Zoe + Ryan
February 27, 2021 / Milwaukee, Wisconsin
How did your love story being?: Ryan and I officially met on bumble. However, we found out a few months prior to us talking as did meet at a Dave Matthews Band concert. We have been going to a DMB concert together ever since. Ryan was so nervous about proposing that I picked up on it quickly but saying yes was still exciting and slightly overwhelming!
Together we picked the Ivy house. I planned most of the little details but Ryan coordinated with the bar and took charge on the playlist for our awesome DJ, Zach. In the end, with covid and having to change our original date from November, our big day was much more than we could ever imagine and we are so grateful. Moving our date because of Covid restrictions brought us closer together and made the wedding planning and execution that much sweeter.
What was your vision for your wedding?: At first, we are very simple but love to party. Our details were more experience focused then materialistic. We talked over lots of details and Pinterest pictures, as well as, having 10 weddings in the year 2019 alone we knew what we wanted.
Choosing vendors was a lot of research on our end. The ivy house I found on Instagram and we both fell instantly in love with the atmosphere and the crew. From there we worked with their sister company, Milwaukee Airwaves, for our entertainment services. SOO THAT ONE WAS A GIMME!
Next, I knew our photographer was going to be a high school friend, Kayla, who owns Emerald Tide Photography. I looked at Strike Bridal Bar because of her! The little sneak peak of this new business on her page instantly made me intrigued.
Music/entertainment, bar and food were our biggest priorities. From Scratch Catering blew that category out of the water. Addie and her mom are so personable and made this part of wedding planning FUN!
Tell us all about your dress!: At first, I planned on wearing my grandma's dress however it was not the best shape to match mine and show me off. So I made an appointment at Strike just in case and I looked no further! The experience was great and was very impressed with the pre-planning for the appointment.
I thought I knew what I wanted and sent some pictures of the dresses but when it came time to try that on. HATED IT on me. Not the best shape for my petite body. But I tried a total of 5 dresses and 2 of them I wouldn't have thought I'd chose myself. But the one I chose was form fitting but simple. Which overall was a big point I made was simplicity as I said, I am a simple gal. It was so perfect and I cried when I tried it on the 2nd time when it came in!
You planned and you planned, but how did the day ACTUALLY go?!: The night was beyond what we both expected. Covid could not stop us from having a good time. Because our wedding ceremony was more symbolic but it felt is what drew a big presence for our ceremony in person and virtually. The biggest symbol of why we got married in the Greek Church is my parents were married there almost 30 years ago. It was a sweet spot for all during my dad's speech. At the reception we did not do a lot of traditional parts (cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss) as we wanted to keep the music and good time going.
A funny story is during our ceremony, my husband was so nervous (as we didn't do a first look) his hands were sweating so his ring FELL ON THE MARBLE ALTER and we bursted out laughing during a serious part (we had to wear our rings on our right hands for the ceremony so he kept it loose). It was a much needed release from the stress of the day and all went smooth from there.
What is your best advice for future brides-to-be?: Best advice is that this is about yours and your partner’s day! Things will not be perfect (little details) and it's ok! It's life! As long as you two are united and take the beautiful day in together it will be so much more than what you ever visioned. Enjoy the journey together.
Vendors
Dress: Reese by Strike Private Collection via Strike Bridal Bar
Photography: Emerald Tide Photography
Venue: The Ivy House
Dj: Milwaukee Airwaves
Catering: From Scratch Catering
Makeup: Danyl Fuller Makeup
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Transportation Shuttle: MKE Shuttle
Party Bus: Cruise-A-Poolza
