The Hobnob Restaurant is an ideal Wisconsin wedding venue for people who love an immersive retro experience. Modeled after classic supper clubs, it gives intimate celebrations a timeless feeling. Lauren and Scott held their small wedding at the Hobnob, and it was everything they hoped it would be. I documented the whole day on nostalgic film photography.
When you drive up to the Hobnob Restaurant, you immediately get a sense of its mid-century atmosphere. Outside the building, custom neon signs draw you in for dinner and cocktails. Even the building’s architecture has a mid-century modern feel with tall windows and a red and pink neon sign you can see from the road.
As a wedding photographer, I love the Hobnob’s unique setup, The Cocktail Lounge features a long bar with cream upholstered seats. Beyond it, the Terrace Room offers diners gorgeous views of Lake Michigan.
So much about the Hobnob Restaurant makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. It’s a fun place to get creative with wedding photos! The vintage furniture and bold wallpaper make unique backdrops for portraits.
The Hobnob Restaurant opened in 1937 and moved to its current location on Highway 32 in 1954. The same family owned it until 1990. It continues to serve prime rib, Friday fish fry, and other supper club classics. People love the cozy atmosphere and attentive service.
When Lauren and Scott reached out to me about photographing their wedding at the Hobnob Restaurant, they really loved the idea of film photography. I love film photography. In fact, it’s a big part of what I do whether I’m photographing families, couples, or weddings.
Needless to say, I was excited to photograph a wedding on film in a setting like Hobnob. This venue is such a tribute to vintage style. Film photography feels right at home here.
Lauren and Scott’s wedding photos also show that you can get amazing photography coverage entirely on film. I was able to document every part of their wedding day with the same warmth and intention. If you’re looking for wedding photos that reflect that sense of connection, film is a great way to go!
If you love the idea of film photography for your wedding, check out my complete introduction, Film Wedding Photography: A Guide to Your Celebration. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the most common types of film photography videography used to document weddings.
The Hobnob Restaurant was the perfect venue for Lauren and Scott’s small wedding. They prefer deeply connected experiences with an intimate atmosphere. Before their wedding, they actually eloped in Las Vegas. With their wedding at the Hobnob, they wanted to focus on having a beautiful dinner party with their closest family and friends.
Lauren and Scott kicked things off with a small ceremony. They shared thoughtful vows while their friends and family looked on. Even though they’d already eloped, it meant a lot to share that experience with their guests.
After the ceremony, we took some family photos then did portraits around the restaurant. The Hobnob Restaurant has so many amazing vintage pieces of furniture. The bold wallpaper and fancy sconces made such fun backdrops for portraits. Lauren and Scott shared cocktails beside a velvet shell-shaped couch. These pictures feel timeless.
Then the Hobnob Restaurant catered a lovely meal for the reception. While everyone enjoyed their food, guests gave speeches. They felt especially intimate because the space was so small and cozy.
Lauren and Scott embraced the character of the Hobnob with their decor and cuisine. They kept their florals bright but simple and let the space speak for itself. Their wedding cake looked like a work of culinary art straight out of the 1960s. Lauren also enjoyed one of the Hobnob’s famous grasshoppers.
After dinner, everyone headed to the basement for a dance party! Lauren and Scott were so excited to be present with their friends and family. It was everything you could want from a small wedding.
Would you like me to photograph your wedding on film? I’m a Milwaukee photographer. I’ll document your wedding with creative, nostalgic photos. Inquire with me here!