I love a first look.  It’s one thing I would do differently about my own wedding day if I could.  Over the years, I’ve photographed those first glimpses in a number of different ways.  The first look is always specific to the couple in the form it takes.  Some do it alone, some with onlookers at a distance.  Some go blindfolded, some just show up at the same place and time.  The one shared factor is that it is always fantastic.

Stephanie had a great vision for how she wanted to see Ethan for the first time.  The result was one of the best first looks I’ve ever had the privilege to photograph.

First, Ethan and his guys got into position.  The men formed one solid line on the steps, and Ethan faced them.

Then, Stephanie crossed the street, hidden by her bridesmaids.  They formed a similar line, hiding Stephanie behind them.

And then, on the count of three, the girls parted and Ethan turned.

It was just….awesome.  And truly unforgettable.  Just the way a first look should be.

He ducked a bit so he could peek under the large awning of the tent.  A verdant green hill stretched in front of the tent, leading up to the tasting room of the winery.  Down by the creekside, he shivered a bit in the cool rainy breeze.  Just as he was about to stand up straight again he saw it.  A flutter.  He ducked lower.  There, on the hill was a dress, white, flowing, no….fluttering over the hillside.  It was her.  His heart stopped for a split second.  He hadn’t fully prepared himself for this sight – that he suddenly knew for sure.  The cloud of white and ruffles continued to float it’s way down the hill, a pair of well-heeled shoes keeping up next to the skirt.  He stood back up, steeling himself for the moment she would dip into his eyeline, below the tent.  His best man leaned over, cracked a joke.  He obligingly laughed, but instantly forgot what was said.  He looked back to the end of the aisle and there she was.  A vision.  A dream.  His wife.  And he had to remind himself to breathe.

Gaibrelle and Sam had planned for a beautiful outdoor wedding at the lovely Simon Creek winery, a gorgeous tented reception at Horseshoe Bay, all right in the heart of Door County.  And that is precisely what they got – with a few different details.  Spring came very late this year, holding up the budding trees and flowers, and bringing instead endless rain and cold.  But the temperature, the raindrops and the mud couldn’t get in their way that day – they took it all in stride, shrugged and laughed.  It was their love that made the day beautiful, and no one could deny that.

I just adored Gaibrelle’s little sister – so cute and full of personality.  And so tiny.  One day, her wedding day will be so fun.

Simon Creek winery might have been a bit barren for this spring wedding (afteral, the vines look more full in the fall), but we found beauty anyway.

Sam’s custom made Nicholas Joseph suit deserved a little recognition of it’s own:

So did Gaib’s breathtaking headpiece:

I said to Gaib “I’m pretty sure you are going to get dirty” and she just shrugged.  ”So what?!?” she said with a smile.  And so we went for it:

The Credits:

Ceremony Venue: Simon Creek Winery, Door County

Reception Venue: Horseshoe Bay Beach Club, Door County

Tent Rental: Sperry Tents

Florist: Burst, Green Bay

Cake: Truffles by the Wellington, Green Bay

Band: The Nicks, Door County

Caterer: Horseshoe Bay Golf Club, Door County

Bride’s Gown: Gigi Private Collection, Gigi’s of Mequon

Groom’s Suit: Custom made by Nicholas Joseph, Chicago

Stationary: Dapper Paper (etsy)

Linens: Hand-painted by the Bride

The tent, the linens, the whole design of the reception blew me away.  Hand-painted linens, shabby chic elements, a wishing tree, printed placemats, individual cakes, a gorgeous canvas tent right on the lake, simple string lights, mercury glass, I could go on and on.  It was a classically Door County wedding.  Just beautifully done, and a joy to experience and shoot.

I pull images from blogs, magazines, articles, websites – whatever – all of the time.  They live in a little cluster on my computer.  For what, I’m not 100% sure.  I mean, I’ve already had my wedding, and though my couples often ask for help with things, I don’t get to design theirs.  I think I save the images so I feel like I can use them in some way.

I thought maybe you’d be inspired by what I found to be interesting too…

Clearly, farm / barn/ rustic weddings are still an obsession.

A friend recently invited me to pintrest.  I’ve been avoiding it afraid it might become an obsession.  One day….

Katie and Nolan had a truly sophisticated wedding day.  Everything about their plans and choices exuded elegance.  A lovely Catholic ceremony at Christ King in Wauwatosa, and a drop-dead gorgeous wedding reception at The Pfister Hotel.  I have to hand it to Katie and her Mom – they had a firm hold on their vision for the day, and it was carried out in every detail beautifully.  The warmth and opulence was a nice contrast to the dreary, grey autumn day.

We were just enamored with the flower girl and ring bearer from this wedding – they were the epitome of cuteness!

I have to hand it to Sue from Fresh Design (once again) – she just knocked this floral design out of the park.  This room was breathtaking.  The natural feel of these arrangements is an unusual choice for a venue like the Pfister, but it worked so well in visually unifying the tables with the intricate period chandeliers hanging above.

Credits:

Ceremony: Christ King

Reception: The Pfister Hotel

Bride’s Gown: Judd Waddell

Flowers: Fresh Design

Band: Deja Vu

Cake: Peter Sciortino’s Bakery

Katie & Nolan, it was a joy to walk amongst you and your family and friends on this pivotal day for you.  Their love and care of you and your relationship is a treasure.  May the future be bright, bold and beautiful!