We're Elevate

What started as a side hustle for two creative, driven sisters has now become one of the Midwest’s premier event planning and design firms. At Elevate, we find pure, unbridled joy in celebrating all aspects of life - big moments, small gatherings and anything in between.

Cate & Mark’s Multicultural, Journalist-Chic Warehouse Wedding

Ohhhh thinking back on this day, this couple, this design, this SQUAD – still makes us weak in the knees. To know Mark and Cate is to know true, genuine thoughtfulness and kindness, and their entire wedding day was simply oozing with both – a true testament to the kind of impact their love brings to everyone they meet.

Mark and Cate met in journalism – she a reporter and he part of the film crew. Their lives started out quite disparate, Mark hailing from Stoughton, Wisconsin and Cate, originally from the Philippines, traveled wherever her father’s military assignments took her. Because of their deep ties to family and their cultures on both sides, they planned two celebrations (one in the Phillipines and one here in Wisconsin), and we were lucky to assist with their stateside bash, set right in the middle of Mark’s hometown!

Cate is incredibly stylish, and she knows what she likes, so when she shared her initial inspiration of pastel fall tones paired with unexpected tropical touches and a serious nod to their common career paths, we knew it was going to be a design to remember.

As is often the case when we work at the gorgeous space in the Lageret, we let the hard lines and warm tones provided by the venue itself serve as our backdrop, then infused loads of fluffy flowers paired with white, acrylic, black and gold touches to both soften and simultaneously add that “journalist crispness” to the overall vibe. We couldn’t get enough of Cate’s brilliant idea to give each guest a “press badge” outlining which “beat” (or table) they would be directed to sit at, and adored the infusion of “press kits” in lieu of ceremony programs.

We hope you enjoy this gorgeous gallery, full of thoughtful details, a stunning design, and captures of this wonderful couples. Thank you so much, Mark and Cate, for having us play such an integral role in your newsworthy day!

Photography: Paolo Feliciano| Cinematography: Chug Cadiogan|Venue: The Lageret| Planning & Design: Mallory of Elevate Events | Floral: Flora Designs by Jamae | DJ and Emcee: Geoffrey of Celebrations Entertainment | Hair & Makeup: Ginger & Alx | Catering: Blue Plate Catering | Cake: Curtis & Cake | Rentals: Event Essentials| Day-of Goods & Signage: The Crafty Peach | Rehearsal Dinner: University Club