Madi + Rysa: An Intimate, Queer Downtown Madison Wedding

Madi + Rysa’s wedding day was filled with fun and laughter (which in my opinion is the perfect kind of wedding day)!

Madi (she/her) and Rysa (they/them) met at Plan B originally (A queer Madison bar that sadly is no more) and began hanging out more and more, and planning gay movie nights, Drag Race marathons, and other fun outings, until they made things official. Even though they wanted a small and intimate wedding day at the Capitol building, it was important to them to work in photos at the formerly Plan B “L-O-V-E” mural on Willy St., and we had so much fun goofing off, doing cartwheels, and dancing pre-ceremony.

Once it was time for the ceremony, it was short and sweet (folks after my own heart - mine was also very short and sweet), and then onto more pictures with family and very close friends, and a walk around State street, as well as some fun photo ops with their beloved dog, Trixie (who is a VERY good doggo)!

It was a beautiful and hot summer day, perfect for the start of a very big adventure.

Congrats to Madi + Rysa!!!

—Sam

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

Ceremony Venue: Wisconsin State Capitol Building

Jewelry: Rysa’s Band - Chalmer’s Jewelers | Madi’s Ring - Kessler’s Diamonds

Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal

Wedding Tux: Jazzman

 
 

Sarah + Patrick: A Romantic Orpheum Theater Wedding

The Orpheum was the perfect romantic venue for sarah + patrick’s wedding

Sarah + Patrick wanted a beautifully romantic wedding day with a more intimate vibe, and a wedding day that worked in their mutual love of music! They knocked it out of the park with the gorgeous floral installations for their ceremony, family style meals for each table, and the amazing live band (seriously, so fun!) to finish off the evening with dancing, laughter, and pure joy!

Everyone on their wedding day was so happy to be there, and I’m ecstatic that we got to celebrate with them!

Congrats to Sarah + Patrick!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Orpheum

Officiant: Theresa Roetter (family friend)

Hair & Makeup: Bang Salon

Jewelry: Vintage Diamond Engagement/Wedding Ring for Bride and Vintage Wedding Band for Groom

Bridal Gown: Loren by Allure Bridals

Groom Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ: Craig Droessler

Live Band: The People Brothers Band

Florist: Ray Mejia (family friend)

Desserts: The Baked Lab

Catering: Upstairs Downstairs Catering

Day Of Wedding Coordinator: Paige Endres

 
 

Emily + Patrick: A Chic and Modern Wedding at Garver Feed Mill

A beautiful and elegant wedding on Madison’s east side

Garver Feed Mill has been a favorite spot of mine since even before it was renovated (shhhh… don’t tell anyone I used to go there when it was still condemned for photos). I absolutely love the aesthetic and what they’ve done with the venue since it opened in its current iteration, and it was the perfect backdrop for Emily + Patrick’s wedding day.

The day was absolutely lovely (seriously, just look at the photos!) and was so fun and full of joy!

Join me in wishing a big congrats to Emily + Patrick on their wedding, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Garver Feed Mill

Officiant: Jen Patricca Bloesch - United Church of Christ

Hair & Makeup: Melissa Ann Artistry + Co.

Jewelry: Chalmer’s Jewelers

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Groom Tux: Indochino

Band/Entertainment: Velocity

Flowers: Sola Wood Flowers, dyed and arranged by the bride

Desserts: Garver Feed Mill

Catering: Garver Feed Mill

Wedding Coordinator: Kanoe Riedel - Midwestern Bride

Decor Rentals: Tablecloths and napkins from Event Essentials

 
 

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

 
 

Francesca + Marshall: An Intimate Lakeside Winter Micro Wedding

Francesca + Marshall are having not one, not two, but three weddings this year

And wedding number one was on a beautiful winter day overlooking Lake Mendota in Madison, WI! Weddings number two and three are coming up later this year (with wedding number two being in England!), but these two wanted to have a small and intimate legal ceremony that was short and sweet (emphasis on the sweet!) with their closest family and friends.

Congrats to these two, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them for wedding number three!

—Sam

 
 

Elly + Kevin: A Chilly Golden Hour Elopement Session

Elly + Kevin got married in a tiny ceremony on October 30th

But unfortunately I was out of commission due to a surprise gallbladder removal (not the kind of surprise I’d typically want, but I’m all better now). We decided to do elopement portraits to celebrate their wedding once I was all healed up, and we visited both Lake Farm Park and the Lussier Family Heritage Center for their portraits. It was SOOOOO chilly but Elly + Kevin were troopers and we got some super fun and awesome photos and we got back into cars before anyone’s nose fell off, which I’m counting as a win.

Help me wish Elly + Kevin a big congrats, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

 
 

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

 
 

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

 
 

Chloe + Moose: A Wedding Celebration to Remember

Chloe + Moose married in 2021 and had a fun and joyful celebration with friends and family at the Overture Center in 2022

But first, they had photos with their family and their dogs, Tia + Toast, at Westmorland Park on Madison’s West side, surrounded by wildflowers, which is the same place we took their “Yay we’re married!” photos earlier this year! Check those out here.

I loved the non-traditional men’s hairstyles for Moose and Chloe’s brother, Sam! More braided men’s updos please!

The Overture Center was so lovely as their reception venue, and Chloe + Moose even had life-sized cutout of themselves, and of their two dogs, so the doggos could be there in spirit!

Enjoy these joyful photos, and help me in congratulating Chloe + Moose on their wedding!

—Sam

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

Formal Photos Venue: Westmorland Park

Reception Venue: The Overture Center

DJ: Andre with Celebrations Entertainment

Bridal Gown: The Wedding Shoppe (vendor), Selby Rae (Designer), Monetti Tailoring (alterations)

Groom Tux: National Tuxedo Rentals

Groom Tie: DIY (Bride made it herself!)

Bridal Flower Crown: LisaUaShop on Etsy

Bridal Shawl: DIY (Bride crocheted it herself!)

Wedding Party Ties: Knotty Tie Co

Wedding Party Dresses: Azazie

Wedding Party Suits: StudioSuit

Wedding Bands: Bauer Jewelry Designs

Hair Stylist: Timeless Designs

Makeup: DG Beauty Salon

Florist: Felly’s Flowers

Wedding Desserts: Madison Sourdough Company

Catering: Fresco Catering

Candle Holders: BlueCornBeeswax on Etsy

Candles: BeesLightCandles on Etsy

Table sashes: ByFernStudio on Etsy

Cardboard Cutouts: Cardboard Cutout Standees

 
 

Hannah + Tim: A Beautiful Wedding At the Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Hannah + Tim met while playing D&D and were friends for years before they started dating

I’ve always thought that some of the best romantic relationships spring from true friendship, especially because friendship is such an important element in a successful romantic relationship. When talking about their relationship, Hannah said “how it feels” has always been so much more important than any label ever could be, and to see these two together, that absolutely seems true. If how sweet and tender they were towards each other on what can sometimes be a very stressful (if happy) day is any indication, these two know what is truly important. It was an honor to celebrate with them!

Enjoy the wedding photos of these two (and the gorgeousness that is the Aldo Leopold Nature Center) and help me wish them a big congratulations!

-Sam

Here are the vendors (with links) that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Officiant: Raquel Sanchez

DJ: Emily Mill (DJ Millbot)

Bridal Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria / Maggie Sottero / Professional Alterations by Lorri

Bridal Boots: John Fluevog

Wedding Bands: Jewelry by Johan

Florist: Sunborn Gardens

Desserts: Madison Sourdough

Catering: Chef Dave