DOOR COUNTY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | KRIS, NICK & CARL

Kris, Nick and Carl are a breath of fresh air and an absolute blast to photograph! They invited us to their family's beautiful property in Door County and we had a perfect fall afternoon to play with them. :) After photographing Kris and Nick's wedding in this very spot just over two years ago, we were thrilled to see them again not only for a mini family session, but also for dinner at one of our favorites – Wild Tomato! Kris and Nick also shared some VERY exciting news with us which you'll likely figure out once you get to the last photo in this post (if not before). We're so excited for this wonderful family that we're lucky to also call friends!!!

Love, Kelsy & Butch

All images captured with Pentax 67 and Nikon F100 on Fuji Pro 400H.

LARSON BARN RIVER FALLS WI WEDDING | RACHEL & GARY!

Rachel and Gary are one of the most warm, loving, and JOYFUL couples we've ever met. There's a light and kind confidence in their eyes that makes you feel like someone GREAT, because that is simply what they do. They lift you up and are a true blessing to everyone who is fortunate enough to call them a friend or family!

From the beginning we knew that family is of the things in life that Rach & Gar cherish most, and they always kept that in the forefront of their wedding planning – starting with their engagement session that took place on Gary's family's farm! Carrying that passion into their wedding plans, they designed a day that not only reflected them as a couple but also encouraged all of their guests to join in the FUN! After a beautiful ceremony at Rachel's childhood parish in St Paul, the Church of St Mark, their guests made a lovely drive into the countryside of River Falls WI where the beautiful Larson Barn is surrounded by fields and giant trees. Things like an outdoor photo booth and cocktail style reception with amazing sweets made by their friend created an atmosphere filled with energy, conversation and laughter! To further personalize the Larson Barn they filled it with lights, vintage linens used at Rachel's aunt and uncle's wedding, wood chargers cut by her uncle, custom signs, amazing flowers all day long created by Rachel's aunt, and so much more!!

Not only was their day beautiful and filled with style & energy, it was also overflowing with LOVE. A love so big that when they played the video Gary made for Rachel when he proposed to her, there wasn't a dry eye in sight. Gary took the time to collect video of each of his and Rachel's family members and laced them carefully together so sweetly. After hearing words of encouragement and praise from Rachel's parents, sisters & brother, as well as Gary's parents and brothers, the last one to speak was Gar. The words he shared and the fact that they have this video to cherish for the rest of their lives is powerful enough to bring us to tears as we type!! This beautiful example of love right before Rach & Gar entered the dance floor to dance their first dance as Mr & Mrs Seifert couldn't have been more perfect! After beautiful dances with their parents (and Rachel's  family, who joined her & her Dad on the dance floor for a few sweet moments), all of their guests packed the floor and their evening took off!

Rachel and Gary, your enthusiasm for life, happiness, and marrying each other is truly inspiring. We adore the two of you and are beyond thankful that you chose us as your photographers!! We think of the two of you as dear friends and are couldn't be happier for you! Cheers to marriage, adventure, and love! :)

Love, Kelsy & Butch

PS – Did we mention that these two were doubly blessed with not just one rainbow, but a complete and vibrant DOUBLE rainbow?! :)

All images captured with Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500cm and Nikon F100 on Fuji 400H, Tri-X 400 and Delta 3200.

Flowers: Julie Jacobsen Kendle, aunt of the bride | Cake Artist: Megan Henry, bride friend | DJ: DJ Studdebaker's | Catering: Ptacek's Catering | Bride’s Dress: from Wedding Shoppe | Groom’s Suit: Bella Notte Formalwear

ELEGANT WAUSAU WEDDING | LISA & RYAN

Lisa & Ryan are one of the most thoughtful and genuine couples we've had the pleasure of getting to know. As anyone who knows them well would guess, their wedding plans went far beyond the dress and the venue; they had guests traveling to Wausau from near & far and wanted to be sure that everyone was not only welcomed to town, but also treated like family! The best examples of these warm, intentional gestures were the welcome box each guest received upon checking in to the Jefferson Street Inn, as well as the stack of adorably packaged sugar cookies that awaited them at their dinner table (Lisa's great grandmother's recipe, made by her Mom, Bertie) and the farewell brunch they hosted at their beautiful home the day after their wedding!

Quite possibly the most adorable moment of the year happened when Lisa had enough of not seeing Ryan on their wedding day. Just after slipping into her dress it was time to leave the room and march down the hallways of the Jefferson Street Inn, and if you were supposed to be there for the first look (us!) you'd better get moving! Luckily we were ready and so excited to capture Lisa & Ryan's first look, because the joy and anticipation in her face said it all. Lisa and her high heels practically ran to Ryan as he waited for her on Rib Mountain!

After a heartwarming ceremony at Lisa & Ryan's church here in Wausau, Saint Andrews, they exited through a sea of lavender which smelled even more amazing than you might imagine! :) Randy and his amazing team at Evolutions in Design worked closely with Lisa & Ryan to transform the Jefferson Street Inn into a cozy, romantically-lit space where the two of them and all of their guests enjoyed cocktail hour as well as dinner & dancing with a live band. Their friends & family were just as warm and welcoming as Lisa & Ryan themselves are as a couple, and it all came together into a wonderfully heartfelt (and stunning!) celebration of their love!!

Lisa & Ryan, thank you so much for entrusting us with the honor of telling the story of your wedding day through our images. We look back on your wedding day and our hearts are full seeing  all of the love written on everyone's faces, and we hope all the emotions of your day come rushing back as you look through your wedding photographs.

Love, Kelsy & Butch

All images captured with Contax 645, Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500cm, D800 and Holga 120 on Fuji 400H, PAN F 50, and Delta 3200.

Ceremony: Saint Andrews Lutheran Church | Reception: Jefferson Street Inn | Florist: Evolutions in Design | Hair & Makeup: The Beauty Cat | Cake Artist: Loving Traditions Cakery | Catering: City Grill | Band: Charisma (Bananas Entertainment) | Paper Products: Minted | Videographer: Sweet Pea Cinema | Bride’s Gown: Jenny Lee from Latelier Couture, Minneapolis | Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridal Jewelry: a.b.Ellie, Erica Koesler, and Haute Bride + bride's mother's pearls | Bridesmaid Dresses: Saison Blanche | Tuxes: Campbell Haines Menswear | Wedding Rings: Jim Kryshak Jewelers | Photo Booth: Photobooth2Go | String Quartet: Mary Premeau

WAUSAU WI ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY | ELLIE & ANDREW

Ellie & Andrew have such a fun and heartwarming relationship! They're supportive and loving in the way they adore & encourage one another, but also know how to pull out the laughs and have FUN!! We enjoyed every moment of their engagement session and were blessed with a gorgeous evening to capture them in Wausau. They brought along a vintage tandem bicycle and also packed a cozy picnic to enjoy in the field. Seeing their faces of pure joy as they cruised down a charming brick street with their legs flailing and smiles from ear-to-ear was a moment that we can picture them laughing about for years to come! After their bike ride we photographed Ellie & Andrew in a beautiful field with sunlight wrapped all around them. It truly was a perfect ending to a lovely evening spent with these two and we cannot WAIT for their Rothschild Pavilion wedding next May!! :)

Love, Kelsy & Butch

All images captured with Contax 645 and Pentax 67 on Fuji Pro 400H and PanF 50.

ABOUT THYME FARM DOOR COUNTY WEDDING | SAMANTHA & ROBB

From the stunning house on Lake Michigan where the ladies got ready to a late-night fireworks display over the corn field, every moment of Samantha & Robb's wedding celebration was well thought out and perfectly planned. Not to mention, overwhelmingly filled with joy, SO beautiful, and incredibly styled & coordinated by Carrie and her amazing team at Door County Event Planners!

And best of all? Samantha and Robb!! They exchanged handwritten vows and were being the most adorable almost-newlyweds by sharing little glances and whispers while up on the alter. Once their vows were sealed with a kiss, Samantha & Robb exited Stella Maris Church through a sea of bubbles and Door County Trolley escorted them back to Jacksonport for portraits along the shore where Samantha's family has vacationed for years!

Upon arriving at About Thyme Farm, they were welcome by a sea of guests enjoying signature cocktails and live music by the North Coast Orchestra. This was just the beginning of the romantic candle-lit evening they planned, including some of the most entertaining and well-worded toasts we've ever heard, a gorgeous sunset casting its golden light over the field, and a jam-packed barn dance!! Samantha & Robb also planned a fireworks display and the only way we can describe how amazing it was is to say, from beginning to end, it was like a giant grand finale. To top it off, Rob snuck his new bride out toward the corn field to have their own private front-row view of the show. :) With all of their guests cheering behind them, there's no doubt in our minds that this must have been the most powerful fireworks show Samantha & Robb have ever taken in!!

We are so thankful to have gotten to know Samantha & Robb and had the pleasure & honor of capturing their GRAND celebration! With an amazing team at their side including gorgeous blooms by Flora, sweets from FlourGirl Patissier, and the best wedding planner in all of Door County, they dreamed up a celebration that will never be forgotten. Cheers to this amazing couple!!!

Love, Kelsy & Butch

All images captured with Contax 645, Pentax 67, Hasselblad 500cm, Nikon F100 and Holga 120 on Fuji 400H, PAN F 50, and Delta 3200.

Wedding Coordinator: Carrie Baldwin-Smith from Door County Event Planners | Ceremony: Stella Maris Baileys Harbor Church | Reception: About Thyme Farm | Florist: Helene from Flora Flowers | Hair & Makeup: Kari Pudlo | Cake Artis & Sweets Table Treats: Sarah Basch from FlourGirl Patissier | Pie Pops: Sunflour Bakery | Catering: Mission Grille | Band: North Coast Orchestra | Paper Products: Elizabeth Grace | Videographer: Copper Clover Films | Bride’s Dress: Ulla-Maier from Ultimate Bride Chicago | Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaid Dresses: Dessy Group in Icelandic Blue | Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux | Wedding Favors: Cherry Jam Jars from Koepsels Farm Market