Timeless Sophistication Filled This Wedding at The Milwaukee Country Club in Wisconsin
Caroline Marks and Robert Flaherty’s love story began unassumingly at Indiana University. Their first date? A cozy dorm room, a movie flickering on the screen and Panera takeout on the side. Fast forward through graduations and city moves, their relationship found its true test during an unintended, extended stay in Naples, Florida, amidst the pandemic. Living together under such unique circumstances, Caroline recalls, “We both knew a week into living together that we were going to be together forever. It truly was too easy, fun and perfect.”
Their journey took a dazzling turn in New York City, on the rooftop of their building. “The moment we got up there, I felt butterflies in my stomach, and the next thing I knew, Robert was getting down on one knee with the most beautiful sunset and view of the city in the background,” the bride fondly remembered. When Robert presented Caroline with the perfect Tiffany & Co. ring: “Once I saw the blue box, I truly was stunned. Every girl’s dream!” The engagement was made even more special by Caroline’s sister secretly decorating their apartment below, setting the stage for a post-question-pop celebration.
“Our planning experience was so enjoyable and fun,” Caroline reflects. The decision to entrust Megan Estrada of NSWE Events with their big day came easily. “She came highly recommended from multiple people and after our first conversation, I knew I would be able to trust her with anything and everything.” With their planner’s guidance, every element, from the grand to the granular, was infused with the couple’s personality and love story.
The couple knew they wanted a setting that felt like home and chose Milwaukee Country Club, where Caroline had grown up. “Every time we pull into the club, we both are blown away by how beautiful everything is,” she shares. The venue’s timeless elegance and exceptional service made it a natural fit for their Midwest families.
Fashion choices were next on their list, with the aim to dazzle yet remain true to themselves. Caroline’s style for the big day was influenced by her life in New York City, where she had found her dream dress at Kleinfelds. “I wanted my outfit to be effortless: an ode to la dolce vita,” she describes. The dress, a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance, paired beautifully with fun kitten heels. Robert’s attire was equally thought-out, featuring a custom tux from J.Mueser, which paired well with his personalized cufflinks—a gift from Caroline that bore his initials.
As the wedding day dawned, excitement buzzed through the air. The setting was breathtaking, decorated with a thoughtful color palette of classic Italian blues and greens, and an awe-inspiring floral arrangement by Life In Bloom that included lush bouquets of white botanicals. “The main wedding day was truly perfect,” the bride recalls. As the ceremony commenced, the couple shared vows under an arch of delicate blooms. Caroline’s grandmother read a poignant poem, and her grandfather delivered a heartfelt blessing before dinner, adding layers of familial warmth to the ceremony.
As twilight turned to night, the reception began under a canopy of stars and basketweave lanterns. Over 25 lanterns adorned the ceiling, weaving through greenery, casting a glow that Caroline describes as “so magical.” The dance floor was never empty, thanks to a vibrant playlist that kept everyone moving. “No one left the dance floor the entire night!” the bride details. Personal touches like butterflies on the bar fronts reminded guests of the couple’s journey and their shared transformations.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of their wedding planning and celebration, Caroline has some advice for future couples. “First, hire a wedding planner! Working with Megan and her team was truly magical. It made the planning process and wedding weekend so easy.” She also emphasizes the importance of choosing vendors with whom you feel a personal connection. “You will know after the first call if they are a good fit or not.”
Finally, she encouraged couples to remember the true essence of their big day. “Remember to have fun and don’t stress about the little things. At the end of the day, you are marrying your person, and that is ALL that matters.”
As the evening wound down, the newlyweds shared dance after dance, the lanterns above swaying gently. They had a few favorite moments from the day, but one that especially stood out: “Looking into the crowd and seeing everyone filled our hearts with so much warmth and love.”
