Shortly after the ceremony, I overheard Hannah’s mom say to a guest, “This is the best day of my life. I thought my wedding day would be the best day of my life, but this is the best.” And it really was an amazing day.
Hannah and Kevin planned an intimate wedding that brought their incredible families together. Their wedding party included siblings, dear friends, and their three adorable kids. While their marriage made this family officially “one”, they blended their hearts and souls long before that.
Ericka is the mastermind, visionary, and dreamer at Rustic Bride Wedding Rentals. Rustic Bride provides custom rentals for weddings and events in Wisconsin and beyond. Having worked with Rustic Bride on a few of my own projects, I wanted to chat with Ericka about her philosophies and any advice she might have for wedding planning couples:
When a couple chooses to work with KLEM Studios to capture their wedding day, we make sure we get to know them on a deeper level and form a connection with them. Abbi and TJ shared a lot of crucial information with me during their wedding planning process, but what stood out to me the most was the hopes and dreams they have as a couple:
Of all the qualities to look for in the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, I think that finding someone who makes you laugh is incredibly important. Being able to laugh through the good times and bad makes life more enjoyable and endurable. Sammie and Kyle definitely struck gold in this department. These two are constantly laughing around each other, and it’s incredibly infectious.
Last fall, I had the pleasure to second shoot for Kristy of Kristin Reuter Photography. Kristy is a seasoned wedding vet who’s been shooting since she was in high school. I love having opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, especially ones who create beautiful images!
One of the things I love most about my business is who I share it with. I have an amazing team and support system that I am so blessed has my back. One of those amazing people is my business bestie, Kasey of Kasey and Ben Photography.
If I ever have an opening in my calendar and a photographer friend is looking for a second shooter, I jump at the chance. Morgan of Morgan Lynne Photography was in need of a second shooter for a gorgeous October wedding, and I was immediately on board!
I love the community of wedding vendors in Northeast Wisconsin. We have a local Rising Tide Society chapter here in Green Bay, and I think that encourages wedding photographers in Northeast Wisconsin to work to one another, or work together when someone needs a second shooter.
Brandi glided out into the American Club courtyard, tiptoeing up behind Josh in her stunning red high-low wedding gown. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned to see his beautiful bride-to-be. They spent a few quiet moments alone together in the courtyard dotted with snow on that chilly Valentine's Day afternoon.
Winters in Wisconsin sometimes get a bad rap, but they're incredibly beautiful and romantic. Softly falling snow, candlelight, and cooler temperatures are perfect for snuggling and saying, "I do". I had been dreaming of creating a winter wedding styled shoot for about a year.
There are some couples and love stories that give you warm fuzzy feelings from your head to your toes. As a wedding photographer, if you're lucky, you might get to feel this multiple times in a year.
The late afternoon sun peeked through tall trees, casting warm, dappled light on the ceremony site Michel and Emmanuel had created for their intimate wedding. Set in the backyard of Michel's childhood home, Michel and Emmanuel surrounded themselves with their closest friends and family as they pledged their lives to one another.
As a wedding photographer, I am blessed to work with incredible, in-love couples on a regular basis. But then there are some couples that reach down deep inside you and latch on, taking a special place in your heart because of the epic love they show each other.
On a brilliantly sunny August day, Ryan and Kayla said "I do" at the Mary Ann Cofrin Hall Gardens at UWGB. Both alumni of UWGB (as am I, go Phoenix!), Kayla and Ryan wanted to tie in the place where they first met each other in their wedding festivities.
I just adore Bella and Tim. When I learned more about them, I knew that we were destined to be friends. Bella and I work together in the craft beer industry (my side hustle), where she approached me about photographing her elopement and later-date reception.
Erin's dress gently flowed and sashayed with each step she took down the aisle towards her waiting groom, Matt. Matt gazed at Erin, sneaking glances at their daughter, Vivian, along the way. Matt and Erin planned a beautifully intimate affair at Sepia Chapel in Green Bay to celebrate their wedding day.
The law office walls were covered with beautifully bound reference books, all gently glowing with gold and red embossing. Some of the bindings had started to show their age, but it only enhanced the elegance and reverence of the room Abbie and Brent were standing in.
As it stands, New Year's Eve already is a glamorous holiday filled with sparkles, elegance, and celebration. Megan and Lane decided to take it to the next level and plan the happiest day of their lives around this festive holiday. These two have been in love for as long as I can remember--seriously! The three of us graduated from high school together, and I can't remember a time when they weren't together. Knowing these two outside the photography world made their wedding even more special to be a part of.