My wedding season was supposed to begin *TODAY!* with Raquel and Tim’s apple orchard wedding, but were one of my affected couples that had to postpone due to COVID. In honor of their original wedding date I’m sharing with you their adorable Engagement session, set in downtown Eau Claire from last October. I absolutely adored Raquel’s idea for meeting at this rooftop patio while they enjoyed some bubbly, celebrating their new engagement and a fun-filled weekend in Eau Claire – a city which they have grown to love so much. We were blessed with GORGEOUS temperatures and a sunny day, and after walking the downtown area, headed over to Banbury Place where we strolled on bridge overlooking the Chippewa River and beautiful sun shining through the greenery.

Speaking of greenery, this couple is proud parents to 20 some plant children, and when they told me there were two new bundles of joy waiting in the car we OF COURSE had to bust them out for a family photo. And don’t you think all 20 would make great wedding guests? 😛 Anyways! Hope everyone is having a wonderful memorial day weekend. Leave some love and well wishes for this quirky and sweet couple on this day that was supposed to mean something different ♡. I hope they still find a special way to celebrate, and can’t wait to meet up with them again in another couple months!

Megan & Derek kicked off my wedding season with a beautiful downtown Milwaukee wedding, set at the industrial/urban venue Black Swan. I walked in and was greeted by the most beautiful aisle of candles, all the way down the stairs and into the aisle and I literally got CHILLS! The day was beautifully planned and executed by Midwestern Bride, and florals by Flower Mill helped up the romance in an already stunning exposed brick space.

The couple got ready in separate rooms at the Homewood Suites just a short walk away from the venue (gorgeous suites if you ever need a place to stay in downtown MKE, so much natural light and the tallest ceilings I’ve seen at a hotel – I’m not kidding, so dreamy). One of my favorite parts of the day actually was during the getting ready. Megan and Derek had both planned an exchange of gifts prior to the ceremony, and when Megan’s arrived we all gathered around. Derek and Megan had written many love letters throughout their time dating, so much so that Derek was able to make a special keepsake out of them, “Our Story in Love Letters.” It was such a beautiful moment watching Megan relive the letters they had wrote throughout the years. We all had to keep from tearing up!

I loved putting together these photos and reliving this beautiful day all over again. Gorgeous ceremony, hilarious speeches, my first grand sparkler exit! These two know how to throw an epic wedding day. Congratulations on one month’s marriage you two! Scroll to the end for their full vendor list and leave a congrats for the new Mr. & Mrs. Christiansen!

Contributors:

Photography: Meghan Lee Harris // Videography: Clear Vision Videography // Event Planner / Coordinator: Ashley Kuehnel, Midwestern Bride // Florist:  The Flower Mill // Wedding Dress Designer: Essence of Australia // Wedding Dress Store: Bon Bon Belle Bridal // Hair/Makeup: Hair – Kimberly Gozdowiak // Make up- Meg Dionne // Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang at David’s Bridal // Cake/Dessert: Barb Christiansen (mother of groom)  // Band/DJ: Midwest Sound // Drapery: Chance Pro Events // Caterer: From Scratch Catering // Groom’s Suit and Accessories: Macy’s // Groomsmen Apparel: Blacktux.com

Finally dusting off my blog to share with you my 2018 wedding season! It was a whirlwind season filled with amazing, sweet, happy, down-to-earth couples. Laid back parties and gorgeous venues. I’d be crazy if I kept them to myself right!?!?

Today I’m kicking it all the way back to Rae & Jay’s early June wedding, my third of the season. Their day took place in historic downtown Milwaukee. I’d never photographed in a big city before so I was filled with all sorts of new inspiration. Rather than walking along a path we were walking city sidewalks and instead of running through fields we were running in the middle of streets during red lights! It was so spontaneous and fun, just like these two!

They kept their vision super classy, simple, elegant. Blushes, ivory, and greenery. I adored Rae’s simple, elegant gown, those buttons all the way down the skirt and her long flowy veil that we definitely had some fun with for pictures! Between the Hilton Hotel, St. Sebastian’s Church, and their reception at The Grain Exchange – every location had jaw-dropping historic architecture. Later in the evening we snuck out to wander the city – and if I remember ONE thing about these two it will be their fun, giddy love. You most always will find Jay twirling her around. Dipping her for a kiss.

Loved this day so much & I’m so excited for these two as they welcome a new addition to the fam soon! Enjoy the little glimpse!