibe we aimed for. I loved seeing how deeply connected Addie felt to her dress, and it’s the kind of excitement I hope every client feels about their wedding attire!