A Fairytale Fall Wedding in the Woods of Wisconsin. Love has a unique way of bringing people together, and for S+J, their journey started in the heart of Wisconsin’s enchanting woods. Surrounded by the rustling leaves and the crisp autumn air, their fall wedding was nothing short of a fairytale. The magical setting for their special day was a camp where the couple first crossed paths. S+J met at this picturesque location, where the woods provided the perfect backdrop for their love story to unfold.  What made this wedding even more extraordinary was the international touch it had. J, hailing from England, had his family fly in overseas to be a part of this joyous occasion. The blend of English charm and Wisconsin wilderness created a unique atmosphere that enchanted everyone present. The ceremony took place by a serene lake, adding a touch of tranquility to the festivities. The water mirrored the stunning autumn sky, reflecting the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. It was a visual metaphor for the potency of S+J’s love – as deep and endless as the lake itself. The fall-themed decorations embraced the natural beauty of the season. Rich, warm colors adorned the tables, and the fragrance of pine trees filled the air. A rustic charm permeated every corner, from the wooden benches for guests to the fairy lights that twinkled overhead. The fusion of cultures, the beauty of the woods, and the love between S+J created a wedding day that will be etched in the memories of all who attended. It was a celebration of love, nature, and the magical moments that happen when two souls find each other in the heart of the woods.  

When you travel and visit new places, your creative mind finds so many fresh opportunities for photos. The flip side is you take for granted the local offerings of your own town, so I decided to venture out to the UW campus area earlier this summer and try to find a creative spark. 

I was on Bascom Hill when I saw swarms of people about and realized it was graduation day for many seniors and they all came to have a photo taken with Bascom Hill in the background, the Abraham Lincoln statue, and of course good ole’ Bucky Badger. Sitting there watching all the smiles and laughter, you could only smile thinking of all the possibilities that awaited these bright young minds. I had my camera out and took a few snapshots when suddenly I was approached by a young gentleman. He had a little panic in his voice and asked if I could kindly take some photos of his girlfriend, Massendra. I guessed he saw my camera and assumed I had some skills haha. He was second-guessing the quality of the photos he was taking with his phone. He offered to pay me some cash but I didn’t need that to just take a few images. 

We did some simple shots and I learned Massendra was going on to graduate school to be a Licensed Professional Counselor. We need all the talented and caring people like her, to make a positive impact on the community. I’m hoping for the best for her and know she will succeed!

As a wedding photographer, I have had the pleasure of capturing some of the most beautiful moments in people’s lives. In the fall of 2022, I had the opportunity to be the second shooter for a Catholic wedding in Whitewater, Wisconsin at St. Patrick’s Church during the stunning fall season.

The bride and groom had chosen the perfect location for their wedding, surrounded by the beautiful fall foliage that Wisconsin is known for. The ceremony was held at St. Patrick’s Church, a stunning church with beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate architecture, and a rich history.

As a second shooter, my main responsibility was to capture candid moments throughout the day. From the groom getting ready to the ceremony, I was constantly on the lookout for those fleeting moments that make a wedding day truly special.

One of the highlights of the day was the couple’s first look. The groom was waiting anxiously as the bride approached him from behind. When he turned around to see her for the first time, the joy on his face was truly infectious. It was a beautiful moment that I was honored to capture.

The ceremony itself was full of traditional Catholic rituals, including the lighting of the unity candle and the exchanging of rings. The priest officiating the ceremony was warm and welcoming, making everyone feel at ease and emphasizing the importance of the union the couple was about to enter into.

The fall colors outside provided the perfect backdrop for some stunning portraits of the bride and groom. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and love. Throughout the day, I was struck by the couple’s love for each other and their deep faith. It was truly an honor to be a part of such a special day in their lives and to capture the memories they will cherish for years to come.

In conclusion, shooting a Catholic wedding during the fall season at St. Patrick’s Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin was an unforgettable experience. From the stunning fall colors to the beautiful ceremony, it was a day filled with love and joy. As a second shooter, I was grateful to have had the opportunity to capture the special moments throughout the day and contribute to the couple’s lasting memories of their wedding day.