Teresa & Eric | May 31, 2025

Teresa Patitucci and Eric Exner are Brookfield locals with impressive résumés and delightfully nerdy charm. She's a scientist and educator—an Associate Professor of Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin who somehow brings the same grace to faculty committees that she once brought to the poms squad.

He's a former almost-Power Ranger-turned-medical writer who moonlights in a cover band and turns clinical trial data into narratives that actually sparkle. Together, they share a home with Sage (a dog who only barks in her sleep) and River (a black cat who enjoys being carried like a teddy bear by small children).

They are, in the best possible way, a lot.

Tess’ dress had the sweetest tinge of blue to it for her “something blue”

The Gardens

Eric and Teresa tied the knot at The Gardens Wedding Center in Allenton—a venue with fairy lights, outdoor games, a rustic bar, and enough logistical wizardry to make even a Type A bride relax. The details were intentional and warm: a backup DJ, personalized scotch behind the bar, and florals by a close friend.

Surrounded By the People Who Mean the Most

The First Look

They shared a first look before the ceremony, choosing to have some quiet time together before guests arrived.

How They Met

Eric and Teresa met in grad school at the Medical College of Wisconsin when Eric rotated through Teresa's lab. A few years later, Teresa invited him over to watch Game of Thrones. Eric, unsure if it was a date, sat politely on one end of the couch. Teresa, also unsure, sat as far away as humanly possible.

They parted ways assuming the other wasn't interested—and continued their hallway hellos at MCW with mutual misinterpretation for years. Love, it turns out, is not always clearly labeled.

Fast forward to 2020: global pandemic, DIY mask-making, and a second chance at clarity. Eric noticed Teresa's name on a volunteer sign-up and thought, better to make masks with someone smart and kind than fly solo. This time, intentions were clear. The romance bloomed—just in time for Eric to move to Seattle for residency. But instead of fading, the relationship deepened. They watched the entirety of This Is Us over Zoom (because emotional damage builds intimacy), visited botanical gardens in two states, and somehow made long-distance feel close. Poetic timing: Eric returned to Wisconsin the same week This Is Us aired its finale.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was personal, sincere, and full of emotion. Vows were spoken with such clarity and love.

Community at the Center

guests gathered for post-ceremony specialty cocktails

It was a perfect early summer day for being outside and chatting with friends and family. They had cocktails on a veranda followed by dinner and speeches in the tent.

Toasts were genuine and funny—Tess's dad gave a speech packed with very complicated science words that he definitely didn't fully understand, but it had Tess, Eric, and their friends laughing until they were crying.

There was tons of room for the kids to run and play while the adults lingered at dinner

PartyTime

Here's something you don't see every day: instead of starting in the church, guests moved INTO the old church at the END of the night for dancing and cake. Such a fun and unexpected way to close out the evening!

The venue is amazing for First Dance photos

A Reflection of Who They Are

Eric and Teresa share a life guided by a few fridge-worthy mantras—"Stay curious, not judgmental" and "We're a team—we'll handle it together" among them.

They're thoughtful without being precious, funny without trying too hard, and deeply devoted to the people around them.

Their home is a swirl of football stats, abstract art, gourmet cooking, game night competitiveness, and the occasional Jeopardy! showdown. When things get hard, they return to this: "You deserve the same care and grace you give the world—starting with me."