Megan and Matt are simply lovely.  Loving, kind, and sweet to each other and everyone around them.  Their wedding was held on the scenic Monona Terrace (my favorite spot in Madison, actually … I used to go there and read during the summers in college) on quite possibly the hottest day ever.  I was actually worried that I might see a groomsman or bridesmaid faint during the ceremony :)

Some of the day’s highlights included Megan and Matt’s “first look” before the ceremony, the best man’s ukelele performance (with audience participation), wedding party photos down by the Union Terrace (where the groomsmen accused me of staging a Backstreet Boys album cover shot ;)), emotional dinner toasts, and when Megan surprised her mom by giving her the bouquet, rather than tossing it.

Thanks, Megan and Matt, for being so awesome and nice.  I truly enjoyed photographing your day and being surrounded by you all.  Congratulations!

Vendor shout-out: flowers by the awesomely awesome daffodil*parker, ceremony, dinner, and reception at Monona Terrace, random photo extras courtesy of the Union Terrace visitors, DJ’ing by DJ Magic Enterprises.

Before the night was over, Megan and Matt wanted to get a photo with me.  Now, I look about as photogenic as a wet rodent after shooting a wedding all day long … but since I just love these two, I happily posed for a snapshot :)

When Pink & Ian contacted me from Singapore to shoot their Wisconsin wedding, I immediately knew it’d be a great match.  They are both creative professionals, love good architecture, and were planning an outdoor wedding with a scenic backdrop.  Their wedding is this coming weekend and I cannot wait to shoot it with my friend, Gladys, and spend more time with them.  They are just completely adorable and very clearly in love.  Photographing them this morning against Lake Mendota and the boats was so fun.  And Pink had some amazing blue heels.  I just love a fun, nice couple with a strong sense of personal style.

Can’t wait for Saturday, Pink & Ian!  Enjoy this little preview:

I feel so lucky to work with clients who trust my artistic vision and perspective completely.  Brianne and Richie not only trusted me … they are also two of the smartest, kindest, politest and sweetest people I have ever met.  In fact, they are so polite and sincere that every time I took a photo they would thank me.  I let them know they should stop thanking me … or it would be a long day of that :)

Brianne and Richie had their ceremony at the cutest little church in the middle of some farmland on a hill.  Then we all drove to their reception venue (the Lighthouse Inn) … which was so scenic, right on the lake.  That’s where I learned to say “Twivers” rather than “Two Rivers.”  I have never left a wedding without learning something new … but this one one of my fave new facts for some reason, haha.

Brianne and Richie — you are both beautiful souls and I think you’ll be happy together for a really really long time.  Thank you so much for letting me be part of your day.  You really know how to make someone feel appreciated … and I appreciate you both for that.

Troy and I don’t like driving on the interstate.  But with out-of-town families, it happens a lot.  This past weekend, after Father’s Day, my dad suggested a new route home … sans interstate (for most of it).

I can’t believe that after 10 years of living away from “home” I never knew about this back road way.  Driving alongside Lake Winnebago (not on the Oshkosh side, which is ugly) … was absolutely phenomenal. The lake looked like the ocean with farmland for its shore …  add a sunset with some windmills (my favorite), I just wanted to drive it all night long.

I hope to return here soon for a photo session.  It’s a little over an hour away from Madison, but it’s worth it.

Troy took the photos of me. The rest were taken while we were driving.  Glad we took a new way, a longer way, the scenic way, the way that made us stop even longer and get out of the car and take some photos for ourselves.

Madison finally had a sunny day on Saturday.  It has been raining and tornado’ing for over 2 weeks straight now.  As I write this, actually, the local news stations are asking people to take cover.  The sirens have just stopped.  But Saturday was beautiful and Kendall and Adam’s wedding was awesome.  I love an outdoor garden wedding and the Allen Centennial Gardens are a perfect little setting for one.  Kendall and Adam incorporated unique little details all throughout the day — from the coolest flower bouquets with bright pink netting … to super fun decorated cupcakes made by friends (one of whom doubled as a magician during cocktail hour) … to an entertaining reception band that played The Beatles for K+A’s first dance (can’t go wrong there).  Kendall and Adam are really sweet together.  I just love watching them interact and I’m happy to know them both.

Congratulations, Kendall and Adam!  I hope you are enjoying Hawaii and avoiding the rain we’re still having over here :)

Ceremony at Allen Centennial Gardens, amazing flowers by Pedal Pushers, food by The Roman Candle, reception at the Majestic Theatre, and music by the awesome Hometown Sweethearts.