Cara + Richard: A DIY Wedding Celebration to Remember

Cara + Richard had an amazing wedding day with so many personal touches

These two had just about the cutest “how we met” story ever! They were both playing in the same community band, but never ended up talking because they’re both introverted and talking to people is hard (relatable, huh?). But they then ended up connecting on Bumble, and realized they were both in the community band. Shortly after they started dating, they starting square dancing together, even going so far as to take lessons, and their wedding reception was held in the very same place they had their first square dance, the Courtyard by Marriott!

Cara + Richard’s wedding day had so many thoughtful and personal touches, and so much DIY fun! Cara hand-knit her wedding veil, her mom knit the bridesmaids shawls, her father made the beautiful wooden lanterns that lined the aisle for their ceremony, her grandmother hand-painted a sign for the remembrance table, and there are probably a million other things as well, but needless to say the amount of DIY spirit and craftiness was absolutely magical!

Their wedding day was so joyful and special, and it was clear how much Cara + Richard’s family and friends care for and support them and their marriage, which is wonderful to see. Help me wish them a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

And here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Reception Venue: Courtyard by Marriott (Madison West)

Officiant: Pastor Dara Schuller-Hanson

Hair Stylist: Brideheads

Makeup Artist: Katie Roehm

Wedding Bands/Rings: The Diamond Center

Bridal Gown: Brandi’s Bridal

Groom Tux: Generation Tux

DJ: Midwest Sound DJ Entertainment

Florist: Lacie Schroder (with Sola Flowers)

Desserts: Looking Glass Bakery

Catering: Courtyard by Marriott (Madison West)

Square Dance Caller: Dave Schulz

 
 

Katie + Erin: A Big Gay Camp Wedding in Door County

Katie + Erin planned a gorgeous Fall wedding day at Peninsula State Park in Door County

Katie told me that she and Erin spent one of their first dates hiking, and their first trip together was a rain-soaked camping trip in, you guessed it, Door County. These two love the outdoors, and as a family (with Erin’s daughter Evey), they spend as much time outdoors as they can. So when it came to planning their wedding day, they knew they wanted the picturesque backdrop of Door County’s Peninsula State Park!

With a wedding hashtag like #biggaycampwedding you know you’re going to have a great time, and I absolutely did. It was a joy-filled day and Erin + Katie worked in so many special touches. Their vows were made not only to each other, but also to Evey (as every blended family should consider doing), which was the most precious moment of the day and reminded me of my own wedding, where my son walked me down the aisle, just like Erin’s daughter, wearing a badass suit just like her mom, walked Erin down the aisle.

We not only got to enjoy the beautiful weather the weekend had in store, but also got to punk around Peninsula State Park for photo opportunities, including the spooky Pioneer Cemetery after sunset, which was awesome, just like everything else about Erin + Katie’s wedding day!

Help me wish these two brides a very hearty congratulations, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

Here are the vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Weborg Point Shelter - Peninsula State Park

Officiant: Nik Shier

Hair Stylist: Revel Salon

Wedding Rings/Bands: Bride Band - Blazer Arts on Etsy and Bride Ring - Moonkist Designs, LLC

Bridal Suits: Bindle and Keep

Bridal Bow Tie (Erin): Jack and Miles

Florist: Bee Enchanted Florist

Desserts: Morgan the Pie Lady

Catering: The Wild Tomato

Table/Chair Rental: Stoughton Lumber Rentals

 
 

Family Portraits on a Dark and Stormy Night at the UW Arboretum

It was a dark and stormy night…

No seriously, it was very stormy, despite the weather app telling us clear skies until just before the session, but we managed to fit in a little 30 minute session just before the skies opened up, and boy were they beautiful! It made for some very dramatic photos, which I love, and Rylan and her parents, Lily + Aaron, were such troopers! This adorable little family is expecting a new addition in November, and I could not be more thrilled for them! Pics to come!

—Sam

 
 

Winnie + Fiona: A Willy Street Neighborhood Family Portrait Session

These two adorable kiddos (and their equally adorable parents) went for a little spin around the Willy Street neighborhood for their family portrait session this year

Now the bummer is that meant I didn’t get to see their dog and two kitties, but the upside is how awesome Winnie + Fiona’s colorful outfits worked with the amazing murals all around Willy street, and how we got to get a nice little walk in during our session when we headed on over to BB Clarke Beach Park! Enjoy these adorable summery family portraits, and here’s to another year for this wonderful family! Cheers!

—Sam

 
 

Non-Traditional Femme Wedding Looks We Love

Here is some amazing non-traditional femme wedding style inspiration, coming your way!

As many of you know, offbeat and non-traditional weddings have a very special place in our hearts (obviously). We’ve done a little roundup of some of our favorite offbeat femme wedding styles for you to enjoy!

Who Needs a Dress?

When a jumpsuit will do! Wedding jumpsuits, whether for the whole wedding day or just the tail end of the reception are fun, comfortable, and look amazing!

 
 
 
 

Offbeat Color For the Win

One of the most fun ways to do something a little different on your wedding day is to add some unexpected colors, especially to the gown! You don’t even need to wear a “wedding” dress! I went with a silver prom dress for my wedding, and one of the brides below went with a gorgeous dark grey cocktail dress that was to die for.

 
 
 
 

What About Just a Pop of Color?

Want to introduce some wedding color a little more subtly? Easy! Try adding color underneath your white lace, or get creative with your shoe or boot color, like the brides below!

 
 

A Fresh Take on Classic Colors

Even classic colors have fresh appeal when used in non-traditional places. Take these freaking amazing black and white gowns for instance!

 
 
 
 

It’s All In The Details

Whether it’s turning a wedding veil into a badass wedding cape, or rocking colorful hand embroidery with stellar glasses, little details make a big difference in your wedding day look, and can help you express yourself on your wedding day!

 
 
 
 

What About Patterns, You Say?

Well I’m glad you asked! Patterns on a wedding gown, especially hand-embroidered ones, are awesome! Just check out the beautiful patterned dresses below!

 
 
 
 

Rainbow Themed Magic, Anyone?

You know we love a good rainbow themed wedding day!

 
 

The Old Switcheroo…

Maybe you want to have both a classic American outfit, and want to honor your family’s culture. Enter outfit changes! No need to limit yourself to just one wedding day outfit!

 
 
 
 

Don’t let tradition stand in the way of being uniquely and wonderfully you on your wedding day!

There are so many amazing options for expressing yourself on your wedding day! Use some of the ideas above or come up with your own! Tell us in the comments if you have seen other fun trends with femme wedding style you want to share!

—Sam

Non-Traditional Masculine Wedding Looks We Love

Want some non-traditional masc wedding style inspiration? We got you covered!

While we love all kinds of weddings, the offbeat and non-traditional have a very special place in our hearts. Below are some of our favorite non-traditional masculine wedding looks!

Playing it Cool

A classic in the realm of non-traditional wedding looks, we dig a casual beach kind of vibe wherever your ceremony may be! Go with shorts, or jacket free with a patterned shirt to give your wedding look a more casual and laid back vibe. Tie optional!

 
 
 
 

Offbeat Color Combos

Mint green dress pants or a green velvet jacket? Yes please! We love a classic dark grey or blue suit, but a great way to go for a non-traditional look is to change up those colors and get wild!

 
 
 
 

A Fresh Take on Classic Colors

Even classic colors have fresh appeal when used in complementary-colored outfits!

 
 
 
 

It’s All In The Details

Maybe you just want to do a little something fun and unexpected, or maybe you’re going with a classic look but your overall vibe is as non-traditional as it comes. Either way, little details make all the difference and whether it’s a badass tophat or a looser suit you wear with your favorite ear gauges, you’re sure to look great!

 
 
 
 

On Theme and On Point

Maybe you’re into a themed look! You can go as big as you want with wedding cosplay (Dr. Who anyone?) or do something like an alt-kilt theme with a badass mowhawk (one of the coolest hairstyles). Your wedding should be a reflection of who you (and your partner) are, so make sure your outfit and hairstyle feels like you!

 
 
 
 

Speaking of Cool Hairstyles…

No need to let the femme folks have all the hair fun! Whether it’s a gorgeous flower crown, or an elaborately braided updo, masculine presenting folks have so many non-traditional options for amazing hair on their wedding days!

 
 
 
 

Don’t let tradition stand in the way of being uniquely and wonderfully you on your wedding day!

Masculine presenting folks have some great options for getting a little wild and offbeat with their wedding day looks! Tell us any trends you love to see for masculine or groom wedding style in the comments!

—Sam

Chloe + Moose: A Wedding Celebration to Remember

Chloe + Moose married in 2021 and had a fun and joyful celebration with friends and family at the Overture Center in 2022

But first, they had photos with their family and their dogs, Tia + Toast, at Westmorland Park on Madison’s West side, surrounded by wildflowers, which is the same place we took their “Yay we’re married!” photos earlier this year! Check those out here.

I loved the non-traditional men’s hairstyles for Moose and Chloe’s brother, Sam! More braided men’s updos please!

The Overture Center was so lovely as their reception venue, and Chloe + Moose even had life-sized cutout of themselves, and of their two dogs, so the doggos could be there in spirit!

Enjoy these joyful photos, and help me in congratulating Chloe + Moose on their wedding!

—Sam

Here are the Vendors that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Formal Photos Venue: Westmorland Park

Reception Venue: The Overture Center

DJ: Andre with Celebrations Entertainment

Bridal Gown: The Wedding Shoppe (vendor), Selby Rae (Designer), Monetti Tailoring (alterations)

Groom Tux: National Tuxedo Rentals

Groom Tie: DIY (Bride made it herself!)

Bridal Flower Crown: LisaUaShop on Etsy

Bridal Shawl: DIY (Bride crocheted it herself!)

Wedding Party Ties: Knotty Tie Co

Wedding Party Dresses: Azazie

Wedding Party Suits: StudioSuit

Wedding Bands: Bauer Jewelry Designs

Hair Stylist: Timeless Designs

Makeup: DG Beauty Salon

Florist: Felly’s Flowers

Wedding Desserts: Madison Sourdough Company

Catering: Fresco Catering

Candle Holders: BlueCornBeeswax on Etsy

Candles: BeesLightCandles on Etsy

Table sashes: ByFernStudio on Etsy

Cardboard Cutouts: Cardboard Cutout Standees

 
 

Hannah + Tim: A Beautiful Wedding At the Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Hannah + Tim met while playing D&D and were friends for years before they started dating

I’ve always thought that some of the best romantic relationships spring from true friendship, especially because friendship is such an important element in a successful romantic relationship. When talking about their relationship, Hannah said “how it feels” has always been so much more important than any label ever could be, and to see these two together, that absolutely seems true. If how sweet and tender they were towards each other on what can sometimes be a very stressful (if happy) day is any indication, these two know what is truly important. It was an honor to celebrate with them!

Enjoy the wedding photos of these two (and the gorgeousness that is the Aldo Leopold Nature Center) and help me wish them a big congratulations!

-Sam

Here are the vendors (with links) that helped make their wedding day awesome!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Aldo Leopold Nature Center

Officiant: Raquel Sanchez

DJ: Emily Mill (DJ Millbot)

Bridal Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria / Maggie Sottero / Professional Alterations by Lorri

Bridal Boots: John Fluevog

Wedding Bands: Jewelry by Johan

Florist: Sunborn Gardens

Desserts: Madison Sourdough

Catering: Chef Dave

 
 

Grace's Willy Street Senior Portraits

Grace’s fun and colorful Senior Portraits were a blast!

I don’t do senior portraits often, but this session was so fun it’s making me hope that I end up doing more of them! Grace and her mom Erin and I walked along Willy Street, taking advantage of some of the gorgeous murals along the way, ending up on Lake Monona just before sunset! Lots of laughs, lots of trying not to fall in the lake, and lots of fun spinning at the end (why don’t I make people spin more? It’s great!)

Enjoy the photos and congrats to Grace on her upcoming senior year!

-Sam

 
 

Jordan's Bat Mizvah

A COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE A COMING OF AGE

For a non-religious person, I’ve always had a tender spot in my heart for B’Nai Mitzvahs. I think there is something so solid, supportive, and loving about a community coming together to celebrate a coming of age, and helping a young adult to understand not only their place in their community and in their faith, but how they contribute positively to the world at large. These events are always a highlight in my year and Jordan’s Bat Mitzvah was no exception.

Jordan celebrated with friends and family on August 20th and the party following the ceremony, held at the Hillel Foundation on the UW-Madison campus was a blast!

Congrats to Jordan and her family on such a joyous occasion!

-Sam