Wedding

Wedding Photography | Grant + Stephanie | Heidel House Resort and Spa - Green Lake, WI by Emily Hilleshiem

There is no questioning what kind of couple Grant + Stephanie are. It is said that you surround yourself with people who reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel. Well then, these two could not have chosen a better group of people to celebrate with them. The ceremony and speeches from their friends and family echoed the importance of a Christ centered love. It was the base of their relationship and it will continue to be the base off which they build their married life together. 

There were numerous beautifully tender moments that occurred throughout the day. All of them because Grant + Stephanie are simply best friends and already knew the importance of keeping Christ and their spouse in the forefront of their minds. They are already so aligned in not only knowing their spouse's needs and desires, but also in fulfilling them. It was such a remarkable relationship to be able to capture again

Wedding Coordinator: Star Irvin
Ceremony, Reception, Catering, Linens: Heidel House Resort and Spa
Hair: Evensong Spa
Cake: Bryanna's Bakery
Florist: Wood's Floral
DJ: Brian Lampe
Bride's Dress Shop: Amelishan Bridal
Alterations: Sew Elegant
Bride's Shoes: Light in the Box
Jewelry: Kohl's
Bridesmaid's Dresses: JC Penny
Suits: Amelishan Bridal
Rings: Ames Silversmithing

Wedding Photography | Josh + Pooja | Shorewood River Club + Hubbard Park Lodge - Milwaukee, WI by Emily Hilleshiem

Josh + Pooja are incredibly thoughtful individuals and that fact was truly evident in each personal touch that they built into their day. When we met to discuss final details for their wedding, I got more and more excited with each way they were personalizing their day. Siblings singing "As the Deer". (Little did Pooja know that Josh had secretly been practicing with them!) Josh's mom sang "The Lord's Prayer" as his dad played the piano. One of Josh's sisters read seven Bible verses as they walked around their freshly lit Unity Candle. 

And the personal touches didn't stop with the ceremony! Josh + Pooja managed to surprise their guests with a special nod to their proposal story by having a caricature artist on site during cocktail hour. Josh made their adorable cake topper for their cake that was nestled amongst delicous doughnuts. 

Any combination of the personal touches listed above, would have made for a special day. But there was more! There was a beautiful blending of cultural traditions.  Pooja wore two different dresses and looked simply stunning in both of them! Josh made a grand entrance for his baraat. They exchanged flower garlands at the beginning of the ceremony. Petals were tossed as they walked down the aisle as Mr. + Mrs.

My eyes were sparkling the whole day as I soaked in all the bright colors that could be seen every direction you turned. And man oh man do these two and their friends + family know how to party! 

Introducing Mr. + Mrs. L.

Hair + Make up:  Exquisite Threading Glendale

Desserts: Aggie's Bakery

Music + Lighting: Max + Ben from Sound by Design

Caricature Artist: Bill Begos

Horse: Hoof Beats Express, LLC

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