Rae + Jesii: A Beautiful Fall Wedding Day at Lakeview Park

These two had a beautiful and chill wedding ceremony surrounded by friends and family

Want to hear something adorable? When Jesii (they/them) proposed to Rae (they/them), it was while playing a board game! These two were playing an at home escape room game ( EXIT games) and Jesii changed the last two cards in the deck to be a proposal, so when they solved the game, it was actually Jesii popping the question!

I love this story (and also have a soft spot in my heart for nerdy, queer weddings and board games) and was SO excited to get to celebrate with Rae + Jesii and their friends and family!

Enjoy the photos of this awesome couple, and help me wish them a big congratulations!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Lakeview Park in Middleton, WI

Officiant: Becca Kopchak (friend of couple)

Florist: DIY

Catering: Pancake Cafe

Wedding Coordinator: Brenda Koeller

Michael + Daniel: A Chic and Modern Wedding at the Tinsmith

Daniel + michael’s wedding day was as fun and elegant as the couple!

These two (and their friends and family) were the absolute sweetest folks to work with! You could see the love and absolute pure joy Michael + Daniel have for one another every moment of their wedding day!

Also, check out how adorable their dogs Penny & Frankie are with their little flower wreaths!!!! Move over Moo Deng & Pesto, these two are my new favorite icons!

Enjoy the photos of this gorgeous wedding, and help me with Michael + Daniel a big congratulations!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Tinsmith

String Quartet: Camerata Strings

DJ: DJ Femme Noir

Florist: Sunborn Gardens

Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Desserts: Kate’s Cakes

Wedding Coordinator: Piece of Cake Consulting

Helen + Joseph: An Intimate Wedding at Schoenstatt Shrine

Helen + Joseph have A love story that spans so many different life stages

Their families were friends growing up, so Helen + Joseph spent a lot of time together over the years, and even dated just after high school during Joseph’s gap year, but when Joseph went away to college, they decided that they’d prefer to break up than attempt to keep a long-distance relationship afloat for 4+ years, but they never forgot each other. Flash forward to 5 years after the amicable break-up, and they’re both living with their parents again during the shelter-in-place of the early 2020’s, and began chatting again, which led to Pandemic Dates (video calls, long walks, etc.), and eventually these two got back together and moved in once Joseph was finished with college, and he proposed shortly thereafter.

The JOY these two felt was so palpable! I’ve never seen two people more excited to be married, and it was such an honor to celebrate with them and their families at the intimate ceremony held at Schoenstatt Shrine! Help me wish them a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos of their beautiful wedding day!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Schoenstatt Shrine

Officiant: Father Michael Radowucz

Bridal Gown: Vera’s Bridal

Groom Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Sola Wood Flowers

Erin + Rachel In Their Gayest Performance Yet

Rachel + Erin had a introvert’s dream wedding

A not overwhelming number of people, board games, crafts, ice cream & cookies, a t-shirt toss instead of a first dance, chill vibes, etc., which is to say, it was a perfect day for these two! A friend even made Rachel (they/them) and Erin (she/they) the most amazing wedding day poster in the style of old cinemascope films that touted this wedding being their gayest performance yet, which is honestly the coolest thing I’ve ever seen (I would absolutely hang this poster at my house and I’m not even in it, that’s how awesome it is)!

This was our last wedding of the 2023 wedding season and I was thrilled to end on such a high note! Help me wish these two a big congratulations on getting gay married, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Goodman Community Center

Officiant: Erin’s Mom

Hair Salon: Thorps

Wedding Bands & Rings: Jeweler’s Workshop

Rachel’s Dress: H&M

Dried Flower Arrangements: Moon Flower

Floral Centerpieces: Goodman Community Center TEENworks program

Desserts: Cookies by Bloom Bake Shop and Ice Cream from The Chocolate Shoppe

Catering: Goodman Community Center

Wes + Sam: A Gorgeous Fall Wedding Day

Who knew what hating pink starbursts would lead to…

Sam + Wes met on Hinge, where Sam’s answer to the “unpopular opinion” question (that he hated pink starbursts) kicked off an intriguing conversation that turned into a lasting commitment, that turned into a marriage to celebrate that commitment! Which is absolutely amazing (even if I love pink starbursts).

The wedding day they planned with the help of their families was phenomenal and had so many sweet touches, including a guest “book” that was actually a phone (where you could leave a message for the couple!), a chest full of blankets in case folks got cold, an outdoor dance floor under the stars, and fake mustaches for the wedding party!

While the day started off rainy, it cleared up just in time for Sam + Wes’ ceremony. The wedding day itself (both ceremony and reception) was held at the property of Wes’ mom and stepdad, and it was the perfect backdrop for such a joyful celebration.

Help me wish these two a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Wes’ Mom & Stepdad’s House

Officiant: Angela Santanni (friend)

Hair & Makeup: Rooted Culture Salon

DJ/Band: William Chorski

Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Wedding Coordinator: Brooke with Your Day, Your Way

Decor Rentals: Tables/chairs/bar/dinner service rentals from Event Essentials; Tent and Dance floor rentals from Madison Party Rental

Traci + Nicci: Wedding Portraits in a Wooded Wonderland

Traci + Nicci wanted to do their wedding portraits in a place that is very special to them

So we headed out to Donald County Park in Mt. Horeb to stop at some of their favorite spots along a trail they used to hike and run when they lived in Madison. It was a gorgeous day, and the spots they picked couldn’t have been more beautiful. Their actual wedding was just a few days before, which was an intimate gathering of close friends and family that they hosted at their house, but they knew they wanted their wedding portraits at the park, and I’m so, so glad they did, because it was just perfect! These adventuring folks climbed trees and rocks and braved all kinds of things to get fun photos, and it was such an honor to get to celebrate with these two!

Help me wish these two a big congratulations!!!

—Sam

Cassie + Luke: A Halloween-Themed Costume Party Wedding

A fun and sweet (literally) wedding day celebration!

Cassie + Luke met at The Bodgery (Madison’s makerspace) and bonded over a shared love of learning new things, making stuff, tabletop games, and a good sense of humor (love a good “yes, and”!)

Their wedding day was halloween-themed, complete with a trick-or-treat dessert bar, and adorably spooky accents, as well as games and crafts! Cassie + Luke also handmade each of the terrariums for each table, showcasing their love of making things, and, it was a costume party, which I love!

It was such a beautiful and joyful wedding day, and I’m so happy to have been able to celebrate with these two and their closest friends and family!

Help me wish them a big congratulations and enjoy the pics!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Red Oak Shelter and Devil’s Lake State Park

Jewelry: Engagement Ring by Aurora Designer; Wedding Bands by Lee Dorn Jewelers

Bride’s Outfit: Dress by Holy Clothing; Armor by ArtisansDAzureLARP

Groom’s Outfit: Atelierbacodaseta

Band: Fermata Caesura

Desserts: Madison Sourdough

Catering: North & South

Joy + Dave: A Chic and Modern Wedding at the Palestrina

Dave + Joy met at a Roller Derby after-party, at the urging of a mutual friend

Their friend, Kristin (our first friend in Madison when Rob and I moved here), recommend to Joy that she meet Dave, and then proceeded to show a picture of Dave with a beer glass just about as tall as he is, which is no inconsiderable height. Joy was open to meeting and low and behold, they both ended up at the same roller derby after party at the Atomic Koi, and hit it off from there!

These two love cats, Minecraft, and each other most heartily, and it’s clear as day when you see them together. I love how excited they were during the first look. I love how even when things went sideways (as many things do on any given wedding day), they rolled with the changes (see my REO Speedwagon reference there?) and enjoyed the company of their closest friends and family, and each other. I also love how they picked their wedding date. 10/22 would have been Joy’s grandparents 70th wedding anniversary, so this was a lovely way to honor her grandma who passed away in 2017 and her grandpa, who was able to make it to the wedding and take a spin around the dance floor with Joy.

Joy + Dave’s wedding day was so beautiful, and filled with little thoughtful details! Check out the whiskey tasting station, the photo guest book station, and the message in a bottle station they setup!

Help me wish these two a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos of their amazing wedding day!

—Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Palestrina Event Center in Verona, WI

Officiant: Kelly Ignatoski

Hair & Makeup: Allure Artistry

Bridal Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria

Groom Tux: Men's Warehouse

Wedding Jewelry: Joy’s Wedding Band by Chalmer’s Jewelers | Joy’s Engagement Ring by EraGem | Dave’s Wedding Band by Larson Jewelers

Band: Hometown Sweethearts

Florist: Surroundings Events and Floral

Desserts: Cake by Madison Sourdough & Mini Bundt Cakes by Nothing Bundt Cakes

Catering: Blue Plate Catering

Wedding Coordinator: Copper Feather Events

Videographer: Ella Bella Productions

Gabi + Jacobi: A Glamorous and Joyful Outdoor Wedding in Sauk City

Jacobi + Gabi had a beautiful wedding day outside of Hahn House and The Vintage in Sauk City

I love the complimentary colors of their wedding dresses. and all of the wonderful touches that these two had as a part of their wedding day. It was an intimate celebration with family and close friends, with the outdoor ceremony taking place in between The Vintage in Sauk City and the Hahn House, and the reception following on the 2nd floor of the Vintage.

The wedding ceremony was also absolutely wonderful (and I cried at least twice). These two are so adorably in love, and I loved how they helped each other get ready, helped dry each other’s tears, and hugged their new in laws with gusto. It was a joy to celebrate with Gabi + Jacobi and their families!

Help me wish them a big congratulations!

—Sam

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

Ceremony Venue: The Hahn House

Reception Venue: The Vintage Sauk City

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

Emma + Daniel: A Fall-Themed Wedding at the Goodman Brass Works Building

We were so excited to photograph Emma + Daniel’s wedding in the historic Goodman Center Brass Works Building!

I have been wanting to photograph a wedding in the Brass Works building ever since the Goodman Center renovated it, but COVID had other plans. It turns out it was well worth the wait though, because Emma + Daniel’s wedding was an absolutely perfect wedding day, and a great way to send off our 2021 wedding season!

All of the little personal touches that Emma + Daniel poured into their wedding day were wonderful! Daniel made all of the vases that sat on each of the tables and Emma designed the floral decor herself! With Daniel being a trumpet player, there were no shortage of musical guests playing for different parts of the wedding day, and the whole thing was such a lovely and sweet celebration of these two and their commitment to each other.

Help me wish Emma + Daniel a big congratulations, and enjoy the photos of their magical fall wedding day!

-Sam

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

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Goodman Center Brass Works

Officiant: Phillip Cross (Dan's Uncle)

Wedding Band: Orchesta de Latin Pride (Sound equipment courtesy of Dan's uncle Fred)

Wedding Gown: The Wedding Shoppe (Wilderly bridal collections)

Groom’s Tux: Men's Wearhouse

Bridal Jewelry: Family Heirlooms

Hair Stylist: Brynn The Styling B

Wedding Party Attire: Mother of the maid of honor made the bridesmaid dresses and Dan’s mother made the Groomsmen’s vests & ties

Florals: K&A Greenhouse (floral decor, designed by the bride), Bre Cotter (bouquets), Suella Moran (boutonnieres)

Wedding Desserts: The House Cafe & Bakery

Catering: Working Class Catering