Stefanie & Doug married 09.30.2017

Make Me a Match by Laura Vietmeyer

photographer: jonathansportraits.com

Veil Magazine advertisers - High Brow Boutique, owner Stefanie, is our Beauty Expert

Decor & Equipment Rentals - Canopies Events with Distinction,

DJ, Lighting, Photobooth & Videography - Sound by Design,

Rehearsal Dinner Location - The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel

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Douglas and Stefanie knew each other for over a decade through a mutual friend, but didn’t become the inseparable couple they are right away. They reconnected online, went on their first date, and after some persistence, discovery

of mutual interests and their matchmaking friend it finally paid off in a second date.

“I guess I played hard to get,” Stef says. This all eventually led to Doug asking Stef’s father for her hand in marriage. After a one-year engagement, the couple vowed their love during a sunset wedding before 130 guests. Now, with their dream wedding in the books, the couple continues to build their lives together and looks excitedly towards their future.

OUR LOVE STORY It was the winter of 2013. We had known each other for over a decade through a mutual friend, but the magic of online dating connected us again. After many flirty emails back and forth, I finally accepted Doug's dinner offer. He was romantic, polite, a perfect gentleman ... yet the date ended with "good luck dating" and a handshake. Thankfully, a matchmaking mutual friend brought us together over our love of basketball and craft cocktails one night following a Bucks game. Doug's persistence, handsome looks and charm won him a second date! We’ve been inseparable ever since!

THE PROPOSAL Doug: I knew she was the one during our first trip away, to a bed and breakfast up north. I just felt proud to be around her. I knew I wanted to propose on another trip up north, so I took her to The American Club and spoke to the concierge about having photos, champagne and a pianist play in the background. Stef: Doug is one of the kindest, most selfless people I’ve ever known. After seeing him put his family and friends needs before his own, time and time again, I knew he was “the one.” The day he proposed, we relaxed, drank champagne and on our walk to dinner, his voice began to shake, talking about our life together. Before I knew it, he was on one knee while a pianist played behind him. It felt like a dream.

PLANNING PROCESS Doug: The little details are important; I didn’t think they were, but they made everything come together. Stef: Kimmy Klipsch at Kate & Co. Wedding Planners was our most helpful resource.

INSPIRATION Stef: We knew we wanted an evening wedding with the sun going down. My grandparents were married in the evening, and their love has always been one to mirror.

WEDDING STYLE “Classic Romantic” with lots of texture, and a nude, white and metallic color palette.

MUST-HAVE DETAILS Stef: Being married at the Villa Terrace was a must. And our planner and the florist were worth every penny. They are both the best! Doug: Having great food and drinks, and great music were all important details, but the biggest was the traditional New Orleans 10-piece brass band. Stef grew up in New Orleans, and we go back every year. We wanted to get married down there, but because of travel restrictions for some of our guests we were unable to. So, we brought NOLA to MKE and had a “Second Line;” a wedding parade lead by a brass band.

FIRST DANCE SONG “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. We both love Elvis.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER Doug: Within the next 5 years, we see ourselves with a baby. And Stef will likely be planning a second wedding/vow renewal for us. Stef: Clients always ask me if being married is different than dating. It is! Now I have this man who I think is the kindest, most loving man as my own. I’m more in love with him now knowing he’s my husband.