leah & michael
Editorial Elegance in an
Iconic Ballroom
|
madison, wi

Timeless, chic, elegant, traditional, intimate, classic, and romantic describe Leah and Michael’s aesthetic. Their wedding was a direct reflection of their personal styles – particularly Leah’s fashion-forward sensibility. Every detail felt curated and intentional, weaving together elements that were original, meaningful, and unmistakably them.
The weekend began with a Friday night rehearsal dinner overlooking Lake Mendota, a prominent landmark in Madison that holds deep meaning for the couple, having spent their undergrad years nearby. Guests dressed in light, natural hues while Leah stunned in a bold, blue gown. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the couple’s closest friends and family gathered on a rooftop patio to share heartfelt toasts, warm laughs, and celebratory drinks in a relaxed, intimate setting.
For the reception, the goal was to create an atmosphere that felt incredibly warm and inviting. Over 300 pillar candles lit the space, allowing for a soft, ambient glow with minimal artificial lighting. The rest of the design was edited and intentional – never overdone, but instead focused on thoughtful details that contributed to an intimate, welcoming experience.
No detail was left untouched. Leah and Michael’s custom wedding crest was subtly woven throughout the weekend from invitations to seating cards, welcome bags, cocktail napkins, matchbook favors, bar signage, and rose petal cones for their exit toss. They even had embroidered handkerchiefs made for their parents, each with personal messages like “thank you for raising the man of my dreams,” delicately featuring their crest. This continuity added a polished, tailored layer to their wedding brand.


Known affectionately by their friends as “Hotel Hartlieb,” Leah and Michael’s Chicago apartment has always been a revolving door of hospitality and good times. Naturally, they leaned into that theme by incorporating “Hotel Hartlieb” across their bar signage – a playful and personal touch that their guests instantly recognized and loved.
As a tribute to Leah’s great-grandparents, their wedding rings were tied to the ring bearer pillows so their memory could be part of the day. The flower girl carried a miniature version of Leah’s bouquet- an intentional choice that mirrored Leah’s role as a model of grace and strength to those around her.
From the very beginning, Leah and Michael were clear: they wanted to spend their wedding day together, truly with one another. We made space for moments just for them, including one in the library after Leah changed into her second look. With martinis in hand and surrounded by rich woodwork, the two soaked in the evening under the glow of flash photography, an effortlessly elegant and timeless finale to their day.
And as the music played into the night, their guests danced through the very last song: joyful, carefree, and completely swept up in the celebration. It was the kind of night no one wanted to end, and one everyone will remember for a lifetime.





















vendor credits
Planner - Evermore Events Company. Photographer - Whitney and Matsaya. Venue - The Madison Club. Church - Saint Paul's Catholic Student Center. Florals - Blooms by Brandi. Band - Bluewater Kings Band. Catering, Bar, and Cake - The Madison Club. Stationer - Gabrielle Wilson Designs. Wedding Party Transportation - Jones Travel.

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