A golden hour portrait of the bride and groom snuggled up together as her long veil flows behind her on their wedding day in Milwaukee.

Gather at Deer District Wedding

Elora and Dayne’s Gather at Deer District wedding was the kind of day that instantly feels joyful the moment you step into it — colorful, heartfelt, and overflowing with love!

Elora and Dayne’s love story is just as special as their wedding day. The two met in the most unexpected way — in an escape room in the Wisconsin Dells. Elora was in town for a dance competition, and Dayne happened to be running the room that day. A completely random encounter turned into an instant connection, and from that moment on, their story unfolded naturally. Standing together on their wedding day in Milwaukee, it felt like everything had aligned exactly as it was meant to!

The day began just steps away from the venue at The Trade Hotel, located directly across the street from Gather at Deer District. I’ve had many couples get ready there and it makes that day so seamless with such little travel time. The hotel itself is incredibly classy, with unique design elements and a high-end feel, offering multiple beautiful spaces that are perfect for getting ready. Natural light, modern textures, and an upscale atmosphere set the tone for the day, and being able to simply walk across the street to the venue was such a luxury — especially in the middle of a vibrant Milwaukee wedding day.

Before the day got into full swing Elora and Dayne had a ‘first touch’ on the balcony and it was such a sweet way to start the day and share private vows. This is such a great way to start with day with each other but not see each other till down the aisle if that’s what you are looking for.

From the very start, everything about the day felt effortless!

As guests arrived in the Deer District, the energy of the city surrounded them — spring sunshine, buzzing streets, and the excitement of celebrating a couple so clearly adored by their friends and family. Gather at Deer District provided the perfect backdrop for Elora and Dayne’s vision. The modern, bright open space came alive with soft spring colors, thoughtful design choices, and a wedding party whose style perfectly complemented the aesthetic. Neutral tones mixed with subtle pops of color, fresh florals, and timeless details created a look that felt polished, joyful, and inviting!

One of the most fun and meaningful moments of the day happened during wedding party photos — when Dayne surprised Elora in the sweetest way. He had a friend bring their beloved dog, Cleo, to join them for photos. Elora had no idea, and her reaction was everything. These two absolutely adore their little Cleo, so having her there made the moment even more special!

Elora planned every aspect of the day so intentionally, and it truly showed. From the way the timeline flowed to the carefully curated details, everything came together seamlessly. There was an overwhelming sense of happiness throughout the entire celebration — the kind where laughter comes easily, tears are happy ones, and every guest feels honored to be part of something meaningful.

Their wedding party brought so much personality and energy to the day. Big smiles, celebratory moments, and genuine excitement filled every part of the celebration, perfectly matching the colorful spring feel of the wedding. The DJ had the dance floor packed all night and sent off the couple into such a special start to their marriage!

This Gather at Deer District wedding in Milwaukee was one of my favorites! From getting ready at The Trade Hotel to celebrating with their favorite people — and their sweet pup Cleo — in one of Milwaukee’s most iconic venues, Elora and Dayne’s wedding day was thoughtful, seamless, and unforgettable, a true reflection of who they are and the love they share!

Thank you, Elora + Dayne for trusting me to capture such a special day in your world! All the details came together in the most beautiful way and yours is a wedding I won’t forget! I wish you all the best in this next chapter as husband and wife! Hugs – Taylor