Kat + Dan's Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Wedding!

Weddings
Written By Brandon J Brown

Kat & Dan’s day started at The Trade Hotel - one of Milwaukee’s hottest new destinations. Nestled in Deer District across the street from Buck’s stadium, The Trade Hotel gives off the perfect big city cool kid vibes without feeling pretentious or unwelcoming.

Bride and Groom walk together outside the Trade hotel in Milwaukee's Deer District - image links to an instagram reel of their wedding day

There is more to see: Instagram Reels: *PART 1* *PART 2* *PART 3* (or on TikTok)

Kat & Dan’s Schlitz Audubon Nature Center wedding was a showcase of why Milwaukee is a fantastic city to get married in. Their wedding day seamlessly blended the sleek urban vibes of Milwaukee’s Deer District with the deep breath of nature found tucked next to Lake Michigan at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

I met Kat & Dan through Heather Farr- one of Milwaukee’s best wedding planners. Once the introductions were made, I was thrilled to collaborate with them on their wedding (Heather always works with amazing humans)! Her team wove all the elements together perfectly - and all in all, it made for a magical day, and the perfect blended canvas for Kat & Dan’s wedding celebration!

🥂CONTENTS🥂

*You can jump to a specific part of the day or check out their photos in motion through the Instagram reels linked. Tap any tag above (below the blog title) to explore more vendors, venues, and cool locations!

✨Planning your own Schlitz Audubon Wedding?

Check out my Venue Spotlight on Schiltz for a detailed look at why it is a fantastic place to get married! I’d love to help—let’s connect and create some magic together!

✨Getting Ready at the Trade Hotel in Deer District✨

Kat & Dan’s day started at The Trade Hotel - one of Milwaukee’s hottest new destinations. Nestled in Deer District across the street from Buck’s stadium, The Trade Hotel gives off the perfect big city cool kid vibes without feeling pretentious or unwelcoming.

I love it as a getting-ready location for many reasons, but primarily because The Trade has so many cool features to take photos in front of, its rooms are beautiful and roomy, and the views of Milwaukee are breathtaking. On top of all that, the glamourous second-floor lounge has giant windows with lots of natural light, creative seating areas with beautiful leather couches, a fireplace, and a swanky bar area. Living in Wisconsin, having easy access to ample indoor space makes the weather much easier to manage, no matter what it throws your way. Their beds are fun to jump on, too!

✨First Looks at the Trade Hotel and in Deer District✨

There were many lovely moments as Kat got ready with her bridesmaids and Dan suited up with his Groomsmen. Once both were ready, we used the second-floor Lounge for a quick first look with Kat’s Dad, and a longer, emotional first look with Dan (and some teary-eyed spectators, too)! Then we stepped out into Deer district for a few quick photos with Kat & Dan (and my favorite reflective building) - before heading out to meet up with their wedding party for fun and photos at the Schlitz Audobon Nature Center.

🌿Wedding Party Photo Adventure at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center🌿

Surrounded by Nature, Schlitz Audubon is a beautiful and peaceful wedding venue. There are gorgeous nature trails, teaming with life and flowers, a lagoon with a boardwalk, a cute beach along Lake Michigan, and a wooded clearing for weddings! Schlitz strikes the perfect balance between being in nature and being accessible. Boardwalks and bridges make taking in the trails in wedding attire an attainable feat, and you just can’t beat the way the sunlight trickles through the trees during the day or how it makes the tall grasses glow around sunset. We had fun with their wedding party and had many quiet moments with the couple, surrounded by nature.

🌿An Outdoor Wisconsin Wedding at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center🌿

Kat and Dan’s connection to each other was the day’s main attraction. Their evident love filled the forest clearing with warmth and joy.

🌿The Great Hall Decorated & Golden Hour Photos on the Boardwalk🌿

The spacious Nature Center building offers all the modern amenities large celebrations require while maintaining the right vibes. The Great Hall’s wood and stone construction and large windows keep guests in nature while providing plenty of space for candlelit dining. We stepped out for a quick Golden Hour Session on the boardwalks that wind through the tall grass. We didn’t quite get a Sunset, but the twilight vibes were magical

🥂Schlitz Audubon Reception & First Dances🥂

We returned to the Great Hall for the grand march, cake cutting, and heartfelt toasts! One of my favorite moments was when the father of the Bride presented the couple with “Settlers of KatDan” while basing his toast on the elements of the game. Then it was time for the first dances!

🪩Party Time at Schlitz Audubon🪩

Kat and Dan danced late into the night with live music from Milwaukee’s own Tallboy (they are fantastic) - and I always love it when I get to stay at weddings long enough to capture lots of dancing photos!

🥂Schlitz Audubon at Night & Final Thoughts🥂

We wrapped up the night by stepping out for some night photos in front of the Schlitz Nature Center. What a celebration! Kat and Dan’s day was the perfect mix of city vibes at The Trade Hotel and nature-filled beauty at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. From intimate getting-ready moments to a forest grove ceremony and a joy-filled reception, every detail reflected why Milwaukee is such a special place to be married!

Kat and Dan are amazing humans in their lives and relationships, and it was an honor and a joy to join them for their wedding celebration. I wish them all the love, laughter, and moments that matter in their future together!

If you’re dreaming of your own Wisconsin wedding—or considering Schlitz Audubon or The Trade Hotel as part of your day—I’d love to help capture it all.

🥂One More Thing: Heather Farr Events!🥂

Finally, let’s talk about Heather Farr and her team! Heather is a fabulous wedding planner/coordinator. In addition to handling all the details and keeping the day running smoothly, Heather anticipates her couple’s human needs, ensuring they remain hydrated and comfortable throughout the day. Her energy and personality bring peace and calm to days filled with potential stress. I am always excited to work with her because I know I can focus on taking great photos, and she will take care of everything else!

✨Planning your own Schlitz Audubon Wedding? ✨

Check out my Venue Spotlight on Schiltz for a detailed look at why it is a fantastic place to get married!

If you’re planning your own wedding in Wisconsin, whether outdoors in nature or downtown in Milwaukee, I’d love to chat about how to document each moment. Explore more weddings in my portfolio or reach out (Contact Roost) to find out how we can make your day unforgettable. I would love to help you with your wedding vision!

🥂Kat & Dan's Wedding Vendor Dream Team🥂


Brandon J Brown

Photographer + Storyteller

www.roostmke.com
Previous

Amy + Scott's Milwaukee Art Museum Engagement Session!
Next

🥂Emily + Anthony's Yosemite Destination Elopement🥂