Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant

Rehearsal Dinner

Founders Ballroom

Ceremony

Solomon's Terrace and Lounge

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Austin and Katie met first at University of Wisconsin - Madison in 2013. Because of mutual friends, Katie spent a lot of time at the "Bone Zone", one of the trombone houses off campus where Austin lived. However, they were always just friends in college. They continued to see each other after college at friends' parties and Badger football tailgates. In January of 2020, Katie convinced Austin to take her to a Milwaukee Bucks game. There was a lot of debate on if this was a date or not.........Katie thought it was..........Austin didn't know. Austin told Katie that unfortunately, Giannis wasn't playing at the game. Katie said "Who is Giannis?". Don't worry, she now knows who he is but her favorite player is Bobby Portis. With Austin living in Milwaukee, and Katie in Sun Prairie, and a pandemic, they didn't see each other much until June of 2020. Katie went to a brewery with groomsmen Austin Gohman and Michael Donetello, and bridesmaid, Anna Kleinhans. Austin G. invited Katie to a virtual "Cards Against Humanity" game, that Austin was also attending. During this game, Katie played two cards that related to Star Wars, and won the hand. Austin took the "in" and invited himself over to watch one of the films, since he remembered Katie had not seen them. Katie and Austin remained "long distance" from Milwaukee to Sun Prairie until March of 2021, when Katie got her new job at the Medical College of Wisconsin. They then moved into their apartment (across the street from The Trade) in May of 2023. Despite living together for over two years, Katie still has not seen all the Star Wars films...... but they are so excited to celebrate their love story with everyone on September 27!

Our Story

Photos

Officiant

David & Austin met while riding the UW Band bench together Austin's freshman year. They've been close ever since, living together their final three years in Madison. In 2014, while driving the 16-hour leg to Dallas for a Final Four game, David stayed up with Austin for the all-night drive. That's an apt summary of David - always there to help, no matter the circumstance. They now visit each other consistently through Bucks games & late Chicago nights. David now lives in Chicago with his wife Emily, and their cats Gal and Ruby.

David Harms

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Reed & Austin first met at the age of five at Heritage Elementary School in De Pere. They quickly became inseparable - a bond that continued throughout their time in college at UW Madison, as well as their careers in Milwaukee. Even though they shared an apartment for three years, including during the height of the Covid lockdown era, the bromance never faded. Reed now lives in Bay View, just south of downtown Milwaukee, with his adorable cat Ruby.

Reed Dalebroux

Rose and Katie met in Dejope Residence Hall at UW Madison in 2012. They lived together again after college and were known to host some fantastic Christmas and St. Patrick's Day parties. Rose and Katie have traveled as far as Ireland together, where Rose brought over Mac and Cheese and Girl Scout cookies so home didn't seem so far away while Katie was studying there. Rose lives in Sun Prairie with her fiancée, Andy, and two cats, Yoshi and Boo.

Rose Walton

While Karl & Austin knew each other early in Austin's college days, their friendship bloomed once they lived together Austin's junior & senior years. Since then, you'll typically find these two hitting the links (poorly) or brewing beer (competently!) together. Karl lives in Johnson Creek with his wife, Rachel (bridesmaid), and their dog Titan.

Karl Schmirler

Rachel and Katie at UW-Madison in 2014. Once Rachel found out Katie had a horse, they became fast friends and spent many finals weeks getting "Pony Therapy" at the barn. Rachel is also the one that named Katie's car "Chad". While celebrating "National Drink Wine" Day, Rachel expressed that Katie's CRV reminded her of a "frat boy trying too hard" and hence, Chad was born. Apologies if anyone reading this is named Chad...... Rachel and her husband, Karl (Groomsman) live in Johnson Creek with their dog, Titan.

Rachel Schmirler

Since a chance interaction in high school Spanish class, Phil & Austin have been close friends. Despite the distance, they've kept up through spontaneous visits and annual road trips, including an epic one to Kansas City for a Chiefs/Packers game. Phil lives in Green Bay with his wife, Casey, and their dogs, Remy and Stella.

Phil Rousseau

Jill and Katie lived together for three years at UW-Madison. Affectionally called "Taco Bell", Katie and Jill's apartment was home to Super Bowl parties, late night baking sessions, and a large pot of chili or pan of lasagna during finals so they wouldn't have to cook for the whole week. Jill lives in Sun Prairie with her cat Oliver (who seems scared of Katie every time she comes over, but we think he secretly likes her).

Jill Seablom

Brady & Austin met in elementary school and were fast friends throughout their childhood. While their paths branched out to different states afterwards, they've stayed close through annual ski trips, as well as visits to the Twin Cities and Door County. Brady now lives in Minneapolis with his cat Chief. 

Brady Calaway

As Katie is an only child, she is so excited to finally have a sister! If not implied, Ashley is Austin's younger sister. Katie is thankful that her relationship with Austin also brought her someone who will work together to convince Austin he needs an iPhone so he stops messing up the group chats, gossip about reality tv, and will join forces so Austin doesn't always win every board game. So far they haven't been successful at the latter.......

Ashley Frey

Konnor & Austin met in the crucible that was the Bone Zone in Austin's junior year. After college, Konnor went west, but they've continued to find time to get together, including at Konnor's annual kegball games, one very eventful ski trip at Beaver Creek, and a trip to a Rose Bowl that they forgot the results of. Konnor lives in Seattle with his fiancé Sofia.

Konnor Beaulier

Katie and Anna met through their Animal Science major at UW-Madison. They survived early morning lamb feedings, Friday morning nutrition lectures after a Thursday Night parties at The Bone Haus, and group projects where they still aren't sure they even were taught the material (......but really, what is a watershed). She was always ready for an adventure, may that be intoxi-skating on National Drink Wine day, late night study sessions in Steenbock library, or Katie asking her to dye her hair on a random Tuesday. Anna now lives in Katie's hometown, Chicago, with her cat Wilford. 

Anna Kleinhans

Michael & Austin first met their sophomore year, while celebrating the Badger's Final Four appearance in 2014. While the night is hazy, they became good friends afterward, living together for the rest of their time in college. In recent years, they joined forces with Karl to start home brewing, where Michael's wizardry with brewing blossomed (shoutout to the habanero IPA). Michael now lives in Washington DC, just blocks from the Capital.

Michael Donatello

Madeline is the closest thing Katie has to a sister. They are both only children and their moms are best friends! Katie and Madeline try to go camping once a year, a tradition started by their fathers in the late 90s. Madeline lives in Milwaukee with her boyfriend, Tyler, and their cat Boze.

Madeline Berendt

Austin & Austin met right away at the start of their college careers while trying out for the marching band. The trials and tribulations of living at the Bone Zone house forged their friendship, which has continued with shared disappointment in Badger football, as they've had season tickets together since graduating. Austin lives in Madison with his boyfriend Tom and their cat Callie.

Austin Gohman

Katie and Katie met during an Animal Science 434 lab session. They confused a lot of professors by sitting next to each other and both being "Katie W", with Katie's maiden name being Walters. Katie and Katie shared a love for all things sparkly, and took any opportunity to bedazzle things. They each spent $100 on rhinestones to decorate their graduation caps together! Katie is mom to one of the flower girls, Lily, and lives with her husband, Greg, and dog Draco.

Katie Datka

Ushers

Brandon and Katie met in a Chemistry 103 lab in 2012. They both agree that this friendship was probably the only good thing to come out of a 7:45am class on a Friday. Katie also made study guides for each chemistry quiz and shared them with both Brandon and Jill, and even made an "Usher Study Guide" for Brandon's duties for the wedding. Brandon lives in Milwaukee with his wife, Justine, and pet fish (....who apparently are nameless).

Brandon Berens

Cara and Katie first met through Trinity Academy of Irish Dance in 2014. They reconnected through Katie's brief "un-retirement" at Milwaukee Irish Dance. Katie and Cara traveled to dance competitions from Montreal to Phoenix and still dance together, now just for fun. Katie's ankles finally get their full dance retirement. Cara lives in Sun Prairie with her cats Toulouse, Theodore, and Tadgh. 

Cara Connors

Flower Girls

"Auntie Katie" is so excited that Lily is going to be part of her wedding day! Although Lily might not fully understand the task she signed up for, Katie has full confidence she is going to do amazing! Both Katie and Lily are big Swifties, and Katie has a hard time saying no, even on the 26th time in a row one of her songs is played. Don't worry, Lily, I promise the DJ will play "Shake it Off"!

Lily Datka

Katie is so excited that Jaymie agreed to be one of the flower girls for her wedding. Jaymie has already been practicing her flower petal distribution and Katie cannot wait to see all of her hard work pay off!

Jaymie Keuler

It was a running joke that rent for Katie's parent's rental units included a flower girl for your upcoming wedding. "Uncle" Alan and Katie S were the first to take them up on the offer! The duo, lovingly called "Big Katie" and "Little Katie", were partners in crime. Little Katie remembers a lot of fun Chicago Cubs games and Packer/Bear parties (where she would hide all references to the inferior team). Austin chose to first met Uncle Alan and Big Katie wearing a Packers shirt, which was a bold choice, but he still received their approval.  Big Katie always said she wanted to return the favor and be a flower girl at Little Katie's wedding someday, and Little Katie is so excited to make this a reality. 

Katie Smetana

Vicki also lived in Katie's parent's rental unit, so naturally, Katie was her flower girl at her wedding! It seems since that time, Vicki has been preparing for this role (though I don't think she is going to reprise Katie's Irish dance performance). She is always ready for a party and can always find a way to make you laugh! Katie and her family have been strongly encouraging Vicki, and her husband Ken, to move to Wisconsin! Unfortunately, there are no three-flats for rent next to Katie's parents house, but we are all keeping an eye out!

Vicki McLennan

Vocalist

Andrea and Katie met their first day of Kindergarten when they noticed both had on the same pair of shoes.  They have gone through a lot of life challenges together, such as Katie helping Andrea pull a loose tooth, Andrea giving Katie advice on her new braces, or their biggest argument of all time, did Andrea have blonde or brown hair (you can make your own determination from the picture). Katie spent as much time at the Tucci house growing up as her own, and considers Andrea's Mom her "Second Mom". Andrea currently lives in Chicago with her wife, Eva, and their dog Eleanor.

Andrea Brotslaw Tucci

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are limited rooms available at The Trade. Please note, there is NOT a night minimum. Use the link below to book.

The Trade, Autograph Collection

There are limited rooms available at Aloft. Please note, there is NOT a night minimum. Use the link below to book.

Aloft Milwaukee Downtown

Hotel

Bride and Groom Recommendations

Whether you are visiting Milwaukee for the first time, or using our wedding as a a way to be a tourist in your hometown, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite spots for you to enjoy!

Bride's Typical Order:Medium iced mocha Groom's Typical Order:Medium black coffee

Alderaan Coffee

Bride's Typical Order:Large mocha, Southwestern Burrito with salsa, Almond Croissant Groom's Typical Order:Large latte, Famous Chorizo Burrito

Colectivo Coffee Third Ward

Bride and Groom's Typical Order:Chicken Quesadilla

El Tapatio Taco Truck

Bride's Typical Order:Frozen peach margarita, Sconnie Rojo Taco, Korean Beef Taco, and Black Bean Esquite Taco. Groom's Typical Order:Margarita (On the Rocks), Quesabirria Taco, Spicy Pork Verde Taco, Sriracha Chicken Taco.

Vagabond

(Located in the lobby of The Trade Hotel) Bride's Typical Order:Espresso Martini, Weyauwega Star Dairy Cheese Curds with Chipotle Ranch, Atlantic Salmon Groom's Typical Order:Smoked Manhattan, Parmesan Garlic Wings with Ranch, Cajun Shrimp and Lobster Mac &amp; Cheese

Craft 

We recommend making a reservation ahead of time! Bride's Typical Order:Burrata Bruschetta, Pasta Flight - Piccante, Pomodoro (chicken), Saint Brady Speziata Groom's Typical Order:Burrata Bruschetta, Pasta Flight - Carbonara (duck), Mac &amp; Cheese (shrimp/lobster), Pesto (chicken)

Dorsia

Bride &amp; Groom's Typical Order (Family Style):Crab Rangoon, Sichuan Pork Dumplings, DanDan Noodles, Singapore Noodles.

DanDan

Things to Do

Registry 1

Your presence at our wedding is the most valuable! If you wish to honor us with a gift, we are registered at the following stores.﻿

Crate & Barrel

Please visit our registry <a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/katie-wilhelms-and-austin-frey/r7317682" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!

Williams Sonoma

Please visit our registry <a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/ptcwqdzfhl/registry-list.html/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!

Austin & Katie