Val + Esai: A Romantic Wedding Styled Shoot at Givens Farm in Hortonville, Wisconsin
We love a good styled shoot at KLEM. The combination of creativity, collaboration, and connection are the cornerstones of any styled shoot, and they are just a few of the things we happen to thrive on. Our inspiration for this shoot was a moody, romantic wedding with a touch of woo woo and celestial elements, all beautifully situated in a nature-forward venue.
We excitedly started the planning with reaching out to amazing vendors to collaborate. It’s particularly fun for a photographer to coordinate a styled shoot as we have the pleasure of working with so many vendors in the wedding industry. We love to meet new vendors and to nurture connections with those we’ve loved working with in the past, the shoot at Givens Farm was just that. A sweet blend of new relationships and familiar ones. We knew we wanted colorful florals, unique accents, intricate stationary, and a crystal crown. We were so excited to get creative with the team as well. Radiant Floral made an awesome pocket boutonnière, we played with a green suit coat, smokey-eyed makeup, and a macaron dessert - all unique wedding complements to your big day.
The secret ingredient to emotional photos is THE LOVE. Which leads me to introduce Val and Esai, two of Kimmy’s great friends. They literally brought their authentic and wild love to the shoot. Val & Esai have been married for 4 years and their love literally radiates, like literally. If you’ve ever been with them, you would know what I mean. The farm owner, Mariann, said that she felt it too (tear). Val & Esai were the first people that came to mind as we were planning a romantic wedding shoot. And, of course, they were down for this adventure with us.
The day started with Val getting her hair done by Lydia, we went for a romantic curl to be a perfect match with the crystal crown. Stephanie curated Val’s makeup look with a dark eye and a deep lip color. While Val was getting pampered, Esai wandered the property and found inspirational spaces to draw. We may have lost him at one point, only to find out he had found a little cave. In the meantime, all of the vendors were doing arriving and getting set up for the big day.
As with many wedding days, Val & Esai started with a first look. We’ve seen this become super popular with our wedding couples as it can help ease each other’s nerves and it’s a peaceful moment alone before the festivities begin. We’ve also found that the emotions are still present when the bride walks down the aisle.
The whole vendor crew manifested amazing weather for the shoot and we were thrilled to have the ceremony outside on the bridge - surrounded by nature, water, and warmth. Val and Esai prepared for the ceremony by writing letters to each other, it felt like a vow renewal of sorts. It has been years since their wedding and it served as the perfect moment to express their love for one another. Letters have always been one of Val & Esai’s things, and it’s such a sweet gift for your partner on your wedding day.
A ceremony full of emotion and celebration, check. What next? Cocktails! Did I mention we made the rules for this one? :) Patrick with Vintage Hitch had his trailer open and ready to shake (not stir) up some drinks! Patrick prepared a signature cocktail that understood the assignment. He whipped up a mint paloma adorned with a florals and a beautiful pink hue, they were absolutely delicious. We love seeing signature cocktails at weddings as they are a fun way to incorporate your personality into your day! What celebration is complete without popping bubbly, you know we did that too.
A little more about Val and Esai. They met in college at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh when they were both in the Art program. Their relationship started as a familiar face in classes, to a confidant and best friend, and the rest is history. As one of Val’s close friends and roommate in college, it was obvious that this relationship was something special. Like most college relationships, it was filled with fire but more importantly, it was filled with love.
Val & Esai both have such large hearts and share a drive that is inspiring. Esai works at the Boys and Girls Club by day and is a muralist by every other spare minute. His work is full of energy, soul, and meaning. Val is the Education Manager at the Trout Museum of Art, where she works closely with local artists and creatives to bring educational opportunities to the community. Val is a talented artist and specializes in detailed drawings. They bring out the best in one another and make it look easy.
It was truly an extraordinary day with the people that came together at Givens Farm. Documenting this adventurous, authentic love is what it’s all about and we feel honored to do so.
xo, Kimmy
Shoutout to the incredible vendors that shared their energy & craft to make this day possible:
Venue: Givens Farm | Day of Coordinator: C Krueger Event Planning | Florals: Radiant Floral | Dress: Ivory Rose Boutique | Dress Designer: Wedding Societe | Suit: The Black Tux | Hair: Rosé and Co. Bridal | Makeup: Stephanie Schuh Beauty | Jewelry: Alyssa & Anna Fine Jewelry | Stationery & Lettering: Adeline Margaret Calligraphy | Cocktails: The Vintage Hitch Co. | Decor: Moonlight Party Rentals and Elite Tent Rentals |
Dessert: The Brikery
