One of the greatest things about photographing a friend’s wedding is that I get to spend the whole day with them and make sure to get the most personal, intimate, and real photos I can get. Kelly was so wonderful to work with! I loved how every time Brian said something funny to her, she would have this full on, head thrown back laugh that was just contagious. I got my first taste of this during their engagement session in the spring. I had not met Brian yet so had no idea what I was in for. He is one of the funniest and sweetest men I have ever met. We had the best time and when the wedding came around, I knew we were going to have a wonderful day and was ready for it.

Kelly had a vision that was so beautiful and inspiring. First of all, the First Unitarian Society is one of my favorite ceremony venues in Madison. Not only because it is unique and the architecture is beautiful (Hello Frank Lloyd Wright!), but also for what they stand for. All inclusive, non judgmental of any faith,  unbiased and spiritual. During the ceremony Kelly brought in “The Blue Brigade” which was all of their young relatives, and had them each bring her a flower at the beginning of the processional to create her bouquet. It was such a sweet way to include everyone and since there were so many young people, it was only right to have the reception at the Children’s Museum downtown! The design of all the flower arrangements was done by the insanely creative bride and then given out to guests at the end of the night as favors. I even got to take one home and I just love it! It is a centerpiece in my living room right now! It had a very tropic vibe and the cake was amaaazzziiing!

Her look was magazine worthy from her gorgeous dress from Vera’s right down to her sparkly butterfly shoes by Badgley Mischka. As I was taking photos of the rings, I noticed the inscription inside of Brian’s ring that said “Per Aspera, ad astra” and then something else that I couldn’t quite make out. But what I do know, is what Per Aspera, ad astra means: “through hardships to the stars” in Latin! How cool is that???

By the end of the night, I had a chance to sit down with a couple of long time friends and play some pong and enjoy a delicious beer. I just know these two will have an insanely wonderful life together. With all that laughter, how could they not?

I had a hard time narrowing down to just a hundred images for this one. So, you get to see quite a a bit of this wedding. I hope you enjoy!!!

Awesome Vendors Involved:

Ceremony:  First Unitarian Society  //  Officiant: Reverand Kelly Crocker  //  Reception: Madison Children’s Museum – Coordinator: J Belmont  //  Cake:  Trish Figueroa  //  Catering: Blue Plate Catering  //  Bar Service: Roman Candle  //  Donut wall: Cedar and Spice  and Greenbush  Bakery  //  DJ: Kuhl Entertainment – Patrick Archer  //  Flowers:  Felly’s Flowers  //  Wedding Dress: Vera’s House of Bridals  //  Grooms Tux: Jazzman  //  Brian’s Ring: Boundless Bands on Etsy  //  Kelly’s Wedding Band: Blue Nile and Engagement Ring designed with Trisha and Brett at the Diamond Center