Wedding Photography | Jesse + Kourtney | Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church | Country Springs Hotel | Waukesha, WI

I must confess that I am slightly obsessed with Kourtney’s forearm tattoo. As I had the pleasure to get to know Jesse + Kourtney as a couple, I may have become even more obsessed. Although, they attended the same high school, they didn’t date until after college. In His wisdom, God had them come into one another’s lives to be the love and support that each of them would need while facing different challenges. He truly commands our destiny!

Fast forward to their wedding day, and what an amazing day it was! It was a heartwarming day filled with so much love for these two. This was made evident by the number of people who were present not just for their reception, but also for their ceremony. A wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime. Their friends and family recognize the truth in this and will continue to be a constant source of love and encouragement for them.

The love that Jesse + Kourtney have for their friends and family was also clear. For Kourtney, she and her dad share a special bond that was seen during their look before the ceremony and everyone who was there was holding back some tears. Father/daughter dances always make me teary smile and this one was no exception! As for Jesse, I was pleasantly surprised to see in their wedding bulletin that next to each gentleman’s name was listed “Brother to the groom". It simply goes to show you the wonderful kind of man that Jesse is and the importance of knowing that family doesn’t require you to be related.

But enough about them as individuals, because these two as a couple are fantastic! They met on the dance floor, so you better believe we made plenty of time for some dancing! And these two have some great moves! They got a little dancing practice in before the reception at the park (you will not want to miss those pictures!). And their first dance certainly did not disappoint. I LOVE when you can tell that a song is special to a couple because they’re singing the words to each other!

Jesse + Kourtney are sure to share many more dances together in the years to come as husband + wife! Many congrats and God’s blessings you two!

Wedding Photography | Kyle + Kim | St. John's - Jefferson, WI | Country Springs Hotel - Waukesha, WI

It's such a blessing to be able to witness your childhood friend marry the man of her dreams. I got teary eyed as I saw Kyle's expression when he saw his bride for the first time. I couldn't be happier for the two of them. To know she has found such a wonderful man makes me incredibly happy. I've known her since before we were in preschool and it was an honor to be part of their special day.

There were a few decisions that Kim had made to make sure the wedding, that she had carefully been planning, still held some elements of surprise. In addition to not seeing Kyle before she walked down the aisle, she also did not want to see her newly soldered ring before he put it on her finger (in it's rightful place!).

Although Kyle + Kim did not share a first look, she did share a first look with her dad, and it was truly beautiful! Father/daughter first looks are something that I want to encourage brides to consider as they plan out the timing of the day. (If you're not convinced, scroll down a bit to see the beauty of that moment!) Kim and her dad have a special relationship. Prior to the wedding, she had mentioned that her dad picked the song for their dance, but she didn't want to know ahead of time what it was. Filled with intrigue, I eagerly waited for their dance so that not only could I hear what song he chose, but also so that I could see her reaction. I can still see the moment in my mind unfolding in slow motion. As the song began, I could tell she didn't recognized it. He told her to give it a little bit and she would. As the introduction concluded and the melody played she knew the song instantly! I think it's safe to say that dad chose a great song (Butterfly Kisses)!

A wedding day goes by oh so quickly for the bride and groom, and I that's why I like the time for their portraits the most. They have a chance to relax and breath a bit after all the hustling around. They have a chance to refocus on themselves and the promises they've made to one another. They can really acknowledge the fact that after looking forward to the day for so long, they're finally married! Kyle + Kim were no different. During their portraits, as he played with his ring she couldn't help but say over and over "We're married!" 

Congrats Mr. + Mrs. S!