The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

It's hard for me to remember the first time I met Dillan. A few years ago, he started working at the same school as my husband, Andy, and over time, they became good friends. Dillan began hanging out at our house, and through our friendship, we got to hear all about the beginning of his relationship with Taylor. Meeting her for the first time, she was a bright, bubbly ray of sunshine. We teased Dillan, asking him how he managed to get a girl like her, but in all honesty, they are both lovely, incredible people.

An Honored Invitation

Photographing friends on the best days of their lives is one of the highest honors of my career. I was thrilled when Taylor and Dillan asked me to capture their wedding journey. As the KLEM team arrived on their wedding day, it felt like their Door County engagement session was a lifetime ago. The weather was a far departure from their engagement session, with clouds and scattered rain showers overhead.

Getting Ready: Anticipation and Excitement

As professional photographers, we often become amateur meteorologists, tracking weather patterns closely. Thankfully, it looked like the rain would cease in time for outdoor photos. We greeted Dillan upon his arrival and could tell he was a bit nervous. Meanwhile, the girls laughed and chatted in the getting-ready space down the hall. Taylor was a vision in her stunning bridal gown from Tie the Knot, our favorite wedding dress shop in Northeast Wisconsin. The dress, with its layer of silver sparkles, was so Taylor and truly reflected her personality. The florals from Nature's Best were fun and elegant, brightening up the space with their rainbow of colors.

Bride with bridesmaids getting ready on your wedding day

Dillan was surrounded by his groomsmen and brother, all lifelong friends since elementary school. They kept him distracted as they got ready with some good-natured heckling, repaying Dillan for his part in their past wedding days.

Emotional First Looks

Before the ceremony, Taylor shared emotional first looks with both her dad and her bridesmaids. Her bridesmaids shrieked and gushed as they saw her in her dress for the first time, and Taylor and her dad shared a misty-eyed moment before he walked her down the aisle. Everyone complimented her dress saying it was the perfect match for her, and showed off her personality.

Doing a First look with your bridesmaids and father

The Ceremony: A Heartfelt Union

Guests arrived quickly, dodging the rain to get into the church. As the doors opened to usher in Dillan and the wedding party, followed by Taylor and her dad, a collective hush fell over the crowd. Dillan tried to keep it together but got a bit emotional as Taylor walked down the aisle. They had written each other letters to read privately before the ceremony, which added to the emotional moment.

Bride walking down the isle in De Pere, Wisconsin

Their ceremony concluded with a triumphant kiss, and they practically skipped down the aisle, sharing a joyous dip kiss halfway down. The wedding party raced out to greet them with hugs. The church provided a beautiful backdrop for family photos, which we are often complimented on for being organized and efficient.

First kiss as a married couple, Do a dip kiss half way down the aisle

Celebrating with the Wedding Party

After family photos, Taylor and Dillan hopped in the limo with their wedding party, celebrating all the way to their photo location at UWGB. UWGB, my alma mater, offers stunning photo locations. The wedding party's energy was high and fun, and they were troopers about the potential rain. Fortunately, not a raindrop fell while we were outside.

Once we dismissed the wedding party, we spent some time with just Taylor and Dillan. They soaked in the love and joy of being husband and wife. Taylor and Dillan are so laid-back and easygoing, making it a pleasure to be around them. Their playful and romantic nature shone through during their couple's portraits.

Reception at Olde 41

We then headed to Olde 41 for the reception. The venue was splendidly decorated, with florals from Nature's Best, a custom neon sign, and photos of Taylor and Dillan. Once the group was introduced to the excited crowd, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner from Chefusion. We often photograph weddings catered by Chefusion, and this wedding featured an absolutely divine butter cake.

We snuck Taylor and Dillan outside for some sunset photos. Even without a true sunset, the warmth in the air provided a beautiful setting. These photos will be cherished memories for years to come.

Dancing the Night Away

Back inside, Taylor and Dillan shared their first dance as husband and wife, followed by sweet dances with Taylor's dad and Dillan's mom. Once the signature dances were complete, the dance floor opened up to friends and family, and it was packed all night long.

capture your first dances on your wedding day

Final Thoughts

Taylor and Dillan, you two are such an exemplary couple. We are so honored to know you and to have been asked to photograph your incredible day. We love you and wish you a lifetime of friendship, adventure, happiness, and wild love.

With so much love and appreciation,