It was a glorious day for a trip to the zoo to see some penguins…

Emily had one thing she really wanted to do on her wedding day and that was to see some penguins in her wedding dress. It was about 90 degrees and humid but they hung out in their cute little cave in the background and made her penguin dreams come true!

I also had my dream come true taking photos of Michael and Emily in front of the giraffes! And boy did they come out to play! We got some great laughs walking around and hitting up some of the classic spots too. The one with the giant polar makes me laugh every time I look at it. It’s like he is watching over them with loving eyes! Hahahaha, awesome.

Their ceremony took place on the rooftop of Monona Terrace. As Emily and her father walked down the isle, I panned over to see Michael trying to hold back tears but by the time she got up there, it was full on. The groomsmen were also letting loose with the emotions. I love such a close group of friends and family. Everyone was so friendly and sweet and we just had the best day ever.

There were so many moments I could write about like the friendly guy giving us money at the zoo or the other very friendly guy giving Michael pocket snacks but the one that really stands out was during the reception. They had everyone sing happy birthday to Grandma and one of their close very friends, who coincidentally shared their birthday that very same day with my mom and brother! Both of them were very surprised and even more when they each received a special birthday cupcake! I definitely had a tear in my eye!

My favorite part of the evening was when my second shooter, Heidi, and I got to go up to the rooftop with the bride and groom for sunset. We had just enough alone time with them to get some truly beautiful and intimate shots. What an incredible place to have your wedding! In all my years of doing this, I don’t think I will ever get tired of taking photos on that rooftop. Cheers!

It was such a beautiful day and these two did an amazing job planning it. There were so many amazing vendors to make this day so perfect!

Venue: Monona Terrace  Ceremony on Rooftop and Reception in Community Terrace  //  Getting Ready: Hilton Madison Monona Terrace  //  Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses:  Elaine’s Wedding Center //  Grooms Attire: Nedrebo’s Formalwear //  Floral: B-Style Floral  //  Wedding Cake: The Looking Glass  //  DJ: Jukebox Bandstand  //  Hair and Makeup: Arch Apothecary  //  Travel: Wayne Ace  //  Second Shooter: Heidi Johnson

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 Picturesque Wedding at the Hilltop in Spring Green, Wisconsin

Brittny and Jake had their gorgeous wedding on August 25, 2018 .  The Hilltop is one of those venues where it is spread out and you get to walk around this giant sprawling picturesque place and just truly enjoy your experience. I could spend several days there just shooting all the beautiful landscapes! I would need a 5 hour session with the wedding party to take advantage of all it has to offer. WOW!

These two have been together for a really long time and have been through many things together. You can tell their connection is very deep and strong and full of love. I was able to capture the serious side of things too which make some really powerful portraits. Especially up on top of the hill overlooking the valley. I still have lots of image to go through from this wedding but wanted to share some of the ones that really stood out to me. I hope you enjoy!

Vendors: Venue: The Hilltop  //  Caterer:  Cafe la Bellitalia //  Cake: Carl’s Cakes  //  Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal  //  Officiant: Nate Ivanowski //  Hair: Sam Whitcomb  //  Details and Signature Cocktails: Brittny’s Parents! Carol and Gary Campbell  //  DJ:  Sam Laws  //  Floral: B-Style Floral