At First Sight

by Michelle Drewek

Jacob and Alexandria describe their love story as your classic “boy meets girl at the local watering hole, boy buys girl a shot of tequila, and the rest is history.” In reality, their love was both instantaneous and incredible. They knew very early on that this was going to be forever. “I never knew one person could bring so much happiness to my life,” Alexandria says.

After a few months of dating, Jacob landed an internship in New York City. Once the position became full-time, Alexandria packed her bags and joined him on the east coast. “That’s when everything felt real,” Jacob recollects. “I knew that when we got along so well in our tiny New York apartment, we would be together for the rest of our lives. I started nesting money for an engagement ring after about a month together in N.Y.C.!”

On August 2, 2014, Jacob and Alexandria took a walk along the Manhattan East River where they just so happened to stumble across a beautiful arrangement of roses and champagne. As he got down on one knee, Alexandria realized this was all for her and she said “YES!” without hesitation. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Jacob had arranged for both of their families to join them in New York to celebrate. As they entered their favorite brunch spot, happy tears began flowing when Alexandria laid eyes on both families.

Later that year the couple returned to Milwaukee to be closer to family, and it was at that time that Jacob joined the family business, Shully’s Cuisine and Events. Their nearly 35-year reputation proved to be an incredible asset in creating Jacob and Alexandria’s dream wedding day, and the couple is forever grateful for their families and the staff at Shully’s that made it all happen.

Jacob and Alexandria spent the next year planning their August 2015 wedding. Going into planning they knew the most important detail of their day would be the food, and designing a menu together was an absolute delight for them. What they did not anticipate was just how much time and work it really takes to pull everything together. “It takes a lot!” Jacob says. “My main goal throughout the whole process was simple, though, and that was to make sure my wife had my support and her dream wedding.”

The wedding was inspired by a mix of elegance, romance and rustic glam, drawing on the garden chic atmosphere of their ceremony and reception venues. Their ceremony took place at Shully’s East Lawn — a beautiful, natural outdoor space under a canopy of black walnut trees. Bordering the beautifully landscaped Mill Pond, the lush space was complemented by petals filling the aisle between rows of white wooden chairs, with chandeliers, crystals and streams of blush flowers hung in the trees. They were wed by a family friend, and wrote the ceremony together incorporating their love story, vows and readings by close friends. Altogether, the ceremony was “personal, special and very touching.”

Following their “I do’s,” guests proceeded to the Watermark, a Victorian inspired venue with a clean, neutral interior that was perfect for them to customize with linens, centerpieces and décor. Of special importance to their vision was the food. “We may be biased, but it was honestly a five-course extravaganza!” the couple details. “Hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour and late night food inspired by our favorite N.Y.C. spots really brought it all together. We also had an ice sculpture carved with our wedding monogram that served our raw bar and hors d’oeuvres — an incredible ‘wow’ factor!”

Of the memories from that day, Jacob first recollects seeing Alexandria for the first time before the ceremony. “I’m so glad we did a first look because I wouldn’t have been able to keep it together. I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I was to be marrying the most beautiful bride.” They also can’t help but smile thinking about the full-on dance party the evening became; the DJ ended up staying until 2 a.m. “We played ‘New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra on repeat!”

Following their night to remember, Jacob and Alexandria have a few words of advice for brides-and-grooms-to-be: “Do not throw out your cake. Despite what they tell you, it lasted quite well! Also, be sure to take one moment during the day to step out together and be alone. That moment of intimacy to soak it all in is priceless.”

Their happily ever after looks bright as they continue making many more memories together, traveling, growing professionally and enjoying every moment life has in store for them.