Chris & Mary | Italian Conference Center Banquet in Milwaukee, WI
One could not ask for a better setting than downtown Milwaukee and the Italian Conference Center for a beautiful summer wedding. It was so fun to work with Chris and Mary on their special day. We got to re-connect with this fabulous family, as we photographed Mary’s brother Mike’s wedding the year prior. Mary and Chris were both a part of Mike & Jackie’s wedding, so when we arrived to photograph Chris & Mary’s wedding, we felt right at home!
Both the ceremony and the reception took place at the beautiful and cultural Italian Conference Center. Scattered around the interior of the Center are pictures depicting historical weddings held at the Italian Conference Center. Prior to the ceremony we had the opportunity to spend some time with the bride, groom, and family to take pictures getting ready and details. We love having this relaxing and personal time before the ceremony to get some lovely candid and relaxed photos.
Following the ceremony, we headed down to the Milwaukee Art Museum to take photos of Chris & Mary as well as their best man Jonathan, and Matron of Honor, Angela. We have had the pleasure of using the Art Museum in the past for engagement photos; it provides such a versatile and beautiful backdrop for photos. Working with Chris & Mary was a blast! They are so natural and fun to work with! I think that their photos really reflect their fun and relaxed personalities! By the time we made our way back to the Italian Conference Center, the sun started to come out making for a beautiful early evening setting the family photos in the courtyard.
The wedding reception took place in grand ballroom at the Italian Community Center. The chandeliers, high ceilings, and colors n the ballroom really work to add to the elegant atmosphere provided in the ballroom. The cute details, including the decorations, and whimsical cake all put the finishing touches on this lovely reception. If you are from Wisconsin, you are no stranger the “clinking” of glass at weddings! We have notice an increasing trend of asking quests to work for those kisses from the bride and groom! Chris and Mary incorporated their love for sports by requiring people to complete a basketball free throw on the dance floor for them to kiss! It was so fun to see adults and children participating in this fun twist on tradition! There were wonderful speeches from the maid of honor and best man! However, anyone who knows Chris’ brother would know that his speech would be more than just a “speech,” and indeed it was! Their wedding was at the height of the Internet ALS Ice Bucket sensation. So it was hilarious when at the end of his best man speech, Jonathon stripped down to his boxers and dumped a bucket of ice water over his head on the dance floor! That was such a fun start to this wonderful party and celebration of their love!
We had a fabulous time photographing Chris and Mary’s elegant wedding, and we wish them all the best in their future adventures together as husband and wife!
