The Gage

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Taylor and Jake met on one of the coldest nights on record on January 31, 2019. With temperatures reaching almost -60 degrees, Jake almost missed the first date when his car didn't start. Thankfully for him, Taylor had a beer and about 5 different college basketball games to keep her occupied at Bar Louie until he arrived. That night, they talked basketball and life until they were the last ones there. Little did they know, it was just the start of their adventure. In the next 5 years to follow, life would change drastically as they started their lives together.

The first date

Our Story

Photos

Sammi and Taylor met during move in week, freshman year of college at Concordia. Meeting by coincidence, they spent the majority of welcome week together, not once, discussing that they would both be playing basketball for CUW.  Since then, they have named each other "Best friend" and have created havoc together wherever they went. Sammi is best known for her insane athleticism, love for Taylor Swift, and mad excel skills. Sammi was also "accidentally" invited on the honeymoon. 

Samantha Blissett

Hailey is Taylor's younger sister, and in some ways, her mini-me. Aside from their similar features, Hailey also was the 2nd child to bring home a cat that their mother didn't want (but would eventually love). Hailey is always someone Taylor can count on, whether it's to pick up the phone during a tough week, laugh until we cry, or find good food spots when they are in town.

Hailey DeLong

Kaitlyn is another one of the sisters, and the sister Taylor can count on to always have some friendly competition. Over the years, Taylor and Kaitlyn bonded over their love for basketball, bickered over who stole who's Nike pros, and now laughs over countless stupid jokes. Kaitlyn is someone that will always make you want to be a better person, and is best known for her strength and ability to do whatever she puts her mind to. 

Kaitlyn  DeLong

Abby is one of Taylor's first work friends from way back in their time together at West Allis ED. Abby once recommended Jake for a job, even prior to meeting him and is heavily responsible **blamed** for Taylor and Jake's move to Florida. Abby can always be counted on to host a killer game night, keep good conversation for hours on end and talk too loud in the streets while walking home from state fair. Abby is a friend that no matter the time apart, can pick up where they left off over and over again. 

Abby Kandarapally

Although Jake and Mitch both grew up in Marshfield WI, neither really knew who each other was until they were randomly paired as dorm roommates at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. From then on they chose to be  roommates/housemates for the next 5 years helping each other get through their Mechanical Engineering Degrees ("We" translates to Mitch mostly helping Jake). From spending hours together at the bars, to traveling across the country to Texas and California,  they fostered a strong friendship focused around accountability, always making sure to have fun, and getting into a little trouble here and there. Mitch is a great friend and role-model who accomplishes anything he choses to put his mind to and is a person you can have a beer with after years apart pick up right where the two of you left off.

Mitch Ott

Brandon is the "brother from another mother" to Jake and these boys spent many-a-days together growing up. Between comparing bruises from  tubing on the lake up north, to pulling all nighter's drinking Mountain Dew and beating Halo, to getting covered head to toe in cow manure  collecting maple sap for syrup (Due to the four-wheeler continually getting stuck), these two always kept each other entertained. "Cousin" is the bare minimum description of this relationship and Brandon is the person who will always pick up if you call.

Brandon Herr

Alex was Jake's first friend after moving to Marshfield from Minnesota back in the 2nd grade. He was extremely welcoming and introduced Jake to the rest of the "Columbus Boys" strewn throughout this wedding party. They spent many weekends hosting the guys in each other's basements, playing driveway basketball , and enjoying the family cabins on the lakes, which over time has built the relationship that exists today.

Alex Baierl

Cole and Jake also went to Columbus together growing up back in Marshfield WI. He is someone who could probably run for politics if they wanted to as he never backs down from a healthy debate. After school these two both  lived in Milwaukee where they would periodically enjoy a Bucks game either at the Fiserv Forum or on TV over a beer.

Cole Mushel

Sam Studinger

Jared and Jake shared some unique experiences together in high school basketball their Freshman and Sophomore years on JV and Varsity respectively. This included their coach telling them to run to the corner and bark like a dog seconds before running onto the court for warmups their first varsity game. Jared is another one of this bunch of boys who have known each other since grade school and have continued to stay close through the years.

Jared Fleischmann

Derrick Green

Bryce DeSmet

Wedding Party

Q + A

A block of rooms has been reserved at this location. Please use the code above if booking online or reference Jake or Taylor's name if booking via phone.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Milwaukee West

Travel

One of Taylor's favorites! Beautiful outside area on Lake Michigan with local and domestic beer options! Great place to bring games, or just have lunch, a drink and good conversation!

South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden

Jake and Taylor's agreed best Bloody Mary in Milwaukee! For our friends and family not accustomed or familiar with a real WI bloody, this is a must!

Café Benelux

In the heart of downtown MKE, visit Deer District and the Fiserv! Home to the Milwaukee Bucks! A unique place to find good food and drinks or watch any games going on! This is somewhere missed by both Jake and Taylor for gamedays!

Fiserv Forum

The Oak Leaf Trail runs over 135 miles. The South Shore Line is one of Taylor's favorites (and eventually leads you right into the South shore beer garden). Or head to Seven Bridges for a shorter, yet beautiful hike!

Oak Leaf Trail - South Shore Line

Near Summerfest and Discovery world, a beautiful park seeing the entire MKE skyline. A great place to walk around and enjoy the beauties of MKE!

Lakeshore State Park

Summer in Milwaukee has Harley fans head over heels! Visit the history of Harley Davidson at the museum! A great visit for any rainy days!

Harley-Davidson Museum

One of the favorite brunch spots nearby!

Mad Rooster Cafe

For our out of town cheese lovers! Very close to the hotel and a great stop for great local WI cheese:)

West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe

This is an absolute must for any visitors with a sweet tooth! Unique to MKE, Leons has the best frozen custard around! Stick to the basics with Jakes favorites of chocolate or vanilla, or venture out with Taylor's favorite of butter pecan!

Leon's Frozen Custard

A downtown marketplace with different vendors, markets and food and drink options! A great option while exploring downtown!

Milwaukee Public Market

Now for some good Brewery Options! Miller Coors is a classic, with tours experiencing 165years of Brewing History! This is a 6 block, indoor/outdoor tour, and begin right off the bat with Beer!!!

Miller: The Brewery

Another great Brewery Option! A great place for a short brewery tour, local beers and pub snacks! Lakefront is a local favorite! Lakefront also is home to one of their own certified gluten-free beers!

taylor & Jake

taylor & Jake

Photos