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Jennifer & Chuck - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Ceremony and Reception: Renaissance Place 1451
Hospitality Services Director: Scott Muñoz
Event Planner/Coordinator: Your Dream Wedding & Events
Florist: Moss Floral Design
Catering: Chef Jack's Milwaukee Catering
Disc Jockey: Double Platinum DJ
WOO-HOO! I'm almost caught up, and I couldn't wait to get this wedding blogged. Jennifer and Chuck were greeted with one of the nicest days of the summer, yet I don't remember going outside beyond moving my car and shooting the exterior of the Renaissance Place — during which, my camera kit (Nikon D3 and 24mm f/1.4G) hit the pavement when my camera strap conveniently unravelled itself when it was slung over my shoulder. ...That's how my day started. I heard a heavy THUNK on the concrete, followed by two breathy GASPS from the florists unloading their van, followed by several expletives that flashed through my mind. AH! The perils of being a wedding photographer. I picked up the camera, instantly looked at the front element on the lens, and it was scratch free. I reseated the lens and battery, pointed the camera at the wall, focused a few times, popped a few frames, zoomed in to see images. Perfect. THAT'S precisely the reason I invested heavily in the best magnesium alloy camera gear Nikon provides. Anything less (plastic lens and plastic camera body) would have broken. Nikon! Takes a Lickin' and keeps on Tickin'!
So after that heart stopping experience, Jen and Chuck's wonderful wedding day continued. I remember attending a Milwaukee wedding at the Renaissance Place several years ago, but I never remembered it like this. For the ladies, the dressing rooms are stunning. The colorful wallpaper, the rich fabric on the chairs, the direct lighting from the lone window, and all those mirrors make for fabulous relaxing getting ready photography. The lounge area inside the front doors is flanked by two separate bar windows. And the main hall upstairs. That's a spectacular sight. The high barrel vaulted ceiling supported by large columns, fifteen foot windows running down both sides of the room, and a balcony overlooking the entire golden colored space makes for one opulent wedding venue. It's one of the best hidden gems in Milwaukee.
Catharine Han of Dream Weddings and Events did a wonderful job designing, organizing and keeping this event running smoothly. ...As every wedding should be. If you brides-to-be don't think it's worthwhile to hire a wedding planner/designer, think again. They have access to resources you don't have, they'll think of things you never thought of, and they can SAVE you money by finding the best deals available. Then they take on the responsibility to make the day run smoothly so you, your family and friends can enjoy the day with no responsibility bestowed upon their shoulders. :)
Many thanks to Jennifer, Chuck, their warm family and friends for inviting me to be a part of their day; and to Catharine and Scott for throwing a fabulous wedding.
Much love,
c
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Brittney & Matt - Plymouth, Wisconsin
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Hair Salon: Salon at Sports Core
Bridal gown: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid's dresses: David's Bridal
Tuxedos: Cain's Bridal Wreath
Invitations: Cain's Bridal Wreath
Florist: Cain's Bridal Wreath
Ceremony Location: Justamere Pond - Residence of Dave & Sue Shaffer
Tent and Equipment Rental: Grand Rental Station
Reception: Millhome Supper Club
Reception Decorations: Lynn Schultz, Margaret Lodl & Brittney Passini
Party Favors: Brittney & Matthew Passini
Programs: Brittney & Matthew Passini
Slideshow: Nicole Passini
Music: B.Kuhl Entertainment
Videographer: Gary Kaiser
Cupcakes: Barbara Schultz & Vicki Janke
Cardbox and Caricature: Ashley Janke
AMAZING things really come in small packages; and this wonderful little wedding was no exception. It was truly one of the most heartfelt weddings I've had the pleasure to photograph. Look at the list above; this wedding was blessed by the hands of seemingly every family member. :)
Aside from the warmth and love of the family and friends, this charming home-cooked wedding had five things that stood out in a BIG BIG way.
1) lots of tears. I'm mean LOTSA tears. Everywhere I turned, there were tears of joy. When Brittney's father first saw his daughter in her wedding gown, the entire room cried with him — I think Brittney's little brother was crying.
2) A fuzzy twenty pound cat that hates men. ...Until it met me. Yes! I managed to tame the savage beast. You can get a look at the cat in a photo below, and it's one of my favorite photos of the day. LOL
3) Sticking with the animal planet theme. Think "Bees!". OK! not bees. Think WASPS! Lots of 'em. I placed a most gorgeous bride within 2 feet of two wasp nests hiding in opposite corners of a blue door. While you can see the blue door below, I retouched the wasp nests out of the image. ...and much to my delight, and I'm sure to Brittney as well, those wasps behaved rather well. But I can't say I wasn't holding my breath during the shoot. :)
4) Millhome has some of the very best fried chicken I've ever eaten. Forget Paula Deen's Lady and Son's restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. If you want some wonderfully good eats, head up to Kiel, Wisconsin and get at table at the Millhome Supper Club. I was this close >||< to stealing a tray and hiding it in my car.
5) Brittney and Matt's party managed to steal another bride, her groom, their wedding party and several of their reception guests during an EPIC mambo line that snaked it's way through another wedding reception. I've never seen anything like it — and it was bloody brilliant. :)
Thank you so much for a most memorable day. You two, your families and your wedding is going to hold a special place in my heart. Much love and many blessings.
c
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Lauren & Trey - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Wedding Planner: Dynamic Events, Inc.
Hair Salon: Stella's Hair Salon
Makeup Artists: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Ceremony: Fox Point Lutheran Church
Tent and Equipment Rental: Canopies Events with Distinction
Event Furnishings: Cort Furniture Rental
Bar Service: Bartenders On The Go
Linen Service: BBJ Linen
Florist: Impressions, by Esther Fleming
Catering: Marcus Catering
Cakes: Sweetness by Alice
Stationary: Paper Envy
Sound Services: Majic Enterprises
Cocktail Music: Jeffery Hamann
Dinner Music: Janet O’Mahony & Mark Thierfelder
Dancing Music: Pete Fleming Orchestra
Baby Grand Piano: Steinway Piano Gallery of Milwaukee
Trolley Service: DMI Limousine Service, Inc
Limousine Service: Blackline Limousine
Valet Service: Keehn’s Valet Parking, Inc.
Hotel: The Pfister
WHAT! AN! AWESOME! WEDDING! That's about all I can say. And why wouldn't it be? David Caruso and his marvelous crew at Dynamic Events, Inc. really know how to design and throw a spectacular party. Dynamic Event's work, coupled with all the vendors working diligently behind the scenes, again, made my job so easy. I can't thank you all enough.
Lauren and Trey's ceremony took place at the Fox Point Lutheran; a wonderful charming little neighborhood church. The soft baby blue walls, white trim, marble alter, candle lit aisles, and red accent behind the alter made for a glorious wedding. Wait until you see these ceremony photos. I LOVE 'em.
I spent a little time at Doctor's Park with the bridal party for a few portraits before we caught up with the guests at Lauren's parent's house for the celebration. WOW! Three spectacular tents created a magnificent atmosphere. There was a little poolside cocktail tent, a dining tent with a jet black chandelier and a baby grand piano surrounded by candles, and a killer dancing tent, complete with a lounge, flip-flops, shoulder throws, and a disco ball. It was STELLAR! The meticulous details were so well thought out, it's reason #1 to hire a wedding planner for your day. They'll think of things you NEVER would have thought of, and they'll pull it all together in a way you never dreamed possible. Flip-flops for the guests? Are kidding? How cool! And those purple flower lamps in the lounge, just all kinds of awesome. ...I could go on and on and on...
But a wedding, big or small, is always about the people; the wedding couple, their family and their friends, and the celebration they're all sharing. I must be one lucky wedding photographer, because no matter where I photograph a wedding, whether it be Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Cabo, or anywhere in between, I've been entirely blessed to work with such warm and inviting people. Lauren and Trey's circle of family and friends were no exception. The warmth, love, laughter, tears, even a few screams, made for a magical and unforgettable day. If you don't believe me, ask Lauren's dad — he made me cry behind the camera. I can't thank you enough for inviting me to be part of your incredible day. I loved this wedding so much, it just HAD to become a featured wedding on my blog; and It's a whopping 220 photos long. My longest to date. :)
Grab a drink, maybe some popcorn, throw on some good music, kickback, and enjoy the slideshow - click here — > Lauren & Trey's Fabulous Wedding
Much love to all,
c
PS, I've watched this slideshow five times (and counting) already, with a little romantic Buddha Bar music playing in the background, and I love each and every minute of it. ...and yes, I'm saving plenty of goodies for the private gallery. Mwuah! :)
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Lindsey & Mark - Chicago, Illinois
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Hotel: The Wit
Ceremony: St. Michael in Old Town
Reception: A New Leaf
Florist: A New Leaf
Catering: Entertaining Company
Catering Director: Rachel Schwanz
Cake: Entertaining Company
Bridal Gown: Amy Michelson
Bridal shop: Ultimate Bride
Bride's Shoes: Vince Camuto
Men's Suits: Suits By You
Groomsmen Suits: Kenneth Cole
DJ Service: Spin Productions
Limousine Service: Chicago Trolley Company
FINALLY! I get to boast about this incredible Chicago wedding. If you've been following my blog, you'll note from my previous wedding I predicted I could hit 120 photos for my next blog post. Well....This is the "next wedding" posted, and it hit 116 photos. Yet a new record. :)
The moment I met Lindsey and Mark, I knew I had to shoot this wedding. Lindsey and Mark have that rare engaging personality that just wraps you up. And with that endearing quality, I knew their photography was going to shine. Yes! I like to shoot weddings that make my job easy. :) The night before, during the rehearsal dinner (to be posted next week), I discovered they acquired their wonderful trait from their families. The love and laughter simply filled the room. Really, I couldn't have had an easier day of wedding photography, and it made my drive from Milwaukee SO worth it.
My day started at The Wit, covering the Lindsey, her sisters, and her mother getting ready. I'll never forget Lindsey's mother pointing to the dining room table while asking, "Did you get something to eat"? Lindsey followed with the comment, "If my mom is pointing, she's not asking. She's telling you, Go eat something!". LOL
A New Leaf may be my new favorite Chicago Wedding Reception Venue. The character of old exposed brick inside, the charming outdoor courtyard, contrasted with modern design elements, provided a truly unique wedding day experience. And the dinner provided by the Entertaining Company was outstanding — I could have noshed on their lobster mac and cheese and the grilled salmon all night. And the delicious tiny, bite-sized, pies were a great spin on the typical cupcake tree.
It's a true testament to Lindsey and Mark, their families and friends, and all the incredible wedding vendors involved to make things run as smoothly as possible. It was simply an exceptional wedding day.
Much love,
c
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