Jennifer and Kenny met in 2010 in Washington DC where they (still) reside. As Jen was moving into a new apartment, Kenny helped carry her things upstairs as he was her new downstairs neighbor. Just like many great relationships start, Jen and Ken were friends first before they realized what was meant to be.
Despite traveling all around the world and having family throughout the country, Jen and Ken decided on a midwest wedding. We were told that 95% of the guests traveled to be there. I spoke with people from North Carolina, Florida, New York… Shannon and I had the smallest commute out of everyone at 20 minutes to Jen’s childhood church, St. Eugene in Fox Point. After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Shully’s Watermark in Thiensville. It was our first time there and loved the venue!
Big thanks to the wedding party for making us feel like one of their own. They truly welcomed us and we couldn’t ask for better couples.
Vendors and all the sweet little info:
Photographers: TJ + Shannon Uttke // TJ Uttke Photography
Wedding hashtag: #kenjenlove
Engaged: December 13, 2o13
Reception Venue: Shully’s Watermark // Thiensville, Wisconsin
Rings: Brilliant Earth
Wedding Planner: Stephen Jones at Shully’s // Thiensville, Wisconsin
The Dress: David’s Bridal
The Bridemaids dresses: Bella’s Bridesmaids
Suits purchased and tailored: Men’s Warehouse
Hair + Makeup: Impressions Salon by Christine Frank // Mequon, Wisconsin
Floral Design: Jane Kelly Flower // Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Stationery + Paper goods: Sophie M.H. Savage (graphic designer and close friend)
Ceremony Songs: Nuptial Blessing and others (Preludes);
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Processional);
God Who Created Hearts to Love (Recessional)
Reception Disc Jockey + lighting: Sound By Design // Shorewood, Wiscosin
First Dance song: Tonight by J.J. Heller
Father + Daughter dance song: Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman
Mother + Son dance song: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
Caterer: Shully’s // Thiensville, Wisconsin
Transportation: D+D Limo // Watertown, Wisconsin
Favorite part of the day:
“Impossible to choose! I thought exchanging our vows was very special and our first dance was such a wonderful moment for just the two of us.”
Jen + Kenny’s advice for future couples:
1.) Don’t drive yourself crazy by trying to spend quality time with everyone who is there- it simply won’t happen. Enjoy the moments as they happen and remember that everyone is there for you.
2.) Don’t spend too much time on formalities- you deserve to enjoy the food and drink you’ve tasted, selected and paid for!
3.) Make time for special moments with your groom. As wonderful as the wedding day is, it may not be the most romantic one ever. There are many demands on your time and many people who want to talk to and congratulate you, but stay close to your new spouse, hold hands, visit with others together and don’t be afraid to excuse yourselves for a moment of peace and quiet! We took some time before joining the cocktail party to just look around at the beautiful setup, and to walk outside along the river before we joined the dance party in earnest. Those were some of the best memories of the night!
