Love Is the Best Souvenir

by Michelle Drewek

 

From their first “I love you” in Paris to her “yes” by their favorite bench in Lake Park, Annie and Matt’s time together is spent embracing tradition and appreciating history. Having traveled near and far during their 5-year relationship, their wedding was a chance to relive each of those special moments and incorporate elements that made for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.

 

Q. Did any items inspire the wedding’s theme? 

We first said “I love you” at the Wall of I Love Yous in Paris. I was on a month long trip to Europe just 2 months after starting to date Matt and I pretty much begged him to come visit me at the last minute. He bought a ticket, hopped on a plane and we went to Dublin and Paris together. It was so special that he was willing to cross an ocean so we could be together that we had to embrace the travel theme. We collected maps and suitcases to use throughout. And, our place cards and favors were leather luggage tags.

 
Q. What was the first detail you absolutely had to have? 

We have an immense love for the city of Milwaukee. We knew right away we wanted to have our reception at the Milwaukee County Historical Society because it had such an important role in the city when it was the Second Ward Bank. We also loved the location and it’s proximity to hotels and the church we were getting married at.

 

Q.What was the most important item for your wedding? 

We knew we had to splurge on photography. Ren Davis is incredibly talented and she was the perfect person to capture our day. She’s not just a fantastic photographer either; she’s become a great friend.

Q. What part of your wedding was worth every penny?

Without a doubt, hiring Lindsay Flasch Events. We had so many details we wanted to incorporate the day of but didn’t have a way to set it up ourselves. Lindsay helped us figure out our timeline, sort out details we hadn’t even thought of and really put together an overall beautiful day.

Q. Tell us about your bridal ensemble.

I couldn’t be happier with my dress from Miss Ruby. The staff was amazing. My veil belonged to my mother. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to wear it at first because my parents got divorced when I was young, but someone told me my marriage will be what I make of it and to not let superstitions get the best of me. I think that was excellent advice because the veil was gorgeous. My beautiful earrings came from Lizzibeth. And, I absolutely loved my gold and glittery 4-inch heels!

Q. Did you have a “Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue?”

Something old was my veil. Something new was my necklace from my husband. It matched my earrings perfectly! Something borrowed was a beautiful bracelet from my mother-in-law. And something blue was the inside of my clutch. My amazing, beautiful bridesmaids (and man) gifted me a custom brass knuckle, gold glitter clutch made by MinkMaids.  

Q. Were there any aspects of DIY incorporated?

Because we were engaged for 2 years, we did a lot! We weren’t allowed to use rice or bubbles for our exit at the church so we made a bunch of ribbon wands. It was so much fun coming out of the church and seeing all of the smiling faces and ribbons. We also made the map garland for our tables out of maps of some of our favorite places, including Milwaukee, Washington, D.C., Boston and Paris. My mother and I made the groomsmen’s pocket square. There’s so much more, I wish I could talk about it all!

Q. Did you do anything special during the ceremony?

We lit a unity candle during our ceremony. This was particularly special for us because it was hand carved by Sister Clarice Steinfeldt of the Sisters of the Divine Savior. I worked with them for a brief time and always admired her beautiful carving and paper cutting skills. Matt’s aunt and cousin also played music for the ceremony. It was phenomenal and brought tears of joy to our eyes.

Q. Any advice for future brides?

Take advantage of the various wedding shows and contests in the area.