Elegant Pfister Hotel Wedding in Milwaukee
Kristin and Matt’s Pfister Hotel wedding was the definition of classic and timeless. Set in one of Milwaukee’s most iconic venues, their day felt elegant, intentional, and deeply personal from start to finish. With a refined black-and-white palette, ornate surroundings, and a strong emphasis on portraits, this Milwaukee wedding was beautifully traditional while still feeling entirely their own.
From the moment I arrived, it was clear how much this location meant to them. The Pfister has long been woven into Kristin’s family history, making it the perfect place to gather loved ones and celebrate a day that felt both meaningful and beautifully understated.
Pfister Hotel Wedding
As a Milwaukee wedding venue, the Pfister Hotel is unmatched in character. The interior is filled with ornate details, grand staircases, and warm architectural elements that feel like a step back in time. Every corner offers texture and depth, which makes it an incredible setting for wedding photography.
One of the biggest advantages of hosting a Pfister Hotel Wedding is the variety of backdrops in one place. From the refined hotel rooms to the dramatic public spaces and the recognizable exterior awning, there is no shortage of locations for portraits. As an added bonus, it’s also walking distance to the courthouse which makes for a gorgeous backdrop for photos. The walkable access to downtown Milwaukee adds even more flexibility, allowing us to step outside for classic city portraits without ever feeling rushed.
A Classic Milwaukee Wedding Style
Kristin and Matt’s style leaned fully into timeless elegance. Kristin wore a backless lace gown that felt classic and refined, with clean lines that photographed beautifully against the ornate interiors. Matt wore a traditional black tux with a bow tie, setting the tone for a polished, black-and-white Milwaukee wedding aesthetic.
The wedding party echoed that look perfectly. Bridesmaids wore sleek black gowns, while the groomsmen kept things classic alongside Matt. White roses were used throughout the florals, from the bouquet to the reception tables, reinforcing a clean and elegant design. Votive candles added warmth and ambiance to the reception space, while the smooth, multi-tiered white cake felt sophisticated and understated.
One of my favorite personal details was the way Kristin honored her family. She presented her mom with a small framed photo during the getting ready portion of the day, a quiet moment that felt just as important as the larger celebrations that followed.
Wedding Portraits at the Pfister Hotel
Kristin and Matt were an absolute dream to work with. They were kind, present, and so clearly loved by everyone who gathered to celebrate them. They met during their undergrad years, fell in love, adopted two pups, and were surrounded on their wedding day by people who have supported them every step of the way.
Instead of a first look, they chose a first touch, separated by a door, where they read private vows to one another. It was intimate and grounding, and it gave them a quiet moment together before the ceremony. When Kristin later made her grand entrance, Matt’s reaction as he saw her for the first time was emotional and unforgettable.
Portraits were a priority for both of them, and they made space for that intentionally. Kristin shared early on that she was completely comfortable missing part of cocktail hour if it meant slowing down for portraits. That decision allowed us to create a thoughtful set of images both inside the hotel and outside, including portraits in front of the courthouse and along the downtown Milwaukee streets.
Celebratory Wedding Reception Milwaukee WI
Their wedding reception effortlessly transitioned from elegant to celebratory. The first dances set a romantic tone, followed by a packed dance floor filled with energy. Glow sticks made an appearance as the night went on, and live music kept guests fully engaged.
Later in the evening, Matt changed into his Scottish kilt to celebrate his heritage and the family members who traveled to be there. It was one of those moments that felt joyful, meaningful, and completely true to them. Signature cocktails named after their dogs added a personal touch, along with a photo guest book and a cake topper featuring dogs as well.
Milwaukee Wedding Client Review
TheNeerdaels’ entire day was planned with incredible care and attention to detail. Getting to photograph such an amazing couple for such a momentous occasion was such a joy! Here’s what they had to say about working with me:
“We couldn’t be happier with Nikki & her team! From the very first Zoom call she was professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in capturing our day exactly how we envisioned it. On the engagement photo day & wedding day, she made us feel completely comfortable and at ease, which really shows in the photos. We are not ones to know how to pose or feel comfortable taking lots of pictures but she made the whole process feel effortless, easy & fun. The attention to detail, creativity, and ability to capture both the big moments and the quiet, emotional ones was incredible. Our photos turned out absolutely beautiful—warm, timeless, and full of true emotion. You can just feel the love that day brought through the photos. We’ve received so many compliments from family and friends. We will treasure these photos forever and highly recommend Nikki & her team to any couple looking for an amazing wedding photographer!” - Kristin and Matt
Milwaukee Wedding Photography
Hi, I’m Nikki, a wedding photographer serving Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond. I focus on documenting weddings in a way that feels natural, emotional, and true to the people at the center of the day. Kristin and Matt’s Pfister Hotel wedding was a perfect example of what happens when couples prioritize what matters most to them and trust the process.
If you’re planning a wedding at the Pfister or searching for a photographer who values timeless imagery and real moments, you can learn more about my wedding services here. When you’re ready to start the conversation, I’d love to hear from you!
Milwaukee Wedding Vendors
Photo: Nikki Kate Photo
Venue & Catering: The Pfister Hotel
Planner: B-Rad Planning
Florals: Belle Fiori
Band: Blue Water Kings Band
Hair: Claire Tassoul
Makeup: Jenna Hayes
Dress: Martina Liana from White Dress Boutique
Videography: Salem Media Productions
Officiant: Judge Derek Mosley
