Milwaukee Art Museum Wedding | Libby & Allen

Oh how much we adore these two! We've had Libby & Allen's wedding day on our calendar for over TWO years! From the moment Libby got in touch with us about being her and Allen's wedding photographers we knew we were going to fall in love with them! Their story is adorable, and seeing them together is even more adorable! 

Even though we had talked, emailed & snapped each other endlessly, the first time we actually met in person was their engagement session along the Mississippi River near Prescott, Wisconsin. Put simply, they are SO easy to photograph. They're best friends and their love for one another was bursting in front of our cameras. From then on, their wedding day at the Milwaukee Art Museum could not get here soon enough!

The white canvas of the museum complimented Libby & Allen's sense of amazing style beautifully. And seriously, those Louboutins were meant to be worn in that venue and on Libby's  feet! The Art Museum holds special meaning to Libby & Allen as that's where they went on their first date and on the day Allen proposed. Since they became engaged, the two of them collected vintage tea pots for their centerpieces to be filled with lilacs and spring blooms by Libby's Aunt. And did we mention Libby's mom, Kris, created the most gorgeous table linens as well as the bridesmaid dresses and Libby's sparkly reception dress & veil! 

As if we didn't have enough beauty on their wedding day, mother nature rolled in the perfect shade of fog that was thick enough to get lost in the sea of white! It was as if it was Libby, Allen, & their family and friends had the museum all to themselves and downtown Milwaukee was nowhere to be found (or seen)!

Libby & Allen, we adore you two, wish you were our neighbors, and are bursting with happiness that you now call each other husband & wife! Thank you for trusting us to document your marriage that was years-in-the-planning! Our hearts are full when we look at your photographs and how HAPPY the two of you were on your perfect day in Milwaukee :)

Love, Kelsy & Butch

Milwaukee Art Museum photos captured on film with Contax 645, Pentax 67 and Nikon F100 with Fuji Pro 400H, Ilford 3200 and TriX 400; developed & scanned by Fast Foto & Digital.

Venue: Milwaukee Art Museum  |  Hair & Makeup: Beth Haroldson, Bella Beau Salon/Spa  |  Florist: Bride’s Aunt, Beth Baumann  |  Donuts: Holey Moley  |  DJ: Sound by Design  |  Invitations: The Polka Dotted Bee  |  Rings: Kesslers Diamonds  |  Ring Boxes: The Mrs Box  |  Programs, Menus: friend, Lynda  |  Bride's Gown: from Posh Bridal, designed by Casablanca Bridal  |  Bride's Veil & Reception Dress: made by Bride's Mom, Kris  |  Bride's headpiece: Nina from Che Bella Bridal  |  Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin, from Neiman Marcus  |  Bridesmaid Dresses: made by Bride's Mom, Kris  |  Groomsmen Attire: Shirts & Ties from J.Crew  |  Archway & Monogram: Made by Bride & Groom

INDIAN WEDDING IN MADISON, WI | JEN & RAJ

After Day 1 of Jen & Raj’s wedding celebration in Madison came Day 2. The resounding agreement among many of their guests who hadn’t seen a Hindu wedding ceremony before was the feeling of being truly honored to witness and be a part of such incredible cultural traditions. And, we couldn’t possibly agree with them more!!

Raj’s family brought countless vibrant silk Sari’s and beautiful jewels with them from Hyderabad, India – all of which were custom-made for Jen & Raj’s loved ones to wear. A Henna artist from Chicago spent hours upon hours sharing her art on the ladies’ hands as the morning excitement swirled around their room at the Concourse Hotel. While Raj attended the Ganesha and Gowri pooja, a blessing that took place in his room, Raj’s sisters began dressing Jen. Each of them wore their own stunning color, and Jen was being draped in a rich yellow Sari. Photographing these moments where Jen’s parents and close friends were in awe of the transformation happening before their eyes was something we will never forget! After her Sari was styled just so, it was time for Jen to be dolled up in symbolic jewels Raj’s family had selected for her. With her dark hair and sparkly eyes, Jen looked like a queen! Meanwhile, Raj looked like a king in his traditional attire. Jen attended her blessing, the Gowri Puja, then it was time to make her way to the beautiful Mandapam in a grand room where all of her & Raj’s guests were seated. During the ceremony, Narasimha Chari Samudrala, a Hindu vedic priest from Chicago, made sure to tell everyone that none of the rituals happening were lost on Jen. He went on to say, she made sure leading up to the ceremony that she understood the reasons & history behind every ceremony ritual she would be a pet of with Raj. The two of them even created a detailed ceremony program so all of their guests would have a sense of the significance and meaning as well.

Jen & Raj's wedding truly was a whirlwind two-day celebration! The corners of our smiles hit our ears, and our eyes have never been wider. Much of that was due to the beautiful wedding Jen & Raj planned for their guests, but most of it was due to their kind hearts and wonderful family. We felt like special guests while photographing, and we are so thankful we were the ones capturing so many moments for Jen & Raj. Thank you from top to bottom and side to side of our full hearts!! 

Love,
Kelsy & Butch

Wisconsin Indian Wedding Photos captured with Contax 645, Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500cm and Nikon F100 on Fuji Pro 400H, Portra 800, and Ilford XP2 film. Processed by Fast Foto.

Venue: Madison Concourse Hotel  |  Wedding Invitation: Ajalon, Santa Rosa, CA  |  Hair & Makeup: Unit One Salon, Amanda  |  Eyelashes: The Lash Loft, Madison  |  DJ: Juke Box Bandstand  |  Rings & Bride's Jewelry: Jim Kyrshak  |  Henna Artist: Henna Services of Chicago, Zainab

MADISON WINTER WEDDING | JEN & RAJ

You know how sometimes you meet someone and just immediately love them? That’s how we felt when we had the pleasure of meeting Jen years ago and, since then, we've enjoyed getting to know her and her adorable pup, Hazel. This summer, Jen reached out with the most EXCITING news and we couldn’t have been happier to hear that she had met a wonderful man who she couldn’t wait to share her life with. We instantly enjoyed the company of Raj just as we did years back with Jen and knew these two were an incredible couple! 

Just four months ago, Raj proposed to Jen under the stars in Utah, and they dove right into planning their Catholic-Hindu wedding celebration in Madison, WI. We’re still blown away at everything they planned in such a short period of time, and would joyfully go back to January 1st & 2nd of this year to photograph their wedding again & again. Raj’s family traveled great distances to be a part of their wedding, as did Jen’s and many of their wonderful friends. With the Concourse Hotel as their wedding ‘home base’, we photographed Jen getting ready surrounded by her friends and family in a giant room overlooking Madison’s charming downtown. The sun was shining, it was a perfect winter day in Wisconsin, and it was New Year’s Day! What better way to start the year than to get married to the one you love most?

After sliding into her sparkly kate spade flats and her Grandmother’s stunning fur-collared red coat, we were off to Blessed Sacrament Church. Jen & Raj's Catholic ceremony was officiated by Msgr Joseph Diermeier from St Mary’s Church – the church Jen’s family belongs to in Marathon, WI. After a beautiful ceremony and musical treat from Jen as she beautifully played the flute to “Ava Maria”, her & Raj were announced husband & wife. We had JUST enough time to make it back to the Capitol for portraits as the sun was setting, which made for the most romantic scene!

With the help of daffodil parker’s gorgeous florals, Jen & Raj filled their reception with elegance as well as splashes of Indian decor & flavor. Heartfelt toasts, a memorial table to honor and love on their cherished family members, and a delicious meal led to a packed dance floor with popular American and Indian songs, and they danced the night away!

We couldn’t be more thankful to have been a part of Jen and Raj’s wedding – and this is just day one!! Later this week we’ll be sharing photos from their Hindu ceremony and wedding day, so be sure to stop back because we are exploding-excited to share more from their vibrant celebration!

Lots of love,

Kelsy & Butch

Madison Wedding Photos captured with Contax 645, Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500cm and Nikon F100 on Fuji Pro 400H, Portra 800, Ilford XP2 and Ilford 3200 film. Processed by Fast Foto.

Wedding Ceremony: Blessed Sacrament Church, Madison  |  Wedding Reception: Madison Concourse Hotel  |  Wedding Invitation: Ajalon, Santa Rosa, CA  |  Hair & Makeup: Unit One Salon, Amanda  |  Eyelashes: The Lash Loft, Madison  |  Florist: Daffodil Parker  |  Officiant: Msgr Joseph Diermeier from St Mary's Church, Marathon  |  Cake Artist: Bloom Bake Shop  |  DJ: Juke Box Bandstand  |  Rings & Bride's Jewelry: Jim Kyrshak  |  Bride's Dress: The Bridal Event, Appleton  |  Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade  |  Groom's Attire: Campbell Haines Menswear

UNIVERSITY CLUB MADISON WEDDING | KATE & BRANDON

Kate & Brandon. What can we say. They're FAMOUS! Their love story has taken the internet by storm this last week and we cannot believe we were the ones there to photograph them promising each other forever in Madison, WI! These two met on a Michigan football online forum. The story is absolutely adorable, and you can watch ESPNs take on it HERE, or People magazine's version HERE... or New York Times HERE... Or HERE, HERE and HERE. Let us know if you need more options... they're out there!

It's no wonder so many are drawn to their story. The two of them are magnetic! Every time an email would pop into our inbox from Kate, we would literally be laughing at our computers as we read her words. And in person, this effect is multiplied. Kate & Brandon have magnetic personalities and a sense of humor people would pay money to have. They're so FUN! 

It didn't matter that it was a little cold, a lot windy and some water was falling from the sky. It was Kate & Brandon's wedding day and they were BEAMING! Just seeing their favorite friends and most beloved family all there to celebrate with them was all they needed... and, of course, they couldn't get enough of each other!

They said "I do" along with the most heartfelt vows at the charming, historic First Lutheran Church in Middleton, WI, and had all of their guests meet them at The University Club in Madison for the most romantic of receptions. Hints of their personalities were everywhere to be found, from "things you may not know about" signs in both his & her stylings, miniature animal figurines painted in silver & gold holding each guest's place card, painted books for table numbers, and a little sign with an encouraging quote from 'vodka' telling everyone, "Trust me, you can dance." We can totally hear the two of them saying that :)

Kate & Brandon! Thank you to the moon and back for inviting us to photograph your incredible love story! You two are awesome and we wish we could transplant the two of you into Wisconsin for good... you know, because we want you two as friends :)

Love, Kelsy & Butch

University Club Madison, Wisconsin Wedding Photography capture with Contax 645 and Pentax 67 on Fuji Pro 400H, Ilford 3200 and Portra 800 film.

Getting Ready: Hilton Doubletree | Ceremony: First Lutheran Church Middleton WI | Reception: The University Club Madison WI | Planner: Ann Marie Reve, Reve Madison | Hair & Makeup: Tara, Be Inspired Salon | Florist: Daffodil Parker | Officiant: REv. Joan Pape, Ceremonies by Design | Cake: Chris Olson, Chris Confections | DJ: Capital Sound DJs | Paper Goods & Signage: Etsy | Ceremony Program: Designed by the Groom | Bride's Ring: Blue Nile | Groom's Ring: Jesse Danger via Etsy | Bride's Dress: by Allure, from NY Bride & Groom in Charlotte, NC | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka via BHLDN | Bride's Jewelry: Earrings borrowed from Matron of Honor | Bride's Veil: Blanca Veils on Etsy | Bride's Headpiece: Lula Splendor on Etsy | Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN, David's Bridal, etc | Groom's Attire: Calvin Klein Tux from Mens Wearhouse | Photo Booth: The Traveling Photobooth

VILLA TERRACE MUSEUM WEDDING | COURTNEY & BILLY

A Villa Terrace Museum Wedding at sunset. Oh how lucky we are to have been the photographers for Courtney & Billy's BEAUTIFUL Milwaukee wedding! Where do we begin? Their style, the unique florals with olive branches & eucalyptus, the gold glittered vases (made by Courtney!) and mercury glass touches which added just the right amount of sparkle, the blue Ikat fabric runners and teal Moroccan napkins, and the rich setting of the Villa Terrace all came together to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the heart of Milwaukee for all of Courtney & Billy's guests! The two of them said "I do" in the fading light atop Villa Terrace's patio, then toasted with their guests under strung lights against the open sky, giving the warmest glow to a crisp fall evening. Billy's friends, who just happened to be an awesome band, had the dance floor shaking! But not before Courtney & Billy were unable to wipe smiles off their faces while dancing under those perfectly glowing lights! The sweet moments these two shared had smiles taking over all of their guests, and also the two of us! 

As far as weddings go, Courtney & Billy planned a dream wedding celebration! If we could, we would rewind and do it again & again!! Thank you, Courtney & Billy, for giving us the opportunity to document your romantic evening! We are so in love with your wedding photos and feel absolutely honored to have captured them for the two of you.

Love, Kelsy & Butch

Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum Wedding Photos in Milwaukee, WI, captured with Contax 645, Pentax 67 and Nikon F100 on Fuji Pro 400H, Ilford XP2 and Ilford 3200 film.

Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Villa Terrace Museum | Wedding Coordinator: Dare to Dream Weddings | Makeup: Blush | Hair: Scot Free, Milwaukee Street | Officiant: Rob Ater, Immanuel Presbyterian | Band: Billy's friends, Jeff Cramer, Dan and Greg Chojnacki | Cake: Sweet Prefections | Catering: Lee Johns | Paper Goods: Friend of the couple, Heidi Ramos | Bride's Ring: from A Trio Jewelry, designed by Amy Shallow | Bride's Dress: Amsale "May" from Zita's Bridal | Bride's Veil & Jewelry: Zita's Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Stewart Weitzman, Neiman Marcus | Groom's Attire: Suit from Brooks Brothers | Sweet Treats: Macaroons | Lighting: Milwaukee Airwaves Ramsey | Ceremony, Cocktail Hour Musicians and Dinner Pianist: Elegant Music Services | Cocktail Table Rental: Arena Americas