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On a warm spring day in 2021, Abby and Patrick met for the first time at Black Sheep, a wine bar and restaurant in Walker’s Point.
“We were both nervous and excited. For both of us, it was one of our first Hinge dates since before the pandemic. Abby actually made sure to confirm that they were both vaccinated before meeting in person, to which Patrick replied, “Yep! Vaxxed to the max!” He almost thought he blew his chance at that moment, but turns out he would later redeem himself.
Over a bottle of red wine (a 2020 Lechuza Garnacha to be exact), we got to know each other.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, as we had much in common having both attended Marquette University. Although we overlapped from 2012 – 2014, we never actually met when we were students but discovered we had unknowingly crossed paths in more ways than one — we had both studied Spanish, participated in service learning, and been on the same volunteer trip to New Orleans. We bonded that day over Marquette, our shared love of Milwaukee, and the importance of family.”
On December 28, 2022, Patrick proposed to Abby at Devou Park in Cincinnati (where Abby’s family was living at the time). It was a perfect day that Patrick had been secretly planning for months with Abby’s friends and family.
Wedding Date: November 2, 2024
Guest Count: 160
Style/Theme: Classic, elegant, royal
Wedding Colors: Muted fall tones, gold/silver
Bridal Shows Attended: WEDMKE, Bridal Expo Milwaukee, St. James Open House
What was your favorite design? The black and white dance floor at St. James
Dress: Maggie Sottero, Bridal & Formal Cincinnati
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse and Suit Shop
Hair: Style by R
Makeup: Style by R
Rings: Kesslers
How many dresses did you try on?
“Too many! Probably close to 50? When I tried “Annika” on by Maggie Sottero, it just made me feel beautiful and elegant which was exactly what I wanted for our wedding. It was simple and classic, and was within my price range so I knew it was right. I had gone dress shopping with family and friends several times, but on this day it was just me and my mom. It was really special to have that “say yes to the dress” moment with her.”
Location: St. James 1868
Photographer: Sarah Immel
Photo stops: Dubbel Dutch Hotel, Marquette University campus
“It felt like a dream. Even though we did a first look, we were both so nervous before the ceremony started. But right before Abby walked down the aisle, Katie (our coordinator) reminded me that I’m just looking at one person. This little comment settled my big nerves and allowed me to focus on Patrick and really feel the significance of the moment. Everything was truly perfect. Our officiant did a beautiful job, our readings were lovely, our vows were so emotional and full of love. We were both so happy to be marrying one another surrounded by our loved ones.”
Location: St. James 1868
“When we began wedding planning, the St. James was actually the first venue we toured, and Abby knew right away it was going to be their wedding venue. There were so many signs and synchronicities — the “Abbey” is the name of the room where we will say “I do,” the location is practically on Marquette’s campus, James was Patrick’s father’s name and is his Confirmation name… it was meant to be. It also perfectly fit the vibe we were going for (classic, elegant, royal).
Food and Drink: Saz’s and St. James
Cake: Sendik’s
Dessert table: Cranky Al’s & Nothing Bundt Cakes
Music & Entertainment: Milwaukee Airwaves
Dance Lessons: Danceworks MKE
First Dance Song: “I’m with You” by Vance Joy
“Our reception was full of fun, laughs, and a great dance party. Abby’s favorite moment was our speeches – they were a perfect balance of funny and sentimental. It was also Patrick’s birthday on our wedding day, so we had a giant birthday card guests could sign next to our guest book. Abby’s family has this weird tradition of playing kazoos during holiday get togethers, so at the end of her mom’s speech, every guest got a kazoo and we played “happy birthday” to Patrick. A few other unique things we did include 1) a slideshow of pictures of the two of us starting from birth to present day, showing each of us at the same age 2) anniversary dance, inviting couples to join us starting from those who have been married 60+ years descending to 1 year.”
Biggest Wedding Splurge: Black & white dance floor
Which vendor impressed you the most? Sarah Immel (photographer), Katie Jensen (coordinator), Milwaukee Airwaves, Saz’s
Three Words that Described the Day: Elegance, love, fun
What moment sticks with you the most? Happy birthday with the kazoos!
What tips or advice would you share with future couples?
“When it comes to the planning, especially if you don’t have a coordinator, treat it like a work project (i.e., set deadlines, delegate, have meetings with your family to assign roles and set expectations) We were really mindful about arming our friends and family with all the information and details so that we could relax and enjoy our wedding day. This was really helpful and I am so glad we made a point to communicate this to our friends and families. Also, having a day of coordinator is worth every penny and I think everyone should have one. Katie Jensen was AMAZING, would highly recommend her to anyone planning a wedding.”
Categorized in: Black & White, Classic, Downtown, Elegant, Real Weddings, Whites/Grays/Silvers, Winter, Yellow/Gold/Ivory/Creams
