Paul and Bri Spring Day Engagements // Madison WI Engagement session

It's official. I'm attracting the right clients and loving it. Paul and Bri are amazing and I like them like I like beer! Bri is from Seattle and met Paul in Madison and then they had a long distance relationship while Bri traveled for work and lived in different states, now they are back in Wisconsin and enjoying being engaged and drinking craft beers (which they brought me an extra glass to share! ) getting married at The Lageret!  A fantastic venue in Stoughton, I cannot wait!  This was my first engagement session of the year, it felt wonderful getting outside and shooting and having a blast with this couple.  I'm So ready for wedding season!

Wedding Advice from Erica // The Waterfront Lacrosse, WI

Steven and Erica are the sweetest couple. They have this calm nature that I really love. Erica got ready at the gorgeous Charmant Hotel in Lacrosse on the most beautiful September Day.  I loved her gorgeous dress, her hair down and mismatched bridesmaids dresses. I loved their patio ceremony with the backdrop of the Mississippi. I loved their kings table at dinner and all the fun speeches and the timeless details that really made their day simple, meaningful and about them. When I think back to their day I remember how beautiful the weather was, how calm the timeline went,  how I watched people ride bikes and enjoy the park, I thought to myself how much I really like downtown Lacrosse, and how lucky I felt to be part of this day.  Erica's wedding advice is particularly great because she adds an article that I think speaks true.  Enjoy! 

1. What was your favorite memory from the wedding? Undoubtedly, our first look. It was one of the only moments of the day where it felt as though time actually slowed down. That moment where all of our stress and worries of the morning melted away and we were reminded of what the day is really all about- each other. 
 

2. What could you have done without? We wouldn't have changed a thing. From favors to decor, we were very intentional about our choices. We wanted an environment that was reflective of our style and values. We agreed from the start that we would be true to ourselves, even if that meant breaking some wedding "traditions".

3. What is your best advice for planning brides? This article captures it all: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-rothweiler/your-wedding-is-not-the-most-important-day-_b_9739500.html
The author says it best...."When you look at your wedding as not the “best day ever” but as “the best is yet to come,” you will free yourself from the pressure of everything having to be perfect, and instead you will realize one thing: it already is. Because you found each other. Lucky you."

4. Looking back, what was the MOST important? Cliche as it is, the most important part was being surrounded by all of our friends and family. In 5,10,50 years you will likely forget all of the little details that you agonized over, but it's the feelings and emotion attached to that day that you will always remember. Our guests brought so much love and laughter to our day. It wouldn't have been the same without them. 

5.  What did you plan/Book first? Dress, venue, Photographer? We knew we wanted a September wedding but eventually chose our date based on the availability of Dani and the venue. We considered photography to be our most important investment, followed by food of course :) 

Wedding Advice from Jess // Enchanted Barn Wedding

Jess and Michael's sweet wedding at The Enchanted Barn was one I will always remember. They are the sweetest couple ever and their are a direct reflection of their sweet family and friends. I loved Jess's meaningful details and advice she is sharing here with all of you! Enjoy! 

1. What was your favorite memory from the wedding?
One moment that my husband and I will both cherish forever was during dinner. The sun was setting, candles lit and we just sat at the head table and looked out over our friends and family that were there to celebrate us. The room was filled with smiles, laughter and love. A rare occasion to have all of those special people together! We also loved the dance party after dinner. The dance floor was full until midnight and my 93-year-old great aunt led a few line dances that everyone loved.

2. What could you have done without?
I glued many streamers to sticks and placed them around the ceremony space before the ceremony took place. I wanted people to shake them around after we kissed and walked back down the aisle. Well, only 2 people waved them around. Ha! So, I would say to instruct your guests very clearly or spend your time doing something else. J

3. What is your best advice for planning brides?

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Think back to other weddings you have been to and try to remember exactly what they had for centerpieces. Most likely, you won’t be able to remember! Yes, you want all of your tables to look nice but buying expensive trinkets and decorations to fill the table isn’t necessary. The simple, elegant look goes a long way! Your guests will have more room at the table and you can spend more money on items that your guests will remember like the food, dessert, dance and your beautiful dress.

2. Delegate tasks for the day (and trust that they will do them!) so you don’t have to worry about them that day. Also, I REALLY appreciated having one venue for the ceremony/happy hour/reception that also included tables, chairs, bar/bartender, preferred caterers and staff to help the day flow. Not having to organize each of the above aspects separately made our lives SO much easier. The above contacts all had a great working relationship, paid attention to detail and communicated between each other to make the whole experience flow. Managing fewer necessary conversations, payment schedules and arrival times will help to manage the stress!

3. Get the people you love involved with their talents!

4. Relax, relax, relax and remember the main reason behind your amazing wedding.

5. Take your pictures before the ceremony if you can. Then you can spend more time with your guests who traveled to see you rather than disappearing for a few hours to do photography between the ceremony and reception.

4. Looking back, what was the MOST important?
Enjoying the day with my husband. My face hurt at the end of the day from all of the smiling and laughing. Make sure you dance and keep the day filled with personal touches!

5. What did you plan/Book first? Dress, venue, Photographer ?
e booked our venue, then photographer and DJ within the first few months of getting engaged (~ 1 year from the date). I felt much better knowing that if everything else didn’t work out, I would still have a good party and pictures to help reminisce!