A recap of Tannor and Desiree’s sweet, sentimental day at the historic, wedding venue known as Story Hill Firehouse! This Sunday Brunch wedding has warm and cozy fall vibes written all over it.
The morning of
Sunday morning we joined Tannor and Desiree at their brunch wedding at Story Hill Firehouse in Milwaukee. We knew their celebration would be sweet and intimate, but nothing prepared me for the amount of tears I would shed throughout the day. With so many thoughtful and genuine moments scattered throughout their morning, it was hard to keep a dry eye.
The emotions started early on as Desiree and her mom got ready together in the bridal suite. They took their time reflecting back on how much growing up they had done together, their favorite memories from Desiree’s childhood, and their shared excitement for what was next. When her bridesmaids saw her in her gown, they all burst into tears. Desiree took a moment to hug each and every one of them, reminding them how much their presence meant to her.
The two chose to keep things traditional and wait to see one another at the ceremony. As we were walking, I asked Desiree how she was feeling about seeing Tannor for the first time. She explained that she felt strange not being with him. He is such a source of comfort to her, that it felt out of place to be arriving separate and spending the morning apart. To calm some of her nerves, they decided to hold hands around the corner, and pray together. It was such a sweet and tender moment, and I could see how much ease it brought them both.
Even though they didn’t have a first look with each other, we still had fun with the idea. Instead, Desiree shared a first look with the best man! His jaw dropped when he turned around, and he couldn’t sing her praises louder if he tried! “Dez you look AMAZING!” “Wow, just WOW” he recited over and over again. She giggled and accepted the compliments and we watched her light up.
The Ceremony
As guests began to arrive, we made our way into the ceremony space. With string lights hung over the brick space, and beautiful wood doors serving as the backdrop to the arbor, the entire room just felt warm and cozy. Finally the highly anticipated moment was here. As Desiree made her way down the aisle, Tannor’s emotions could not be contained. He trembled in pure happiness as tears rolled down his cheek seeing his bride for the first time. Most guests were turned toward Desiree, but I noticed that Tannor’s mom had her eye on her son the entire time. I watched her wipe away tears and smile as she witnessed Tannor in one of the happiest moments of his life.
Their pastor delivered a beautiful service that offered the perfect balance of laughter and tears. He shared stories about the two of them, and spoke to the ways that they compliment one another so well. He offered valuable advice, and assigned them each a challenge on their first day of newlyweds. It was so thoughtfully put together, and allowed everyone in the room an opportunity to understand the two of them a little better.
The Reception
After being announced as husband and wife, Tannor and Desiree served their guests a fabulous brunch. Friends and family chatted over mimosas and bloody mary’s while enjoying a spread of donuts, fruit and breakfast foods. There was a table with thrifted coffee mugs where each guest was encouraged to pick one to take home. I thought that offered such a charming touch. The newlyweds made their way to each table to share time with all of their loved ones.
When it came time for toasts and first dances, they shared so much gratitude and sentiment with us all. Tannor had lost his brother Treyden recently, and they found so many beautiful ways to honor his memory throughout their day. His best man toasted him during his speech, and Tannor invited Treyden’s former girlfriend to the dance floor to share in a dance.
As Desiree and her father danced to Steven Chapman’s, Cinderella, I scanned the room to see so many of their guests intently watching and enjoying the moment. Everyone was truly present and it was beautiful. When Tannor and his mom swayed to Mother’s and Sons, she held him so tightly I could feel the weight in my own chest. Finally, by the time Tannor invited his sister to the dance floor, most of us were drenched in tears. Never in my years of weddings had I ever seen so many emotions all at once.
If I had to sum up Tannor and Desiree’s beautiful wedding in one sentence I would say this. It was a thoughtful day filled with gratitude and connection, where everyone was loved and welcomed, and life was celebrated. I cannot thank you both enough for allowing us to be part of something so incredibly special. Cheers to you both.
Vendor Love
Venue | Story Hill Firehouse Wedding Venue
Catering | All Occasions Catering
Gown | Amelishan Bridal
Jewlery |Bazinedezine , Dareth Colburn Designs, Bling Jewelry Studio
Decorator | A Touch of Holle
View their engagement session here: Tannor and Desiree
