3041 NORTH is Milwaukee’s Premiere Urban Wedding Venue
Serena Brown has always been the life of the party. Before she was planning extravagant weddings at 3041 NORTH she was cleaning her family’s houses for fun.
“You can’t decorate if the house isn’t clean,” she said.
Serena Brown and her husband. (Picture by “Project One Studios” Roche Buford and Maurice Scott)
Since six-years-old, she has always had the itch to decorate. She would host imaginary parties and events. As she grew into her teenage years, Brown asked her relatives if she could clean their house before a party.
“They would love it,” Brown said. “I’ve been doing it for years.”
From landscaping to laying carpet, Brown always had an imaginative eye and a passion for perfection. She never said, “no,” and never asked for a cent.
“I was just doing it out of passion and love, and I got a lot of practice from my people,” Brown said.
In 2016, she met Keith Terry, owner of upscale urban country club, 3041 NORTH. At the time, business was doing well, but Terry looked to specialize in private parties and events. The two hit it off, and Brown’s been designing and decorating for a career ever since.
“I just added my spin to it, and it’s been a great success,” Brown said.
From multi-colored linens and extravagant candelabras, to in-house kitchen staff and floral arrangements, 3041 NORTH never repeats the same wedding twice, especially with Brown being armed with a warehouse of decorations.
“I don’t cheat the clients and say, ‘You don’t know what you want? Well I’m going to go do the same set up.’ It’s a lot of work, but I love it,” she said.
Brown said she’s heard the horror stories from hotel and convention centers. Sometimes it was staffing issues and tight time restraints. Other times it was the severe lack of choices when it came to food and music. But, most of it was the snobby, demeaning feeling brides felt when trying to work with high-end establishments.
“If people are being noisy with fun, and they’re inside and it’s not affecting outside, let them have some fun. When it’s somebody’s wedding, they should not be cut off at 10 p.m., that’s when the party is just getting started,” Brown said.
Serena Brown planned her own wedding. (Picture by “Project One Studios” Roche Buford and Maurice Scott)
Brown said her goal for 3041 NORTH was to take the burden off of brides. She has had a 100 percent success rate…when it came to making brides cry during the final venue reveal.
“I never want to under-deliver,” she said. “All they do is show up, and that’s really a blessing.”
Brown said she likes giving people a peace-of-mind when they’re dealing with an event that costs large amounts of money. Whether it’s setting up a payment plan or extending the due date a day or two, Brown said she understands when life happens.
“I’m more personable with the people,” she said. “When they book me, they get my personal cell. I love to keep in communication because if they call, I’m answering the phone.”
While some may have their opinions about the location on N. 31st St. and W. North Ave., she said 3041 NORTH shone a light onto the block. Along with an outdoor lighting system and full-time event security, the location doesn’t have many neighbors, so there have rarely been issues, according to Brown.
“Thieves like darkness, so now, they know we have become the lightness to the city,” Brown said.
Brown was put to the ultimate test as she closed down the venue the entire month of December for her own wedding. She said she planned on using her wedding photos as marketing for 3041 NORTH.
Serena Brown’s wedding was held at 3041 NORTH. (Picture by “Project One Studios” Roche Buford and Maurice Scott)
“I’m expecting this wedding to be elaborate. I’m going all out,” she said. “When people ask who designed the wedding in the pictures, I can say, ‘me!’”
As peak wedding season is looming in the distance, Brown is excited for a new crop of brides to work with. While Brown has come far from decorating her family’s house for imaginary celebrations, her passion for parties burns hotter than ever.
“I just like things to be done right, no shortcuts,” Brown said.
To book 3041 North, click here, or visit their Facebook.