Caitlin & Tim’s South Shore Milwaukee wedding was filled with cream city brick, hanging lights, and an epic dance party, the three elements that Caitlin dreamed up for her day. When we met Caitlin & Tim, we knew right away that these two are special. They have an energy and kindness about them that is refreshing and real. During their Third Ward engagement session, we experienced just how inspiring it is to document the love of two people who have known each other through so many of life’s circumstances. As high school sweethearts, these two have seen each other through many of life’s biggest changes. Their love has only deepened. Watching Caitlin & Tim on their wedding day, the culmination of so many years of love and commitment, was a beautiful experience. Their South Shore Milwaukee wedding was classic, elegant, and filled with emotion.

The day started at the historic Knickerbocker on the Lake hotel, where both the ladies and gentlemen gathered to prepare for the big day. It’s the still, quiet moments at the beginning of the wedding day that is so filled with emotion. Caitlin had some very important details incorporated into her wedding wear. Her late father would make Caitlin and her sister look at the moon when they were apart as a reminder of how close they were, no matter the miles between them. As Caitlin explained to me, “When my dad and my sister and I weren’t in the same city, he would call us at night and make us go outside to look at that moon. He would say, ‘Do you see that moon? It’s the same moon I’m lookin’ at.’ The weather wasn’t a factor in this. It could be the middle of winter with three feet of snow and 10 pm in my PJs and I’d have to put my snow pants on to go outside on the back porch where I had the best of view of the moon because he was persistent on me seeing it. Ever since he passed away, we always look at the moon and think of him as if it’s his way of saying hi and that he’s watching over us.” Caitlin’s aunt & uncle (Uncle Jim, Caitlin’s dad’s brother) gave her a moon necklace engraved with the words “Same Moon” and their wedding date. (Cue all the tears… this is such a touching and meaningful detail.) If that’s not the sweetest detail, listen to this one: A few days before the wedding, Caitlin’s sister surprised her with a bracelet. It was her father’s handwriting, actually taken from one of his letters. It said, “Love Dad.” These two proudly wore the matching bracelets as a way to keep their late father close during Caitlin’s special day.

Caitlin and Tim planned a private moment at Juneau Park across from the hotel. Their expressions and emotions upon seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day were touching, to say the very least. From start to finish, their day was filled with so much love, joy, laughter, and fun! We romped around Milwaukee’s Third Ward to take pictures of their wonderful wedding party, and then we headed to the ceremony to officially start their South Shore Milwaukee wedding. The ceremony was filled with personal touches, laughter, and a few happy tears. Family & friends enjoyed the lakeshore during cocktail hour, playing games and casually enjoying themselves on the most perfect summer day.

The speeches were amazing, and one of the most memorable moments of the day was the flash mob that Caitlin’s sister coordinated. To see Caitlin’s face light up and eyes fill with tears was one of the best moments of the day. (Make sure to check out the video below!) As Caitlin told us later in the evening, she had actually created a video to teach the choreography for a flash mob at her cousin’s wedding. She didn’t realize that it was this SAME video that her sister used to coordinate Caitlin’s own flash mob!! So Caitlin actually taught her own flash mob without realizing it. It wasn’t until she heard everyone yell “Pee-wee Herman belt!” at that dance move that she realized… then she really burst into tears! 🙂 Anyone who knows Caitlin knows how much she loves to dance, and the remainder of the evening was filled with an epic dance party. Classy, timeless, and filled with emotion, Caitlin & Tim’s South Shore Milwaukee wedding day ended up being picture-perfect from start to finish. Enjoy these favorites from their beautiful wedding day!

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Thank you to these wonderful vendors: Wedding Coordinator: The Bride Consultant | Venue: South Shore Pavilion | Florist: Feisty Flowers | Cake: Gigi’s Cupcakes | DJ: Van Rixel Productions | Hair: Sarah Windler | Wedding Dress: Amelishan Bridal | Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids | Men’s Wear: Men’s Wearhouse | Table Cloth Rental: Cover It With Class | Officiant: Lynn Annen | Dinner: Skyline Catering