We are big fans of being unique at your wedding. We’re also big fans of helping #MKEBrides and #MKEGrooms with ideas for their weddings, and that’s what this article is all about.
This wedding at downtown’s beautiful Grain Exchange has tons of uniqueness all over it. And Reminisce Studio by Miranda and Adam captured it amazingly well in the photos.
Read on for all of the awesomeness, and feel free to use these ideas at your own wedding.
1. A Spectacular Historic Venue
As Milwaukeeans, we are very lucky to have so many historic buildings in our city. And even better, you can get married in so many of them!
The Grain Exchange was built in 1880 and has went through a variety of uses over the years. We are just happy that it’s a great venue and has the fine folks from Bartolotta’s running things.
2. Stunning Ceremony Arch
We love seeing an amazing arch for wedding ceremonies. This one in particular creates a stunning three dimensional focal point and looks great in photos. Chat with your wedding planner and/or florist about cool ideas.
3. Choreographed First Dance
The first dance is a tradition that some choose to do and some don’t. If you’re going to do it, you might as well do it up and get some dance lessons.
You can check out places like the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in the Third Ward for lessons. Fun fact: two of our friends met there and have been married almost 10 years now!!
4. An Amazing Band
We love bands at weddings, and this one looks like it was a great time. The band is Platinum and can be booked through ACA Music & Entertainment.
If you can’t decide between a DJ and a band, why not have both? We’ve seen several weddings where DJs provided the entertainment at dinner and intermissions, with the band rocking a couple of sets throughout the night.
5. Photos at Iconic Milwaukee Spots
Having your wedding at the iconic Grain Exchange building is a statement in itself. Top it off by taking photos at more of Milwaukee’s epic wedding photo locations.
The top photo is at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the bottom two photos are at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn Downtown. We also recommend stops at the Riverwalk, the Third Ward and of course your favorite bar or restaurant.
6. Boots of Beer
Having a beer before your wedding is a Milwaukee tradition, isn’t it? If not we should start it right now – and what better way to do it than beers in a boot.
Other ways to incorporate your favorite adult beverage into your wedding: brewery tours, unity cocktails and local craft beers/cocktails at your reception.
7. Custom Keepsakes for Moms
OMG these make us want to cry like babies. What a sweet, simple gesture that the moms will love!
8. Delicious Food
Great food at your wedding is a must, and this wedding was catered by one of the best in town – Bartolotta’s. Since they are the exclusive caterer at the Grain Exchange, they know the room and have the staff to make it consistently delicious.
9. Amazing Cakes
If you have great food then you have to have great desserts. We love the wedding cake (top photo) and the groom’s Brewers cake (bottom photo) by Sweet Perfections.
10. A First Look
There’s a special feeling when a groom sees his bride-to-be for the first time in her wedding gown. So why not capture it on film?
11. Styling by a Planner
When you see those amazing weddings that just overflow with style, there was usually a wedding planner involved. Not only do planners help with the styling of your event, they can take a ton of stress off of you by working with your vendors and making sure every thing turns our perfect.
12. Incorporating Family History
We love it when couples incorporate their family into their wedding – past and present. Check out this beautiful display of wedding photos from this couples’ family – amazing idea!!
13. Nighttime Portraits
We know it’s hard to sneak away from your wedding night for photos. But, look at how awesome these are!! In fact, it’s one of Reminisce Studio’s specialties, so if they are your photographer we bet they’ll talk you into it 🙂
14. Beautiful, Custom Stationery
We love how this couple’s custom stationery starts with the invites, but carries through to the menus and event signs. It’s a really cool way to bring a cohesive look and feel to your wedding’s style. These wedding invitation designers can help.
A big thanks goes out to Jenny and Andrew for letting us feature their Grain Exchange wedding and to Reminisce Studio By Miranda & Adam for the amazing photos!
