{ Jackie + Chris = MARRIED ! }

Jackie and Chris’s wedding was all classic romance - from the fitted lace gown and blusher veil, to the lovely gold bands and bouquets of white carnations. Everything about it felt honest, romantic and timeless.  When we first met last year, Jackie told me it was destined to rain on her wedding day, and she was certainly right.  The reasoning for this is that her husband, Chris, is a weatherman, and it would only be the most perfect joke of nature to give them a day full of rain.  Well, Jackie was right; not only did it rain but it stormed and thundered and caused the power to cut in and out during their ceremony.  Through all of this, however, they both kept their good humor and nothing could wipe the smiles of excitement and joy from their faces.

The weather made our job a little more difficult, but it also rewarded us with dreamy fog while they were getting ready, and stunning bright greens, oranges and yellows for the formal portraits. Rain has a way of drawing color out in the environment - making everything brighter and richer.  All rainy day brides might be brought good luck, but rainy day October brides are also brought intense color and a chance for some beautiful pictures. ;)  We loved being a part of every minute of your day, congratulations, Jackie and Chris!

{ 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!

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