Mary & Adam | August 29, 2025 | Hales Corners, Wisconsin

Mary and Adam’s wedding felt like stepping into a storybook.

Getting ready at the Hilton Downtown. Princess Bride reference on the wall (of course!)

Set entirely at Boerner Botanical Gardens, their day blended fantasy, romance, and personal storytelling into a celebration that felt magical. With books, white florals, emerald green accents, and whimsical garden spaces as their backdrop, their wedding unfolded like a living fairytale—joyful, meaningful, and unmistakably them. And if you know them - you know it was awesome!

How They Met

These two met on Hinge and pretty quickly realized they were made for each other. Books, fantasy worlds, shared humor—they just clicked. Adam's proposal was incredibly thoughtful: he brought Mary to her favorite used bookstore and surprised her with a custom book he designed with his friend JJay called A Dragon's Bond, inspired by Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. It was a nod to the way they see each other—as bonded dragons. They now share a home full of books and their very own dragon: Gremlin, a black cat.

A Ceremony Surrounded by Gardens

Boerner Botanical Gardens was a dream. Lush greenery, blooming gardens, gently overcast skies—everything felt soft and romantic. The outdoor ceremony was anchored by white chairs and a handcrafted wooden cross, simple and beautiful.

First Look

Their first look happened in the Rose Garden. Adam's reaction when he turned around—pure emotion. They laughed, held each other, and I may have teared up a little behind my camera.

A Fantasy Botanical Library Brought to Life

Mary and Adam are proudly nerdy, and their wedding design leaned all the way into that. Their theme—a fantasy botanical library—showed up everywhere: books woven into the décor, framed literary quotes around the venue, little nods to their favorite stories hidden in every corner. I was obsessed with every single detail.

In the atrium, white wisteria hung from string lights, inspired by travels to Japan, creating a glowing canopy that felt straight out of a fantasy novel. Green accents and white florals tied everything together.

Portraits with Whimsy and Personality

Before the ceremony, Mary and Adam wandered the gardens for portraits, including some candid moments strolling past the China Lights Exhibits—which they didn't even realize was happening until the rehearsal! The whimsy of it was absolutely perfect for their personalities and their whole vibe.

The Ceremony

One of the most memorable moments came during the ceremony itself: rolling Dungeon & Dragons dice to decide who would say their vows first. Equal parts playful and personal, it perfectly captured their dynamic.

(And yes—Adam briefly tried to put the ring on the wrong finger, which only made the moment sweeter.)

An Atrium Reception Full of Light and Joy

The atrium reception was stunning—intimate and grand at the same time. Soft lighting, hanging wisteria, books and white florals on every table.

Dinner gave way to dancing, and the Arabic music had everyone on their feet. The room was just full of joy.

Cultural Traditions and Meaningful Moments

Mary and Adam wove family and cultural traditions seamlessly into the day. Arabic wedding music played throughout the celebration, bringing energy and joy to the dance floor. A sand ceremony symbolized two families becoming one, and classic parent dances honored family connections. The ceremony was officiated by a childhood friend of Adam’s.

Final Thoughts

Mary and Adam's wedding was proof that when you lean into what you love—books, fantasy, gardens, culture, and storytelling—the result is a wedding chock full of personality and joy!

Their Advice

Make planning fun. Support each other when one of you hits a wall. And choose vendors whose energy matches yours—when you do, everything else falls into place.

In Their Words:

The Dream Team:

Venue: Boerner Botanical Gardens

Planner: The Mahogany Arch

Florals: Flowers for Dreams

Catering: Zilli Hospitality Group

Dress & Suit: Lovella Bridal, Suit Supply

Hair & Makeup: Diem Angie Beauty Team

DJ: Vital Image Studios

Rings: Mineralogy

Officiant: E. Georgent

Photos: Me! Photography By Jill Emmer

A Fantasy Botanical Garden Wedding at Boerner Botanical Gardens