Villa Terrace is one of our favorite Milwaukee wedding venues, and it's just as beautiful for an intimate elopement as it is for a larger celebration. With its Italian-inspired architecture, gardens, and views of Lake Michigan, it's a setting that doesn't need much to feel special.

For Arielle and Jacob, a Villa Terrace elopement was the perfect way to celebrate with their closest family and friends. Their wedding day included a ceremony overlooking the lake, live guitar music, a champagne toast, and even a visit from their two dogs!

Our Weddings With a Twist team has planned many weddings at Villa Terrace over the years, and we always enjoy seeing how couples use the space differently. Arielle and Jacob's relaxed celebration was a wonderful example of how much you can incorporate into a smaller wedding day.

A Villa Terrace Elopement with a Little Help from the Weather

The forecast leading up to Arielle and Jacob's wedding called for rain all day. Arielle was understandably hoping for better weather, especially with their ceremony planned for the outdoor terrace.

She was so determined to keep the rain away that she even hired an Etsy witch to help ward off the bad weather!

And whether it was a little magic or just good luck, the rain stopped shortly before their ceremony. The sun even made an appearance, much to Arielle's delight.

With the weather cooperating, they were able to exchange vows outside as planned, surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Villa Terrace and views of Lake Michigan.

An Intimate Wedding Ceremony Overlooking Lake Michigan

One of the things we appreciate most about Villa Terrace is how well the venue works for weddings of different sizes. The outdoor terrace provides a beautiful ceremony setting without requiring an elaborate floral installation or extensive decor.

For Arielle and Jacob's ceremony, white chairs were arranged overlooking the lake, with arrangements of white and soft blue flowers framing the space. The florals complemented the warm stone architecture and greenery surrounding the terrace.

Arielle's brother officiated the ceremony, adding a personal element to an already intimate gathering. A guitarist provided live music, creating a lovely atmosphere for the celebration.

With a smaller guest list, the ceremony felt relaxed and personal, exactly what the couple had envisioned.

Champagne, Charcuterie, and a Relaxed Celebration

Following the ceremony, Arielle and Jacob celebrated with their guests over champagne and charcuterie while the guitarist continued playing.

Rather than planning a traditional wedding reception, they kept the afternoon simple, with time to enjoy their guests and take photos throughout the property.

Their two dogs even joined them for a few portraits! Including their pups was such a fun personal touch, and the resulting photos are some of our favorites from the day.

Later, the couple headed out to dinner with their guests, continuing the celebration without the structure of a full reception.

It's one of the things we love about elopements and intimate weddings. There is plenty of flexibility to plan a day that includes the traditions and experiences that matter to you while leaving out anything that doesn't.

Wedding Portraits Throughout Villa Terrace

Another advantage of planning a Villa Terrace elopement is the variety of beautiful portrait locations available right on the property.

Arielle and Jacob took full advantage of the grounds, with photos overlooking Lake Michigan, along the covered walkways, and throughout the gardens.

The venue's distinctive architecture provides so many interesting backdrops, from the brick courtyards and stone columns to the grand staircase and landscaped grounds.

Their portraits also captured the softer details of the day, including Arielle's off-the-shoulder gown, her white floral bouquet, and the pale blue accents incorporated into their stationery and flowers.

With everything taking place at one location, they were able to enjoy several different settings for their photos without needing to travel between venues.

Planning Your Own Villa Terrace Elopement in Milwaukee

If you're considering an elopement or intimate wedding in Milwaukee, Villa Terrace is certainly worth exploring.

While many couples know the venue for its larger weddings, the property is equally suited to smaller celebrations. The terrace offers a memorable setting for an outdoor ceremony, and the gardens and architecture provide plenty of opportunities for portraits.

Arielle and Jacob's wedding is also a great reminder that an elopement doesn't have to mean skipping all of the familiar wedding traditions. You can still have beautiful flowers, live music, a meaningful ceremony, and a celebration with your favorite people, just on a smaller scale.

We've had the opportunity to plan many weddings at Villa Terrace, along with elopements and intimate celebrations throughout the Milwaukee area.

Whether you're planning a full wedding weekend or a simple ceremony followed by dinner, we'd love to help you bring your plans together.

Interested in planning a Villa Terrace elopement? Get in touch with us to learn more about our wedding coordination services.