Melissa had always dreamed of saying, “I do!” in a castle. Living in lower Michigan, she didn’t think that would be possible, until she came across Castle Farms in Charlevoix. It was the absolute perfect venue, and the canvas on which she could create the perfect wedding day.

Melissa and Kirk’s love story has been evolving for a number of years. They met, briefly dated, went their separate ways, and then found their way back to each other. They realized how great they were together, and the beautiful family they could have together.

Annalisha and Rob know how incredibly important family is. It's the centerstone to everything they've built, and it was the focal point of the wedding day they created. Bringing together their two families (they have SIX children total!) was their goal, and they did just that in such a beautiful manner. They exchanged vows at the Medina Wedding Chapel under a handmade birch arbor. Their unity ceremony brought together not only Annalisha and Rob, but their six children as well, creating a sand artwork piece with different colored sand for each person.

It was a truly magical day when Iris and Floyd got married at Sepia Chapel on a crisp November afternoon. They took the phrase “magic is in the air” and brought it to a whole new level. You see, when Iris and Floyd began dreaming up their perfect wedding day, they knew that it had to be an elegant Harry Potter-themed event. And boy, did they knock it out of the park! I'm a bit of a Potterhead myself, so I was blown away by all the detail and thought that these two put into their fall wedding plans.

Mother nature had saved up her energy and waited to release an explosion of color for Charlotte and Jeremy‘s wedding day. The first weekend in October proved to be stunning, crisp, and just slightly overcast; it was the perfect fall day for Charlotte and Jeremy to say “I do.”

As the ladies begin to dress at Green Bay Botanical Gardens, Charlotte left and admitted she was a little nervous. She was helped into her stunning Mori Lee gown by her mom and sisters. Flanked on each side by her favorite ladies, the girls clutched their stunning fall bouquets and escorted Charlotte to the beautiful garden ceremony site where the incredible couple would say I do.

Mairee quietly adjusted her jewelry in the dressing room mirror, gently tweaking and primping her dress as she nervously waited for her cue to walk down the aisle. Her father's steady arm guided her down the aisle toward the love of her life. Ryan couldn't take his eyes off his bride. She was simply stunning. Her Converse -clad feet gently padded down the aisle as she met her groom at the altar. Mairee and Ryan's ceremony at the Bridal Chapel was intimate, heartfelt, and personal. American Sign Language interpreters assisted with the ceremony and wedding day festivities for their hearing-impaired loved ones, a cause near and dear to Mairee and Ryan's hearts.

On a gloriously sunny fall day, Valerie bounce excitedly around the barn apartment at the Barnsite Retreat and Event Center. She was surrounded by the most wonderful ladies, getting ready to celebrate the best day of her life. She was completely in her element, getting pampered and excitedly sharing details about the day ahead. Outside the barn, groom-to-be Dylan relaxed with his groomsmen and the dads, waiting until the moment he would get to see Valerie at their First Look.

Something that a bride never wants to hear on her wedding day: there’s rain in the forecast. Amanda and Jake were preparing for the worst but hoping for the best for their outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. As we got closer to the ceremony time, Amanda slipped into her gorgeous gown (designed by Essence of Australia), and the clouds grew lighter and lighter. Amanda tiptoed out of the bridal prep area, sharing a First Look with her father, and then with Jake. As Jake turned to face Amanda for the first time, a hint of sunshine broke through the clouds. Not a drop of rain fell that day.

Jen and John’s paths first crossed when they met in high school years ago. They reconnected recently and found there was an undeniable connection between them. Their love for one another and their children is what fuels their fires. It’s so beautiful to see how they’ve brought their families together in such a cohesive and loving way.

They decided to wed on our grandmother’s beautiful lakefront property in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Jen and I are cousins, and hearing that she chose the Misty Moors property (our affectionate name for our land) as the backdrop of their wedding was incredibly exciting and special.

On one of the hottest days of the summer, Stacey and Cindy committed themselves to one another in front of their loved ones at Sepia Chapel Green Bay. Before their beautiful ceremony, the brides shared a First Look. Cindy’s jaw dropped to the floor, she was absolutely blown away by how beautiful Stacey was. They had managed to keep their wedding attire a secret from one another until the day of their wedding, even though they share a home together! Stacey’s bouquet was adorned with rainbow-dyed roses, and after an incredibly moving and heartfelt ceremony, the newlyweds walked back down the aisle to Pink’s “Get the Party Started”.

It’s such a beautiful thing when a bride wakes up on her wedding day, calm and collected, excited but relaxed, ready to embrace the day ahead of her. She’s contented and ready because she’s about to experience one of the best days of her life, and at the end of the day, she’ll be married to her best friend and better half. Andrea was one of these stunning, laid-back ladies. There was a soothing energy hum at her sister-in-laws home as the girls got ready. As Andrea sashayed in her wedding dress, her bridesmaids let out a collective sigh.

Shortly after the ceremony, I overheard Hannah’s mom say to a guest, “This is the best day of my life. I thought my wedding day would be the best day of my life, but this is the best.” And it really was an amazing day.

Hannah and Kevin planned an intimate wedding that brought their incredible families together. Their wedding party included siblings, dear friends, and their three adorable kids. While their marriage made this family officially “one”, they blended their hearts and souls long before that.

Ericka is the mastermind, visionary, and dreamer at Rustic Bride Wedding Rentals. Rustic Bride provides custom rentals for weddings and events in Wisconsin and beyond. Having worked with Rustic Bride on a few of my own projects, I wanted to chat with Ericka about her philosophies and any advice she might have for wedding planning couples:

When a couple chooses to work with KLEM Studios to capture their wedding day, we make sure we get to know them on a deeper level and form a connection with them. Abbi and TJ shared a lot of crucial information with me during their wedding planning process, but what stood out to me the most was the hopes and dreams they have as a couple:

Of all the qualities to look for in the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, I think that finding someone who makes you laugh is incredibly important. Being able to laugh through the good times and bad makes life more enjoyable and endurable. Sammie and Kyle definitely struck gold in this department. These two are constantly laughing around each other, and it’s incredibly infectious.

Last fall, I had the pleasure to second shoot for Kristy of Kristin Reuter Photography. Kristy is a seasoned wedding vet who’s been shooting since she was in high school. I love having opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, especially ones who create beautiful images!

One of the things I love most about my business is who I share it with. I have an amazing team and support system that I am so blessed has my back. One of those amazing people is my business bestie, Kasey of Kasey and Ben Photography.

If I ever have an opening in my calendar and a photographer friend is looking for a second shooter, I jump at the chance. Morgan of Morgan Lynne Photography was in need of a second shooter for a gorgeous October wedding, and I was immediately on board!

I love the community of wedding vendors in Northeast Wisconsin. We have a local Rising Tide Society chapter here in Green Bay, and I think that encourages wedding photographers in Northeast Wisconsin to work to one another, or work together when someone needs a second shooter.

Brandi glided out into the American Club courtyard, tiptoeing up behind Josh in her stunning red high-low wedding gown. She tapped him on the shoulder and he turned to see his beautiful bride-to-be. They spent a few quiet moments alone together in the courtyard dotted with snow on that chilly Valentine's Day afternoon.

Winters in Wisconsin sometimes get a bad rap, but they're incredibly beautiful and romantic. Softly falling snow, candlelight, and cooler temperatures are perfect for snuggling and saying, "I do". I had been dreaming of creating a winter wedding styled shoot for about a year.