Appleton Wedding Photography: Danielle and Rich Wed at Carstens Mill

When couples ask me for wedding planning advice, I always recommend doing things that will make your wedding uniquely yours. Whether it's decor decisions or food choices, anything that will make your wedding day a reflection of the two of you will make your wedding even more special not only to you, but to the guests attending as well. Take Danielle and Rich, for example. They chose a non-traditional wedding day (a Wednesday) because they would share their anniversary with several family members--how incredible is that?

This October Wednesday proved to be a breezy one, but that didn't sway anyone's joyful moods as the ladies slipped into their dressed and helped a nervous Danielle into her princess-style wedding gown. Danielle and Rich sat back-to-back reading hand-written notes to one another before their first look on their newly remodeled front porch. After a few quiet moments together and excited wedding party portraits, a long caravan headed to Carstens Mill to bear witness to Danielle and Rich saying "I Do". 

Upon arrival at Carstens Mill, we were all enveloped in a rustic chic decor that felt perfectly inline with the couple. Everywhere we looked, small lanterns, sweet words on wooden decor, and farmhouse decorations were tucked into perfectly planned corners. A rustic ladder laden with flowers hung above the couple as they read their personal vows. Rich referred to Danielle as his "lighthouse beacon in the dark", bringing him out of a dark time in his life. He had confessed to me while getting ready for the wedding that every day, he tells Danielle and her girls that they are beautiful. Anyone that has had even a brief interaction with Danielle and Rich can see how deeply they appreciate and love each other. Everyone was visibly moved during the wedding ceremony, which was one of the most heartfelt I've ever witnessed. Danielle and Rich took time to remember loved ones lost, and to perform a unity ceremony involving Danielle's three daughters, formally tying their family together. Smiling ear-to-ear, Danielle and Rich shared their first kiss, encouraged by a round of applause.

Van Abel's catered in a barbeque buffet, happily filling the bellies of everyone in attendance. Guests shared stories of Danielle and Rich over the years in order to make the couple kiss. After cutting their Beauty and the Beast-themed wedding cake, Danielle and Rich snuck outside with Danielle's daughters to take some sunset family photos before partying the night away.

Danielle and Rich, I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and friendship, which you already clearly have in abundance. I am truly honored and touched to have been a part of your incredibly special day. Congratulations to you two!

Much love and appreciation,
Kate

This wedding day wouldn't have been possible without these awesome vendors:
Ceremony and reception site: Carstens Mill
Catering: Van Abel's
Cake: Artistic Cakes and Cookies
Florals: Brilliant Blooms
Officiant: Lina Wittmann
Entertainment: Andy Mertz
Hair and makeup: Hot Heads
Jewelry: Bob Schoenborn's