Brodie + Tanner's Wedding in the Abbey at St. James 1868!
Brodie & Tanner’s Milwaukee wedding at The Abbey at St. James 1868 was a timeless classic. This historic church-turned-event-space is one of the city’s most stunning venues, with its vintage architecture, stained glass, and rich character providing a backdrop that feels both intimate and transcendent. Their day blended elegance with modern joy, complete with emotional vows, vibrant portraits, and a celebration that carried late into the night. Throughout this post, I’ll share highlights from their wedding story while also showcasing what makes The Abbey at St. James 1868 such a fabulous choice for couples planning their own Milwaukee wedding!
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✨See the full Wedding Vendor Team:
🥂PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING AT THE St. James 1868 or in Milwaukee?
I love St. James 1868 Weddings and Milwaukee - and I would love to help! Reach out and let’s get started!
*See more St. James 1868 Weddings on the Roost Blog or learn more about the venue on the St. James 1868 website!
🥂St James 1868
St James 1868 is a historic venue that offers a “little piece of Europe in the heart of Milwaukee.” Exquisitely restored and reimagined from a 150-year-old church, St James brings its old-world styling - such as Tiffany stained-glass windows, original hardwood floors, and vintage light fixtures - to an elegantly remodeled space with glamorous styling as well as comfortable and modern amenities.
The whole venue exudes a luxurious, classic vibe from every inch of its beautifully restored and updated space. It was the perfect place for Brodie & Tanner’s classy, romantic, and fun wedding day!
🥂The Bride Getting Ready
I met up with the bride in a next-door Airbnb apartment (that used to be owned by Kate, who also owns St James), an additional space available just across the courtyard that extends the getting-ready options for couples. Brodie and her ladies completed their final touches there, and then it was time to head down and meet up with Tanner and the men for the first look and portraits.
🥂The First Look!
The Classic Red Door of the Abbey at St James 1868 is an iconic spot for first looks, portraits and even family photos! It was the an excellent spot for Brodie and Tanner to connect and see each other for the first time on their wedding day! I love first looks - they make everything about a wedding day easier and give the couple complete control over their day and the timeline! They are also a fantastic time of connection for the couple!
🥂Ladies & Gentlemen hanging out
Inside the Abbey, a pair of truly unique and extraordinary “Duke and Duchess” suites provide a temporary home for brides and grooms to get ready, relax, and hide away. Each room offers uniquely styled space perfect for all your wedding party needs!
🥂Wedding Party Shenanigans at St James 1868
Inside and out - St James offers so many possibilities for amazing photo backdrops! With this fun wedding party, there was no end to the shenanigans and no end to the opportunities to make fun photos!
🥂The Almost Newlyweds!
St James is located along a fabulous stretch of Wisconsin Avenue. The large and landscaped boulevard makes for a surprisingly good location for stunning photos. And it gets even better around sunset! Brodie & Tanner looked fetching together - timeless classics with their elegant outfit choices!
🥂An Emotional Wedding in the Abbey at St James 1868
Inside St. James 1868, the Abbey features exquisitely restored stained glass and stone pillars, a 72-foot-long aisle for dramatic processions. When the Ceremony concludes, guests can step right outside into a stunning courtyard for cocktails and outdoor entertainment.
🥂Golden Hour Love - Newlywed Edition!
One of my favorite parts was a quick golden hour session with the couple that we snuck in between cocktail hour and the grand march!
🥂Dances, Cake, Speeches, and More in the Abbey!
The Abbey is beautiful during the day, but transforms into a stunning, warm, candlelit romantic masterpiece at night! It’s perfect for emotional speeches, delicious dishes, and all the dances!
🥂Party Time in The Abbey!
Who knew partying in a remodeled 150-year-old church could be so fun!
🥂The Wrap-Up!
Brodie & Tanner’s wedding at The Abbey at St. James 1868 was a beautiful blend of timeless architecture, heartfelt moments, and joyful celebration. From the soaring stained glass to the romantic candlelit ceremony and a lively reception with family and friends, their day felt both elegant and personal. St James 1868 provided the perfect backdrop for their love story, and I was honored to capture all the details and joy along the way. Brodie and Tanner’s Wedding party, family, and friends were all fabulous; their day was full of love and laughter!
Brodie and Tanner are fantastic - wonderful humans who are deeply in love and so much fun! I wish them all the love and happiness in their lives together!
🥂PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING AT THE St James 1868 or in Milwaukee?
I love St. James 1868 Weddings and Milwaukee - and I would love to help! Reach out and let’s get started!
*See more St. James 1868 Weddings on the Roost Blog or learn more about the venue on the St. James 1868 website!
There is more to see:
✨The Wedding Vendor Team:
📸 Photographer: Me!
💒Venue: @stjames1868 - The Abbey - St James 1868
🏠Getting ready: Air B&B (Used to be owned by St James)
📋Coordinator: Rachel White
💍Officiant: Rev. Joan Fergus (@ceremoniesbyjoan)
👰🏼♀️Wedding Dress: Kerria | Alena Leena
🛍️Boutique: Strike Bridal Bar
⚪️Veil: Tailored Tulle
👠Shoes: Happy Bride Shoes
🫙Perfume: I DO by Anthropologie
💄MUA: Megan Calligaro (@megancalligaromua)
✃Hair: Lexi Lee Hair (@lexileehair @styledbysam.mke )
👗Bridesmaids: Azazie
🎂Dessert vendor: Classy Girl Cupcakes
🍽️Food vendor: Zilli Hospitality Group
🍕Late Night: Pizza Hut
📜Invites: Minted
💐Florist: Feisty Flowers @feistyflowers
🪩DJ: David Charles Productions - Benjamin Wall, @davidcharlespro
📸 2nd photographer: Josh Schwartz
