Wedding Photography | Mr. + Mrs. B | St. John's Lutheran - Newburg, WI | Folk Song Farm - Richfield, WI / September 11, 2019 by Emily Hilleshiem

If there was only one thing to say about Britani + Ethan’s big day, it’s this: make time for dusk photos! So yes, you will need to scroll through all the beauty of their day to see why I say this. But trust me, you will not regret it!

However since this is my blog, I don’t have to cap it to just one thing. Which is great, because there were so many lovely moments from their wedding. Britani had told me at our initial meeting that she would have a cathedral length veil and I did see a cell phone snap of her wedding dress, but neither piece of information could prepare me for the vision. She was a truly stunning bride inside and out. And the smiles from Ethan proved he knew the same.

They had their reception at Folk Song Farm in Richfield. There is no such thing as too soon to get back there for another wedding. So let me know if you’re planning one! The barn beautifully restored to also maintain the historic relevance. The owners and staff made the entire reception flow so nicely that a great time was had by all. There was no shortage of photo locations, so it’s probably a good thing that we stuck to our timeline, so that I didn’t monopolize their evening with pictures.

Without further ado, please enjoy the following collection from Britani + Ethan’s wedding day!

Congrats to the newlyweds!

Ceremony Venue: St. John’s Lutheran Newburg, WI
Reception Venue: Folk Song Farm Richfield, WI
Bride’s Dress Shop & Alterations: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Kessler’s

Wedding Photography | Kyle + Kim | St. John's - Jefferson, WI | Country Springs Hotel - Waukesha, WI / November 23, 2016 by Emily Hilleshiem

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!

Wedding Photography | Ben + Emily | St. John's Lutheran - Wauwatosa | Muskego Lakes Country Club / May 11, 2016 by Emily Hilleshiem

This day caused me to smile, laugh and tear up quite a bit from behind my camera. And I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!

I smile a bunch during a wedding day, but here are the highlights! I smiled when I saw Emily had a lace dress, because I'm an absolute sucker for lace. I smiled when I saw Ben's niece because she is seriously adorable! I smiled when Ben first saw Emily for the first time because his eyes lit up. However, I smiled the most when the chilly weather and bit of rain did not put the slightest damper on the happiness that Ben + Emily had to be getting married. (Kudos to this awesome bridal party who also grinned and bore with me as we played with umbrellas in the wind and rain!)

I laughed through the musical reprises/parodies that were given by the matron + maid of honor (Fresh Prince of Bel Air); as well as, by the father of the groom (Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind). There is some serious creative/musical talent from both families! It was only fitting that there was music involved, as these two met in piano class. I really loved how they included that detail in their centerpieces!

The best man and Emily's dad each had me tearing up as they showered the couple with super sweet sentiments. I was thankful that I had a camera in front of my camera to cover my bit of makeup that was surely a tad messy. Ben + Emily are extremely kind hearted individuals and that compassion is only magnified when they're together. Their wedding was a beautiful celebration of the love that they not only share for one another, but that their friends and family have for them.

Introducing Mr. + Mrs. S!