Racheal & Jason | Wedding

Racheal and Jason's wedding day was perfect. I always worry when the Bride is an event planner - they tend to put more pressure on the success of their wedding day. But all of those planning skills came thru and the day went beautifully. I've known Racheal & Jason since a few months before they were even engaged, and it has been such a joy to watch them through this whole process and a real privilege to be there on their wedding day to capture it.










This little one, I just have to tell you about her. Racheal calls her "monster", which is a name she got even before the family discovered that she can growl. Like, seriously growl like a monster. It is soooo hilarious! This is obviously a quieter and sweeter moment with her grandma:







The ceremony was held at Jason's family church. Most churches, especially in winter are DARK, in a way you can't even believe. This one was too, except for the front, which was expertly lit with some well hidden stage lighting. To me, this was total salvation (pun intended). Look critically at the lighting in your church, it can make a huge difference.

The groom's look:

Racheal studied abroad and her "London Mom" flew all the way from England to be there for the wedding:





We headed out to downtown Milwaukee for some picture time, and then on to the SafeHouse for some fun time:









And then it was off to the Venice Club for the rockin' reception. While on the bus, the groomsmen devised a game for the guests to play in place of clinking the glasses. The decided that if people wanted the couple to kiss, they would have to sing a song with the name "Faulks" in it (the new married name of the couple). I have to be honest, I figured one, maybe two people would actually do it. When we were on song number ten or twelve during dinner, I knew we were in for a fantastic reception. These two little guys definately gave the cutest delivery:


This one was just too funny not to post:


Racheal's Dad was diagnosed with cancer shortly after I met her. He has fought a long and hard battle with it, and recently has found himself cancer free. I know it has been a tremendous year for him and the family, and when Jason asked for a round of applause in respect for this battle here is what I got:


A great shot of Jason's mom:


I have no explanation for why I love this shot. It is one that would normally get deleted. But there is something about the way Racheal is burying her head in Jason's shoulder and his expression that I can't stop looking at:



Loved this shot of Jason's sister and her family watching the first dance:





I have to confess, this wedding was made a whole lot more fun by the fact that two of my aunts were there (one as a bridesmaid and one as a guest). They are such a barrel of fun:


If you remember Racheal & Jason's engagement story, then you'll catch on to the theme of their wedding:


Racheal & Jason - a thousand congratulations. I know the road ahead for you is bright and happy. Thanks so much for inviting me into your life to capture this special day.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Ordinary Moments

from google images

Sometimes in the most ordinary moment I am struck by how much I love my husband and how incredibly lucky I am to have this partner in life. It happens at nearly every wedding ceremony I shoot, but in every day life it comes at the oddest moments.

Today I was outside, clearing the front walk with my mini snow-thrower (we got 13 inches here) and I got hit by the snow caught in the wind from his snowblower down at the end of the driveway. I looked up to protest and instead I saw him and I was struck with a reminder of how much I appreciate and love him. This year has been a particularly interesting one with many ups and downs, twists and turns. We are, admittedly, tired. But when I think of what we can accomplish together and all that lies ahead for us, I am instantly re-energized. So today, for him, I give you the lyrics to one of our two wedding songs, to remind Hubby too:

"You and Me"
by Tom Petty


Take a look
at what i've got
I can't promise
you a lot
but you and me
and the road ahead

I can't save
you from yourself
you got to want it
all that's left
is you and me
and the road ahead

wherever that wind might blow
wherever that river rolls
you know i will go with you

looking over
the mountain's crown
the water roars
and tumbles down
like you and me
and the road ahead

wherever that wind might blow
wherever that river rolls
you know i will go with you

just you and me
and the road ahead

Kelly & Alex | Wedding

Kelly and Alex had a very chilly wedding day - weather-wise. Experience-wise it was all warm and fuzzy though. It was only fitting too, since this wedding was supposed to be this coming June. When Alex got a job offer and had to move, so did the wedding, and before anyone knew it, all the plans had been moved up seven months.

Ceremony: St. Jacobi, West Allis
Recetion: Mount Mary College Alumni Hall
Flowers: Petals

The guys started their day off with a brave game of catch in full tuxes out in the cold (see the slideshow for that). Over at the church, the girls gathered in the nursery to get dolled up. Score one for Mthree Studio when we saved the day with our sewing kit (always in my assistant's bag) so that a seriously incorrectly altered bridesmaid dress could be fixed.







Kelly and Alex opted for a first look, which in winter months is really smart. They got a special moment all to themselves and we also got the opportunity to shoot a few portraits in the sunlight, which is all too scarce this time of year.




The ceremony was simple and heartfelt:





Then it was off to Mt. Mary (Kelly's alma matter) for a few pictures and the reception. Thanks to the incredible cold, no one was in the mood for much time outside, so we had to get really creative with indoor options and brief moments outside.



I love the family feud feeling of this shot.




Party time:


I'm really loving the black and whites for this wedding.









The Details:


Kelly and Alex actually chose one of the songs I use in wedding slideshows as their first dance song. So with this slideshow, the song choice is all theirs. Enjoy!