Sean + Kristy's Romantic Enchanted Barn Wedding // 5.29.15

It felt fabulous getting back to The Enchanted Barn again. Sometimes I feel like part of the family there,  Loren and I had a discussion this time and he said "Do you ever get tired of shooting here"? and I said "No way! Every day is different, every wedding, every couple, it never gets old to me".  Which is the truth after 5+ years of working there I have never grew tired and now I know my way there without a GPS! 

Sean and Kristy's wedding was my first of the 2015 season, although it rained all day long, this couple still braved the weather for lots of photos, thankfully! Kristy was a stunning bride, her dress is already a favorite of mine this season and her smile made sunshine on a rainy day. I loved the colors and details of this wedding. I kept betting it would lighten up (it usually does) but I was wrong (around 8pm it finally did) but I am so glad we were able to do all photos beforehand. Their friends, wedding party and family were troopers too! Inside the barn is so cozy and intimate the rain never stopped the party. Even though rain is not ideal on a wedding day, I think there is something romantic about it raining at the barn while the bride and groom are saying their vows on the stage and you can hear the rain falling.  I am posting a longer than normal preview here because I miss blogging weddings and thankfully had a willing couple to hangout with me in the rain. 

Enjoy! 

Wisconsin Wedding Photographer // Friday Frames

Hi My name is Dani and I am a wedding photographer. There I said it.  For years, I have never thought of myself that way, didn't really see myself as I seen everyone else. When someone would ask if I was a photographer I seriously shied away or shrugged it off "no, not really just a hobby sort of" My husband would be proud and say things like "My wife shoots weddings" and he would get a sharp elbow to the side and a "shut up" under my breath. My family would send my name to people who were getting married and I would later say "Mom, I really wish you wouldn't do that".  I am not sure if it was me who didn't feel like I fit the bill or if I just hated the name "photographer" or what but I admit, I had issues with it.  Today, I had all day to do nothing but care for my sick little 2 year old, as we cuddled on the chair and rocked, I drank tea, he pedialite watching Doc McStuffins, My oldest son (5) Teag (sounds like League) came up to me with The Wisconsin Bride Wedding Planner and said "Hey Mom- this looks like a picture you would take at a wedding, I wish your pictures were in a magazine".  BAM. At that very moment I thought, OMG thats MY photo on that magazine cover. Yes, I have seen it I have like 5 copies but looking at it never seemed real like it was my photo...ON THE COVER.  It seemed like someone elses.  I said "Teag, that is my picture on the cover of that magazine" and his eyes got big and said "Awesome Mom"! and then went back to the wild world of airplanes, swords and Ninja Turtles.  So much I learn from my kids. Honestly, I do. This is yet another lesson.  It is pretty Awesome to be on the cover of a publication for Wisconsin Bride. They are handing this out at wedding shows going on all over the state. If a bride looks inside she will see my name as the cover photo. I am pretty excited and proud of that.  Go pick yourself up a copy of these great magazines, Wisconsin Bride Magazine and Wisconsin Bride Wedding Planner and...WI Bride is having their annual "Best Of" awards on their website www.wibride.com  go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!!! (Vote for at least 6 vendors so your vote counts.) 

I later went to my desk and dug out some older Wisconsin Bride Magazines and was shocked when I realized I have been in them every year since 2012!

2012 Wisconsin Bride Resource Guide 
2013 Wisconsin Bride Magazine
2014 Wisconsin Bride Resource Guide
2014 Wisconsin Bride Magazine
2014 Minnesota Bride Magazine
2015 Wisconsin Bride Wedding Planner (cover) and full page
2015 Wisconsin Bride Magazine. 

I'm super proud and honored to be in these publications, it's not a contest I won or any trophy but I am lucky they choose my weddings to feature and that lots of future brides see my work in print. I am proud to be a wedding photographer. So look out, now it's gonna be a whole new me...whipping out my business card...."It's ok! I'm a wedding photographer" lol ok maybe not. But it was funny right? 

Valera & Ashley's Classy Downtown Milwaukee Wedding

I need to shoot downtown more often, I absolutely loved this wedding, from getting the dress on to the surprise confetti bomb at the reception, this day was magical. I can't tell you how excited I was to work with Valera & Ashley,  I shot Ashley's sisters wedding years back and I know the wonderful Connor's family, I knew they were going to put together an amazing wedding. (I'm all gushy over this wedding! ) It was a perfect, sunny, fall day in Downtown Milwaukee. There was bow ties, tuxes and Vera Wang but on Ashley's wedding day breakdown she and Valera filled out for me under what is the most important part of your day they wrote "people are most important" and that showed, Ashley and Valera were perfect hosts for the day, care so much about their family and friends and had nothing but smiles and excitement.  We had an excellent timeline that allowed for creative photos and locations, they had a great wedding party along for the trolley ride and a terrific party planned at The Grain Exchange.  Let me tell you, they know how to throw a party! Special Thanks to my husband for assisting me on this perfect October day in Milwaukee, we loved the entire day!  Enjoy the preview and leave some comment love below. Also be sure to scroll all the way down for a movie from Oceanwide Studios!