🌿Candace + Jared’s The Ivy House Wedding 🌿

Weddings
Written By Brandon J Brown

Candace & Jared are Married!

There is more to see:
- Wedding Reels - Part 1 // Part 2
Part 3 // Part 4

- Candace & Jared’s Engagement Session

When Candace and Jared were planning their wedding, they wanted the day to feel romantic, joyful, and full of fun. More than anything, they were excited to be surrounded by their favorite humans - family and friends, and designed a timeline that gave them space to be relaxed and fully present. They chose to host their celebration at The Ivy House, a converted warehouse tucked into Milwaukee’s vibrant Fifth Ward.

The Ivy House

The Ivy House has a lot going for it, which is why it books out well in advance! As you pull up, you’re greeted by its bold green brick exterior, the giant 906, and the colorful Journey Mural in the parking lot. Cream City Brick and Ivy accent a spacious Ballroom, merging modern and classic design elements to create a fun, accessible space for celebrations. If you look closely, much of the wood used throughout the venue (including the bar!) is upcycled from the old bleacher boards at Grafton Middle School, complete with the original seat numbers. It's details like that that give The Ivy House so much character.

The venue also features The Fernweh Patio Bar, an outdoor space ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or dancing under the stars. That indoor/outdoor flexibility is a major win, especially in Wisconsin, where weather can be... well, unpredictable. The indoor and outdoor options create flexibility for couples and provide a built-in weather backup.

It’s not just the building that is awesome either! Nick (venue manager) and the staff of the Ivy House are friendly and awesome! They go above and beyond to ensure all the details are covered and the guests are comfortable.

*See more Ivy House Weddings on the Roost Blog or learn more about the venue on the Ivy House website!

Getting Ready in the Penthouse

The Penthouse is the bridal suite where couples can get ready for their wedding in style. Candace won the coin toss (I made this up), so she and her attendants got ready in the Penthouse while Jared hung out in the Green Room - a smaller getting-ready space right off the ballroom. I love the Penthouses’ exposed rafters and speaker wall - but its mini-kitchen and full bathroom make it perfect for weddings needing a comfy place to relax for a few hours, as they are getting their hair and makeup done perfectly. It’s also a great place for detail photos - dresses, rings, shoes, and invites all look great with all the natural light, brick, and cool furnishings. Candace brought along the moms, the wedding party, and the flower girls, and they all had a great time laughing and getting ready together.

The dress? A showstopper from Justin Alexander’s Signature line that flowed like waves when Candace twirled and danced!

First Looks & Happy Moments

One of my favorite first look spots at The Ivy House is in front of the iconic 906 wall. It’s not just photogenic—it’s visible from the Penthouse, which means everyone up there can sneak a peek without being in the couple’s way. Jared was all smiles as he waited for Candace. First looks never get old, and theirs was lovely. Afterward, we strolled over to the Journey Mural, captured some shots by the preserved brick walls of a building that used to be on the site, and then headed inside for a few final photos in front of the epic bar.

THe Ceremony and the Living Ivy

The Ballroom has only gotten more beautiful over time as the ivy continues to grow. Paired with the exposed Cream City brick, modern lines, and steel details, it creates a space that feels alive, warm, and welcoming. Candace and Jared filled the space with family, friends, and an overwhelming amount of emotion, surrounded by people who clearly love them deeply. It was heartfelt, moving, and full of joy.

Cocktail hours

The Ballroom can quickly flip into a Cocktail hour space. It’s wall-length bar serving up cocktails, while Tall Guy and a Grill bring out tasty appetizers to share. Everyone got their turn to greet the bride and groom, share stories, and offer their well wishes. Signature cocktails are always great - and pairing a Moscow Mule with a Brandy Old Fashion was a fantastic choice.

Golden Hour with the newlyweds!

One of the best parts of my job is all the time I get to spend with couples on their wedding day! Hanging out all day with Candace and Jared was a blast, and it felt like we had known each other for a lot longer. When we got to Golden hour, we slipped outside for a few final portraits. I love this time of day because all the pressure is off and we are just rolling. They clearly delight in each other, and it shows in how they laugh, support one another, and make space for each other.

Food, toasts, cake, and Dances!

After a quick flip, the Ballroom was ready for dinner, toasts, and dancing. As dinner was wrapping up, a Dessert cart appeared, and, based on how quickly the line formed, people were very excited about it! Then it was time for the first dances!

Party Time!

When the last speech is over, you can feel the energy shift and suddenly - it’s party time! It is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day. People are full of good food and cheer, and really to celebrate and dance! Milwaukee Airwaves - always brings the party - especially on their home turf!

CHampagne and celebration

Wedding days go by fast! As we approached the end of the day, Candace and Jared slipped outside with me to celebrate with a Champagne pop and a little private time! The Ivy House looks as good at night as it does during the day - the consummate backdrop for their final wedding day photos!

The wrap up!

What a day! What a couple! Candace and Jared’s wedding was a joy from beginning to end, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Let’s do it all again!

Wishing them a lifetime of love, laughter, and moments that matter. 🥂

Nick Brenning is the Venue Manager of The Ivy House - he will make sure you have an awesome experience there!

*See more Ivy House Weddings on the Roost Blog or learn more about the venue on The Ivy House website!

The Wedding Dream Team:

Brandon J Brown

Photographer + Storyteller

www.roostmke.com
Next

✨Candace + Jared’s Lakeshore Park Engagement Session!✨