When modern design meets deep connection, magic happens — and Alaina and Tonner’s wedding at St. James 1868 in Milwaukee was exactly that. It was romantic, timeless, and filled with energy from beginning to end — the kind of day you feel long after the music stops.
Although I’m based in Charleston, I travel often for destination weddings like this one. From the moment I landed in Milwaukee and documented their welcome dinner, I knew this weekend would be special. Alaina wanted her wedding photos to feel chic, editorial, and true to the moment — think Vogue-inspired but with real emotion at the heart.
She wore a sleek, modern gown by Martina Liana, paired with heirloom jewelry and a minimalist bouquet by Jane Kelly Floral. We kept getting ready photos simple — a few portraits with her bridesmaids, a quiet moment with her mom, and editorial details with her dresses and accessories. No fuss, just intentional beauty.
Their ceremony in the historic chapel space featured a candle-lighting unity ritual with their parents, while a live violinist played from the balcony. The space felt cinematic — grand but grounded in something very real. There were tears, laughs, and a few deep breaths before they said “I do.”
Afterward, Alaina and Tonner joined their guests for cocktail hour (because yes, you should absolutely enjoy your party), including a champagne tower toast that brought some serious old-school glamour. We created editorial-style portraits throughout the venue — dramatic light, clean lines, authentic connection — all the things I love to shoot.
The reception? Elevated but effortless. The grand entrance rolled right into a first dance, followed by heartfelt speeches and incredible food by Tall Guy & A Grill. Every detail felt personal, from the custom invitations inspired by Alaina’s parents’ wedding, to her outfit change before cake cutting. A true celebration of legacy and style.
What stood out most wasn’t just the fashion (though yes, every look was flawless) — it was the way they held each other through the day. Grounded. Present. Fully in love.
This is the kind of wedding that reminds me why I do what I do — to create imagery that’s not just beautiful, but alive.
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Vendor Team
Planner/Coordinator: Jill Heilman (Month/Day-of Coordination)
Photography: Katie Dewald Photography — @katieedeawald
Florals: Jane Kelly Floral — @janekellyfloral
Catering: Tall Guy & A Grill — @tallguyandagrill
Cake/Dessert: Clasen’s European Bakery — @clasenseuropeanbakery
Violinist: Ashley Rewolinski — @arviolin
DJ: Sound By Design — @soundbydesign
Videographer: Peix Productions — @peixproductionsllc
Content Creator: Roxana — @xo_roxana_
Dress #1 (Ceremony): Martina Liana Bridal Design — @martinalianabridal
Purchased at: Brandis Bridal Galleria — @brandisbridal
Dress #2 (Reception): Brand TBD (Altered by Lori)
Purchased at: Marah’s Bridal — @marahsbridal
Dress #3 (Exit/Late Night): Untamed Petals (tentative)
Purchased at: Strike Bridal Bar MKE — @strikebridalbar
Bridesmaid Dresses: Club L London — @clubllondon
Bride’s Shoes: Club L London — @clubllondon
Hair: Sara Saltanovitz — @sarasaltanovitz
Makeup: Joseph Gonzales — @makeup_byjoseph
Hair & Makeup Team: Wide Eyed Brides — @wideeyedbrides
Groom’s Suit: Jim’s Formal Wear — @jimsformalwear
Purchased through: Harleys Co / HH Clothing Co
Engagement Ring: Georgia Culp — @georgia_culp
Wedding Bands: Diamonds Select — @diamonds_select_
Earrings: Family heirloom jewelry
Invitations & Programs: Designed by the Bride
Printed via: Zazzle — @zazzle
