The Cooperage

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Dinner

Reception

Our Wedding

Leigh and Tony met in first grade at St Jerome School in Oconomowoc, WI, in the early '90s. During that schoolyear, Leigh pulled Tony under the slide to tell him she’d had a dream about him and thought they should get married. They did. Over the next few years in grade school, they had playdates at each other’s houses, developing a friendship and childhood crushes on each other. Leigh remembers daydreaming about Tony and thinking he was funny and cute. Tony remembers memorizing Leigh’s phone number and playing with Star Wars toys that belonged to her older brothers. They both remember writing out each other's full name, over and over, on paper. Middle school and high school brought new friends and interests for them both, and as young adults they crossed paths once in awhile mostly through their families in Oconomowoc. They both lived in Chicago for some time and met up a few times there, but their various life experiences and adventures largely pulled them in different directions until 2024. Tony’s beloved maternal grandmother Alice Gracz passed away last year at age 92.Leigh’s mom Mary attended her service and chatted with Tony there.Before parting ways, she gave him Leigh’s business card and told him to give her a call.He texted her soon after, suggesting they catch up, and her response was, “My first husband!” The rest was history. Leigh and Tony quickly realized their shared history was only the tip of the iceberg, and they clicked immediately... laughing and talking for hours, spending time with old &amp; new friends, sharing and seeing music, kayaking and rollerblading, beach days and dog walks with Ollie, exploring new cities and lots of scrabble games. Tony moved from Madison to Milwaukee last September. Their friendship and love is rooted in kindness, respect, fun and curiosity, and paved the way for their partnership.Tony proposed to Leigh at the top of North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee’s Lake Park.They are overjoyed to get married (again) and to celebrate this special day with family and friends.💗

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q: Is there a hotel block? Where should we stay?A: There are many hotel options within 5-10 minutes drive from the venue located at 822 S Water St. There is no hotel block. Hotel ideas: Any hotel chains (Hyatt Regency, Fairfield inn, Hampton Inn, Westin, Hilton, Drury Plaza, Springhill Suites, etc) downtown would be convenient.&nbsp;The historic Pfister Hotel is central. County Clare Inn has character and is centrally located on a quiet block. Other nice options include The Kimpton Journeyman in the Third Ward, The Iron Horse Hotel in Walkers Point, St Kate Arts Hotel downtown, Hotel Metro downtown, The Trade Autograph downtown near Fiserv Forum. There are some Airbnbs as well. Call or text us if you'd to run anything past us! Q: What should we do with free time in Milwaukee?A: Milwaukee is full of nature, good food, arts, music, beaches, beer gardens and more. Call or text us for any suggestions during your stay! Check out: centrally-located Bradford beach, Milwaukee Public Market located on Broadway in the Third Ward (also a nice neighborhood to stroll through with plenty of shops and restaurants), The Milwaukee Art Museum (walk over the Calatrava Reiman Bridge), stroll through centrally-located Lakeshore State Park situated between Lake Michigan and Summerfest grounds, try food and drinks at Zocalo Food Truck park, escape to Klode Beach Park (15 min drive north), have a sit or a beer at South Shore Beer Garden along the harbor in Bayview (10-15 min drive south). Q: How should I get to and from the wedding? Is there parking available at the wedding venue?A: The Cooperage has a shared lot with limited parking north of the building that you are welcome to park in. You may leave your car in the parking lot overnight. It has a gate that is typically closed until around 10am the next day.There are no restrictions on parking on the street.There is also a paid outdoor lot at 205 E. National Ave (~5 minute walk from the venue). Use code COOPERAGE25 to receive 25% off your parking. More here: https://www.cooperagemke.com/faqsRideshares (lyft, uber, etc) are also a good option in Milwaukee. Please plan ahead and arrive no later than 3:30-3:45pm. Q: Is there a dress code?A: No, wear whatever makes you feel good. The Cooperage is a converted industrial riverside venue in the city. If you're looking for guidance, cocktail/semi-formal would be appropriate. Q: What's for dinner and do I need to select an entree?A: There is no need to select an entree. There will be a family-style dinner served at each table including: a green salad with honey vinaigrette, crispy potatoes, roasted root vegetables, mac &amp; cheese, sofrito chicken and creamy mushroom tofu. We will be seated for dinner around 6:00pm. Q: Should I bring my kids?A: Please leave your kids at home!

Leigh & Tony

Leigh & Tony

Registry