Wedding & Photography Blog for Practical Wedding Ideas

Charlotte + Jeremy’s Fall Wedding at Green Bay Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin

Mother nature had saved up her energy and waited to release an explosion of color for Charlotte and Jeremy‘s wedding day. The first weekend in October proved to be stunning, crisp, and just slightly overcast; it was the perfect fall day for Charlotte and Jeremy to say “I do.”

As the ladies begin to dress at Green Bay Botanical Gardens, Charlotte left and admitted she was a little nervous. She was helped into her stunning Mori Lee gown by her mom and sisters. Flanked on each side by her favorite ladies, the girls clutched their stunning fall bouquets and escorted Charlotte to the beautiful garden ceremony site where the incredible couple would say I do.

Green Bay Wedding: Mairee and Ryan Say, “I Do!”

Mairee quietly adjusted her jewelry in the dressing room mirror, gently tweaking and primping her dress as she nervously waited for her cue to walk down the aisle. Her father's steady arm guided her down the aisle toward the love of her life. Ryan couldn't take his eyes off his bride. She was simply stunning. Her Converse -clad feet gently padded down the aisle as she met her groom at the altar. Mairee and Ryan's ceremony at the Bridal Chapel was intimate, heartfelt, and personal. American Sign Language interpreters assisted with the ceremony and wedding day festivities for their hearing-impaired loved ones, a cause near and dear to Mairee and Ryan's hearts.

Cheers to you, Andrew!

For those of you that have met my better half, Andy, you know that he's a pretty humble guy. He doesn't enjoy a lot of attention, so I'm can imagine how much he’s cringing knowing that I put this blog post out there. He doesn't feel the need to do anything out of the ordinary for his birthday, and he certainly doesn't want all eyes on him for any occasion. However, seeing as this man has committed to spending the rest of his life with me, you know damn well that I'm going to celebrate this guy!

Twice now, we've spent the Day of Andrews birth together, which seems so miniscule compared to the number of things that this guy does that are worth celebrating.

Personal PostsKate McFadzenOctober 14, 2018KLEM studios, birthday celebration, birthdayComment

Valerie + Dylan’s Rustic Wedding at The Barnsite in Wisconsin

On a gloriously sunny fall day, Valerie bounce excitedly around the barn apartment at the Barnsite Retreat and Event Center. She was surrounded by the most wonderful ladies, getting ready to celebrate the best day of her life. She was completely in her element, getting pampered and excitedly sharing details about the day ahead. Outside the barn, groom-to-be Dylan relaxed with his groomsmen and the dads, waiting until the moment he would get to see Valerie at their First Look.

Amanda + Jake’s Wedding at Green Bay Botanical Gardens in Wisconsin

Something that a bride never wants to hear on her wedding day: there’s rain in the forecast. Amanda and Jake were preparing for the worst but hoping for the best for their outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. As we got closer to the ceremony time, Amanda slipped into her gorgeous gown (designed by Essence of Australia), and the clouds grew lighter and lighter. Amanda tiptoed out of the bridal prep area, sharing a First Look with her father, and then with Jake. As Jake turned to face Amanda for the first time, a hint of sunshine broke through the clouds. Not a drop of rain fell that day.

Mairee and Ryan’s Green Bay Botanical Gardens Engagement Session

Mairee and Ryan first met at Festival Foods, where they both work. Their first conversation took place in the break room, where they were reading and doing homework. They continued to flirt and cross paths, until eventually they were inseparable. I think it’s safe to say they found the pot of gold that lies under the Festival Foods rainbow ;)

Mairee and Ryan chose to celebrate their engagement by strolling through the Green Bay Botanical Gardens on a glorious evening just before sunset.

Kate McFadzenSeptember 20, 2018Comment

Jen and John’s Northwoods Wisconsin Wedding

Jen and John’s paths first crossed when they met in high school years ago. They reconnected recently and found there was an undeniable connection between them. Their love for one another and their children is what fuels their fires. It’s so beautiful to see how they’ve brought their families together in such a cohesive and loving way.

They decided to wed on our grandmother’s beautiful lakefront property in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Jen and I are cousins, and hearing that she chose the Misty Moors property (our affectionate name for our land) as the backdrop of their wedding was incredibly exciting and special.

Vendor Love: Green Bay Officiant Tim Sorbo

Friends, today I’d like you to meet Tim Sorbo. He’s a wedding officiant serving Northeast Wisconsin and beyond, working with couples who was a customized wedding ceremony–this man doesn’t do a cookie cutter service, people! He’s also able to serve clients by presiding over premarital counseling, general counseling, and funeral services as well. I see a lot of brides posting in local groups searching for the right officiant for their wedding, so I wanted to bring Tim’s experience to your attention. I asked Tim to share more about his offerings, and here’s what he had to say:

KLEM Life: Our National Park Summer Road Trip 2018

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a bit obsessed with trip planning, which is where part of the inspiration for my second business, Wild Klementine, came from. I’ve also become fond of bullet journaling to recap and remember our travels by. I wanted to share some of the road trip highlights (and downfalls) with you to either give you a bit of wanderlust, or to inspire your next Western adventure. This awesome road trip was the product of months of planning, and it had a surprise ending that was life-changing!

Amanda and Jake’s Door County Engagement Session

When Amanda and Jake were dreaming up their perfect engagement session, they shared how special it would be if they could celebrate their love story at the same place Jake proposed: Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island. We picked a date when the lavender would be at its peak and took the ferry across Death’s Door Strait to the island. Surrounded by a sea of purple flowers at the lavender farm, Amanda and Jake walked hand-in-hand, identifying different types of honey bees and talking about the bees they raise at their home.

Vendor Love: Dana Michele Makeup

What makes Dana Michele Makeup so unique?

As an on-site makeup artist, I will conveniently travel to you. I offer both airbrush and traditional foundation. I truly cater to the individuals needs, with having a background in skincare I am able to offer recommendations for getting their skin at it's best for their big day.

What areas do you consider yourself most successful in helping your wedding clients?

Educating my clients on what will be best for them personally.

VendorsKate McFadzenAugust 23, 2018wisconsin wedding vendor, makeup artist, wisconsin wedding, wedding makeupComment

Sepia Chapel Wedding: Stacey and Cindy

On one of the hottest days of the summer, Stacey and Cindy committed themselves to one another in front of their loved ones at Sepia Chapel Green Bay. Before their beautiful ceremony, the brides shared a First Look. Cindy’s jaw dropped to the floor, she was absolutely blown away by how beautiful Stacey was. They had managed to keep their wedding attire a secret from one another until the day of their wedding, even though they share a home together! Stacey’s bouquet was adorned with rainbow-dyed roses, and after an incredibly moving and heartfelt ceremony, the newlyweds walked back down the aisle to Pink’s “Get the Party Started”.

WeddingsKate McFadzenAugust 16, 2018green bay wedding, wisconsin wedding, wisconsin wedding photography, sepia chapelComment

Vendor Love: Hinterland Brewery

I love a wedding vendor who completely knocks the client experience out of the park. When it comes to venues, I look for an establishment that has amazing service, great food if they cater, a beautiful space, and lots of flexibility. I think the intro on Hinterland Brewery’s website says it best: “Whether you're looking for a storied and hand-crafted beer, or unique contemporary American cuisine with multicultural influences – we will inspire you to taste beyond your boundaries.

Green Bay Wedding: Andrea and Neil Wed at The Marq

It’s such a beautiful thing when a bride wakes up on her wedding day, calm and collected, excited but relaxed, ready to embrace the day ahead of her. She’s contented and ready because she’s about to experience one of the best days of her life, and at the end of the day, she’ll be married to her best friend and better half. Andrea was one of these stunning, laid-back ladies. There was a soothing energy hum at her sister-in-laws home as the girls got ready. As Andrea sashayed in her wedding dress, her bridesmaids let out a collective sigh.

Jenna Kast Studio Guest Blog: Budgeting for Wedding Invitations

You spend months planning your wedding down to the last detail, but there’s only one piece of it that your guests will see before the wedding day; your invitations. Pinterest overflows with photos of beautiful invitation sets, making ideas easy to come by; but what about your budget?

Invitations are a must-have regardless of your budget. Not only can they be gorgeous and set your guests’ expectations for your wedding day, they must also be practical and deliver important information your guests will use to plan their weekend and travels.

Vendor Love: Givens Farm

When you first step foot on the Givens Farm property in Hortonville, WI, you’ll be transported to a place of relaxation, elegance, and class. Owners Jim and Mariann have carefully created a home and venue that reflects their elegant style and the sophistication and intimacy of an Italian villa. It encourages lingering, being present and enjoying the moment you’re in, and making memories. Givens Farm’s wedding coordinator, Sam, sat down with me and excitedly shared what makes this venue so incredible:

Fifteen Road Trip Tips

Ah, the classic all-American road trip. I love packing up the car and heading off to parts-unknown for a few days (or weeks). Road trips have become a part of my annual routine. Whether a long-weekend jaunt or a multi-week adventure, a road trip always leaves me inspired, refreshed, and in awe of this amazing planet and the people on it. With a fair amount of road trip experience under my belt (this year alone will have eight excursions!), I wanted to share my best tips with you:

TravelKate McFadzenJuly 29, 2018travel wedding photographer, road trip, travel, national parks, road trip tipsComment

Waupaca Wedding: Hannah and Kevin’s Big Day

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.

Vendor Love: Rustic Bride Wedding Rentals

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:

Wedding Signage Tips: Guest Blog by Jenna Kast

Planning a wedding is exciting. The dress! The venue! The invitations! (Hellooooo, Pinterest!) But in the excitement of planning a wedding, it can be easy to overlook the little details. It’s easy to check off the big boxes: the invitations, the dress, and even the honeymoon destination; but there are a lot of little things that come into play when tens or hundreds of people come together–all looking to eat, drink, and have a good time.

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