What a beautiful day second shooting at beautiful Stein
Farms, located in Salem, Wisconsin. The lovely couple was already married but due to covid unable to share their special day with all the friends and family. They chose to re-celebrate their glorious union with friends and family. In addition to that, the mother of the groom also celebrated her vows after the main ceremony with her husband. So much love, happiness, and joy. It is such an honor to be a part of these special moments in people’s lives.

Stein Farms has a lovely layout, with the bridal party renting out a whole house adjacent to the main reception area. It had those details that make it an inviting place - a game room with its own pirate statue, hot tub, multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, and more. The day started out hot but we managed as best we could,
summer weddings indeed! Something or other was left back at home so Bill had to rush home, making the groomsmen shots a little tricky without the groom! He came back with minutes to spare but it just made the day that much more spontaneous.

The ceremony was lovely and tears of joy were shed for both Bill and Ceil, as well as the vows taken by his mom. Then it was off to cocktail hour! The reception was laid out wonderfully with easy access to the
outdoors. Dinner was a tasty selection of buffet items, including a whole roasted pig brought in. Toasts were given, lovely memories shared and well wishes of continued happiness for the dual couples celebrating. All these good feels extended to the dance floor. The bride and father dance shared a touching moment as they danced to a special song of theirs ‘Anastasia-Once Upon a December’. Ceil and her father were in their own moment, gracefully dancing, smiling, and laughing. Everyone else soon joined in and showed their best moves too.

Job finished, what else to do? Catch the Bucks game 5 alone in some small-town bar I’ve never heard of, of course.  

#bucksinsix 
:-)

I spent a lovely afternoon on the near East Side, in this charming space taking photos of some wonderfully beautiful models. If you want to find some unique and vintage items for that stunning retro look, I highly suggest stopping by at their Sherman Ave. location. Dresses, earrings, bracelets, eye wear, boots, shirts, they have a little of everything! On top of that Julia M. is an amazing hair stylist for those looking for a dazzling look.

A shout out to all the models , Megan, Tate, Julia R. and the store owner Julia M. , they brought tremendous energy to the shoot. 

I was fortunate to be a part of a group of other like minded photographers who see the beauty in the decay. Gary, Indiana has gone through enormous changes, once a thriving metropolis until the 1960’s, built on the back of America’s burgeoning steel industry, it was hit hard as jobs and industry left. It is estimated that up to one-third of all houses are unoccupied and/or abandoned. 

This is a brief collection of my images, showcasing what once were places where the community gathered or children went to enrich their minds, to show that there was once a prosperous foundation, that Gary is bravely trying to reforge.