June 17, 2025

Nina + Maverick’s Milwaukee Wedding at St. James 1868

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Serial entrepreneur, wedding photog, happy wife, momma of four. When I'm not photographing the most meaningful moments, I'm wandering my hobby farm, coffee (or bourbon) in hand.

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Nina & Maverick’s Elegant St. James 1868 Wedding in Milwaukee

From best friends in a college dorm to husband and wife in one of Milwaukee’s most iconic venues, Nina & Maverick’s wedding day at St. James 1868 was the kind of love story that just felt right. Romantic, classic, and full of joy, their day reflected everything they value—deep connection, cultural tradition, and a whole lot of fun.


From Dorm Hallways to Destination Dates

Nina and Maverick’s story began at UW–Madison, where they lived on the same dorm floor freshman year. What started as a close friendship slowly unfolded into something more. After two years of being “just friends,” they shared their first kiss—and both quietly knew it was game over.

Their first official date? A wine-filled night out in Barcelona during study abroad. (They still can’t remember the restaurant name, which feels exactly right for a night that’s more about feeling than details.)

From dancing in Madrid bars to moving into their dream apartment in Colorado, their relationship has been a steady blend of adventure, laughter, and loyalty. So when Mav proposed during a surprise apartment tour—complete with candles, flowers, and a “Marry Me” sign—Nina didn’t hesitate.


An Elegant Ceremony Blended with Filipino Tradition

Their ceremony at St. James 1868 was a meaningful mix of modern love and cultural tradition. With a close friend and a priest sharing officiant duties, the ceremony wove in Filipino rituals like the Veil and Cord, Las Arras (coins), and the Unity Candle. These moments added depth and history to a day that already felt sacred.

Nina and Maverick wrote their own vows, a choice that brought heartfelt, personal energy to the ceremony—and more than a few tears from the crowd.


Calm, Classic, and Full of Heart

From Nina’s Jimmy Choos to the black and gold accents and custom cocktail napkins featuring their dog, every detail of the day felt intentional without being over the top. Cocktail hour spilled onto the outdoor terrace, while inside, guests were treated to timeless décor, heartfelt toasts, and a surprise visit from the UW Marching Band before the dance floor officially opened.

The energy? Joyful, relaxed, and totally contagious.

A Wedding That Felt Like Them

Nina & Maverick didn’t just plan a beautiful wedding—they planned a day that made space for what matters. A deep, lasting love. The people who helped shape it. And the joy of finally, officially calling each other home.

Cheers to Nina & Mav, for doing it your way—and making it feel effortless.


Vendor Love:

Venue: St. James 1868 | Coordination + Planning: Haley with Events to a T | DJ + Lighting: Sound by Design | Floral: Feisty Flowers | Cake Artist: Mia Stav Cakes | HMUA: JJ Bridal Artistry | Bridal Boutique: Gigi’s | Bridesmaid Boutique: AW Bridal | Men’s Wear: Men’s Wearhouse | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Easy Breezy Bash Co | String Quartet: AR Violin | Videography: Films by Design | Photography: The McNiels


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