Metro Garden Party Inspiration Shoot at the Milwaukee Art Museum

By Kevin Harson22 July 2025

The inspiration started with marrying a waterfront location in a metro city with a spring-forward color palette. I wanted to create a styled shoot that was reflective of not being afraid to play with prints, pinks, patterns, and colors. The mood board I created showcased a collaboration of both feminine elements and masculine touches. Natural light and sculptural blooms were necessary to bring living elements into an iconic art location. Charm / Soft florals / Elegance / Greens / Texture & prints

Cremé / Art Deco Pink / Leather Brown / Moss / Mauve / Cinnamon / Almond / Gold / Soft Sandstone

Milwaukee Art Museum is Wisconsin’s largest art institution. It features beautiful waterfront views, modern and clean lines, and moveable “wings” on the outside making it a landmark on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

-Martina Liana Luxe LE1332 (floral halter): Modern, chic, and effortlessly romantic, style LE1332 reimagines the classic ballgown with ethereal grace. Crafted from blush silk organza, it features a high-halter neckline, a dramatic low back, and a dreamy, textured bodice that flows into a full skirt with a subtle slit. A detachable back bow adds a charming finish to this fashion-forward yet timeless design. -Martina Liana Luxe LE1322 (strapless fitted): A vision of modern glamour, Style LE1322 stuns with its allover sequin and beaded lace design. The strapless column silhouette features a sheer corset bodice with a sculpted sweetheart neckline and optional off-the-shoulder sleeves. Pearl accents add a luxe touch and elevate this couture look even further. -Ines by Ines di Santo “Aria” (ballgown): The Aria gown is a couture showstopper, blending classic romance with modern edge. This strapless sweetheart ballgown features intricate, laser-cut-inspired lace that redefines traditional bridal textures. The corset bodice is structured with grosgrain-covered boning, adding a bold, sculptural detail that enhances the gown’s high-fashion feel. With its striking silhouette and artful craftsmanship, Aria is a statement piece made for the modern bride.

The florist used some of her favorite blooms to create a modern, elegant look. She used campanula, sweet peas, spirea, and, of course, roses. For table decor, we used footed vases, taper & pillar candles, glass vase pedestals to add height, white urns for ceremony pillars, and lamps to add a romantic touch.

The union between textures, patterns, and colors transformed the venue. Milwaukee Art Museum is a beautiful canvas on its own, and once we added in the pieces from our mood board, it truly came together beautifully. You’ll notice that every table has a different variation of linen, napkin, seat, light source, and floral element, so that no table is alike. We were also excited about the intimate crescent-shaped ceremony seating so that any guest had a view from their seat. Linen Rentals: Shibori Hex Moss, Cream Velvet, Almond Dupion, Golden Velvet, Light Pink Velvet Favorite Rentals: Serpentine tables, Archi Ginger Gold Chargers, Isidore Gold armchairs, Simone Velvet pink couch, King Louis Natural Rattan Chairs, Two Toned Brushed Silver & Gold Flatware, Melodia Cut-Glassware Collection, and Heirloom Bone Plateware

We really wanted to show how seamless it can be to mix different table shapes and mixed seatings, creating unexpected symmetry within such a vast venue. Another tip is to allow each talented vendor to take the inspiration board and add their unique design elements.

For the stationary design, I really wanted to lean into elevating the design by thoughtfully incorporating different textural components while leaning into both masculine and feminine. So the soft and delicate silk menus with the engraved leather embellishment on the invitation not only brought in that texture but also contrasting and unexpected elements, design-wise. The rest of the suite was kept simple with purposeful and modern juxtaposition as a nod to the modern venue setting and to leave room for the elements in the suite to speak for themselves while working harmoniously.