Elise & Sam were all smiles on their wedding day, because, of course they were, but believe me when I say that their presence throughout the wedding was COMPLETE. They engaged whole heartedly with family and gave bug hugs to friends. Those aforementioned smiles were incredibly warm & intentional and felt like sunshine on a cool day when they were trained at you. They breathed deeply and savored each moment. They noticed the gorgeous stained glassed-kissed light that painted the aisle at their wedding mass. Their kisses were the joyful eruptions of emotion, not just because someone wanted to take their picture. And their gratefulness to be in the presence of all their favorite people was palpable. Their wedding day, in a word, was a GIFT.

The Details ~

Venue: St James 1868

Katie & Alex’s wedding day was a S T U N N E R. Every space they moved through looked like a movie set but felt like a real celebration. They mixed classically bridal elements with modern couture details to recall an Old World elegance but somehow still pulled off a vibe that felt modern AND relevant. There was greenery and lace, lakefront and architecture, and in the heart of it all two souls deeply in love. The day was unhurried, full of friendship and hugs, and simply gorgeous. Full Stop. The pictures really do speak for themselves so I feel like I just need to get out of the way and let you look your fill. Take a breath and get ready: this one deserves a slow scroll and a fountain of oohs and ahhhs.

The Details ~

The Details ~

Coordinator: Emma Lehr (Kohler)

Brooke & Matt are joy incarnate. Their friends adore them, their parents practically beam when looking at them, and the two of them are hearts-on-the-sleeve-dance-like-no-one-is-watching kind of people. And man oh man, a wedding day filled with that kind of delight and love is exactly what a photographer needs to fill the proverbial tank and stay grounded in the moment on a wedding day. Theirs was an uncharacteristically stormy summer day but we made the most of our dry minutes and they got to see one another for the first time on the roof of Hotel Metro and take in Lake Michigan views with their wedding party. Even when the sun declined to shine outside they brought the summer air in with them via a design by Jane Kelly Floral that managed to make The Milwaukee Art Museum even more gorgeous. You’ll have to forgive how many detail shots there are in this post, but seriously, every delicious bluebell, sneak peek of Brooke’s sky high heels, and focus on the texture and pattern of the day just breathes life into my soul so let’s go with it. In the end our collective reward is one of the most beautiful stormy sunset sessions we’ve ever photographed and the happiest dancing grandpa you ever did see.

The Details ~

Blair & Danny’s stylish wedding day was split between Port Washington & Milwaukee and was 100% elegance. A black & white styled wedding is always a favorite for us but there was something extra special about the soft, romantic details Blair & Danny brought to the day: lace sleeves, classic suspenders, ranunculus petals, and a PUPPY! Simba joined them just after their wedding mass and spread his furry puppy cheer to all before a classic wedding trolly sped the party to Lake Park. While guests got a head start enjoying the lake and cityscape views from the rooftop of the Milwaukee Athletic Club, Blair & Danny spent a few moments in the city’s most beautiful landscape with their favorite people. From there it was all toasts & tears, hugs and happiness as they dined and danced, again surrounded by their favorite people. It was a day (and night) for the ages, just like the love Danny & Blair share.

The Details ~

Floral: Belle Fiori

Rentals: Canopies Events

Band: Chasin Mason

Videographer: Salem Media

Dress Boutique: GiGi Boutique 

MUA: Melody Sopa Artistry

Hair: Ford Feller (@blonderthantheaverage) for bride and Tatie and Molly from Impressions Salon for the bridesmaids

Sweet William is the newborn son of Lindsay and Jack, a wonderful couple we had the pleasure of meeting way back when they were just engaged. We captured their engagement session and then their gorgeous wedding day at Milwaukee’s Lakefront. And what a treat (and an honor) it is to come into their home at this tender time to capture some of their first days as parents. William was born a little earlier than expected but he’s perfectly healthy and adorably cuddly, almost always happy to just be close to mom & dad. On this winter morning we moved from room to room of his beautiful, light-filled home settling him into small naps and cute outfits, happy to just enjoy a quite morning at home. I’m posting this on the literal coldest day of my life (-28 windchill out there) so for me this post is a warm tonic for my heart, reminding me that in life the best days are often the slowest and there’s nothing like a warm hug to say life is beautiful.

Alexa & Sean were married at The Commodore, a gorgeous Lake Country haven that allowed this avid fisherman groom to cast a line on his wedding day and then enjoy craft cocktails and unmatched deliciousness from Bartolotta’s. New wifey Alexa was just as smitten with the venue choice as she dressed in the most lovely sanctuary of a room with her best friends and then stepped outside to see her man, swing by the lake and to generally have the best day of her life. Together they hosted a sunny ceremony that playfully continued when the biggest rain storm of the year came through and they started their life together as husband & wife in the best way possible: with joy, tears, family and friends. It was a perfect day for two perfectly matched souls.

The Details ~

Planner: Evermore Events

Florals: Jane Kelly Floral

Dress Boutique: Bliss Bridal

Tux Source: DuBois Formalwear

Paper & Invitation Design: Minted

Bridesmaid Hair & MUA: Lara Evig (Instagram: @lara.hmua)

Cake: Simma’s

Band: Blue Water Kings

Officiant: Judge Derek Mosley

Emmeline & Patrick’s summer wedding day was set against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and the city of Milwaukee. They were married overlooking the water from the large terrace at The War Memorial and they celebrated their marriage at the artist haven that is the Saint Kate Arts Hotel. We loved their personal details and all the palpable space they held for missing loved ones, most importantly for Patrick’s beloved mom. With her blessing and the extended blessing of all those in attendance they said I Do to easy times and hard ones, to joyful days and Dutch dancing, to growing together and of course, to Forever. Theirs was a sweet day made even sweeter by the toasts of their friends, the love of their parents, and the fact that they got to marry their favorite person on the planet.

What an incredible tribute to Patrick’s mom and her great love for him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room and we were honored to witness such devotion and emotion centered around  her. After many hugs and moment reminiscing about life with mom, Emmeline’s family raised spirits with a rowdy and wonderful round of “Dutch Dancing” leading all assembled into a night of  great music and good times.

The Details ~

Florist: Flowers for Dreams

Stationary:  Truly Engaging

Hair and Make Up: Robert Laurence Hair Studio

Suit: NL Suits

Catering: Saint Kate Arts Hotel

DJ: Airwaves

]]> https://heathercookelliott.com/2025/10/colleen-peter-milwaukee-art-museum-old-st-marys-wedding/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:09:02 +0000 https://heathercookell.wpenginepowered.com/?p=74232

Colleen & Peter were married on a gorgeous July day that literally could not have been any more perfect for saying I Do. Colleen dressed at her parent’s home surrounded by the sweet evidence of her childhood and her parent’s love. Peter stayed downtown to tackle the difficult task of bow tying, a daunting task made more fun and hilarious and (almost) un-stressful by the presence of his loved ones and best friends. They met at the altar of the oldest catholic church in Milwaukee where their wedding mass was officiated by a childhood friend. From there it was blue skies to match Colleen’s incredible eyes and more joy and love than the two of them could have imagined. We loved the the style Colleen and Peter brought to the already iconic Milwaukee Art Museum and the gorgeous interplay of light, architecture and flowers with personality made the reception feel like a photographer’s playground. So get ready for all of that AND a gorgeous sunset presented here for Colleeen & Peter ~

The Details ~

Harriette Lane came home this September. Sweet cheeked and with all 10 little fingers and 10 little toes in place, she has stolen the hearts of all 4 of the humans waiting at home for her this summer. Her big brother and sister are intrigued and fascinated by her (respectively) and her new (old) home feels a little more complete with her in it. Her parents are not new to this parenting gig, but adding a third is always an adjustment. However, in the few short hours I was with Harriette’s family on this beautiful afternoon I was left absolutely certain that she picked the perfect family to guide, love and cherish her. Welcome home Harriette ~