High Five Friday // Inspiration from Elizabeth

Today's Friday features Elizabeth Hill married on June 4th at Schusters barn! A gorgeous bride and groom! Perfect day for a wedding. I'm so glad to share her advice with you.  My favorite parts of this wedding were Elizabeth's easy wedding dress, the backdrop of Schusters and that element of surprise at the reception when the UW Marching band arrived.  My advice to you, don't overthink it, if it's not fun and your not in love with the idea, skip it. Spend your money on what means the most.  Here's advice from Elizabeth:

1. What was your favorite memory from the wedding?- The second that I looked down the aisle and saw Doug there waiting for me was one of the best moments of my life!  I loved the entire ceremony, particularly our vows.  I also loved the look on Doug's face when he noticed the UW Marching band!!  
 

2. What could you have done without?- We totally over-estimated how much alcohol we would need for our wedding.  We both have a lot of friends who like to drink so we didn't really follow the typical "1 drink per adult every hour" rule.  We didn't need so many barrels of beer AND so many cases of wine AND a bunch of varieties of liquor.  We've been to 2 weddings since where the couples have chosen to have signature cocktails which helped them cut costs on liquor and mixers.  
 

3. What is your best advice for planning brides?- Don't allow yourself to get too stressed out.  In the long run, all that matters is that you are marrying the person you love!!  
 

4. Looking back, what was the MOST important?- Just being able to plan a wedding that was a reflection of both of us and that we were able to share with friends and family.  We were able to plan a beautiful day within our budget-- so we didn't have to stress about money too much.  Yes, it meant we had to skip on some things that would have been nice, but in the end it was the best day of our lives and all of guests had a great time!  
 

5.  What did you plan/Book first? Dress, venue, Photographer ?- We booked our venue first, only because my mom took me "just to see the farm, just in case", about a week before I was even engaged.  The people at Schuster's Farm (our venue) were amazing to work with, and the beauty of the farm really inspired everything else we did for the wedding, including my dress, food, and even photographer Dani (!) who we discovered through working with Schuster's.   

Jake and Courtney's Perfect Summer Wedding At The Enchanted Barn // Enchanted Barn Hillsdale, WI

You know what I love about a barn wedding? It's that it doesn't have to be country. It can be anything which is why it's become a popular trend. I have had some pretty classy weddings take place in barns that didn't include cowboy boots or mason jars and I have had some that did. That's the beauty of it. Every wedding that I shoot at The Enchanted Barn is completely unique and different. Courtney describes herself as a "chillzilla" and Jake was the funniest groom.  Together they made this silly and laid-back fun couple that I was so glad to work with. The day was fabulous, great weather, beautiful location, gorgeous couple and fun had by all.  Enjoy the preview!

Magnus + Holly's Darling Justin Trails Wedding // Justin Trails Resort, Sparta WI

Ahh..Magnus and Holly are this amazing world-traveling couple. They met in Duluth, MN while Magnus was studying abroad then switched countries and Holly studied abroad and for years they were never on the same continent as each other. Magnus went back to Sweden, Holly went on to drive the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, because, why wouldn't you drive the wienermobile? life went on as they knew it but they some how found each other again on a bus. It's like a happy chance, serendipity. After seeing them together at our meeting and even more so at their wedding I just new this happenstance was fate. They are that couple when you just know it's forever.  Their sense of humor alone would do it but their tight bond lasted over thousands of miles and oceans and time. Eventually Holly moved to Sweden and met "The Swedes" as they call it, and luckily 20+ of them flew to America for this special day. I loved the additional of the Swedes,  the girls who stood up in the wedding got up for a toast and announced themselves in total unison "hello, we are the swedes" everyone laughed, they said some special words to Holly and then broke into song which ignited the room.  We corresponded over email at odd hours then in Sweden, me in Wisconsin but nothing could prepare me for how perfect this day ended up being. It was such a special day. I shot a double header that weekend and worried I would be tired out but the moment I entered this wedding I thanked god I was there and a part of it.  It was an absolutely fun, entertaining, delightful and 110% about love, family and friends.  Here's to Magnus and Holly and their next adventure! Enjoy the preview.