All Night Long. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

Well, my friends the time has come,
Raise the roof and have some fun.
Throw a-way de work to be done,
Let the music play on.
- Lionel Richie

Yesterday was probably one of the most relaxed, "schedule be-darned", laid-back weddings I've done in a really long time. Even though bride Barbara is apparently known for her meticulous schedule keeping, we had so much time to play with between ceremony and reception that any timeline really didn't seem to matter....which was awesome.

It gave us several hours to do pictures, relax, drink some Hamms (well..THEY drank some Hamms...though I did get to hold some of the cans during the bus ride while necessary Ipod hook-ups took place). I was kind of surprised to find out that they still SOLD Hamms...but...I'm getting off track.

Devlin and Barb's ceremony was held at the absolutely STUNNING Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee. Because they opted for the "morning" ceremony, we had plenty of time to hit multiple picture locations. Score for this photographer!
We opted to visit the St. Joan of Arc Chapel on the Marquette Campus first, which was easily within walking distance of the church. Then, we hopped on the bus and took a fun trip around downtown, stopping off at Jimmy John's for subs (my FIRST time having a Jimmy John's sub....yes folks, I was sheltered). Then, it was off to the Third Ward area for more pictures.

Sadly, we were cut a BIT short by a freak downpour, but no worries! The group headed on to the Wisconsin Club where we got to sit back, relax, check out the room before hand....it was great.

The party kicked off and I can bet that even after I left, the dancefloor was packed "all night long". It was just a fun, ready-to-celebrate group.

I had a wonderful time with you and your friends yesterday, Barb and Devlin. Enjoy the sneak peek!

The Wisconsin Club wins for "Best Wallpaper in a Bridal Gown Shot". Hands down. LOVE.

The gals. Workin' it out.

This picture says a lot about the mood of the day: fun, silly, and lots of laughing.

They look serene, but this being downtown Milwaukee....we were only a few steps away from a big rat trap. Would never know.....

The drink du jour....yes folks, they still sell HAMMS!

Fancy Nike kicks.

Barb's brother sang the 1st dance song. I was blown away, it was fabulous. Before anyone got to the reception he was playing the guitar and this guy is chock full-o-talent. It was great.

I'll give someone major "cool points" if they can guess what song these girls are singing. Think "BIG NOTE".

Ceremony: Church of the Gesu Milwaukee, WI
Reception: Wisconsin Club Milwaukee, WI
Makeup: Blush Milwaukee, WI
Hair: Krystal Mydlowski
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse
Flowers: Muscari Milwaukee, WI
DJ: Muzic in Motion
Photobooth: Shutterbooth
Cake: Simma's
Picture Locations: St. Joan of Arc Chapel, Third Ward

I'm On A Boat! | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

I'm on a boat and
It's going fast and
I got a nautical themed
pashmina afghan
I'm the king of the world
On a boat like Leo
If you're on the shore,
then you're sure not me-oh
- The Lonely Island

I knew getting home and loading these pics that narrowing them down to just a select few for the blog was going to be a challenge. What a FUN day!

First off, it was gorgeous. No rain, nice warm sun...a perfect Wisconsin summer afternoon for Julie and Brandon. Second, we got to ride on a BOAT. Thanks to local boater Kingsley (who was on his FIRST DATE with his lady friend....talk about a story!) Julie, Brandon, the Best Men and Maid of Honor and I all got an awesome tour of Okauchee Lake on a pimped out pontoon. Oh yeah....we were on a BOAT.

But, I am getting ahead of myself. Before boating antics took place, the lovely couple were wed at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Milwaukee. From there, the group headed to Okauchee Lake and local hang-out Foolery's which butts up to the lake and is, apparently, a popular hang out for local boaters. Which is where Kingley (again, on his FIRST DATE) comes in.

After our super-fun tour of the lake, the group headed over to the reception site, the Golden Mast which is just GORGEOUS. Right on the lake, windows lining the room letting in beautiful, golden sunlight. Just lovely.

The party was in full swing by the time the sun set, led by local DJ Jeff Keller and visited later by everyone's favorite bendable pal, Gumby (not QUITE sure of the significance of Gumby, I forgot to ask...so if there's an interesting story there, feel free to spill!)

It was just one of those weddings that reminds me of how lucky I am to do what I do for a living. Great people, fun surprises, and just a really enjoyable day all-around. I had a great time, guys! Enjoy the sneak peek!

I walked down to the church basement and there were these rows of "uber-70's" chairs lined up, in varying colors. Love!

Julie's emotional vows.

Psssst....this was ON A BOAT! (That will NEVER get old!)

Boats are a blast.....

They can also be quite relaxing...

We had about 25 minutes for group shots....bring on the challenge! (We did get a bit side-tracked by a boat full of folks in togas....include Kathy Mykleby from WISN. Very....random)

This pose has been done in the past, but when I can convince a bride and groom to lay down in the grass and risk grass-stains, I go for it.

Ok, now this is probably a lot of pregnancy hormones talking, but I shot this picture of Julie and her dad and I instantly got teary and mushy. I had to show it to Julie right away. Nothing like a dad and daughter dance to just get the old waterworks going.

He's Gumby......and well...you know the rest.


Ceremony: St. Matthias Catholic Church Milwaukee
Reception: Golden Mast Okauchee Lake, WI
Flowers: Mayflowers
Tuxes: Savvi Formal Wear
DJ: Jeff Keller
Special Guest Stars: Kingsley the Boat Guy, Gumby, Kathy Mykleby in a Toga

Wonderful Tonight. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

I feel wonderful tonight
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you.
- Eric Clapton

Julie and Keith couldn't have asked for a better day for their wedding: sun was shining, it wasn't TOO hot and muggy, and it seems everyone they ever knew came out for this celebration (it was a packed house at the church, very cool to see).

The ceremony was held at the lovely Blessed Savior Catholic Church in Milwaukee. When I arrived, I was greeted by the priest who sternly told me "No pictures during the ceremony whatsoever". My heart jumped into my throat. Seriously? Then, he smiled..and said "Nah, just kidding! I just really like messing with photographers."

Man alive....mean trick there, Father! But, you have to love a priest with a sense of humor! That carried over to the ceremony when Father gave a stunning homily that really showed his affection for and knowledge of the couple.

After the ceremony we headed over to a local park for pictures, not quite realizing that the entire mosquito population of Milwaukee had decided to picnic at this particular park for the afternoon. It was heavy on the bugs, but a beautiful location...so we soldiered through. I have to say, thank goodness for the Mary Kay Calming Influence lotion I had in my car. I'm not usually big on product reviews in the midst of a wedding blog, but this stuff is a LIFE SAVER for bug bites!

The reception was held at Davian's in Menomonee Falls. The reception featured lots of pink, a "candy" bar that was SUPER popular, and table numbers displaying various Milwaukee landmarks.

The crowd was ready to party and it made for a very lighthearted and fun atmosphere. It was a beautiful day and evening, and I hope the couple enjoyed every moment! Thanks for letting me take part, enjoy the sneak peek!

I love when the wind helps out

The area mosquitos are saying to themselves: Look....sitting ducks! Let's get em!...but it looked nice!

I love a ring set up that can double as a quick snack after the shot.

Julie's dad giving a quick blessing to the couple during his speech.

The wedding and reception was very kid-friendly. The DJ even had a kid-centered music section featuring Spongebob, Scooby Doo and Madagascar music. Nothing better than a gaggle of kids tearing up the dance floor! I am loving the conga line forming in the background!

Ceremony: Blessed Savior Catholic Church
Reception: Davian's Menomonee Falls

The Sweetest Thing. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

The best dreams happen when you're awake.
- From the Father of the Bride's Speech

Angela and Kevin's wonderful wedding was almost one I missed. Angela had contacted me about a year ago inquiring about July 31st. Unfortunately, I had taken that as a Saturday off as it was Betty's 3rd birthday. Angela was disappointed but understood.

Then...her mom emailed me : )....and I realized they were so sweet and I just had a feeling this was one wedding I didn't want to miss. And I was right....

We started off the day @ Anton's Salon and Spa in Delafield where Angela presented me with a little wrapped gift for Betty. Sweetest. Gesture. EVER. I was just....well...verklempt. : )

The day HAD looked like rain but that soon gave way to a nice sunny day.

The ceremony was held at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta church in North Lake, with it's adorable chapel and Father, who looked just like Bob Hope. The ceremony was absolutely lovely, as they had added a boys choir and string quartet to the full Catholic Mass.

From the church we headed to downtown Pewaukee for pictures as well as Kevin's parent's house for an impromptu homage to Romeo and Juliet.

The reception was held at the GORGEOUS Legend of Brandybrook in Wales. Highly recommend this venue, it was beautiful. Every detail was adorable, from the yellow flowers to the silhouette napkins. One of my favorite touches were the candy bar favors with wrappers featuring pictures of the couple (including their engagement pictures....I love it when couples use their images in new and fun ways!)

Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones...or maybe they are just the cutest, sweetest couple...but I was teary eyed during several points of the night: Dad's speech? Wonderful. 1st Dance? Fabulous. Dad and Daughter dance? Completely sweet.

I am so glad I got to capture this wedding. It was a wonderful night and the nicest two people anyone could ever want to work for. I hope your night was as wonderful as you deserved! Enjoy the sneak peek!

Angela's dress was STUNNING....

Doesn't the Father look like Bob Hope!? How cute!

Nothing wrong with a bit of cheesy, I told Angela. The beer bottle adds that bit of class.

Cutest cake topper known to man.

I had to include this shot, because I literally laughed out loud when I came upon it. This says EVERYTHING about having a toddler!

Hair/Beauty: Antons Salon and Spa Delafield, WI
Ceremony: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta North Lake, WI
DJ: Sound by Design Milwaukee, WI
Videographer: Be There Again Milwaukee, WI
Reception: Legend of Brandybrook Wales, WI