It was a perfect day for a wedding out at Milford Hills for Abby and Chad. They had everything beautifully set up with rustic accents and lovely personalize signs and decor. I found Abby getting ready in the Trading Post with all her gorgeous ladies. The guys had just had a morning of trap shooting and were excited for the night. I loved the hand carved ring box with their initials and wedding date! I wish I could carve wood like that! All of the groomsmen had sweet hockey sticks they used for the grand march and the night ended with a fireworks show! Can’t get much better than that!

What a great team involved in putting together such an amazing day!

Venue: Milford Hills Hunt Club //  Wedding dress: Vera’s House of Bridals  // Groom’s Tux: Nedrebo’s  //  DJ: Boom’s Audio  //  Floral: B- Style Floral   //  Hair and Makeup:  Beauty at Large  //  Wedding Cake: Sweet Talking Treats  //  Second Photographer: Brittany Eitsert

Six years ago, Erik met Laurie in his hometown Philly while playing a hot and intense game of badminton. It was true love at first birdie! Since then, they moved to Madison, got a really cute dog named Kima, and planned a beautiful, offbeat, nature inspired wedding. There were many moments that really stood out to me and Heidi but the best part was one we couldn’t photograph. The bride and groom walked down the isle to The Talking Heads! How fun is that? Definitely one of my all time favorite bands.

Aldo Leopold Nature Center is located just about 5 minutes from my studio. I’ve been there many times, my son has gone to camp there, but I have never shot a wedding there before this! It was so much fun and beautiful and there were so many opportunities for photos! Everyone was so open, candid and friendly, emotional, loving and you could tell they all really cared about Laurie and Erik. We really enjoyed capturing the essence of this magnificent day. Congratulations to the happy couple!

This gorgeous day really came together with some wonderful vendors including a sweet taco bar from Blue Plate! Here is a little list of everyone involved!

Venue: Aldo Leopold Nature Center // Second Shooter: Heidi E Johnson // Floral: Daffodil Parker // Officiant: Glenda Kenyon // Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Our final wedding of the 2016 busy season was one of the most inspiring and emotional endings I have ever had. It was my very first gay wedding and I am so happy that Heidi and I were able to be a part of this momentous event for Nick + Michael and capture every amazing detail!

When I think back to the day of the wedding, all I can remember is how joyous everyone was.  We walked into their house full of amazing friends and loved ones, all getting ready together and drinking and laughing. These people are the kind of people I want to be around every day and throughout the day, there was never-ending laughter, cheering, hugging and dancing. It was such an amazing thing to witness.

We had so much fun taking photos at the Capitol with the wedding party and family and then just a few moments alone with the Grooms over at Yahara Place Park (one of my favorite places in Madison!).  The ceremony and reception took place at Madison Turners which is a fantastic venue for dancing and fitting in close to 300 guests! I was overwhelmed with the happiness, acceptance, emotion and just plain YES!

Here are just a few of my favorite moments from the big day. There are so many more but alas, I can only fit a small sampling of the amazing day. If I had to use three words to describe this incredible wedding, it would be: Unforgettable, Emotional, and FUN. Enjoy!

Vendors: Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson  // Ceremony and Reception: Madison Turners // Officient: Diana Kessel // DJ: Midwest Sound // Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Women’s Attire: David’s Bridal // Cupcakes: Becky Huttenlocher // Catering: Hyvee

They met at the El Dorado Grill and from then on, it was love…

Robin and Ryan are the kind of couple who when you meet them, they immediately become your friend. That’s how I felt anyway. The couples I photograph usually end up feeling like family after the wedding, especially all the time we spend together. The intimate moments before the ceremony, getting ready, time together alone around sunset to get those amazing warm honey toned romantic portraits-all of which are some of my favorite moments of the day.

We arrived at the newly renovated Park Hotel (formerly called The Inn on the Park) and spent some time  with Robin, her sister and future daughter, Willow. These getting ready photos were really fun with the beautiful blue tones of the room and the incredible gem toned emerald bridesmaid dresses. Once we were ready, it was time to head on over to the Monona Terrace for a first look with Ryan. It was a pretty hot day (and I mean upper 90s humid and hot!) but everyone was mentally prepared. The walk over was so gorgeous with deep blue skies and white puffy clouds and Capitol in the background. I love downtown Madison! Robin had the biggest smile on her face when Ryan turned around and saw her! You could just feel the love and excitement. We spent the better part of the afternoon walking around the Terrace and Capitol shooting and having fun.

The ceremony took place at The Top of the Park at the Park Hotel. It was an intimate gathering and the musician was really amazing. This guy had a voice like butter! For some reason, I didn’t get his name though. I’ll have to do that. There were a lot of smiles through tears and wine and delicious cake. Willow read a speech and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place. She was amazing. These guys also had a choreographed first dance! It was twirly, spinney, smiley and dips galore. We got so many great photos of these two. It was hard to pick just a few but here goes…

Vendors: Second Shooters: Van Ganchang and Gretchen Olsen // Venue: The Park Hotel // Florist: Hy-Vee// Dress: Vera’s House of Bridals // Hair and Makeup: Insignia // Baker: Carl’s Cakes // DJ: Midwest Sound