Meet Milena, the event coordinator/dog-mom/beer-lover extraordinaire at Badger State Brewing Company. Focusing mainly on weddings, Milena has what in my eyes would be the “dream job”: she gets to work with wedding couples in an incredible venue and establishment that brews some of the best beer in the city, all in the shadows of Lambeau Field. Does it get dreamier than that?? With the recent launch of their event space, I wanted to sit down with Milena and chat about the first few years of event planning and what makes hosting your wedding at Badger State so unique.

I always forget about the guest favors. Before a wedding, I’m thinking about how I can’t wait to see her dress or if the groom will cry. I can’t wait to watch these people promise themselves to each other. Then I get to the reception and it’s all, “OOO, look, presents!" 

It’s become customary to give gifts to your parents and wedding party thanking them for all the help they’ve given you to prepare for your wedding. You want to give them a gift that will be meaningful and show just how much you appreciate them. Below is a list of great gift ideas that will really “wow” these special people:

It always makes me smile inside when things come full circle and you realize why certain things happened the way they did. I first met Alton Olson of SoundFire DJ when we were both photography students at UWGB. We reconnected a few years after we graduated, and since then I have had the pleasure of getting to know Alton and his lovely wife and son through multiple family photo shoots and hangouts. Not only is Alton a warm, insightful friend, he’s also an incredible wedding DJ. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alton a few weeks ago over a cup of tea and we really dug into what makes the SoundFire DJ experience so special.

If you’ve got just a few months to go before your wedding day, you're probably going to be putting the finishing touches in place, everything from your ceremony to your reception details. Looking for ways to make your mother feel closer to your big day? Want to include your father-in-law in some special way? Making someone feel important on your wedding day is about making them stand out from the rest of the guests. Whether it’s apparent to everyone in attendance or something only the two of you know about, I've put together a list of ideas to make the people closest to you feel like they’re treasured.

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!

Did you know that in a past life, long ago, I spent about a year working in an office as the assistant to a financial advisor? While I didn't follow that career path, I learned so much about life finances that I never expected. 

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. When I first met Nicole Schuh of She Be But Little day-of coordination, I could tell right away that she was a special soul. 

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.

One of the things that is SO rewarding about carefully crafting my preferred vendor list is getting to dig deeper with vendors that I already know and like and finding out just why they do what they do. 

You know the gist of how your wedding day is going to go. Bride walks down the isle, possibly guided by her father. Vows are exchanged, a reading or two thrown into the mix, then they kiss and walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. 

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!

It is a privilege and honor to be able to work with the incredible wedding vendors of Wisconsin as often as I do. I see so many people going above and beyond, serving their clients so that the bride and groom barely have to lift a finger on their wedding day.

One of the things many brides are most excited for after they get engaged is dress shopping. They can't wait to get in the store and start the fashion show. On the other hand, some ladies dread it. They might hate dresses and even consider not getting one. 

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.

I remember how I felt the first time my dad and I drove through the Rocky Mountains on our way to Vail and Beaver Creek about fifteen years ago. My forehead was glued to the car window as I craned my neck to see the tops of the towering mountains surrounding us. 

Let me start out by saying that I get it.  Planning a wedding is not easy. You’re expected to hire, arrange, and coordinate several different services that you’ve likely never had to hire before, and don’t even know the first questions to ask when vetting the different professionals you find.

The marriage license is a major and required part of legal Wisconsin wedding ceremonies.  So how do you apply for a marriage license in the state of Wisconsin?

The vows have been said, toasts have been made, and hunger and thirst have been taken care of.  The entertainment part of your special day has arrived. Many brides and grooms look back at their weddings and wish they had put a bit more thought and a larger part of their budget towards the entertainment. 

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.