Michelle + James: A Romantic Spring Wedding at Olbrich Gardens

A queer love story for the ages

Michelle + James met in college prior to James’ transition and were friends for years before each realized they had feelings for the other, or that they were even queer (a tale as old as time in the queer community, amiright?) but eventually they both figured it out and the world is better for it! From a magical trip on a dinner train at a northern Wisconsin resort in the middle of a blizzard, to James’ enlisting Michelle’s help to plan what turned out to be the engagement proposal (surprise!), these two have been having adventures and being adorably in love for 12 years now!

Their wedding day was an unseasonably warm & sunny late April day and we were lucky enough to have magnolias in bloom at Olbrich just in time for couples portraits! The day was a beautiful mix of tradition and whimsy, and Michelle + James were able to celebrate their commitment to one another with so many friends & family members cheering them on! Their friends even put together a flash mob dance for the song Apt. by Bruno Mars & Rose´!

It was a joy to celebrate with Michelle + James! Help me wish them a big congratulations and enjoy the photos of their beautiful wedding day!

—Sam

Here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Olbrich Gardens

Officiant: Rob Anderson, Oso In Love Events

Hair & Makeup: Studio Z

Wedding & Engagement Rings: Jewelers Workshop

Bridal Gown: Veras House of Bridals

Groom Tux: Indochino

DJ: DJ Aaron Womack with Kuhl Entertainment

Florist: Daffodil*Parker

Desserts: Batch Bakehouse

Catering: Lao Laan-Xang

Wedding Coordinator: Rob Anderson, Oso In Love Events

Videographer: Ella Bella Productions

2024 OutReach Trans Joy Event

We spent a lovely day documenting the 2024 Trans Joy Event

The 3rd annual OutReach Trans Joy event was a celebration of Trans community and love! Enjoy the photos of this event, and hopefully I’ll see you all at Madison Pride Fest this August!

— Sam

Amber + Rachel: A 25th Anniversary Vow Renewal Ceremony

A warm Spring day for a beautiful vow renewal Ceremony

Amber + Rachel’s 25th wedding was special for so many reasons. First, 25 years is a big deal! Second, the original wedding celebration 25 years ago was celebrating these two as a cis-het presenting couple, and so it was extra meaningful for Amber + Rachel to be able to celebrate 25 years together as their authentic, queer selves, surrounded by friends and family who love and support the people they’ve grown into. This time around, Amber was able to wear a gorgeous white wedding dress (that she got for $4.50 at a thrift store if you can believe it!) and it paired perfectly with Rachel’s avant-garde white & navy striped dress!

The love and care everyone showed up with to celebrate Amber + Rachel was beautiful to see, as were their updated wedding vows. I’m so happy to have been able to celebrate with them. Join me in congratulating Amber + Rachel on 25 years together!

— Sam

Here are the vendors that helped make their celebration awesome!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Olin Park Pavilion

Officiant: Jacy Imilkowski

Wedding Coordinator: Forsythia Events

Gabi + Jacobi: A Glamorous and Joyful Outdoor Wedding in Sauk City

Jacobi + Gabi had a beautiful wedding day outside of Hahn House and The Vintage in Sauk City

I love the complimentary colors of their wedding dresses. and all of the wonderful touches that these two had as a part of their wedding day. It was an intimate celebration with family and close friends, with the outdoor ceremony taking place in between The Vintage in Sauk City and the Hahn House, and the reception following on the 2nd floor of the Vintage.

The wedding ceremony was also absolutely wonderful (and I cried at least twice). These two are so adorably in love, and I loved how they helped each other get ready, helped dry each other’s tears, and hugged their new in laws with gusto. It was a joy to celebrate with Gabi + Jacobi and their families!

Help me wish them a big congratulations!

—Sam

Here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony Venue: The Hahn House

Reception Venue: The Vintage Sauk City

A Pride-Filled Family Portrait Session

Families Supporting Each Other Is One of My Favorite Things

And that’s why the story of Bailey and his family is pretty inspiring! It was while watching Drag Race with his Mom that Bailey first realized that he was transgender, and also where he discovered a love of drag (I didn’t even know Drag Kids was a thing, but it is and it’s awesome!)

Dana, Bailey’s Mom, contacted me to take family photos (outdoors and socially distanced) for an article that was being written about Bailey and his transition. I had a wonderful time spending a warm evening outdoors with Bailey’s family, and am excited to share some of my favorite photos from the session!

You can read more about Bailey’s journey and how his family supported him here and you can also follow Bailey @Nemo_Drag on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook!

-Sam