Joy + Dave: A Chic and Modern Wedding at the Palestrina

Dave + Joy met at a Roller Derby after-party, at the urging of a mutual friend

Their friend, Kristin (our first friend in Madison when Rob and I moved here), recommend to Joy that she meet Dave, and then proceeded to show a picture of Dave with a beer glass just about as tall as he is, which is no inconsiderable height. Joy was open to meeting and low and behold, they both ended up at the same roller derby after party at the Atomic Koi, and hit it off from there!

These two love cats, Minecraft, and each other most heartily, and it’s clear as day when you see them together. I love how excited they were during the first look. I love how even when things went sideways (as many things do on any given wedding day), they rolled with the changes (see my REO Speedwagon reference there?) and enjoyed the company of their closest friends and family, and each other. I also love how they picked their wedding date. 10/22 would have been Joy’s grandparents 70th wedding anniversary, so this was a lovely way to honor her grandma who passed away in 2017 and her grandpa, who was able to make it to the wedding and take a spin around the dance floor with Joy.

Joy + Dave’s wedding day was so beautiful, and filled with little thoughtful details! Check out the whiskey tasting station, the photo guest book station, and the message in a bottle station they setup!

Help me wish these two a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos of their amazing wedding day!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Palestrina Event Center in Verona, WI

Officiant: Kelly Ignatoski

Hair & Makeup: Allure Artistry

Bridal Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria

Groom Tux: Men's Warehouse

Wedding Jewelry: Joy’s Wedding Band by Chalmer’s Jewelers | Joy’s Engagement Ring by EraGem | Dave’s Wedding Band by Larson Jewelers

Band: Hometown Sweethearts

Florist: Surroundings Events and Floral

Desserts: Cake by Madison Sourdough & Mini Bundt Cakes by Nothing Bundt Cakes

Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Wedding Coordinator: Copper Feather Events

Videographer: Ella Bella Productions

 
 

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

 
 

Emily + Patrick: A Gorgeous Fall Engagement Session

Pope Farm Conservancy was bringing the Fall color this year!

Emily + Patrick’s engagement session was so fun! And chilly, but they were really good sports about it. I’m so excited about their wedding in June! Help me wish these two a big congratulations, and stay tuned for wedding photos!

—Sam

 
 

Aisa + Her Parents Take Fall Family Photos at Pope Farm Park!

Aisa, Ben, and Lindsey braved the cold (and boy was it cold) for Fall family portraits at the gorgeous Pope Farm Conservancy!

And while it may have been chilly, it was absolutely gorgeous! Though I love Pope Farm Park all year round, it’s particularly magical in the Fall. :)

Enjoy these sweet and colorful family photos!

—Sam

 
 

Fall Family Portraits at Pope Farm Park

It’s Grace’s last year in high school, so this year’s family portraits were particularly bittersweet

Though I’ve already told Grace she’ll probably need to come back for portraits every year still, since I’ve been taking Fall family portraits for Erin, Dan, Grace, Ben, and Isaac since 2016 if you can believe it! It’s awesome how much all the kids have changed, and how much they also all look the same (I think the same about my own kiddo all the time). These were beautiful family portraits against the stunning fall colored backdrop of the Pope Farm Conservancy, and even though it was cold as all get out, the family did a great job of keeping their spirits up and keeping warm!

Enjoy these fun family photos!

—Sam

 
 

Family Portraits with Alex and Kayleigh at the UW Arboretum

Alex + Kayleigh were in high spirits for Fall Family Photos!

I’ve been honored to photograph Alex and Kayleigh since they were both itty bitty newborns, and to see the sweet kids they’ve become as they’ve gotten older is so awesome. I love how fun and funny these two are! These two adorable goofballs were a blast, and sure kept their parents on their toes this year! ;)

Enjoy these fun fall family portraits, and if you have a minute, go play in some leaves tomorrow! You won’t regret it!

—Sam

 
 

Cara + Richard: A DIY Wedding Celebration to Remember

Cara + Richard had an amazing wedding day with so many personal touches

These two had just about the cutest “how we met” story ever! They were both playing in the same community band, but never ended up talking because they’re both introverted and talking to people is hard (relatable, huh?). But they then ended up connecting on Bumble, and realized they were both in the community band. Shortly after they started dating, they starting square dancing together, even going so far as to take lessons, and their wedding reception was held in the very same place they had their first square dance, the Courtyard by Marriott!

Cara + Richard’s wedding day had so many thoughtful and personal touches, and so much DIY fun! Cara hand-knit her wedding veil, her mom knit the bridesmaids shawls, her father made the beautiful wooden lanterns that lined the aisle for their ceremony, her grandmother hand-painted a sign for the remembrance table, and there are probably a million other things as well, but needless to say the amount of DIY spirit and craftiness was absolutely magical!

Their wedding day was so joyful and special, and it was clear how much Cara + Richard’s family and friends care for and support them and their marriage, which is wonderful to see. Help me wish them a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

And here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Reception Venue: Courtyard by Marriott (Madison West)

Officiant: Pastor Dara Schuller-Hanson

Hair Stylist: Brideheads

Makeup Artist: Katie Roehm

Wedding Bands/Rings: The Diamond Center

Bridal Gown: Brandi’s Bridal

Groom Tux: Generation Tux

DJ: Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment

Florist: Lacie Schroder (with Sola Flowers)

Desserts: Looking Glass Bakery

Catering: Courtyard by Marriott (Madison West)

Square Dance Caller: Dave Schulz

 
 

Katie + Erin: A Big Gay Camp Wedding in Door County

Katie + Erin planned a gorgeous Fall wedding day at Peninsula State Park in Door County

Katie told me that she and Erin spent one of their first dates hiking, and their first trip together was a rain-soaked camping trip in, you guessed it, Door County. These two love the outdoors, and as a family (with Erin’s daughter Evey), they spend as much time outdoors as they can. So when it came to planning their wedding day, they knew they wanted the picturesque backdrop of Door County’s Peninsula State Park!

With a wedding hashtag like #biggaycampwedding you know you’re going to have a great time, and I absolutely did. It was a joy-filled day and Erin + Katie worked in so many special touches. Their vows were made not only to each other, but also to Evey (as every blended family should consider doing), which was the most precious moment of the day and reminded me of my own wedding, where my son walked me down the aisle, just like Erin’s daughter, wearing a badass suit just like her mom, walked Erin down the aisle.

We not only got to enjoy the beautiful weather the weekend had in store, but also got to punk around Peninsula State Park for photo opportunities, including the spooky Pioneer Cemetery after sunset, which was awesome, just like everything else about Erin + Katie’s wedding day!

Help me wish these two brides a very hearty congratulations, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Weborg Point Shelter - Peninsula State Park

Officiant: Nik Shier

Hair Stylist: Revel Salon

Wedding Rings/Bands: Bride Band - Blazer Arts on Etsy and Bride Ring - Moonkist Designs, LLC

Bridal Suits: Bindle and Keep

Bridal Bow Tie (Erin): Jack and Miles

Florist: Bee Enchanted Florist

Desserts: Morgan the Pie Lady

Catering: The Wild Tomato

Table/Chair Rental: Stoughton Lumber Rentals

 
 

Family Portraits on a Dark and Stormy Night at the UW Arboretum

It was a dark and stormy night…

No seriously, it was very stormy, despite the weather app telling us clear skies until just before the session, but we managed to fit in a little 30 minute session just before the skies opened up, and boy were they beautiful! It made for some very dramatic photos, which I love, and Rylan and her parents, Lily + Aaron, were such troopers! This adorable little family is expecting a new addition in November, and I could not be more thrilled for them! Pics to come!

—Sam

 
 

Winnie + Fiona: A Willy Street Neighborhood Family Portrait Session

These two adorable kiddos (and their equally adorable parents) went for a little spin around the Willy Street neighborhood for their family portrait session this year

Now the bummer is that meant I didn’t get to see their dog and two kitties, but the upside is how awesome Winnie + Fiona’s colorful outfits worked with the amazing murals all around Willy street, and how we got to get a nice little walk in during our session when we headed on over to BB Clarke Beach Park! Enjoy these adorable summery family portraits, and here’s to another year for this wonderful family! Cheers!

—Sam

 
 

Non-Traditional Femme Wedding Looks We Love

Here is some amazing non-traditional femme wedding style inspiration, coming your way!

As many of you know, offbeat and non-traditional weddings have a very special place in our hearts (obviously). We’ve done a little roundup of some of our favorite offbeat femme wedding styles for you to enjoy!

Who Needs a Dress?

When a jumpsuit will do! Wedding jumpsuits, whether for the whole wedding day or just the tail end of the reception are fun, comfortable, and look amazing!

 
 
 
 

Offbeat Color For the Win

One of the most fun ways to do something a little different on your wedding day is to add some unexpected colors, especially to the gown! You don’t even need to wear a “wedding” dress! I went with a silver prom dress for my wedding, and one of the brides below went with a gorgeous dark grey cocktail dress that was to die for.

 
 
 
 

What About Just a Pop of Color?

Want to introduce some wedding color a little more subtly? Easy! Try adding color underneath your white lace, or get creative with your shoe or boot color, like the brides below!

 
 

A Fresh Take on Classic Colors

Even classic colors have fresh appeal when used in non-traditional places. Take these freaking amazing black and white gowns for instance!

 
 
 
 

It’s All In The Details

Whether it’s turning a wedding veil into a badass wedding cape, or rocking colorful hand embroidery with stellar glasses, little details make a big difference in your wedding day look, and can help you express yourself on your wedding day!

 
 
 
 

What About Patterns, You Say?

Well I’m glad you asked! Patterns on a wedding gown, especially hand-embroidered ones, are awesome! Just check out the beautiful patterned dresses below!

 
 
 
 

Rainbow Themed Magic, Anyone?

You know we love a good rainbow themed wedding day!

 
 

The Old Switcheroo…

Maybe you want to have both a classic American outfit, and want to honor your family’s culture. Enter outfit changes! No need to limit yourself to just one wedding day outfit!

 
 
 
 

Don’t let tradition stand in the way of being uniquely and wonderfully you on your wedding day!

There are so many amazing options for expressing yourself on your wedding day! Use some of the ideas above or come up with your own! Tell us in the comments if you have seen other fun trends with femme wedding style you want to share!

—Sam