The Cooperage in Milwaukee is a venue full of character, warmth, and unique charm. From the exposed brick walls to the industrial bar and touches of greenery, it creates a space that feels both rustic and stylish at the same time. The moment you walk in, you can feel the personality of the venue, it doesn’t need much to stand out. As Milwaukee wedding photographers, we love how The Cooperage naturally sets the tone for a celebration, allowing couples to keep their decor simple while still creating a rich and beautiful atmosphere. This venue was completely perfect for Zari and Ryan to have a proper wedding reception and their one-year wedding anniversary all at once.
What makes The Cooperage so special is how effortlessly it blends vintage and modern elements. The moody lighting, warm textures, and open layout make it perfect for couples who want a space that feels intimate but also lively. It’s a place where every detail, from candlelight to seating, adds to the overall experience. Its open-concept layout, which seamlessly flows into the outdoor area is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and dancing. Plus, the rooftop offers breathtaking views of the Hoan Bridge and Lake Michigan.
Couples love The Cooperage because it gives them the freedom to create something personal while letting the venue’s natural beauty shine through.
The Cooperage Wedding Day
Zari and Ryan’s celebration was the perfect reflection of their eclectic and heartfelt style. They didn’t have a formal wedding ceremony celeberated with extended family and friends, so they chose to have a wedding reception and their one-year wedding anniversary celebrated in one day at The Cooperage. With some vintage seating, moody candles, rich, deep colors, and the bridesmaids wearing a variety of jewel-toned dresses, their day perfectly balanced a rustic feel.
Their story began through mutual friends, and after years of friendship, their relationship grew into something more in 2021. After getting engaged in the fall of 2023 and having an intimate ceremony in downtown Milwaukee, this celebration marked their first wedding anniversary, a chance to celebrate their love with all their family and friends.
Before the party began, we spent time capturing portraits inside The Cooperage. The hallway, with its chic chandelier lighting and warm golden tones, created such a stunning and elegant backdrop. Zari and Ryan looked effortlessly connected, and every frame felt full of warmth. Their bridal party joined in, bringing even more energy and personality to the portraits.
We also stepped into the Lodge, where the deep-toned room added a cozy and rustic feel to the photos. It was the perfect contrast, giving us a different mood while still keeping everything cohesive with their overall vision. Every space within the venue gave us something unique to work with.
The reception was at the venue’s reception space, a stunning blend of industrial charm and modern elegance. Imagine walking into a spacious room with exposed brick walls, wood finishes, and statement industrial decor, all bathed in natural light pouring in through large windows. These features make The Cooperage perfect for rustic photography. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with string lights adding a warm glow after dark. The space is versatile and can serve for both ceremonies and receptions.
As the reception began, the atmosphere quickly filled with excitement. The room came alive with laughter, music, and celebration. Zari and Ryan were surrounded by loved ones, all there to celebrate not just their wedding, but a full year of marriage. From the first moments on the dance floor to the laughter shared throughout the night, every part of the evening was full of joy.
At Original Weddings, we love capturing celebrations like this, full of personality, connection, and meaning. Zari and Ryan’s day was not just a wedding reception, but a beautiful celebration of their journey together, and we’re so honored to have documented every moment.
Our wedding photography and videography team brings expertise to every celebration, making sure no moment is missed. We capture the big highlights and the small, meaningful details that tell your full story. If you’re planning your own wedding, we invite you to visit our blog to see more weddings we’ve captured, there are so many ideas and inspirations you can draw from. When you’re ready, reach out to us, and we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Original Weddings is a team of Milwaukee wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Milwaukee photography and videography services. This wedding was edited in our Rustic editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Wedding Photos | The Cooperage


























Milwaukee Wedding Photographers at The Cooperage
The Cooperage is one of the most stylish and versatile venues in Milwaukee, and our team always enjoys photographing weddings here. As experienced Milwaukee wedding photographers, we know how to work with the venue’s industrial charm, exposed brick, and beautiful natural light to create images that feel both modern and timeless. The open layout and clean design give us the flexibility to capture every part of the day in a creative and meaningful way. From the getting-ready moments to the final dance, we explore every corner of The Cooperage to find the best backdrops.
Whether it’s soft portraits near the windows or lively reception shots under string lights, we guide couples through each moment so their photos feel natural and effortless. The mix of textures and lighting allows us to create a variety of images that reflect the full energy and emotion of the celebration. Our work extends beyond this venue as we photograph weddings across Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. At Original Weddings, we combine storytelling with expertise, capturing candid emotions and beautifully composed portraits. Couples trust us to turn venues like The Cooperage into a photographer’s dream while preserving every detail of their wedding day in a timeless and authentic way.
Milwaukee Wedding Videographers at The Cooperage
At The Cooperage, our Milwaukee wedding videographers capture every moment with a cinematic and storytelling approach. From the quiet anticipation before the ceremony to the energy of the dance floor, we focus on preserving the full experience of your day. The venue’s industrial style, warm lighting, and open space allow us to create visually rich and dynamic footage. Original Weddings proudly serves couples across Milwaukee and nearby areas throughout Wisconsin. Our team works seamlessly alongside photographers to ensure nothing is missed. From emotional vows to lively celebrations, we create timeless wedding films that let you relive every moment with clarity, beauty, and emotion.
1. How much should I budget for a 100 person wedding?
For a 100-person wedding, a realistic budget often falls between $20,000 and $40,000, depending on your location and style. This usually covers the venue, catering, photography, decor, and entertainment. If you choose more luxury options, the cost can be higher, while a simpler celebration can bring it down. The key is to decide what matters most to you and allocate your budget around those priorities to create a day that feels meaningful and personal.
2. Is $5000 a good budget for a wedding?
Yes, $5,000 can work for a wedding, especially if you’re planning something small and intimate. It may not cover a large traditional wedding, but it can still create a beautiful and meaningful celebration. Many couples with this budget choose fewer guests, simple venues like a backyard or park, and focus on what truly matters like the ceremony, photography, and time with loved ones.
3. What is the 50-20-30 rule for weddings?
The 50-20-30 rule is a simple way to divide your wedding budget. It suggests spending 50% on major items like the venue, catering, and rentals. Then, 20% goes to photography, videography, and entertainment. The remaining 30% is used for attire, flowers, decor, and other details. This approach helps couples stay organized and manage their budget without overspending.


