Intimate Elopement Inspiration | Wisconsin Winter Wedding | Oregon, WI

Living in Wisconsin means living in winter for a good chunk of the year. While most people complain that it's so cold and snowy, I say embrace it!! I love that we have all 4 seasons in Wisconsin because as a photographer I get lots of variety in backgrounds even without having to travel. Haha although you already know I do prefer to travel for my weddings :) So I wanted to show that even when it's cold and snowy, you can have a gorgeous wedding and even get gorgeous outdoor portraits!!

This styled shoot was definitely a labor of love. All of these amazing vendors braved below zero temperatures to see the vision that Kirstie and Mallory from Elevate Events created. Also have to give a shout out to Renee at Madison Wedding Flowers for cutting down her own Christmas tree to have all of the gorgeous pine! It was a crazy fun day and I just can't thank all of these amazing people enough for all of their hard work!!

Venue: Charlie's on Main  |  Coordination & Styling: Elevate Events  |  Floral: Madison Wedding Flowers  |  Dress: Sarah Seven  |  Suit: Topman  |  Models: The Rock Agency  |  Make Up Artist: Alexa Rogers of Lexa's Luxurious Looks  |  Hair Stylist: Lisa Bloedel of Lexa's Luxurious Looks  |  Cake and Trifles: Brown Rice and Honey  |  Stationery: Letters by Lindsey  |  Table Settings: Sur La Table, Anthropologie, World Market and Target  |  Bridal Jewelry and Fur Coat: Forever 21  |  Horse: Cody at Liberty Stables - Noel Niles, Owner  |  Copper Arbor: Built by my Dad, thanks Dad!

Travel Bucket List | Destination Wedding and Portrait Photographer

People often ask what I do after wedding season is over, and while I wish I could say just sleep and travel, this is my time of year to not only take a break but to catch up on all of the tasks of running a business that get put off during the craziness of wedding season! Yes, I will be taking lots of MUCH needed time off, but one of the main things I'll be doing is gearing up and making changes for 2017.

Each year I try to make changes and take steps forward to having a photography business that not only serves my clients and gives them the best experience and images possible, but also feeds my passion, soul, and drive! One of the main things that does that is travel!! So, I've decided to just put it out in the universe that these are some of the places that I would LOVE to photograph people in. AND a special little deal for you, if you book a wedding, elopement, or portrait session in one of these places I will shoot it for free. FREE! 

I am not trying to discount professional photographers and what we do, this is just a personal goal of mine and my desire to photograph people in these gorgeous places is worth is to me to not make any money doing it. I still believe it is VERY important to value the hard work that professional photographers do and to pay for quality work, however I'm also a person that values experiences and I would love to capture epic portraits in these locations. Now, there is one tiny little catch, you would still need to pay for travel costs for me and my second shooter (airfare, accommodation the night before and night of your event/session, and transportation from airport) but that is it. 

I want to photograph adventurous and awesome people in gorgeous and epic locations. This is me officially saying it to the universe :) Where are these places that I will shoot for only travel costs? New Zealand, Iceland, Italy, France, Thailand, Australia, Spain, Brazil, and South Africa. Have a location that's not listed? Just shoot me an email and tell me more!

Mountain Elopement Styled Shoot | Glacier National Park, Montana

In October I got to cross off a state and national park that I have never been to, Glacier National Park in Montana! While we were lucky enough to go in fall when the leaves were still changing, that also meant there was lots of extra fog covering what I'm sure are some epic mountain views. We had planned to do a simple little styled shoot while there up in the mountains, but the weather just did not cooperate. Luckily though when you're in such a beautiful place your backup location is pretty fantastic as well! And even better was having the most wonderful couple to photograph!! These two truly exemplify the type of client that I hope to work with. They were both so sweet, kind, and fun, but then they were also adventurous and willing to do anything to get beautiful portraits. Amazing people + willingness to go the extra mile + gorgeous location = stunning portraits :) And huge should out to Renee at Madison Wedding Flowers for creating a gorgeous floral crown and bouquet!

How To Choose Your Bridal Party

When you're planning your wedding one of the most difficult decisions might be just who you want in your bridal party. My advice? Choose your friends and family that you couldn't imagine getting married without them there. People that make you feel comfortable, loved, and can have lots of fun with! And lets be real for a second, people that will show up where and when they need to :) The last and maybe most important thing to consider is choosing people that you feel like you can just be yourself with. I want to capture your real and sometimes completely goofy and fun self on your wedding day, and as you can see I think Matt chose the perfect group of guys to share his wedding day with him!

Ethan + Leslie | Classic Orpheum Theater Wedding | Madison, Wisconsin

What can I say about this wedding, other than WOW! Leslie and Ethan put together a wedding day that was not only classically stunning, but unique and fun for all of their quests. I absolutely love all of the thoughtful and intentional details that these two have included on their wedding day. From the special gifts they exchanged in the morning, choosing a boutique hotel to get ready at, to a private moment during their first look, and then all of the props to have fun with it's safe to say this day was just full of special moments.

I think it's very easy to see that Leslie and Ethan are madly in love with each other and that combined with the soft, romantic glow of the Orpheum made for a fairy-tail setting for their reception! And of course no dance is complete without some fun props to party with :) I'm so happy I got to be part of this amazing day, and it's just a good reminder of what your wedding day should be about. Celebrate your love and commitment with your family and friends but also do it in a way that is meaningful and unique to you!

Bride Preparation: Mansion Hill Inn | Ceremony: Luther Memorial Church | Reception: Orpheum Theater | Second Shooter: Collections by Kari Anne | Bridal Dress: Vera's Bridal | Groom's Attire: Jos. A Bank | Florist: Daffodil Parker | Stationery: That Pretty Invitation | Make-Up Artist: Abbey Trowbridge | Hair Stylist: Kathy Ostrander | Rentals: Event Essentials | DJ: Midwest Sound DJ Enterainment