Nestled in the heart of Waupaca, Wisconsin, the Crystal River Inn provided the perfect backdrop for Kelly and Dennis’s small, intimate wedding. Surrounded by lush gardens, historic charm, and their closest family and friends, the couple’s celebration was perfect, even the rain didn’t dampen the joy and happiness of all those in attendance.

Crystal River Inn is a hidden gem in Waupaca, boasting rustic elegance and cozy charm. With its beautifully restored interiors, scenic views of the Crystal River, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it was the ideal choice for Kelly and Dennis, who wanted a relaxed yet refined celebration. The inn’s gardens, adorned with vibrant blooms and the soft babble of the nearby river, set the stage for both romance and tranquility.

The couple exchanged vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony beneath a charming gazebo. The soft sounds of the river created a serene ambiance as Kelly, radiant in her lace gown, walked down the aisle. Dennis, in a tailored bespoke suit, couldn’t hide his tears of joy as he saw his bride. With the sun filtering through the trees and their loved ones seated close by, the moment felt both timeless and personal. A few of the children took turns speaking about the love and joy they felt in seeing their mutual parent find happiness and joy, and how natural it felt to join their two families as one.

Kelly and Dennis’s wedding was filled with personal touches that made the day uniquely theirs. From the words of affirmation by their children, the exchange of childhood photos of each other to never forget the joy in exploring and learning through life and experiences, the stacking of stones by each member of their family to symbolize the strength and stability of their union. I’ll always love seeing how my couples incorporate parts of themselves into celebrating their union.

As the evening came to a close, Kelly and Dennis kicked off their shoes and took a stroll through the nearby river, a credit to their joy and spontaneity in living in the moment. Kelly and Dennis’s wedding was a celebration of love, intimacy, and family – a perfect reflection of their personalities and the life they are building together. The Crystal River Inn provided a setting that was as charming and warm as the couple themselves, making this day unforgettable for everyone involved.

Congratulations to Kelly and Dennis on their beautiful beginning! May your journey together be as special as your wedding day.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Mendota, Tenney Park in Madison, WI provides the perfect backdrop for a summer wedding. With its lush greenery, serene lagoons, and charming stone bridges, this picturesque location embodies romance and natural beauty. This past summer, I had the privilege of documenting a stunning wedding here, and it was nothing short of magical.

The wedding ceremony took place in the late afternoon with a lovely lagoon serving as a backdrop. Guests were seated on white chairs, and others set out a blanket, creating an intimate setting that allowed everyone to feel connected to the couple.  The gentle sounds of the nearby lagoon added a serene soundtrack to the ceremony.  With K’s dear friend and cellist playing a sweet note, K looked radiant in her Greecian-inspired boho wedding dress, with her dazzling bouquet carefully picked with her favorite blooms, as she was escorted by her father to tie the knot with her true love, J. The couple’s love story was beautifully reflected in every detail of the day, from the personalized vows to the inclusion of their favorite local vendors.

After the ceremony, guests moved over to the nearby Tenney Park Pavillion. The Pavillion was transformed into a lovely dinner setting with appetizing food from Primal Cue brought in, and soon everyone was enjoying a tasty meal and sharing their best stories of the bride and groom. One of the most memorable moments was the couple’s first dance. They swayed to their favorite song as the golden hour bathed the park in soft light. Later in the evening, guests joined in on the dance floor, celebrating under the stars as all moved to the music as they danced the night away.

Capturing the Joy: A Bar Mitzvah Celebration in Madison, WI

I had the honor of photographing Levi’s Bar Mitzvah in Madison, Wisconsin. The day was filled with emotion, tradition, and joy as Levi embraced this significant milestone in his Jewish faith. It was truly special to capture these intimate moments—the proud smiles of his parents and the supportive gestures of his siblings.

The Chabad Madison Jewish Center, in the final stages of its grand opening, provided a great venue for this celebration. Levi read from the Torah with confidence and poise, a testament to his hard work and dedication. Photographing the expressions of friends and family, some who traveled far and wide, a lot from the East Coast—ranging from reverence to admiration—added depth to the visual narrative of the day. I made sure to capture a variety of groupings, from the entire extended family to individual portraits with Levi, ensuring a comprehensive collection of memories.

The event space was transformed with elegant décor, featuring blue and gold accents. The energy was high as guests enjoyed a lively dance floor and heartfelt speeches. Attention to detail is crucial in event photography. From the carefully planned dessert bar to the personalized kippot provided for guests, each element told a part of Levi’s story. Photographing these details adds variety to the photo album and helps the family remember the thought and care that went into planning the event.

Levi’s Bar Mitzvah was a day filled with love, tradition, and celebration. Being entrusted to capture these moments was a privilege. Through my lens, I aimed to tell the story of a young man’s rite of passage and the community that supports him.

If you’re planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the Madison area, consider reaching out to local photographers who specialize in these events.