It’s officially fall in Wisconsin.  Actually it’s official all over the Northern Hemisphere from what I’ve heard.  Anyway, our last day of a crazy summer was punctuated by Tressie and Kyle’s wedding.  We met the couple last March during a snow covered engagement session at Pike Lake.  And, just like their session, their wedding was full of liveliness, love, and a whole lot of unique DIY details.  Rather than the traditional floral bouquet, Tressie rocked a vintage broach bouquet handmade especially for her by one of her friends.  Being a carpenter, it was only fitting the interior of Kyle’s ring was crafted out of wood.   Both Tressie and Kyle grew up around the beautiful Kettle Moraine countryside and wanted the rustic charm, welcoming warmth of the area reflected in their day.  Their love of all things country and their easy going nature helped direct the theme that would set the backdrop to the day.  Cowboy boots for the ladies and a simple grey vest for the gentlemen fit the bill perfectly.  At the wedding celebration tables accented with burlap, twine, and hand painted liquor bottles doubling up as vases welcomed guests as they sat down.  Single serve bottles of Jack Daniel’s and Sutter Home wine posing as party favors drew their inspiration from one of country star Blake Shelton’s songs. “You be my glass of wine, I’ll be your shot of whiskey,” he croons, summing up their feelings for each other and their love of their favorite beverages!  Reclaimed wooden pallets served as a cake, card, and a “secret wedding wishes” cubby table.  Their “Save the Date” frame crafted by Kyle and used at their engagement session found a new purpose as a clothes line picture display.  Kyle also built the wooden box which held sternos in river rock to create the focal point of the s’mores station.  They put an incredible amount of time, thought, and energy into designing and creating elements for their day.  The two also have an amazing connection with their family and friends.  We could feel the fellowship, love, and kinship surround and fuel us through out the day.  Kyle’s brother delivered one of the most heartfelt speeches on behalf of their mother.  Though dealing with a health obstacle, she channeled her love and feelings through her speech.  To cap off the evening, the bride, groom, and entire wedding party treated the guests to an insane Harlem Shake.  Groomsmen and bridesmaids became bridesmen and groomsmaids, a Mickey Mouse hand bumped my camera, and we almost took a bite out of a giant M&M.  We couldn’t imagine a more perfect day to showcase this couple’s love.  Best wishes to Tressie and Kyle in their new life.

VENDORS
Ceremony: Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
Reception:  Erin Town Hall
Caterer:  All Occasions Catering
Tent:  All Star Rentals
Invitations & Papergoods: Handmade
Cake: Cakes While You Wait
Vintage Bouquet: Handmade
Bride & Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Ring:  Wedgewood Rings
Transportation: Riteway Bus
Music:  Edge Entertainment
Photo Booth: Vital Image Photography

Loretta and Andy’s big day officially kicked off our autumn wedding season.  We love this time of year; cool fall air, bountiful colors painting the countryside, and the constant itch to get out and do something before it’s time to hibernate.  We worked with Loretta and Andy earlier this year, capturing one of our favorite winter engagement sessions.  The same love and emotion presented then was magnified immensely on their wedding day.  Loretta meticulously chose elements for their event that showcased their taste and personality.  Their palette of purple hues mixed with silver and grey accents was perfect for the transition of seasons.  Since Loretta’s dad and Andy are firefighters, Loretta incorporated some great fire-fighting details in the wedding.  The youngest flower girl was pulled down the aisle in a mini fire engine.  Like the engagement session, we stopped by the Slinger fire house to capture some quick shots of the couple’s friends and family.  With the largest wedding party we’ve ever worked with (Over Twenty-five!  Yes, a quarter of a hundred) it was an adventure.  When we arrived at the Washington County Fair Park for the celebration we were blown away by all of the little touches the bride and groom put into the decor.  With what only we can imagine were hundreds of hours of blood, sweat, and tears, the Fairground’s Exhibit hall was transformed into a beautiful banquet hall.  Lavender uplighting and a large chandelier provided the ambiance for the evening.  Custom made centerpieces and various floral arrangements adorned the tables. We also loved their cocktail table theme.  Punch bowls of various cocktails representing “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” were there for the enjoyment of all.  The highlight of the evening came when the SweetTarts took the stage to kick off the dancing.  Nothing beats a live band – especially a band like the SweetTarts who perform a wide range music that gets everyone on the dance floor.  Definitely a treat for everyone!  Though we ended the day exhausted and ready for some needed sleep, we drove home with a smile on our faces remembering the events of the day and the love this couple shares for each other.  Congrats to Loretta and Andy.  We wish them many happy years of marriage.

VENDORS:
Ceremony: Northbrook Church
Reception: Washington County Fair Park
Florist: Nehm’s Floral
Invitations & Papergoods: Hobby Lobby/Homemade
Cake: Bride’s Friend Vanessa Weske
Dress Designer/Bridal Shop: Martina Liana/Brandi’s Bridal Gallaria
Bridesmaid Dresses: TEVOLIO for Target
Tux/Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair & Make Up: Carter’s Salon – Jessica Keith
Transportation: Riteway
Music: Fireman Jim Productions & The Sweettarts
Videographer: Athena’s Eyes
Photo Booth: MiPhoto Booth

It seemed as if summer wanted to throw one last hurrah just for Jenna and Danny’s wedding.  Thunderstorms in the morning giving way to the sunshine, heat, and humidity of a typical July day.  From our very first contact with the couple we knew working with them would be incredible.  Their engagement session seemed as if we were catching up with old friends.  With all of the unique details and thought the two planned on putting into the wedding we were wrought with anticipation.  The knot was tied officially during a heartwarming ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Church.  After an easy and extremely humorous stroll through the adjoining park with the couple and their bridal party for quick photos, we made our way to the site of the wedding reception.  Jenna and Danny planned a chic picnic styled event on the grounds of Danny’s grandmother’s estate in the town of Cedarburg to celebrate their nuptials.  They both worked tirelessly to make sure every detail spoke to who they were and who they became that day.  Their selection of the reception site and the family history and significance it holds for Danny created the perfect atmosphere of love and kinship you hope to find at weddings.  It’s like warm apple pie in your soul.  The trees arching over the driveway to the house created the feel of a private tunnel you’d have to pass through while the smell of a roasting pig pulled you further along. Under the tents picnic style tables were adorned with centerpieces constructed from reclaimed barnwood holding communal bottles of wine from the local winery.  Interior of the garage held the drink station with incredible cocktails created by the couple for their event.  The beauty of the untamed wild in the far backyard provided a great level of intimacy and backdrop for amazing photos.  The festivities went on into the night with an amazing meal and open dance floor.  The couple found a bunch of baby maples throughout the property and planted them into little pots for some of the guests to take home.  There were so many elements that made this day so special.  We feel very honored to have been able to get to know both Jenna and Danny and to capture their wedding memories.  We wish them the best now and in the future.  Congrats!

VENDORS
Ceremony: Trinity Lutheran Church
Reception: Groom’s Grandmother’s Residence in Cedarburg
Pig Roast: Fohrs Catering
Wine: Cedar Creek Winery
Unity Candle & Centerpieces: Reclaimed barnwood designed by couple
Wood Plates: JoanneHudson.com
Placecard Rocks: Found by couple along lake Michigan shoreline
Rings: Armbrusters Jewlers
Florist: Groths Country Gardens
Invitations & Papergoods: Wedding Paper Divas
Cupcakes – Homemade
Bride’s Dress Designer/Bridal Shop: Casablanca / Savvy Bride
Bride’s Headband & Bridesmaid Sash/Belts: Anthropologie
Infinity Love Bracelet: Target
Bride’s Shoes: White straps – NINA, Wedges – Donald Pliner
Bridesmaid Dresses: Miss Ruby
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Tux/Suit: Custom from Harleys for Men
Shoes: Bass
Hair: Shine Beauty Lounge
Music: DJ Express
Blushing Bride Recipe: Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Lemonade, Ginger Ale
TennesseeTea Recipe: Bourbon, Coke, Orange Juice, Triple Sec

I loved going to camp as a kid.  A cure for summer boredom, an escape from parents and siblings, and a way to make new friends and learn new things.  It was always an adventure.  I would be remiss to say that Ashley and Matt’s wedding didn’t bring back waves of nostalgia throughout the day.  Though the couple met while in high school, there romance really blossomed as they worked as summer camp counselors throughout college at the JCC Rainbow Day Camp.  Matt even proposed to Ashley in a lovely location on the camp grounds under the guise of finding a geo cache point.  It was only apropos that they celebrate their life-long commitment to each other there.  The event, like a summer day camp, was colorful, lively, and relaxing.  Ashley and Matt even had the crowd singing camp style dinner songs before food service.  Two special camp guests, a large chicken and chipmunk (I think), made an appearance to help celebrate the numerous birthdays among the guests.  We really enjoyed having the chance to take the couple alone into the forest for some stunning portraiture.  Their connection to each other as well as their connection to the camp and the campers they see every summer made their wedding day and the photos we captured all the more emotionally charged.  As night fell and the dancing began members from both sides of the family donned some lively outfits and surprised Matt and Ashley.  It was a howl watching the two of them lead the costumed chaos in calisthenics – both Matt and Ashley are gym teachers.  We loved working with this amazing couple and their amazing family again.  Congrats and the best in everything Matt and Ashley.

VENDORS:
Ceremony: St Mary’s Immaculate Conception
Reception: JCC Rainbow Day Camp
Florist: Bits N’ Pieces
Invitations & Papergoods: Handmade from paperandmore.com
Cake: Delicately Delicious
Dress Designer/Bridal Shop: Mori Lee, Amelishan
Hair & Make Up: Diffusion Hair Salon
Transportation: D and D limousine
Music: Midwest Sound