We are writing every detail below that we can so we will remember as much as possible about our wedding festivities. Likewise, if you have a memory that you’d like to share, please do so in the comment section. We want to be able to come back and read this as time goes by.
The weekend that we had been waiting for since December 2011 has quickly come and gone now. Friends and family generously convened in Chicago and Milwaukee to begin the wedding festivities that were, to us, truly epic.
There were so many symbolic elements to the wedding and reception itself that we’d like to address prior to going into our actual activities with everyone once the date arrived. Our lifestyles together set the tone for how we wanted to the wedding to go and what it would represent. Meagan’s engagement ring was hand-made of recycled metal and a sapphire from a mine that was ethically sourced. These principles are important to us as a couple, and how we wanted to begin our lives together as a new family. And, common to us both, we knew we would break a few traditions along the way.
The venue was a most generous and incredible offering of Sergio’s aunt, Adrienne, who runs two phenomenal beer bars in the Bayview area of Milwaukee. Her bars are on the map as go-to pubs and known in craft beer markets. We were overwhelmed when we read an email from her saying, “Why don’t you just get married at the Sugar Maple?” Umm, ok!
The Chicago-Milwaukee area was important because of the access to incredible food (locally sourced) and a variety of beer unlike any we could get elsewhere. Plus, the sheer number of Pierluissis located there as to that of the Newsom clan were reason enough…(sorry to really inconvenience the Newsoms!)
Not only did Adrienne offer up the Sugar Maple, but she also told us where we should find great catering–Braise. On a trip up to Chicago to see the folks, and to celebrate our engagement with the family, we tried it out and were blown away. All of their food focuses on locality, ethically produced meats and veggies, along with insanely progressive food prep techniques and concepts.
From there, we began coming up with the beers that would pair with each course of the meal. Originally, we wanted to just be part of the food and beer process, but we’re glad we separated out the ceremony to give it the true prominence it deserves. So a beer and food pairing wedding was in the works.
We didn’t have any fancy designer make this–we did them at home and printed at FedEx
Meagan never went wedding dress shopping and never tried on the first wedding dress. After seeing a photo of a dress made by JCrew, she took the images to a seamstress in Mobile, where we were living at the time. We picked out organic cotton satin and began the work of piecing together various patterns to make the perfect dress.
A special thanks to the ladies in Mobile, Ala., A Timeless Bride, who create this lovely dress. Meagan’s necklace came a day of beading with her mother-in-law. Sharon broke apart a necklace made of vintage crystals so we could create jewelry. Meagan’s best friend, Maya, gave Meagan her earrings to wear on this special day.
We have some friends who work in the business of paper back in Mobile, and together we created coasters to send out as invitations. This really fit the theme and the eco-friendly concept. We hope you are all placing glasses on top of those coasters and not throwing them away! Please reuse! A graphic designer friend of ours gave us a wedding logo that we cherish and used on absolutely everything.
A friend of our created a “wedding logo” for us to use on our invitation coasters and snifter glasses, which were gifts for our guests.
Our best friend in Mobile became an ordained minister to marry us, just as it should be. We all met through CouchSurfing.org. When Meagan signed up to participate in the community, Kenneth contacted her to get her to hang out with the “crew,” that was made up of Kenneth, Sergio and our dear friend Josh. In a sense, Kenneth introduced us and married us. We wrote the script in words that echoed who we were as a couple, and where we want to go. We asked for the support of those in attendance because marriage is a community of love, support and daily encouragement.
There were special surprises during the ceremony; Kenneth wrote a special excerpt in the script to talk about all of us, our friendship and love for one another, and Sergio and Meagan wrote vows unheard prior to the day’s event. We also bought rings for one another without the guidance of the other. We had not seen our rings prior to Kenneth’s asking for the rings during the ceremony. Meagan’s ring was made from the same designer in Portland, Maine that created her lovely engagement ring. Sergio’s ring was made in Spokane and was 100% original–artwork really. It is organically shaped to resemble a tree limb with grooves and notches all over.
Meagan’s bouquet, again thanks to Adrienne, came from Milwaukee brewers who donated tons and tons of hops. Hops were everywhere! Smaller details, like our guest book (four bottles of barley wine that we asked the guests to sign with paint pens, and we would open one bottle on our 1st, 5th, 10th and 20th wedding anniversaries) gave the DIY wedding a unified, creative feeling.
We can’t wait to drink these up and remember you all there with us
Our wedding was one made through the gifts and creativity of others. We had volunteer photographers who gave us so many wonderful photos (Kenneth Jones, Courtney Anthony, Peter Frank, Kathy Goffe and Troy Wilson), and we’ll look back on them and remember the friends who donated their time and talent to do that for us. It cannot be said enough, we couldn’t have done it without everyone else.
So back to the festivities!
We flew into Chicago days before the wedding to spend time with the family and see some good Mobile friends who made the journey. We did several of the Chicago touristy things like The Bean and Pizzeria Due, although the pizza made by Mom Pierluissi later that same evening was so much better!
First pizza of the day
The second, but better, pizza of the day
Sergio’s brother even hosted a barley wine tasting while we were there! Incredible beers were had by all…
Mom Newsom came in to join the fun in Chicago, so Sergio and Meagan cooked a meal for everyone else (in lieu of a rehearsal dinner). We wanted to say “thank you” for what each person close to us was doing in our honor, and we felt overwhelmed with appreciation. We prepared an onion jam to kick things off and then came the main course–chicken and dumplings, but way fancier (and with beer in it!). The dessert was a crepe cake with chocolate ganache and chocolate truffles.
And our world’s collided
We presented gifts to the parents, best man, (the best woman wasn’t arriving until Saturday) and our officiant, Kenneth. Kenneth and Clif received hand-made beer carriers with engravings on them; the Moms and Gina received a necklace with gemstones Meagan purchased in Afghanistan and had been waiting on the perfect idea to create something with them; and Dad received a humidor to house his ever-growing cigar collection. It was an emotional evening for us, and we became really became overwhelmed with love and respect for the parents we have who raised us to be who we are today.
The slumber party in Chicago had to come to an end, and so we headed out for Milwaukee!
The actual wedding day was Sunday, but there must be celebrations on Saturday so we could spend as much time possible with everyone who traveled from all over (Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, California and others). Sergio planned a bar hopping experience that would give all of us a taste of the craft beers Milwaukee has to offer. We began the experience with Sprecher Brewing, that hosted a beer and cheese pairing session with 20 wedding guests. We were delighted to have both of our Moms actually enjoying a few of our beers!
After overcoming a wrong address situation, the group met up at Milwaukee Ale House and then onto Cafe Lulu’s for a grand dinner. We ended the evening at Sergio’s Aunt’s other bar, The Palm Tavern, which is the mecca for Belgian beers.
Meagan’s sister, Gina, and our nephew, Liam, were a little delayed by airlines but joined in the fun at Cafe Lulu’s. Hey, that kid looks pretty good on Sergio…
It was so good to see everyone and meet our nephew, Liam
The day of the wedding started with a quick brunch back at The Palm Tavern with bagels and lox that some friends helped us arrange (thanks, Joe and Kelly!); paired with some great Belgian beers (the breakfast recipe for successful marriages!).
Adrienne’s husband, Bruno, served up some great beers paired with lox/bagels
Sergio and Meagan finally separated for the remainder of the morning and would meet back up at the Sugar Maple to say, “I do.” Meagan got to the bar earlier than anyone and had some fun behind the bar. Plus, a few pints of beer does an anxious bride a lot of good.
Nothing calms your nervous more than pouring yourself a good beer
The Sugar Maple looked incredible. Recycled beer bottles were on every table with labels on them that we had prepared, and in the bottles were beautiful flowers and hops. Spectacular artwork of poppies created by Adrienne were hung all around to really set the tone that this was our wedding venue.
We were married in the backroom of the Sugar. Friends and family packed their way in with beers in hand. Meagan nervously walked down the aisle while seeing Sergio’s unwavering grin the entire way. Kenneth delivered a beautiful ceremony, filled with love, emotion and support for us. We were both filled with so much joy, nervousness and excitement to finally become husband and wife. Our vows brought tears to each other’s eyes because they were both from the heart, thoughtful and incredibly raw. It was perfect. Neither of us could believe how overwhelming that experience felt, and we were rocked by how much we truly did feel tied together (in a good way). We could also feel the love from everyone in the room. We wish we could do that over and over again.
The backroom looked lovely for the ceremony, and Meagan’s sister-in-law, Mika, prepared to sing before it all began.
Sergio anxiously awaiting Meagan’s arrival
We do!
Newsom family photo
Pierluissi family photo
With the formalities out of the way, it was onto the five course meal paired with various beers that were picked to accentuate the flavors. “Ooos” and “Ahhs” were heard throughout the crowd as each course was served. As each course began, a family member/friend came forward to introduce that course and even say something about us–if they felt so inclined.
We were touched by the words we heard from all who spoke, and it felt good to hear how much love they saw in us from the very beginning. And it’s true–we have a wonderful friendship, love and relationship that has only gotten better throughout the last two years. Sergio arranged for a lovely chocolate barley wine (beer) cake to be made, but by the time we ate through all five courses, we were both pretty stuffed.
Chocolate barley wine cake — how could anyone be too full to eat this beautiful creation?!
We hope everyone enjoyed the meal from Braise as much as we did.
Course #1 paired with Clown Shoes IPA, dedicated from down south
We all kept on drinking and laughing on into the evening. As the drinks flowed, the dancing become way more interesting, and we had so many great times with all of our guests.
Meagan’s sister, Gina, brought along her 6-week old baby, Liam. He became the star of the evening as the ladies in attendance began to take him from one another’s arms. Meagan tried to get as much time with him as possible, and also share him with everyone else. His little outfit matched the wedding perfectly with sewn on tie and suspenders made from felt material (from Etsy.com).
Our memorial to remember Meagan’s Dad, Brad Newsom
We retreated back to the hotel and sat around the lobby with friends and family remarking on the wedding and sharing a few more beers together. The next morning, we set out on our honeymoon that took us into French Canadian territory. That will be yet another blog…
Up bright and early for our honeymoon in Quebec, Canada.
To all of our friends and family in attendance or there in spirit, thank you all for everything. Your presence and your gifts were thoughtful and overwhelming, and we were deeply moved. We understand it’s common to feel this way, but our only regrets were not being able to spend more time with everyone there. Hopefully in the years to come we can make that right as our paths continue to cross. We are a truly lucky couple to be surrounded by those who want to share in our happiness, love and friendship. We did it our own way, but so many made it possible. We are indebted to all of you for many years to come. We cannot wait for the time to come where we can do something good for everyone else.
Thank you all for a perfect wedding…and perfect pairing
solongsouthernscenes 