Katie & Thomas's Janesville, Wisconsin Wedding

Tucked into the heart of downtown Janesville, Wisconsin, 10 South is one of those venues that immediately surprises you. From the outside, its historic brick exterior blends naturally into the charming downtown streetscape. Step inside, however, and you'll find a beautifully revitalized space where old-world character meets thoughtful modern design.

Located less than an hour from Madison, 10 South has quickly become one of Wisconsin's most unique wedding venues, offering everything from expansive getting-ready suites to a stunning outdoor patio and a reception space that feels both grand and inviting.

Katie and Thomas's wedding day showcased exactly what makes this venue so special.

Historic Charm Meets Modern Design

Originally built as a National Guard Armory in 1930, 10 South has been beautifully transformed into a wedding venue while preserving much of its original character. The exposed cream-colored brick, soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and industrial details create a space that feels elevated without losing its warmth.

One of my favorite design elements was the cocktail lounge just inside the entrance. Featuring blush-pink tile, warm wood accents, and modern retro lighting, it feels more like a boutique hotel bar than a traditional wedding venue. As guests arrived before the ceremony, it provided a welcoming place to gather, grab a drink, and settle into the day.

Getting Ready at 10 South

If there's one thing couples should know about 10 South, it's that the getting-ready spaces are exceptional.

The venue features two private dressing suites, each occupying its own dedicated space within the building. While the bridal suite offers beautiful natural light and plenty of room for hair and makeup, what stood out most to me was the groom's suite.

Honestly, it may be the nicest groom's suite I've ever seen.

Comfortable, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, it gave Thomas and his groomsmen room to relax, spend time together, and actually enjoy the morning rather than feeling tucked away in a small side room. It's a detail that often gets overlooked at wedding venues, but 10 South clearly invested in creating a great experience for everyone involved.

A Venue That Adapts Beautifully

Like many Wisconsin couples, Katie and Thomas kept a close eye on the weather leading up to their wedding day.

One of the things I appreciated most about 10 South was how seamlessly the venue could adapt when rain became a possibility. The spacious Main Hall is designed to accommodate both ceremonies and receptions, allowing couples to pivot indoors without sacrificing the atmosphere of the day.

What could have felt like a backup plan instead felt intentional from the very beginning.

The oversized windows flooded the room with natural light while the high ceilings added a sense of grandeur. At the same time, the warm brick walls softened the space, creating an atmosphere that felt welcoming, romantic, and intimate despite its impressive scale.

The Hearth Patio

Although Katie and Thomas ultimately held their ceremony indoors, the outdoor spaces at 10 South deserve their own mention.

The Hearth Patio features a freestanding white stone fireplace that creates a beautiful focal point for ceremonies and cocktail hours alike. Wrapped in florals, it becomes a stunning backdrop that feels both timeless and modern.

The patio is also home to one of the venue's most charming features: Poppy, a vintage camper bar that serves cocktails and doubles as an incredible photo opportunity. During cocktail hour, guests spilled onto the patio, mingling beneath the string lights while enjoying drinks and conversation.

The Grand Entrance

One of the most memorable moments of the entire day happened just before the reception began.

As guests settled into their seats, the large doors at the back of the reception hall swung open and members of the wedding party poured into the room, immediately bringing energy and excitement to the celebration. The crowd cheered, napkins flew through the air, and the atmosphere shifted from anticipation to full-on party mode.

Then came Katie and Thomas.

Appearing from an elevated landing overlooking the reception space, the newlyweds made their entrance down the grand staircase as guests erupted with applause. The moment felt cinematic—the perfect reveal after a day filled with so many meaningful moments.

It's one of the details that makes 10 South such a fun reception venue. The layout naturally creates opportunities for memorable entrances and allows the celebration to build momentum from the very first moments of the evening.

Thoughtful Details That Made the Day

While the venue itself was beautiful, some of my favorite moments came from the people inside it.

Before the ceremony, Thomas surprised Katie with one of the most thoughtful gifts I've witnessed. He created a book filled with photos and memories from throughout her life, along with notes and messages from each of her bridesmaids. To make it even more personal, he handwrote individual cards for each bridesmaid as well.

Needless to say, there were plenty of tears.

Later in the evening, Katie's father gave a heartfelt speech that had guests laughing one moment and wiping away tears the next. It was one of those reminders that weddings are ultimately about much more than beautiful spaces—they're about relationships, memories, and the people who have helped shape your story.

Portraits Around Downtown Janesville

One unexpected advantage of 10 South is its location.

Situated right in downtown Janesville, the venue offers beautiful opportunities for portraits without ever needing to leave the property. The front staircase quickly became one of my favorite locations of the day, providing a timeless backdrop for both group photos and romantic portraits of Katie and Thomas.

Some of my favorite shots were captured there, as Katie and Thomas sat on the steps together sharing a quiet moment together amidst all the excitement of the day.

Why I Loved Filming at 10 South

What makes 10 South special isn't just the architecture, the patio, or the beautiful design details.

It's how effortlessly the venue balances grandeur and warmth.

The high ceilings and dramatic spaces create a sense of occasion, while the historic brick, thoughtful design, and intimate gathering spaces make the entire day feel welcoming and personal. Whether you're hosting 100 guests or 300, the venue somehow manages to feel both expansive and connected at the same time.

For Katie and Thomas, it provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration filled with laughter, emotion, and unforgettable energy.

Planning a Wedding at 10 South?

My films blend documentary storytelling with the voices you never want to forget—the laughter during cocktail hour, heartfelt speeches, saved voice messages, and the moments that become family memories for generations. Inspired by the nostalgia of a home video, my approach is rooted in creating films that feel honest, emotional, and timeless.

Because while photographs capture how your wedding looked, video preserves how it felt.

Based in Denver, Colorado and always willing to travel, I'd love to help tell your story.