O' CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas tree hunting is one of our favorite days of the ENTIRE year! Parker's too. :) This is the day we pile into Butch’s truck, crank the holiday tunes, get a toasty coffee in our hands (and a puppuccino for Parker), and point in the direction of Highland Trees on Wausau’s East side where we always cut down our tree. This year, we went on a Thursday evening. It was a bit muddy, a bit rainy, and a bit dark, but that didn’t stop us! We made our way around the tree farm with Parker’s smiling face leading the way as he weaved between the rows & rows of beautiful trees, and he melted our hearts in this little Pendleton coat (which I couldn’t walk out of Katzenbarkers without purchasing!!). We’re so enjoying the new spot in our home we found for our tree – in our sunroom - and are tackling our list of Christmas movies like it's our job. Sending holiday wishes your way as we approach the most amazing time of the year! :)

Love, Kelsy & Butch

Christmas Tree photos at Highland Trees captured on Contax 645 and Rolleiflex 3.5c with Fuji Pro 400H, processed by Fast Foto & Digital.

WAUSAU FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | THE MANZONS

Goodness do we ever adore this family! :) We’ve had the true pleasure of photographing Dominee, Hector & Bradley since he was just a few weeks old. Fast forward nearly three years and Bradley is suddenly this handsome little boy!

We started the Manzon’s session in their light-filled sunroom and afterwards made our way to their beautifully landscaped backyard. Every portrait session with these three has been on their stunning property, and we especially love the extra level of meaning this brings to all of the images we’ve created together.

Hector & Dominee, we cannot thank you enough for choosing us to capture your adorable family! It means so much to us, and we always look forward to seeing you!

Love, Kelsy & Butch

(view more of this sweet family's portraits here, here, here, and here!)

Wausau Family Portraits captured with Contax 645 on Fuji Pro 400H, processed by Fast Foto & Digital.

THANKFUL

This year we brought both of our families together to celebrate Thanksgiving at our house – our very first time hosting! When we think of things we’re most thankful for, family is absolutely #1, and we couldn’t think of a more joyful way to celebrate the holiday than cheersing, feasting, and of course watching football with each of our families. Of course, neither of us are master chefs nor have we ever made turkey, stuffing or mashed potatoes, but we knew we would be surrounded by plenty of skilled hands ready to help as much as possible. And thank goodness we were, because otherwise we may have been eating salmon for Thanksgiving ;) With my parents + brother, Butch’s parents + puppy, and the three of us at one long table (which we had so much fun decorating), Butch gave a lovely toast and we all dove in to a wonderful taste-explosion of a meal :)

Hoping your Thanksgiving found you surrounded by the ones you love most, too! Cheers, friends!

Love, Kelsy, Butch & Parker :)

Thanksgiving table photos captured with Contax 645 on Fuji Pro 400H, processed by Fast Foto & Digital.

Centerpiece: by Stacey from Evolutions in Design | Table, Chandelier, Table Cloth & Napkins: Pottery Barn | Crystal: a wedding gift from Butch's sweet Auntie Mare

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