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

Chris and Pam put together this super fun, intimate wedding in just a few months. They met up with me beforehand at Olbrich Gardens where we had an hour to just walk around and take photos. This is one of the most beautiful places in Madison to go take photos, especially for weddings. This year they are renovating so they are not hosting weddings but we just got a permit and were good to go! Pam and Chris love the Thai Pavilion so we made sure to spend some extra time over there. They ran through a flock of wild flamingos and jumped over hedges to get the perfect shot! The ceremony was small and intimate with just some close family near by with Chris’s brother officiating and Pam’s niece and nephew as the ring bearers. Afterwards, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and got some great photos outside the Capitol and the top of State St. You wouldn’t really think about the Ale Asylum for a wedding reception but these guys did and it was just lovely. We took over the entire upstairs and patio and enjoyed all of their incredible beer and cocktails. I really enjoyed spending time with these two. Photos were important to them and you can tell by the way they look at each other and laugh at all the jokes that they had a great time and were relaxed and truly enjoyed their day.

Kendra + Robert

I love hearing how love stories start out. This one all began with a swipe right on a familiar app we all know about. Fast forward to a wonderful life together and all the fun things they like to do (including the reason for the app in the first place, heehee)  with chickens, cats,  foster dogs and kayaking through Wisconsin! These two love the outdoors and enjoy the many hiking trails our gorgeous state has to offer. They are the ones who brought me up to Gibralter Rock earlier this summer. If you haven’t seen that post, go here!

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these two! I think it shows in the photos how much they like to have fun, and get my jokes! And also my ideas for beautiful romantic portraits. Check out the one below of just Kendra! Oofda! Hot stuff! And their first look moment is so incredibly emotional and sweet. I think I almost cried myself!

We spent the afternoon at the Capitol and took some really lovely wedding party photos and then off to the Dorf Haus in Sauk City. October Fest!! It was quite the party. This venue is really cool and has  real authentic German decor and food. We couldn’t help shooting a lot of the awesome paintings and large deer/moose?/Elk? heads? I’m not sure. Anyway, it was truly a sight to behold. Make the trip up there and enjoy!

Here is a list of all the wonderful vendors who helped make this day so special:

Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson  //  Ceremony and Reception Venue: Dorf Haus  //  Floral: Rose Cottage  //  Hair: Anaala West, Erin Youngblood  //  Makeup:   Verena Hayes Wilde Beauty  //  Dress: David’s Bridal  //  Men’s: Men’s Wearhouse  //  Rings: Chalmers  //  Cake: Carl’s Cakes  //  DJ: C’Est La Vie Events-Brian  //  Officiant: Judge Marjorie Schuett  //  Limo: Gallant Knight Limo Services

A tropical themed wedding was the perfect opener to the wedding season after this wildly unpredictable Wisconsin winter.  There were beautiful florals of orchids, protea cynaroides, magnifica, birds of paradise, and little beta fish swimming around in the arrangements! The tables all had  cute little decorations of alligators, fish, turtles, tiny pineapples and exotic plants! Even the signature drink was bright blue with pineapple! We had an nice warm yet breezy day to compliment this beautiful April wedding. 

There were so many wonderful personal touches. Danielle’s dress had some lace in the back from her Mom’s wedding dress and I found out that a her Dad had carved the little wooden fish that were next to the place cards. The floral was done by her Mom’s cousin too!  Danielle even surprised Alex by having his “baby”, a souped up Stingray Corvette that he built out brought out to the parking lot for photos! It was awesome!

At the end of the night, you left with a donut from Dunkin for either a late night snack or breakfast! I grabbed one for my son because he absolutely love the chocolate ones with sprinkles.

Heidi and I truly enjoy our couples and these two were no exception. Everyone was so welcoming, fun, and felt pretty relaxed around us. I think we got some really beautiful photos and am so excited to share a few below! Congrats to the newlyweds!!

None of this would have been so beautiful and so much fun without all these amazing vendors!

Vendors:  Venue: Blackhawk Country Club  //  Floral: De Voe Floral  // Cake: Blackhawk Country Club  //   Hair: Strands  //  Makeup: Ava with Poshbeautybyava //  DJ: DJ Magic Entertainment  //  Men’s Attire: Nedrebos  //  Dress (out of Chicago)  //  Wedding Planner: Bailey Solverson from Blackhawk Country Club  //  Decor: Danielle’s Family  //  Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson