Melissa & Ryan’s Hubbard Park Lodge Wedding Celebration!
Melissa & Ryan’s Spring Wedding in MilwaukeeMilwaukee is a fantastic place to get married! Our rich urban landscape is complemented by so many natural treasures, and Melissa and Ryan’s wedding took full advantage of them.
It takes a lot of work to wrestle a wedding onto my blog. I always prioritize delivering galleries to clients, so, alas, many fantastic weddings never get their public debut! But this 2016 wedding has long been a favorite of mine, and I’m so delighted it’s finally getting its moment to shine.
Melissa and Ryan’s wedding took place on a rainy spring day in 2016. Rather than being put off by the weather, Melissa accessorized her wedding dress with a black leather jacket—an iconic look that was equal parts badass and beautiful.
Getting Ready: Melissa got ready with her family at her childhood home, while Ryan prepped across town. We made a few adjustments to their photo plans to account for the rain, but Melissa is blessed with hair that looks amazing even when windblown, and we had some large umbrellas to help us out.
Wedding Photos at the War Memorial & Art Museum:The couple met for a windy first look at the lakefront, then headed to a little covered spot by the War Memorial, which gave us space for outdoor photos despite the rain. The Milwaukee Art Museum became the backdrop for many wedding party shenanigans!
The Marsupial Bridge:After that, we made our way to the Marsupial Bridge and Swing Park (by Lakefront Brewery) for more portraits. The bridge offered another perfect place to stay dry while capturing stunning river views. If you look carefully at the photos on the Bridge, you will see a BTS photo featuring some of my advanced photographic techniques in action!
Pilgrim Church Ceremony:We arrived at Pilgrim Church on Milwaukee’s east side with time to spare—just enough time for the groomsmen to liberate some rolling carts from the gym for a bit of fun. The church itself is gorgeous, with its wood and stained glass sanctuary, and the ceremony was full of moving moments. One of the most emotional highlights was when Melissa’s grandpa arrived with a framed photo of her as a child—the same one he looked at while praying for her every day.
Hubbard Park Lodge:After the ceremony, the couple snuck away for another round of photos in front of the church before arriving at their last stop of the day: Hubbard Park Lodge. We squeezed in a few more portraits with the couple and their crew in the tunnels before heading inside for the evening’s festivities.
Party Time at Hubbard Park Lodge: Hubbard Park Lodge is a Milwaukee classic - nestled in a hidden-away, wooded park full of old-world charm. Sitting along the scenic Milwaukee River, it offers a feeling of escape, just minutes from the city, yet worlds away. Entering the park through old stone tunnels feels like stepping into a quieter, more peaceful world. Once inside, the Lodge welcomes guests with soaring cathedral ceilings, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, and a spacious veranda overlooking the river. With its rustic elegance and casual charm, it's a warm, inviting space for any celebration. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a lively reception, the Lodge offers a setting that feels both tucked away and deeply memorable.
All in all, Melissa and Ryan’s wedding was fabulous. They are truly delightful humans, and their family and friends filled the day with so much laughter and joy.
Wedding Details:
Photographer 📸: ME!
HMUA: Vici Capilli (Brookfield)
Getting Ready: Bridesmaids - Hunter Family House
Getting Ready: Groomsmen - Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront
First Look: Lakefront
Photos: Marsupial Bridge (Holton Street Bridge & Swing Park)
Wedding: Plymouth church
Reception: Hubbard Park Lodge
2nd Photographer: Katy McCray
