GENERAL
Couple’s Name: Katherine Herrmann and Joel Trudell
Wedding Date: Nov. 17, 2012
Wedding Location: Mitchell Park Conservatory, Milwaukee, Wis.

ABOUT THE COUPLE
How they met: The couple met using an online dating site “chemistry.com” and went out on their first date on New Year’s Eve.
How he proposed: The groom proposed in front of the water fountain at the Milwaukee Art Museum at an “Art after Dark” event. Unbeknownst to the couple, a crowd had gathered on the walking bridge above the fountain and when the groom asked the bride “May I marry you?” and she said yes, the crowd cheered.
Bride’s occupation: Sales representative
Groom’s occupation: Marketing consultant

THE CEREMONY
 The ceremony: The ceremony was written by the bride and officiated by the bride’s seventh-grade English teacher and friend, Marsha Nelson. It was held in the show dome at the Mitchell Park Conservatory.
The gown: Mora Lee designed the mermaid-cut gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves.
The bouquet: Made by local florist, Barb Gentry.
The theme: Winter Wonderland

THE WEDDING PARTY
Maid of honor: Justeen Jolley
Bridesmaids: Ann Klimas, Anna Marie Zorn, Jessica Trudell, Meghan McNab, Marcie Peura and Sara Aken
Best man: Matt Windisch
Groomsmen: Jason Klimas, Stephen Tremblay, John Gonzales, Mike Dahm, Dan Peura and Joey Lopez

THE RECEPTION
Number of guests: 160
The cake: The bride and groom chose to have cupcakes.
First song: “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds.
The menu: Chicken Vienna and butternut squash catered by Zilli Hospitality.
What made the day unique: The ceremony and reception took place in the showdome, which gave the appearance of being outside under starlight.
Most touching moment of the day: Near the end of the reception, the bride’s seven-year-old son Emerson said, “Mom, I am so happy now!” When the bride asked him what he meant, he said, “Because now I have a dad.” The boy’s biological father passed away before he was born. Seeing how happy it made her son to finally have someone to call “dad” was a moment the bride will always remember.
Honeymoon destination: The couple honeymooned at the Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.