Megan & Sam’s Lake Michigan Wedding at South Shore Park and Botanical Gardens
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wedding Photographer
Quick Takeaways (Because You’re Planning a Wedding and Multitasking)
Ceremony & Reception: South Shore Park, Bay View, Milwaukee
Couples Portraits: Boerner Botanical Gardens, Hales Corners
Vibe: Sunny, relaxed, playful, neighborhood-proud
Proposal: Custom golf flag + ring on a tee
Unexpected Fun: Pinball machines + custom peanut butter ice cream
Photography Style: Natural, unfussy, zero awkward posing
From Bumble to Blue Bat to “I Do” on the Lake
Megan and Sam did not waste time.
They met on Bumble. Their first date was at Blue Bat in November 2019. And from there, it was steady, intentional, and very them.
Fast forward to a proposal that deserves its own slow clap.
Sam proposed at their favorite golf course. Not just any hole. Hole number one. He replaced the standard flag with a custom one featuring their names and the date. The ring? Resting perfectly on a golf tee.
Subtle, thoughtful and very personal.
Why South Shore Park in Bay View Was the Only Choice
Megan and Sam live in Bay View. They walk along Lake Michigan regularly. It’s part of their everyday life. Their neighborhood. Their rhythm.
So getting married at South Shore Park felt natural.
The building itself is stunning without heavy decor. Big windows. Lake views. Clean architecture. It stands confidently on its own, which meant they could focus on what mattered most.
People.
As a Milwaukee wedding photographer, I love South Shore Park weddings because you get both the lakefront glow and the cozy neighborhood energy all in one place.
The Feeling of the Day
Blue skies. Sunshine. Lake Michigan sparkling behind them.
It was one of those Wisconsin days that reminds you why we tolerate winter.
For couples portraits, we headed to Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners. Sam spent time there as a kid, especially near the waterfall looking for frogs. So we made sure to incorporate the pond and waterfall into their portraits.
We found multiple vantage points. Even one from up above for a wide, cinematic view.
It felt playful and nostalgic at the same time.
Family at the Center
Megan’s brothers played meaningful roles throughout the day.
Her older brother officiated the ceremony. Her younger brother sang the walk-up song and their first dance song.
There is something extra powerful about hearing your sibling’s voice as you step into marriage.
You could feel the emotion ripple through the crowd.
The Details That Made It Theirs
They skipped over-the-top trends and leaned into personality.
Bouncy Ball Photo
While leaving the Botanical Gardens, Sam started tossing something around and bouncing it while Megan chuckled. She told me that he ALWAYS has a bouncy ball in his pocket. Naturally, we had to snap a quick photo.
Pinball Machines
At one point, Megan and Sam were in a pinball league together. So naturally, they brought pinball machines into their reception space.
Guests rotated between dancing and competitive flipper action.
Highly recommend.
The Ice Cream Surprise
Sam’s favorite childhood dessert was a Peanut Butter Parfait from Dairy Queen.
After dinner, Megan surprised him and their guests with a custom handmade ice cream flavor from Sweet Tooth Grin inspired by that childhood favorite. She announced it during the speeches.
The joy on his face? Worth every scoop.
Florals
Sam’s mom created the stunning floral for the day and ceremony. It added a deeply personal layer to the design.
No mass-produced decor. Just love and intention.
What They Wanted in a Milwaukee Wedding Photographer
Megan told me early on she felt “terrible at photos.”
Translation: She did not want stiff posing, dramatic angles, or anything overly styled.
They wanted:
Nice photos of the event
To feel captured well
Nothing too fancy
Someone who genuinely cared
My favorite kind of brief.
How They Found Lindsay Stayton Photography
Megan found me online and liked my vibe.
After our first meeting, she knew.
Her words:
“Lindsay is a lovely and warm person, and it didn’t take long to know she would capture our day exactly as we intended.”
Her friends apparently reinforced that decision at brunch the next morning.
Brunch validation is elite validation.
My Role Beyond the Camera
I was the first vendor Megan booked.
That means I got to:
Provide general timeline guidance
Reassure her she wasn’t behind
Suggest hiring day-of coordinators
Share trusted vendor names
She ended up booking coordinators I had crossed paths with but not formally worked alongside yet. They were fantastic. Exactly the right fit for her vision.
This is why I care about the planning process, not just the photos. A well-supported day photographs differently. It feels calmer. More intentional.
And yes, I absolutely helped coordinate the Sweet Tooth Grin surprise so we captured Sam’s reaction properly.
You’re welcome.
A Lake Michigan Sunset to End the Night
As the sun dipped lower over Lake Michigan, Megan and Sam stood outside South Shore Park with that just-married glow.
No over-posing. No production.
Just two people who chose each other. And a community that showed up big.
Words From Megan
“Lindsay is the absolute best. If you want someone who truly cares and will work her hardest to capture your day in a way that feels like you, hire her immediately. She is warm, caring, thoughtful, energetic, and absolutely dedicated to making your wedding day the best it can be for you. I can’t say enough good things about her and would recommend her to anyone.”
I mean. I’ll take it.
Planning a Wedding in Milwaukee or Bay View?
If you’ve been walking along Lake Michigan thinking, “Could we actually get married here?” you’re not alone.
A South Shore Park wedding in Milwaukee just makes sense for a lot of couples. The lake is right there. The light is unreal. And the building itself does not need layers of décor to feel beautiful.
That’s what Megan and Sam loved. It was already part of their daily life. Their walks. Their routines. Their neighborhood.
A South Shore Park wedding in Milwaukee gives you:
Lake Michigan as your ceremony backdrop
Easy golden hour portraits along the shoreline
That laid‑back Bay View energy
A space that feels meaningful without trying too hard
If you’re planning your own South Shore Park wedding in Milwaukee and want it documented in a way that feels relaxed and real, I’m in.
Let’s make it feel like you.
Other Vendors Include:
Dress: Mera Bridal
Suits: NL Suits
Cake: The Cake Lady
Catering: Island Jam
Hair: Tease Salon
Rings: Art Metal - Racine
Coordinator: NE Occasions
Pinball Machines: MGC Events
Custom Ice Cream: Sweet Tooth Grin
