We Have a Venue!

Big news on the wedding front!

I know, I know, the title gives it away, but…we picked our wedding venue!

Last weekend (pre-half marathon weekend), James and I looked at the Milwaukee Art Museum.  It was our number one choice based on a bunch of Internet research we had done, so it was the first one we wanted to look at.

Within minutes, we fell in love.  The museum is absolutely gorgeous on the outside and on the inside.  We loved everything about it, but because it was a big decision, we decided to think about it.  Luckily, the museum holds a date for you for two weeks once you look at the facility.

I think we knew all along that we were going to pick it (we told both of our parents about it that night), but we still gave it time.  But by this past Saturday, we knew it was exactly want we wanted.  I took my parents to see it and handed over the deposit.  Now we have our venue and the date!!

The ceremony and reception will both be in this huge open area of the museum, with the ceremony taking place right along the windows looking out onto Lake Michigan.

The "wings" will be open the day of

The cocktail hour will be held in this long hallway, and our guests will also be able to look through several of the rooms in the museum.

Cocktail hour

View of the lake during the cocktail hour

There is also an outdoor terrace for our guests, and this cool glass sculpture where the bar will be.

I’m also really excited because the museum is one of the best places in the city for pictures.

Speaking of pictures, my sister got this picture for James and I for Christmas a few years ago.

Milwaukee Skyline

We’ve had it in our living room ever since, and the most prominent building in the picture is the art museum.

Art Museum with the wings open

I am so excited to put a wedding picture of James and I front of the museum under this skyline picture on our mantel.  I know, sounds cheesy — but awesome!

Also a cool little tidbit, the art museum is featured in Transformers 3.  Here’s a video about filming, which also gives you a good idea of what the inside of the museum looks like.

Having the venue locked in takes a HUGE weigh off our shoulders, and now I’m so excited to plan a wedding to my dream man in this amazing place!

****

In other BIG news, I want to say congratulations to my best friend Alicia, and her wonderful husband Chris.  Today, these two amazing people found out that they are having a baby girl.  I am so excited to spoil little Annalise  Love you guys!