A Love Story that Began with a Poem: Breathtaking Wedding in Milwaukee

Ari and Juan’s Milwaukee wedding was filled with personal touches. From their heartfelt love story to the unforgettable wedding.

This is a wedding dress story that’s full of heart, Ari and Juan’s Milwaukee wedding will make you smile. Their wedding was more than a day—it was the joyful beginning of their next big chapter.

Their love began with a spark and a poem, and after nearly eight years together, they celebrated with the people who had been part of their journey. Ari found her dream dress on the first try, and the moment she saw herself in the mirror, she knew—it was the one. The tears, the joy, the confidence—everything came together in that moment.

Like many plus-size brides, Ari approached dress shopping with a bit of hesitation. “I was extremely nervous,” she shared. But support from her cousin led her to Rare Bridal, sister store of Strike Bridal, where everything changed.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I knew I needed short sleeves—I get hot easily!” she laughed. Out of 30 styles she considered and 10 she tried on, one gown stood out instantly. “I looked in the mirror and just knew. I felt like a bride. And I cried happy tears.”

 Their wedding took place in Milwaukee, WI, surrounded by family, friends, and months of thoughtful planning.

“Do what makes YOU and your spouse happy. This is your day—no one else’s. Set your boundaries and don’t feel bad if others are offended. It’s your money being spent, not theirs!”

 
 

Want to look
as fabulous as Studio Levana brides?

Now that the wedding celebrations have wrapped, Ari and Juan are finally off on their honeymoon—ready to relax, explore new places, and enjoy time together as newlyweds. With dreams of traveling, growing in their careers, and possibly starting a family in the future, their next chapter is just beginning.

Wedding team

Photographer – Libby AoS Photography

Venue –  Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Hair & Makeup – Calla in Style by R

Florals – Bel Aire Floral Shop

Dress Boutique – Rare Bridal Shop

Dress Designer – Studio Levana

Need help choosing your dress?

Subscribe now to get the unique Bridal Guide — your ultimate companion for effortless dress shopping.

Discover more

Noemie A-line plus size wedding dress with lace sleeves
bridal insights

Detachable Sleeves & Boleros: One Gown, Two Looks

A bride doesn’t wear one look on her wedding day. She stands at the altar in one version of herself, then dances the night away in another. A handful of Rêves gowns make that easy, with detachable sleeves, straps, and sheer boleros built right in, so the ceremony dress and the reception dress can be the exact same gown.

Read More »
Plus size wedding dress corset
bridal insights

The Studio Levana Corset, Explained

There’s a hero in every Studio Levana gown, and you’ll never see it. We call it the magic corset, built right into the bodice so there’s no separate piece to fit around and nothing left to guess. Here’s how it shows up in three gowns that don’t have much else in common: Ines, Corinne Fitted, and Yvette Fitted.

Read More »
Claire A-line plus size wedding dress with lace off-the-shoulder sleeves, detail view
bridal insights

A-Line vs. Fitted: Choosing Your Rêves Silhouette

Five gowns in the Rêves collection come in two versions — same fabric, same signature corset, two different silhouettes. A-line skirts sweep and move; Fitted silhouettes follow the body before releasing into a train. Here’s how that choice plays out across Claire, Manon, Anaïs Sparkly, Corinne, and Lise — so you can find which one is you.

Read More »

Find Your Perfect Silhouette with Our Bridal Style Quiz