I think the Universe breathes a collective sigh when we meet our soul mate. If that's the case, the Universe had to of been thrilled when Ella and Zach finally came together as a couple. Ella had been best friends with Zach’s younger brother, and admittedly, Ella had feelings for Zach long before Zach returned those feelings. After a long, uncomfortable (on Ella's part) period of unrequited love, Zach finally got a clue and kissed Ella. They've been inseparable ever since.

After some time, it was quite clear that Zach and Ella would get married. Zach bought the ring before a vacation with Ella and her family. Zach then asked Ella’s father for her hand the night before he was going to propose, and filled the family in on the plan. The following night, Zach excused himself from the table to ask their server to take a few pictures as he was about to propose to Ella. The server smiled and responded, “Actually, I already have a professional photographer here.” Zach went back to the table and told Ella he wanted to get their picture with the beautiful sunset taken by a photographer, and Ella agreed. Zach got down on one knee with an amazing speech, professing his love for Ella. Ella said, “Yes!” and tears were shed by all.

It is absolutely crucial that you create the wedding of your dreams. This day is all about celebrating the two of you and your relationship. You get to be very clear about your desires and make choices that feel in alignment for the two of you, even if no one else understands it. For example, Ella and Zach got married on a Wednesday – who says weddings can only take place during the weekend?? A beautiful celebration can take place on any day that ends in “y”!

We have heard so many couples reflect after their wedding saying that they wish they had done things differently, or they wish they hadn't made some of the choices that they did simply because they were pressured by outside influences. This is YOUR day, a belief that Ella and Zach upheld throughout their entire wedding planning process. They had been planning their wedding day for quite some time, but things just didn’t feel right. They scraped the plans they had made, started over, and created a wedding experience that was so aligned, one they brought to life in summer in front of their friends and family.

Ella and Zach are both from Door County, and they knew that they wanted to get married in the place where their story started. Both of them are well-connected, so they were able to tap their resources and choose vendors that they had great connections with. Their wedding planner was one of Ella’s closest family friends; the catering was provided by Hinterland Brewery, where Ella has worked for many years; I have the supreme honor calling Ella a dear friend. Ella and I met when we both worked at Hinterland, and we became fast friends, getting into more “trouble” than I care to admit! To be able to witness and photograph her wedding day and see her so happy was a highlight of my career.

Groom getting ready with mom and groomsmen, navy and grey suits, door county wedding, lakefront wedding wisconsin

Ella and Zack chose a beautiful waterfront property with multiple cabins on Kangaroo Lake as their wedding base camp. Ella and Zach got ready in separate cabins, and the day had an easy, excited feel about it. Zach was cool as a cucumber, hanging out with his brothers and his dad, listening to some rap music and sipping on flasks of apple pie. Zach's wedding outfit included wearing socks with the faces of the couple's dogs on them, and a suit that said it was designed for Tony Stark. Ella's mom helped the bride slip into her dress, and they both wept happy tears as her mom saw how beautiful her only daughter was. Ella began to get nervous as it got closer to the ceremony time. She shared one of the most emotional Father Daughter First Looks I've witnessed and felt a great sense of relief after she was able to see her dad. Her nerves had subsided as she walked to see Zach for their First Look. Zach isn't the man of many words, but Ella swears she saw him tear up as he turned around to see his bride for the first time.

Bride getting ready with mom, flowy wedding gown, bride first look with dad, northwoods wedding wisconsins

A family member officiated their waterfront ceremony under the watchful eyes of Ella and Zach’s two sweet pups. After they were joyfully pronounced husband and wife and shared a champagne toast with all of their guests, Ella and Zach slipped away for a few couple’s portraits in the woods and on the waterfront. It was important to Ella and Zach to be able to spend time with their intimate group of guests. Hinterland beer flowed from the taps, and guests grazed off of one of the largest charcuterie boards I've seen in my life. Hinterland provided an out-of-this-world meal, complete with grilled whitefish, a Door County delicacy.

Bride and groom walking down aisle, newlywed, bride and groom ring, blue thistle bouquet, bride with dress flowing

Ella and Zach stood under the white tent that housed their reception, listening to the kind and funny words shared by all who gave speeches in honor of the newlyweds. They shared their first dance in front of their loved ones as the sun sank low over the lake. Though this group was smaller in number, they were mighty in their desire to party the night away and celebrate Ella and Zach. I have it on good authority that the dance floor was filled until Soundfire DJ had to pack up due to local sound ordinances. The party didn't stop there, as the bonfire was lit and flasks of apple pie made their way around the circle of chairs.

Bride and groom laughing, couple on dock in door county, first dance under tent and lights

I hold these two near and dear to my heart. Being able to photograph people in love on some of the greatest days of their lives is such an honor. But being able to work with friends for their wedding journey, showing up as a friend and a photographer, doing the work I was meant to do while cherishing friendships and showing up in multiple roles, is priceless and brings tears of gratitude to my eyes. Ella and Zach, you are made of love and joy and friendship. I wish you a lifetime of happiness that gets easier and even more rewarding as the years go by. Thank you for choosing me to photograph your wedding day in Door County.

All my love and appreciation,