The Commodore- A Bartolotta Restaurant

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Christian and Caroline’s journey began as high school sophomores in a homecoming group, each with different dates. After the typical pre-dance photos and dinner, they arrived at the dance, only to realize that they were more interested in each other’s company than their dates'. That night sparked a friendship that continued to grow, even as they each dated other people over the next several months. When Christian became single, he soon realized that he wanted to be with Caroline and told her so. He was patient but intentional—dedicating himself to self-improvement, hitting the weights, and improving his academics. Meanwhile, Caroline started noticing these changes. She tried to flirt, but Christian held back; he wanted to wait until they were officially dating to show his feelings. His best friend Jackson even stepped in, encouraging Caroline to give Christian a chance. Finally, about a year after they’d first met, Caroline felt ready to take that step. She admitted that she wanted to take Christian to TWIRP (The Woman is Required to Ask the Date), but he would only go if they were official. Sitting in the car together, Caroline agreed and they became official.&nbsp; In college, both Christian and Caroline chose Illinois State University, where they traded in the typical “college experience” for hours studying, working, and building their future together. During college is when they grew as individuals and as a couple. After graduation, Caroline stayed at ISU to earn her master’s in accounting, while Christian moved to Iowa to pursue a master’s while being a graduate assistant. Christian knew that the next two years would be long-distance and challenging. He also realized that he didn't want to wait any longer to show his love and commitment. A song, "Till You Can’t" by Cody Johnson, resonated deeply with him, inspiring him to take a leap. One summer weekend, Christian surprised Caroline with a private hike in Iowa to a beautiful spot he’d discovered earlier, a place he felt would be perfect for this moment. They stopped to share a picnic and talk, exchanging heartfelt words about their relationship and future. Caroline, accustomed to Christian’s frequent expressions of love, thought it was simply another sweet moment between them. But as she finished sharing her own feelings, Christian got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Caroline said "Yes!" They spent the hike back to the car savoring the moment just between them before calling their families to share the news.

Our Story

Photos

Kate Eimer

Grace Bishop

Madelyn Henschel

Aesha Shukla

Julia Shepard

Jackson Strombeck

Jackson Shepard

Ryan Kwilosz

Jacob Ware

Andrei Huhniuk

Ryan Burchett

Alex Peglow

Josh Eimer

Wedding Party

Please allow extra time to get to The Commodore due to increased construction and road closures!

What date should I rsvp by?Please RSVP by June 15th. What is the dress code? Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?The dress code is daytime formal. Please note that the ceremony will be outside. If you choose to wear a stiletto heel, we will provide heel protectors for the grass. Wear what makes you feel fabulous!&nbsp; Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?The ceremony and cocktail hour will be held outside, and the reception will be inside. How do I get to the ceremony venue and what time should I arrive? How do I get from the ceremony to the cocktail hour/reception?Due to the lack of parking at the ceremony venue, guests must park at the reception site (The Commodore) to board shuttles provided to travel to and from the ceremony venue. The shuttles to the ceremony depart The Commodore promptly at 3:15pm. Please allow ample time for boarding. The shuttle will also take guests back to The Commodore to enjoy the cocktail hour and reception.&nbsp; If I am flying in for the wedding domestically, is there anything I need to know?	Please note that REAL IDs will be required for domestic flights in the United States beginning May 7th, 2025. If your driver's license or state-issued identification card has a star in the upper right-hand corner, you're already in compliance with the REAL ID rules. If your driver's license is not a REAL ID, you will need to bring a passport. Have you reserved blocks of rooms at one or more hotels?Yes. A hotel block is available at Courtyard Milwaukee Brookfield at Poplar Creek. Please refer to the Travel tab for further details. If you make a reservation outside of the hotel block, please let us know, as rewards programs may provide you a better rate. What will the weather be like?The low temperature will likely be approximately 60°F, with a high temperature of approximately 80°F. We expect it to be on the warmer side during the outdoor ceremony. If I am flying in from out of town, will I need to rent a car?A car is recommended. The hotel is approximately 25 minutes from the Milwaukee Airport, and you will also need transportation from the hotel to the reception venue, which is a 15 to 20 minute drive.&nbsp; Where can I park?Parking is available at the reception site, The Commodore: 1807 Nagawicka Rd, Hartland, WI 53029. Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?We respectfully request that guests do not take photographs during the ceremony as professional pictures will be taken throughout the day. We invite you to relax, enjoy the moment and we'll gladly share these images with you after the celebration. How will you communicate any updated information and/or changes before the wedding?Although we do not anticipate any changes, we will post any updates on this website. What is the wedding day itinerary?3:15pm: Shuttles depart The Commodore to take guests to the ceremony venue.4:00pm: Ceremony followed by return transport back to The Commodore.5:00pm to ~6:30pm: Cocktail hour at The Commodore.~6:30pm: Dinner and reception at The Commodore.

Q + A

Courtyard Milwaukee Brookfield at Poplar Creek

Travel

The Corners of BrookfieldShopping and restaurants across the street from the hotel.20111 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53045 Prairieville ParkMini golf and batting cages2507 Plaza Ct, Waukesha, WI 53186 Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory524 South Layton Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53215 Harley-Davidson Museum400 West Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201

Things to Do

Registry

Caroline & Christian

Caroline & Christian

Wedding Party