Adam and Meghan's Charming Barn Wedding // Bridle Barn and Gardens, Mt Horeb, WI

Meghan and Adam have been an amazing couple to work with, first with inviting me to Washington DC for an engagement session, then renting a car to pick me up out of state at midnight, taking my husband and I out on the town. We've really grown to know this couple and seeing their wedding come to life showed it's genuinity.  I really enjoyed the Wisconsin Meets California touches and the backdrop of Bridle Barn and Gardens, Meg's BHLDN gown and Adams Navy suit. The lights in the trees, Adele playing in the background, strong meaningful words at the ceremony, funny and heartfelt toasts, a little  couple dance off back to the barn after dusk photos and a blast from the past surprise song from the brides dad. Real, True, Genuine People. I'm glad to say their wedding matched them perfectly.  Despite some changing weather, it was an absolute perfect day.  I couldn't be more honored to be a small part of it. 

Alysa and Tyler's Romantic Barn Wedding // Enchanted Barn, Hillsdale, WI

I have been waiting for this wedding for a LONG time. Alysa and Tyler chose me to document their day plenty in advance and we were able to meet for an engagement session and then I didn't get to see them again for another whole year.  I gathered right away that these two were perfect for each other,  and they had already overcome so much together that this union was forever.  Then I got to the wedding and met their families, who have known each other for year and years long before Alysa and Tyler were born and I could see the puzzle forming, this was always meant to be. I was lucky enough to be a part of it.  I think although this was a gorgeous wedding at a spectacular venue, The Enchanted Barn, the love between these two shines brighter than all decor or dresses.  When I was packing to leave Alysa said "do you have to go? put the camera away and stay for a beer"  These bonds with my couples are sacred to me! I feel the exact same, it's like after the wedding it's over and I am losing a friend. What will I do with out Alysa emails?  But,the best is yet to come.  Enjoy the preview! 

Wedding Inspiration from Kara

Kara and Tyler are this amazing couple who moved to Wisconsin from Kansas City in the middle of their engagement, they planned a wedding in Wisconsin and invited their closest friends and family to enjoy their new home. Kara has amazing taste and put together a perfect wedding even with a last minute venue change to The lageret!  What a resourceful bride! it worked like a charm.   Major props to Kara and Tyler, I would take their wedding advice any day!  Enjoy! 

 

1. What was your favorite memory from the wedding?

Ah! This question is so hard because there were so many favorite memories shared, and so many captured throughout the day. But, one that stands out from the rest was the "first look" moment that Tyler and I had with one another. Leading up to the first look, the day was so hectic, with getting ready and getting everything in order before our guests arrived. But, the moment that I tapped Tyler's shoulder, and he turned around to see me for the first time that day, it was like time stood still, and everything stopped around us. It was finally just Tyler and me- and all that mattered was each other. We realized in that moment that it didn't matter if everything wasn't "perfect" like we had been planning for the past year, all that mattered was that we were going to get married. It was really special, and a moment I won't ever forget.

2. What could you have done without?

I agonized over all of the small details- like painstaking, agonizing - where I spent hours trying to make sure I found the right decor, like my lanterns. I searched high and low for the best-priced lanterns and other table decor, and even though I love my pictures with my lanterns, and table settings, it wouldn't have been the end of the world if we didn't have them, or if they would have been a little different.

3. What is your best advice for planning brides?

Sometimes paying a little bit more for the non-DIY is well worth the price tag. Some DIY is great! But, if you're going to DIY all of your wedding, make sure you plan well ahead and get all of your craft projects done at least a month before the wedding, otherwise, you'll be crafting the day before the rehearsal dinner and that's never fun :/

Also, do make sure you eat a SUBSTANTIAL lunch AND dinner!!! so you can still enjoy a drink or two without getting intoxicated too quickly after dinner

One more thing ;)

If you plan to have your wedding outside, definitely plan a "Plan B" well in advance of the wedding.

4. Looking back, what was the MOST important?

Enjoying your day. Take it all in. Trying to relax, and breath, without letting it fly by. It really goes by so quickly and it's easy to let the stress of the planning take away from the real meaning of the day, which is celebrating your love story and promise to each other with your friends and family!

5.  What did you plan/Book first? Dress, venue, Photographer ?

1) Bought dress

2) Booked venue

3) Booked Photographer

6. Anything you want to add!

Dani Stephenson is amazing ;)