Centraal Grand Café & Tappery

Wedding Day

Reception

Café Benelux

Our Wedding

We met in college and spent several years together, growing up side by side while figuring out who we were and what we wanted out of life.After graduation, careers and opportunities took us in different directions, and for a time our lives unfolded in parallel rather than together.Years later, with a little more perspective (and a lot more life experience), we reconnected. What started as catching up quickly felt familiar in the best way — easy, natural, and unmistakably right.Now, we’re choosing to build the next chapter together, grounded in where we’ve been and excited for what’s ahead.We’re so grateful to share this moment with you and can’t wait to celebrate.

The Story

Our Story

Photos

We’ve chosen to keep our ceremony simple and intimate. We’ll be having a private ceremony at Boerner Botanical Gardens with a small group of immediate family. It will be a brief and meaningful moment focused on the two of us and our officiant. Afterward, we’ll regroup, refresh, and get ready for the real celebration! We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you at Centraal Grand Café &amp; Tappery, where the main event—and the party—will take place.

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Are you having a ceremony?We’ve chosen to keep our ceremony simple and intimate. We’ll be having a private ceremony at Boerner Botanical Gardens with a small group of immediate family. It will be a brief and meaningful moment focused on the two of us and our officiant. Afterward, we’ll regroup, refresh, and get ready for the real celebration! We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you. Our reception will be held at Centraal Grand Café &amp; Tappery in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. It’s one of our favorite spots in the city. 2306 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207(414) 755-0378<a href="https://cafecentraal.com/eaats/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cafecentraal.com</a> What’s the dress code?Think smart, casual and elegantly comfortable. No strict rules—just come looking like you feel good and ready for a party. Will food be served?Yes! We’ll be offering a catered menu with a wide variety of buffet-style options. If you have any dietary restrictions or specific needs, we’re happy to accommodate—just let us know in advance, and additional options can be arranged. Is there an open bar?An open bar will be available from 5:00–9:00 PM.Coffee, soda, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to all guests free of charge and without limitation. Where should we stay?We recommend staying in Milwaukee’s Bay View, Third Ward, or Downtown areas—all just a short drive or rideshare from Centraal Grand Café &amp; Tappery. For a more boutique, artsy stay, consider Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel. If you’re looking for something classic and upscale, The Pfister Hotel is a beautiful option. Budget-friendly hotel options are also available nearby, making it easy to find something that fits your needs. If needed, please connect with us regarding accommodations—we have Lyft (RideShare) codes available and are happy to help request rides to and from the venue. For additional recommendations and details, please visit reach out to us directly. Who should I contact with questions or special requests? Please reach out directly to: Benjamin at -📧 beckx354@gmail.com📱 (612) 222-5996 OR Kevin at -📧 kevin.zachary@iCloud.com📱(414) 216-8698 We’re here to help make your trip and experience as smooth and fun as possible!

Q + A

Closest option to the reception venue...Located in Milwaukee, 3.6 miles from Marquette University, Kinn Guesthouse Bay View has accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can use a bar. All rooms at the hotel come with a seating area and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some rooms also feature a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven. The rooms have a desk. Miller Park is 6.8 miles from Kinn Guesthouse Bay View, while University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is 6.9 miles from the property. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 2.5 miles away.

Kinn Guesthouse Bay View

Located in Milwaukee, 1.9 miles from Marquette University, The Westin Milwaukee has accommodations with free bikes, private parking, a fitness center and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Guests can use a bar. Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, à la carte and American options. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Milwaukee Art Museum, Riverside Theater and Pabst Theater. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 6.2 miles from the property.

The Westin Milwaukee

Featuring a rooftop bar with a lounge area, The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel also offers an on-site restaurant and fitness center. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV. Certain units have a seating area for your convenience. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bath robes and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. The hotel also offers free use of bicycles. Marquette University is 1.2 mi from The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, while University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is 3.7 mi from the property. The nearest airport is General Mitchell International Airport, 5.6 mi from the property.

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel by IHG

Offering a full-service spa, salon and Victorian art collection, this 4-star hotel is located in downtown Milwaukee. The property is a 10-minute walk from the Milwaukee Art Museum and provides WiFi to guests. The guest rooms at The Pfister Hotel feature a flat-screen TV and MP3 docking station. The private bathroom has spa bath amenities, a hairdryer and telephone. Some rooms include views of downtown Milwaukee or Lake Michigan. Guests can enjoy the Pfister's indoor pool or the well-equipped gym with cardio equipment. Hotel shops and a business center are also available. Blu, the martini bar located on the hotel's 23rd floor, boast excellent views of the city. The Mason Street Grill serves American cuisine including wood grilled steaks, sandwiches and homemade desserts. Room service is available from 6 am – 12 am daily.

The Pfister Hotel

Homewood Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown offers spacious studio and one-bedroom suites with separate living areas—ideal for guests staying a little longer or traveling with family. Located just minutes from downtown attractions, dining, and nightlife, the hotel includes thoughtful amenities like complimentary breakfast, in-suite kitchens, and a fitness center, making it a comfortable and convenient home base for our wedding weekend.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown

Located in the heart of Milwaukee's downtown theater district Saint Kate offers panoramic views of the city, fine-dining restaurant options, a 24-hour business center and free WiFi. The Marcus Performing Arts Center is a 2 minutes' walk away. Every room at the Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel provides a flat-screen cable TV and a work desk with an ergonomic chair. service is available from 7-11am and 5-10pm. Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel offers three onsite restaurants and two bars. There is a rotating art exhibit in the lounge area and throughout the hotel Cathedral Square Park is 4 blocks away from the hotel. Milwaukee Art Museum is a 5-minute drive away. Fiserv Forum is a 9 minutes' walk from the hotel.

Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel

A convenient downtown hotel located just minutes from our wedding venues. Comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and an easy location make this a great choice for guests staying nearby.

Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee Downtown by IHG

Located in Milwaukee, 1.1 miles from Marquette University, Milwaukee Marriott Downtown has accommodations with free bikes, private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. The property is close to popular attractions like Skylight Music Theatre, Eisner Museum and Marcus Center. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. All rooms feature a closet. Milwaukee Marriott Downtown offers a continental or American breakfast. The accommodation also provides a business center and guests can use the on-site ATM machine at Milwaukee Marriott Downtown. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Pabst Theater, Grohmann Museum and Riverside Theater. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 6.2 miles from the property.

Marriott Milwaukee Downtown

Our boutique guesthouse concept offers a personalized lodging
experience you wont find anywhere else. Kinn Guesthouse was
designed to offer you a memorable - one-of-a-kind take to
escape the excess of old-school luxury and replace it with a
more modern take of what luxury means for todays traveler.
We do that by intentionally staying away from 400-room
properties - white-gloved doormen - bell hops - and
silver-domed room service. Instead - we offer guests authentic
experiences that focus on modern luxuries - like the efficiency
of self-check-ins - contactless service - beautiful spacious
rooms with modern amenities - communal chefs kitchens and the
freedom to experience a property on their own terms. We do all
that in carefully curated spaces that feel more like a
home-away-from home.
Were proud to be the first-of-its-kind hotel in Milwaukee and
we promise our unique combination of home - luxury - and
comfort under one roof is something youll see and feel in every
aspect of your stay.
Our downtown Milwaukee guesthouse places guests in the center
of the citys action. If you like life in the fast lane and
enjoy the sounds of the city all around you - then our downtown
guesthouse will be perfect for you. But of course - it isnt
just about whats outside our doors. Inside - youll find 31
well-appointed rooms - our signature fully furnished chefs
kitchens and a dramatic rooftop retreat - as well as other more
intimate event spaces. Perfect for the casual or business
traveler alike - our curated spaces are a fusion of modern
hotel luxury and the creature comforts of home - all under one
roof.
Where staying away from home feels more like being home.

Kinn Guesthouse Downtown

Located in Milwaukee, a 19-minute walk from Marquette University, Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown has accommodations with a shared lounge, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. With a fitness center, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel provides an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, all rooms have a desk. All rooms at Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown come with a seating area and a TV with satellite channels. An American breakfast is available at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown include Riverside Theater, Pabst Theater and Eisner Museum. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 6.2 miles from the property.

Cambria Hotel Milwaukee Downtown

Steps away from the scenic RiverWalk, this downtown Milwaukee hotel is 1 mile away from Marquette University and offers a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool and free WiFi. Featuring large windows and 9-foot high ceilings, every room at aloft Hotel Milwaukee Downtown includes a 42-inch flat-screen LCD TV, small refrigerator and work station with large desk and ergonomic chair. A small refrigerator and coffee machine are also included. Guests can enjoy a drink at W XYZ Bar or sip while playing pool at the hotel lounge. A 24-hour snack shop, meeting and event space are all offered at Downtown Milwaukee aloft Hotel. Fiserv Forum is a 5-minute walk away from the hotel. The Milwaukee Art Museum is a 9-minute drive away.

Aloft Milwaukee Downtown

Located in Milwaukee, 1.1 miles from Marquette University, The Trade, Autograph Collection has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property provides an ATM, and luggage storage for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a closet, a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. An American breakfast is available at The Trade, Autograph Collection. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Marcus Center. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 7.5 miles from the property.

The Trade, Autograph Collection

Located just blocks from the Wisconsin Center, this luxury boutique hotel is a renovated 100-year-old city center warehouse with sophisticated amenities across the bridge from the Harley-Davidson Museum. Ash Restaurant features regional cuisine and an extensive wine bar. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are served on various days. BRANDED Bar offers light snacks and signature cocktails, while The Yard features American cuisine and outdoor dining seasonally. Enjoy amenities such as covered motorcycle parking at The Iron Horse. Guestrooms offer custom hooks for hanging heavy leathers and a bench for storing boots and helmets. Guests will also have access to the on-site retail shop for travel essentials.

The Iron Horse Hotel

Traveling to Milwaukee by AmtrakFor guests coming from Minnesota or along the river route. Amtrak is a wonderful and surprisingly convenient option. The Empire Builder or Borealis lines pick up in St. Paul, Red Wing, and Winona, offering a comfortable and scenic ride straight into downtown Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Intermodal Station (MKE) —an easy walk or quick rideshare from the heart of downtown, the Historic Third Ward. It’s a smooth, relaxing way to get here—and we’d love to welcome you.

Milwaukee Amtrak Station

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the city’s primary airport and a convenient, easy-to-navigate option for travelers. It’s served by all major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit, with nonstop and one-stop service from many major cities nationwide. MKE is located approximately 7–8 miles from downtown Milwaukee, making it a quick and stress-free trip to the city. Travel time to the Third Ward and downtown hotels is typically 15–20 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on traffic. For those flying in, MKE offers a smooth arrival experience and puts you just minutes away from great hotels, dining, and all of the wedding weekend festivities.

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Travel & Lodging

Historic Third Ward:Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is a walkable, artsy neighborhood filled with great food, local shops, and river views. It’s right by the Milwaukee Public Market and close to our wedding events, so it’s the perfect place to explore before or after festivities. Milwaukee Public MarketA must-visit indoor food hall with local vendors, fresh seafood, coffee, sweets, and grab-and-go snacks. Great for a casual lunch or to pick up a little Milwaukee treat. RiverwalkStroll along the Milwaukee River, stop at a patio for a drink, or just enjoy the views and people-watching. Shopping &amp; GalleriesThe Third Ward is full of boutiques, home stores, and art galleries—perfect for browsing or picking up a souvenir. Food &amp; Drinks We Love: Don’s TV &amp; Repair Shop (Speakeasy)Retro diner in front, speakeasy in the back. To get into the hidden bar, tell them the code:“ICE COLD 7-UP.”Inside you’ll find fun cocktails, snacks, and very cool vibes. Cafe BeneluxRight in the Third Ward, with Belgian beers, great brunch, and a rooftop patio. OnestoCozy Italian spot with house-made pasta and a great wine list, just a short walk from the Public Market. St. Paul Fish CompanyCasual seafood favorite inside the Milwaukee Public Market—think oysters, lobster rolls, and a lively atmosphere. The Outsider (Rooftop Bar)Located at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, this rooftop bar has fire pits, cocktails, and great city views. Arts, Culture &amp; Lakefront: Milwaukee Art MuseumStriking lakefront building with beautiful galleries—worth it for the architecture alone. Harley-Davidson MuseumInteractive museum celebrating one of Milwaukee’s most famous names. Even non-riders tend to love it. Lakefront &amp; Parks:Walk the paths along Lake Michigan, relax in Veterans Park, or just enjoy the skyline and water views.Breweries &amp; Coffee Nearby Breweries:Milwaukee is a beer city at heart. Great options near downtown include MobCraft, Third Space, and Indeed Brewing for flights and taproom hangs. Local Coffee:Colectivo and Stone Creek are two local favorites with great coffee and pastries—perfect for a slow morning or a pre-exploring caffeine boost.

Milwaukee Tourism Websites:<a href="https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/</a><a href="https://www.milwaukeemag.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.milwaukeemag.com/</a>

Benjamin & Kevin

Benjamin & Kevin

Things to Do