Vanessa & Dustin absolutely nailed their engagement session with me! And with it being their wedding week I figured what better time to share it (getting married TOMORROW!) They were my first engagement session done at Villa Terrace, and I loved getting the chance to explore the property in the morning, just one on one with these two! They had us laughing so hard as we got to know them and their quirky love story. Their shared interest in the movie Mulan 😉 and Dustin proposing to her via Sim’s characters (Vanessa’s Sim said ‘no’ but luckily she said yes in real life)!

They have shared little glimpses of their wedding plans with me and I’m so excited to see it unfold (mismatched bridesmaids, a second look). And with Events to a T, I’m certain it’s going to be one incredible day!

Couldn’t let this one slip away from me and not share it! Leslie & Luke just celebrated their one year anniversary, and seeing the reminder of images made me fall in love with these two + this day all over again! Leslie & Luke planned an incredible rustic/romantic wedding, and I loved getting shown little glimpses throughout their planning. The simple ivory and greenery woven throughout, with antlers and white pumpkins as subtle nods to the changing of the seasons. Leslie’s dress was a showstopper, Luke described her as his angel in his vows and I myself couldn’t think of a better word. These two together are magnetic. It’s easy to tell there is a deep love and understanding and care for one another, and they balance it all out by being SO playful and fun. You just want to be around their energy! At the very end of the day, as speeches and the first dances were wrapping, Leslie surprised Luke with an appearance by Bucky the Badger and everyone immediately began jumping around. Is there a better intro to get a dance party started?

I loved loved getting to know these two over the years and capture this incredible chapter for them! One thing is certain, other than their adoration for eachother they absolutely adore their little pup Maple. And recently they welcomed a new human addition! I could not be more happier for their growing fam! Congratulations Leslie & Luke on your Year 1+ counting & wishing you both all the best :)!

When Brittany’s two friends came to her saying she *had* to meet this guy Zach cause they’d be a perfect match, she originally wasn’t interested in getting set up on a date at all. She would soon be moving across the country for a job, but with a little persistence she eventually gave in and agreed to meet him! They met at Firefly in Wauwatosa for a fancy first date (and little did she know what would then ensue the next couple months)! Fast forward a few weeks later and Brittany moved to Texas, (this would seemingly put a damper on their future plans, right?) but her and Zach kept an open mind and agreed they’d try long distance for the time being.

A month after Brittany moved, Zach came to visit and they spent an amazing week together in Austin, having quality time enjoying all the things they discovered they love to do together like hiking, eating all the bbq and tacos! and daily adventures all around the city. Looking back, they consider this time spent in Austin the week they fell deeply for eachother! The day Zach left to go back home, Brittany decided she would also be heading back with him! She jokes, “It wasn’t a very “long” long-distance relationship 😉 ”

Zach proposed in winter 2020 in the middle of a giant snow storm (he was determined to make it happen!), in front of the same place they had their first date. They were married last July in what I truly believe was the hottest day of the year! (right guys!!?) Thank goodness for The Covenant at Murray Mansion being so gorgeous on the inside, we spent 99% of our day inside with AC and popped out very briefly for photos!

They now enjoy even more discovered activities together, like their love for fitness, going on Harley rides, Badger games, traveling to new parks, kayaking, hammocking, reading, and spending time up north.

It was such a blast getting to know them & relive their stunningly romantic day! Vendor list below – Enjoy!

VENDOR LIST:

Wedding Dress: All About The Gown // Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle // Hair/Makeup: B. Beauty Bar // Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal + Azazie // Florist: Northgate Floral // Caterer: Culinary Infusion // Cake: Bake by Kayla // Band/DJ: Silver Spoon // Videographer: Mina George Films // Menswear: Jos A Bank

Let this wedding be proof that your Plan B can be JUST as beautiful as your Plan A.

It was a sunshining day at Villa Terrace, starting with Brenna slipping into her satin ballgown dress in the museum, to the first look down the terrace steps, the family first look in the courtyard, and wedding party photos on the lawn below. Everything was perfectly on track, smooth-sailing, AMAZING! Guests arrived and wow’d as the ceremony commenced, and everyone witnessed Brenna & Charlie say I do with the most stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan. Seriously this day was gorgeous (can we also take a second for Bird and Bumble with these florals?!?) Afterwards guests grabbed some champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the courtyard as the strings played and set the tone for a romantic evening that truly felt like being whisked away to Italy.

This day was designed and led by Morgan with Blue Fancy Events and I’m so glad she, her assistant Eve, and Megan with Villa Terrace were on deck. While we were busy getting our shots they were keeping a watchful eye on the weather report, and when the forecast called for chance of rain, they perfectly (and quickly) switched the outdoor reception plan to inside. Would you even know this wasn’t the original plan?? I was so impressed. It’s always so hard to make the rain call. “Do we play it safe? Do we risk it?” Luckily in the end the right call was made. And just as all the tables and decor were placed indoors and candles lit, down came the rain.

Thankfully the rain didn’t last long and Brenna & Charlie were able to carry on with their dance outside as planned. But this is why I am always so thankful when working with a planner. I know they’ve got everything covered down to a science and allows everyone else (vendors included) to be at ease and in-the-moment! Brenna and Charlie were super go with the flow amidst all changes of plans, and never let anything stop them from enjoying their special day. This is the best advice I can give. Let go of perfection and realize that your day will be beautiful no matter what. I know it’s easier said than done, but on your wedding day, do release all control and expectations. Focus your attention on the here and now. These small moments will become your entire day. Pay attention to the beauty that surrounds you and let your emotions run free. And remember, you get to walk away from it as husband and wife. That in itself is a perfect day!

Thank you so much Brenna & Charlie for allowing us to be a part of your day! For the full list of talented vendors, scroll to the very end! Enjoy!

VENDOR TEAM 

Wedding Planner & Designer: Blue Fancy Events – Morgan Liddell // Venue: Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum // Caterer: Ball N Biscuit // Gown: Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique // Rentals: TOC Vintage Rentals // Florals: Bird & Bumble // Officiant – Sonja Coster // Hair: Sweet Ginger Hair // Makeup: Makeup by Esa // Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Strings: Memorable Music Ensembles // DJ Services: DJ Anthony Deustch // Cafe Lights: Milwaukee Airwaves // Bagpiper: Piper Mike //Dessert: Sweet Demise Dessert Catering

Off season means finally getting to do the other part of my job that I love so much, SHARING weddings! It’s safe to say the past two years have been a whirlwind for the wedding industry, and so forgive me that I’ve gotten a bitttttt behind on blogging! But while redoing my website recently I realized that I had not yet blogged Haley & Brad’s wedding from summer 2020 and couldn’t help but take a moment to share it with you today!

Beside it being an absolute sauna outside the day was incredible!! (but seriously, my lenses fogged up for the first time EVER – the humidity this day was no joke!) Thankfully Jillian Niemann was on deck for hair/makeup and kept Haley and the girls looking FLAWLESS all day long. Haley’s classic Sophia Tolli gown from Fifi’s Bridal was simply stunning, and paired elegantly with her ivory bouquet from florist Petals ‘n’ Bloom. Their venue Grand Geneva was situated on top of a golf course looking down at a small lake and it created such a heavenly backdrop for photos. I’m in love anytime there’s an illusion of being in the rolling hills and having different textures to play around with (in Wisconsin we take it wherever we can find it ;)!) After their sweet first look moment down by the lake, we took the golf cart around to meet back up with their party for photos at the top of the hill! The energy was high and no one fainted from  heat exhaustion! Woot!

Due to 2020 Covid times, they switched up their Fiji honeymoon for a mix of some national bucket list spots: the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, & Lake Tahoe to which I jotted down some Tetons hikes I still need to check out! From standing next to eachother with different dates during high school homecoming (hilarious photo to prove it!), to reconnecting on the bus ride back to college after Thanksgiving break their freshman year, to then standing next to eachother at the altar…these two happily said I do! Haley & Brad, you guys make such an adorable couple and it was such a joy to photograph your love! Enjoy!