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Laughter and mustaches at Tundra Lodge

sweetpeacinema September 23, 2016

When the whole bridal party is given sunglasses with dangling mustaches, you know laughter will be plentiful during this wedding celebration.We’re pretty certain bride Libbi came up with the idea of the ‘stache glasses, but the fact that Colin fully embraced them — even donning them for their grand entrance to the reception at the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay — shows just how in tune these two are with each other. Libbi is an irrepressible beauty, quick with a laugh, dancing to her own song and tender toward those she loves. Collin is a handsome sentinel, a quieter soul who just shakes his head ever so slightly when his bride comes up with another crazy escapade.The wedding ceremony was on the expansive grounds of the home of Colin’s parents, Nancy and Pat. It was the perfect location for the couple, who embrace all things in nature, particularly the bride who wanted as much green as possible surrounding them. Under a clear-top tent to keep the scattered showers at bay, Libbi and Colin pledged their vows with the help of officiant Neil Jauquet. We loved how the two incorporated small sips of Door County cherry bounce and moonshine — both liquors that play roles in family holiday gatherings — to seal the deal.And who doesn’t love it when the bridal party makes a stop at the couple’s favorite watering hole, owned by the groom’s aunt? Yes, it was a quick moment to refresh — and even a few more moments of laughter — before the reception, but it also gave Libbi the chance to hop on the bar with her girls for a photo. Too fun!And despite the entire affair moving indoors to the Tundra Lodge for the reception, nature continued to play an important role. Greenery and florals were everywhere: tables brimmed with fern fronds, small branches and other accent plants along with glowing candles, tiny LED lights and vintage glassware. We agree with everything that best man and Colin’s brother Ryan said in his toast: That Libbi and Colin bring the best out of each other, and it’s a beautiful — and often very funny — thing to see.Cheers to the newlyweds!The Team:Ceremony venue: The Burke homeReception venue: Tundra LodgeDJ: Shaun Anthony Signature EntertainmentPhotographer: Rachel Alessandra Studio Planner: 920 EventsFlorist: The Cutting GardenCake: Adelaides CakesBride’s and bridesmaids gowns: Tie the KnotGroom’s attire: DuBois FormalwearBride’s hairstylist: Diva Designs by Danah at Sola Salon StudioBride’s makeup:

Planting firm roots at Eagle Ridge Resort

sweetpeacinema September 19, 2016

When a couple decides to marry, they’re digging into the soil and planting roots that, with care and attention, should grow and bear the fruit of love and happiness.For Blake and Whitney, the soil they’re planting their roots in is rich and deep, starting with the sprawling farmstead of Blake’s grandfather, Ed, that’s nestled in the rolling hills of Galena, Illinois.We can see why it all start there.Ed has the heart of a lion when it comes to his family, bursting with pride and support. He’s also gregarious and sweet, as we witnessed firsthand at the rehearsal dinner at Chestnut Mountain. We were sitting off to the side, trying to be the silent observers we are, and Ed would have none of it, inviting us to his table because he didn’t want to see us eating alone. Gentleman to a T!The farm is a magical place to Whitney and Blake, both hunters who revere the beauty and power of nature. It’s where Blake proposed, and where they spend countless hours helping keep the dream alive and staying connected to not only the land but to family.We’d never been to Galena before, and now we know why everyone talks about it with a glimmer in their eye: stunning vistas, lush farmlands and quaint architecture. Eagle Ridge Resort, where the wedding and reception were held, lived up to its name with one of those majestic birds circling the property every day in the late afternoon. And what a property! Eagle Ridge is probably more well-known for having a world-class golf course, but it’s location atop a massive cliff overlooking Lake Galena.That stunning view was perfect for this couple’s vows, repeated on an expansive deck with miles and miles of water, sky and rolling hills as witnesses … along with a hundred or so family and friends. We loved, too, how they incorporated special people into their ceremony, from their wedding party filled with closest friends and relatives, to those giving readings, which included Ed. He read one of our favorite blessings of all time, said to be from the Apache tribe:

Now you will feel no rain,For each of you will be shelter to the other.Now you will feel no cold,For each of you will be warmth to the other.Now there is no more loneliness,For each of you will be companion to the other. …Now you are two bodies,But there is one life before you.Go now to your dwelling place,To enter into the days of your togetherness.And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Such a fitting last phrase for a couple that is so grounded in who each of them is, in their family and in their love. We are so privileged to have witnessed their wedding, and of course, feel honored to be creating an art piece that will tell their story for generations to come.Congrats to the newlyweds!! The Team:Venue: Eagle Ridge ResortOfficiant: Jess FarlowPhotographer: Dana Brandt of Happily Ever After PhotographyDJ: Steve Rogala of All Pro MusicFlorist: Valley PerennialsCake: Wedding Day BakeryBride’s gown and veil: David’s Bridal gown and Vera Wang veil from Davids BridalBridesmaids attire: Emerald Green from David’s BridalGroom’s attire: Vera Wang from Men’s WearhouseBride’s hairstylist and makeup: Lauren HainesBridesmaid’s hairstylist: Amber Jordan

A Fairy Tale at Maxwell Mansion

sweetpeacinema September 9, 2016

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Ashley and a boy named Frankie.They were children, really, middle schoolers with silly little crushes on each other.Or so most thought.So when when the world shifted ever so slightly and the girl went away, no one fretted about what had been. The universe, they reckoned, was vast and would help them grow and learn and soak in all that came before them.Years passed.Then, as often happens, the world shifted ever so slightly again. And the girl came back.Their love took flight, fluttering on the wings of a butterfly and hawk. One dainty, colorful and ethereal; the other striking, intense and adventurous.And they lived happily ever after. That is the abbreviated fairy tale love story of Ashley and Frankie, the Butterfly and the Hawk, spirit animals which have been immortalized in tattoos on their ring fingers and also in the song “Autumn Ride,” that Ashley, a budding singer/songerwriter, recorded and which was performed at their wedding.Their wedding weekend at Maxwell Mansion in Lake Geneva was the perfect setting for these free spirits. Chancey Charm planner and dear friend Miranda Tassi helped the couple realize a boho chic aesthetic that radiated simplicity, charm and authenticity, everything from an heirloom quality artisan-made headband, to the wine corks stuffed with tiny succulents that guests could take home and plant. Or what about the dreamcatcher place cards, or the stretching-forever farm tables with vintage china and goblets in every shade of green to reflect the bride’s opal jewelry.And don’t forget about the ceremony, presided over by a family member that began with a scorching processional to Hozier’s “Work Song” as well as the bride’s own creation. As the ceremony ended, dozens of butterflies were released, having been gently awakened from their chilly slumber by the warm August sun. And each guest had been given a cone of flower petals to shower the couple with beauty as they processed out.Wings. Petals. Love. Does it get any more ethereal and magical? We think not!And that doesn’t even begin to describe the couple, their family and friends. All gracious, incredibly fun and charming. We counted as many tears as smiles and so much laughter that you know all is right in the world.We were swept away by the fairy tale that is Ashley and Frankie, and we hope this Sneak Peek gives you just a hint of how truly special this couple is.Cheers,CindyThanks to all the pros who helped bring Ashley & Frankie’s dream wedding together:Venue: Maxwell Mansion, Lake GenevaPlanner: Miranda Tassi, Chancey CharmPhotographer: Cassandra Marie OldenburgDJ: Matt from A Personal TouchFlorist/dreamcatcher place cards: Chicago FloristaInvitations: Wedding Paper DivasCaterer: Armon’sTable settings/decor: Relic Vintage RentalsTent: Sperry Tents Great LakesGellato: La Coppa Gelato CafeBride’s gown and bridesmaid attire: BHLDNGroom’s attire: Trunk Club, ChicagoBride’s hairstylist: Katie Nelson Special Event StylistBride’s makeup: Tara B ArtistryBride’s headpiece: Noel Winn of Avenue ArtworksBride’s barefoot wedding sandals:

Sweet Serenade at Villa Terrace

sweetpeacinema August 26, 2016

The wedding party had processed, and it was that frozen moment of anticipation before the bride walked up the aisle at Villa Terrace.All eyes had turned to the doorway, where bride Chandra was about to enter.Then, groom Davon began to softly sing, just as Chandra began walking up the aisle.

From the moment I saw youFrom the moment I looked into your eyesThere was something about you I knew, I knewThat you were once in a lifetimeA treasure near impossible to findAnd I know how lucky I am to have you

Then, the beautiful bride responded:

‘Cause I’ve seen rainbows that could take your breath awayThe beauty of the setting sun, on any given day

And as the bride joined her groom at the front, they harmonized:

And when it comes to shooting stars I have seen a fewBut I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as you

A serenade so sweet was amazing to witness, and by the thunderous applause at the end, the wedding guests heartily agreed.Chandra and Davon’s wedding was beautiful to witness. First, the location is a stunner: Villa Terrace, which commands a beautiful view of the lakefront from its perch atop the shoreline’s massive bluff. Second, the building itself is amazing: guests walk into and through an Italian courtyard to a great hall with massive fireplaces, then onto an immense veranda that offers a view of our inland sea so bright and dotted with white sailing ships.Third, because these two showed such sincerity and joy when exchanging their personal vows. You’ll see it in the Sneak Peek above: That moment when Davon has to pause to catch his breath, and the way Chandra says she loves her new husband, with absolute assurance.And there was so much more, too. Such as Chandra’s vows to her new stepdaughter, Kennedy! The meaningful ritual of the newlyweds braiding a three-strand cord and jumping the broom at the end of their ceremony. Plus, their choreographed bridal party dance will have others wanting to see more! And all of it will be in their Cinematic Film to come.It was an amazing night of love, laughter and warmth, and we couldn’t be happier for this wonderful couple!CheersCindyHere are some of the vendors, who helped make this day so special! Ceremony and Reception Venue: Villa TerraceOfficiant:DJ: Complete ProductionsPhotographer: WS PhotographyFlorist: Adorn Wedding FloralCake: Aggie’s Bakery & Cake ShopBride’s gown: Eva’s Bridals International of Orland ParkBridesmaids attire: David’s BridalGroom’s attire: AgricultureBride’s hairstylist: NikkiBride’s makeup: Francis

Star-spangled beauty at Noble Chapel and Rotunda

sweetpeacinema August 19, 2016

We love the story that about the night Ashley met her husband, John:”At one point – early in the night, Ashley looked over her shoulder and noticed a VERY strong, VERY muscular, VERY handsome man sitting at the bar ALONE. She kept chatting with friends and KEPT glancing over her shoulder to peek at this new eye candy.”Can’t you just hear the emotion in the words? That’s Ashley: exuberant, funny, bold and charming. She’s the perfect foil to her mountain of a man hubby, John, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and instructor at Norwich University. John’s far more quiet than his bride, but equally as eloquent and ever the gentleman. When Ashley is on his arm, you can tell they are a perfect match.We’ve had the honor of filming the weddings of service members before, but none had embraced the traditions and pomp, which at times literally took our breath away. Just a few of the details that still linger: The morning of the wedding, Ashley and her wedding party were finishing the seating chart signs, arranged by radio call letters used by the military. Then, how about the saber arch the newly married couple exited under as they left the Noble Chapel at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy? Next, it was portraits at the impressive Veterans Memorial Park in Oconomowoc, with flapping flags, bold eagle statue guarding it all, and beautiful arches and enormous stanchions.The reception carried the theme with a large American flag draped over the balcony that let guests know the priority for their eyes, even above The Rotunda‘s eye-catching coffered dome. Can anyone resist cutting a cake with a sword? We think not! And the military call-and-answer toasts that started the reception were a wonderful military tradition that brought everyone to attention and set the tone for the evening: blessings, thankfulness and hope for the future.We loved, too, that Ashley and John celebrate equality in all things, including their wedding party, which not only included military members from around the globe, but attendants of both genders on each side. Love is love, is what we like to say at Sweet Pea, and we’re so thrilled when we get to see that reflected in our work.Gosh, and I haven’t even talked about the personal elements of this wedding that will last a lifetime. First, tremendous kudos to Ashley’s mom, Judy, for not only making Ashley’s bridal gown, which was a stunning strapless mermaid, but all the attendants, her own and several other gowns for the event. You’ll get a glimpse of Judy in action in the Sneak Peek. And what about John’s family with its Greek heritage? The dancing (spectacular!), the plate throwing (watch out!), and the no-handed-from-the-floor shot (time to party!).Let’s just say, their full film is going to be brimming with moment after moment!Congratulations to the couple!Cheers,CindyWant more information on the pros who helped Ashley and John achieve their dream wedding? Check them out below:Bride and Groom prep location: The Clarke Hotel, WaukeshaCeremony venue: St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy Noble ChapelOfficiant: Chief Steve SchweissReception venue: The Rotunda, WaukeshaDJ: C&S Mobile Music EntertainmentPhotographer: Lexi XD PhotographyFlorist: Jane Kelly FloralCake: Allyssa GnacinskiBride’s gown: Custom made by the bride’s mother, Judy Prest of Muellenbach Fashions, or 262-224-6529Bridesmaids attire: Custom made by the bride’s mother, Judy Prest of Muellenbach FashionsGroom’s attire: Army service uniformBride’s hairstylist and makeup: Lexa’s Luxurious LooksBride’s rings: Von Bargen’s JewelryTrolley: Spring City Trolley