Stephanie’s Senior Portraits!

We had perfect weather for Stephanie’s senior portraits, which was wonderful since her family had traveled all the way from Madison for them.  The light was just perfect for summery, airy backlit shots and some flattering close-ups in the shade.  Stephanie and her family spend a lot of time on the water during the summer - relaxing and traveling around Door County.  Most days Stephanie nannies for a local family taking care of their two kids which she loves.  She plans on going to college next fall for something in the medical field hoping to work with babies and small children.  In the meantime she is looking forward to managing the football team in fall and possibly taking on management of the lacrosse team in spring.  Enjoy your senior year, Stephanie!

{ Candis + Joe = MARRIED ! }

We love weddings that manage to blend together different themes into one beautiful wedding day - such was the case for Candis and Joe.  The ceremony itself was lovely and traditional, with all the Catholic reverence and pageantry brought together by a incredible pastor who knew the couple well and spoke about them personally.  The details were a bright magenta (the pure essence of summer!) with burlap and natural wood accents to keep it grounded.  Candis carried down a bouquet wrapped in her grandmother’s necklace and Joe’s mother got a few moments alone with her son to pin on his corsage.

This is the way it is with Candis and Joe... they are the couple who would never get lost in all the “to-dos” and “should-dos” but rather know how to keep that exact focus on what is important: their family and the vows that would make them a family.  I can’t explain what a beautiful feeling it is to watch two people who are so right for each other and bring out the very best in one other join their lives together.  It reminds me of what a blessing our job is.  Congratulations, Candis and Joe!

Personal Post: My Brother Got Married!

This past weekend I was blessed to be a part of my younger brother’s wedding as he married his fiance, Arlyn.  It was a stunning outdoor ceremony over the lake in Manitowish Waters with many handmade details, and little touches to make the day feel special.  The weather could not have been any more perfect and it was such a joy to celebrate with all the family and close friends that gathered together.

Josh and I are our parents’ only children, and so we grew up as close as anyone could imagine.  We shaped one another’s personalities, we were each other’s constant playmate, and we fought daily like all close siblings do.  I feel beyond grateful to have a family I am so close with and a brother who is also a friend and confidant.  This wedding was a chance for Josh and Arlyn to express the love they have found together, but also for us to welcome Arlyn to the family.  With that, I would like to say so many congratulations to the both of them, and we wish you all good things!

Professional photography was done by April Zelenka of Madison.  I brought along my film camera and limited myself to just a single roll (true self restraint) to share my very favorite things about the wedding day. :)

David Turns Two Years!

David is a child so full of joy that it is absolutely contagious.  He is always smiling and on the go, ready for his next big adventure!  It was so fun getting to know he and his family for two year and family photos.  We chose a natural setting that would offer us beautiful backgrounds, and him a safe and fun place to run about.  Melissa brought along David’s cowboy gear and tractor - our favorite part being the little red cowboy boots grandma chose for him (aren’t they adorable?!)  Happy 2nd Birthday, David!

Styled Bridal Photoshoot at La Grange Ledgestone Barn

A few months ago we were talking with Nichole at Petal Pusher about a new barn venue that would be opening up in De Pere; she said it was called La Grange and we should check it out.  We are more than pleased we did.  La Grange has all the charm and sprawling fields that you hope for when you imagine a country venue, but it also has many amenities that would surprise you - a stunning getting ready room complete with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a spacious dance hall with exposed cedar ceilings and the experienced guidance of Sue Cashman who makes the process simple and allows couples nearly unlimited personalization.

We paired up with Sue to create a styled bridal shoot with a clean, airy, vintage feel.  Everyone who participated made the photoshoot so wonderful for us - it is always a pleasure working with talented, driven and artistic individuals.  I need to thank Nichole and her staff at Petal Pusher for the lovely peony and rose bouquet, Luke at Alfa Bridal for helping us choose flawless details, and Aaron at Dubois Formalwear for a perfectly tailored (and incredibly sharp) suit.  I would also like to thank our couple, Reggie and Danielle for being such ready and willing models and congratulate them on two happy years of marriage!

If you would like to find out any more details on the many talented vendors we worked with for this shoot, their information is below.

Venue:  La Grange Ledgestone Barn  www.lagrangegb.com
Bouquet and Boutonniere:  Petal Pusher Floral  www.gbpetalpusher.com
Tuxedo:  Dubois Formalwear on Broadway  www.duboisformalwear.com
Bridal Accessories:  Alfa Bridal  www.alfabridal.com

Also pictured.

Dress:  David’s Bridal  www.davidsbridal.com

{ Jennifer + Eric = Engaged! }

Jennifer and Eric have a story a little different than most of our couples.  They have actually been married for a few years already, but missed out on the opportunity to have the kind of wedding we, as little girls, dream of.  Now, with their beautiful family they will get the chance to celebrate and renew their vows with all the glamour of the perfect wedding.  Jennifer and Eric met through a friend years ago, and they connected when he came to the rescue as she was having emergency surgery.  This is just the kind of guy Eric is - someone you could depend on to be there when you need him, to be the strong and unwavering one.  Jennifer is the kind of person who puts everyone before herself, she is empathetic, strong-willed and stands up for everyone at that exact moment they need it.  Together they have Jocelyn, Mariah and Kyle who it was our pleasure to include in the engagement photos.  It was important to us to have some photos of just Jennifer and Eric together to reclaim some of that intimacy you have to sacrifice to be mom and dad, but it was also important to include the family, as they have become another chapter in their love story.  Congratulations, Jennifer and Eric; we look forward to your wedding next July!

Thanks to Bay Beach Amusement Park and Wildlife Sanctuary  www.baybeachwildlife.com