{ Rachel + Ken = MARRIED ! }

Rachel and Ken’s wedding was beyond amazing.  I found myself talking about it with other clients, friends and family for weeks afterward which tells you that it was our very favorite kind - simple, playful, intimate and elegant.  The ceremony took place at the Gates of Heaven in James Madison Park - a beautiful little venue.  The officiant spoke about marriage in a way I have never heard someone speak before - he said that every day since the day this couple met they have made little promises to stand by one another, to be there when they are needed, and to love one another.  Those little promises, the officiant stated, were the vows of their marriage, and that day was just an official stamp to celebrate all they had promised one another.

The couple had just two people in their wedding party and the six of us plus the immediate family headed up the road to a little community garden to take some formal photos and enjoy the beautiful weather.  The mood was relaxed and joyous - so much laughter.  The reception was picnic-themed with luxurious blankets and pillows, long tables covered in white linen, burlap and tiny vases filled with locally-grown flowers.  The food was delicious comfort food - perfect for a picnic: macaroni and cheese, chicken, cheese curds, baby red potato salad and Door County cherry pie.  Every part of the day felt natural and every person there seemed so incredibly happy to be able to celebrate with the new Mr. and Mrs. Rachel and Ken Geller.  Congratulations; and cheers to many happy years together!

Notes:
We had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people at Rachel and Ken’s wedding and would like to say a special thank you to Sarah Sarbacker at Cherry Blossom Events who was a pleasure to work with.  Also a thank you to the other vendors:

Catering: Brocach www.brocach.com
Florist: Daffodil Parker www.dafodilparker.com
Rentals: Event Essentials www.eventessentials.com
Event Planner: Cherry Blossom Events www.cherrybevents.com

{ Ashley + Eric = MARRIED! }

I cannot stress the simple beauty of Ashley and Eric’s Wedding this August.  Everything was just right - little pops of color and romantic details without going into opulence.  Her dress was an a-line with a colored sash and no train.  The clean design of it was so gorgeous and flattering and the vintage buckle at the waist was a perfect highlight point.  The other thing that made it wonderful was her bridal party who were incredibly in-tune with Ashley’s every need and so excited for the union.  The bridesmaids and bride even busted out a choreographed dance as a surprise to everyone at the reception... and these girls... they knew how to move!  Everything was exactly what a bride could hope for: simple, fun, beautiful and romantic.  Congratulations Ashley and Eric, we wish you many years of happiness!

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. :)

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

{ Michelle + Kevin = MARRIED! }

Michelle and Kevin's wedding was the celebration we photographers dream of.  With every little detail attended to: gorgeous floral arrangements, place cards tucked in wine corks, even bottles of wine for guests to sign wishing them well on future anniversaries.  Each little element spoke about exactly what Michelle and Kevin are like as a couple.  Throughout the day everything was incredibly relaxed, festive, and filled with a million tiny surprises to keep guests on their toes.  

It started with a moment alone for the two of them: the first look.  Kevin waited on the end of the bridge at Pamperin Park, nervous with anticipation, while Michelle slowly approached prepared to take away every bit of anxiety just by holding him in her arms.  There is something that feels so special about being chosen to be a part of such an intimate moment when a groom first sees his bride - the woman who will now become his family, who will be there for him through thick and thin, and everything in between.  First looks help us remember this moment, to hold onto it for longer.

Even as the rain came down in sheets outside the reception tent, the mood was joyous and guests were happy.  As dinner began, the heavy rain turned into a light shower, and the sun came out long enough to create a full rainbow arching over the tent, such a wonderful symbol for two people about to begin their lives together.  It was our pleasure to be a part of such a beautiful day with two people who really deserve each other.  Many congratulations, Michelle and Kevin!