Urban garden meets vintage downtown Milwaukee glam wedding! When Alex saw Kara, the most joyful tears immediately began flowing endlessly down his face. Nearby, a group of onlookers enjoying cocktails erupted in cheers. This moment was one that they had been preparing for for so long, and somehow it was even better than what they had dreamt of. Their Vista MKE , downtown Milwaukee wedding day had been long in the making.

Milwaukee is a staple in the story of Alex and Kara. It’s where they had their first date where Kara handedly beat Alex at mini golf and they went to a Memorial Day fair where they won not one, not two, but three goldfish. “While the gold fish did not make it past a week, fortunately our relationship did.” – Alex

Downtown Milwaukee Wedding Venue

The Milwaukee city scape proved to be a consistent theme not just in their relationship but as they entered their marriage. That’s why they knew that their wedding day simply had to be at a downtown Milwaukee wedding venue. From their getting ready at Aloft Downtown Milwaukee, to their laughter filled wedding party portraits at Lakeshore State Park and to their emotion filled moments together in the Historic Third Ward, every bit of the day reflected their beloved city!

Milwaukee weddings are some of our absolute fav- see more here!

Sunset Wedding Ceremony

As the the final sun rays of the day lit the city windows with a firey glow, Alex & Kara stood in front of their family and friends to say “I Do!” – on the rooftop patio! The serene setting was dotted with the comforting sounds of cars bustling and busses whooshing far below. Kara’s grandfather even officiated the wedding! Veri Peri, bridesmaid dresses contrasted perfectly against the warm sunset. Lush, wild florals by the incredible Birds & Bumble brought the urban garden theme to life. Rebecca, the owner of Bird & Bumble, not only made the wedding aisle feel like an autumn wildflower field, but used that to lead your eye to the main event – Alex and Kara tying the knot under a dramatic floral laden arch. The slight breeze, warmth, and rich blue sky that felt so close, gave the atmosphere an uplifting feeling.

Rooftop Patio Wedding at Vista MKE

Inside, the glam, golden atmosphere of cocktail hour played off the work of Ivy Illustrations with her live wedding portraits! Floor to ceiling windows and cream city brick on the 2nd floor gave guests the chance to sip cocktails and enjoy the setting city view sunset. Meanwhile, the third floor & rooftop patio dawned crisp white tables overflowing with vintage inspired floral arrangements, and twinkling lights, respectively.

All around, candles flickered warmly. Alex & Kara laughed the night away. This day was the epitome of what initially, and will forever, draw them together. For Alex, he loves how Kara is his biggest fan when it comes to anything involving his work or hobbies (like Pokémon) even if she has not idea what he’s talking about! 😉

Kara says ” he’s always there for me and if I get anxious or say, a global pandemic happens and I make him memorize the three nearest hospitals that take my insurance he does so with a smile while also reminding me that things will be ok.” The celebration went late into the night, surrounded in that cozy glow that only newlyweds surrounded by their friends and families can bring.

You’ve got that urban garden wedding vision playing in your mind. Wondering how to find the right person to capture it? Here’s 14 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Vista MKE is a dreamy cream city brick wedding venue that you’ve likely heard of – it’s near all the staples of the Milwaukee area – like Fiserv Forum and the UWM Panther Arena! It’s part of the Hackbarth Hospitality Group, who also own a few other incredible sister venues like The Atrium and Birch.


The Vendors

Getting Ready Location: Aloft Downtown Milwaukee

Venue: Vista MKE

Photographers: Us! O & B Photo Co

Baker: Small Pie

Catering: Tall Guy & a Grill

Hair & Makeup: Roots Salon

Florist: Bird & Bumble

Wedding Gown & Veil: Raffine Bridal

Bridesmaids: Revelry

Ceremony Arch: Relics Rental

DJ: Sound by Design

Live Wedding Portraits: Ivy Illustrations

Vista MKE Wedding Photos