Danielle + Michael: A Meadowbrook Country Club wedding

There’s nothing like a sweltering day in August to remind you of the good things in life. Maybe like a cold beverage, shade and a helping hand when facing a big event.Danielle and Michael certainly had all those points covered on their wedding day, when the temperature gauge went north of 85 degrees and the humidity was, oh, about 99 percent. But this couple came prepared with plenty of ice-cold water (and other beverages!) and an army of friends and family to help ease the burden in the heat.It was apparent how these two have become quite a team over the course of their courtship, and that joining of two hearts and minds was symbolized in a couple of unique events during their celebration. The first was when they performed the ate el nudo, a Latin American tradition of braiding a rope to represent a union of two lives along with God.  Tying the knot, to be exact.The other was the presentation to Michael of a Dallas Cowboys jersey, signed by Wisconsin native and Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who also happens to be a member of the Meadowbrook Country Club, where Danielle and Michael’s wedding and reception were held.Danielle didn’t miss out on presents, either. Michael gave her not one, but two cards and a delicate heart necklace and keepsake jewelry holder to remind his gorgeous bride that she always has his heart. And we loved that Michael’s daughters were among the beautiful array of lovely bridesmaids.And Michael’s personal message to his bride on their wedding day made my heart simply melt. It’s why I made it the foundation of their Sneak Peek. What a truly lovely couple!If you’d like more details on the wedding pros that helped Danielle and Michael make it happen, see the list below.There is, of course, much more beauty to come. So like us on Facebook if you’d like updates on the newlyweds’ project!Cheers,Cindy

 

Megan + Patrick: A Pier Wisconsin celebration

The word “super” aptly describes the wedding and reception of Megan and Patrick at Old St. Mary in downtown Milwaukee and Pier Wisconsin at Discovery World.A true supermoon — that’s when a full or new moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth and that heavenly body appears to be larger than normal — rose in the sky that night. It was a spectacular sight to see.Megan and Patrick are pretty spectacular, too. So thoughtful, kind and full of life. We got misty-eyed ourselves as we watched the newlyweds’ emotions build during their ceremony, and our thoughts turned to the special items that Patrick carried in his pocket: a picture of his late father and his dad’s watch. What a thoughtful and meaningful gesture.And Megan is a life force unto herself. We can’t recall the last time a bride wanted to start her wedding day so early with calming and strengthening yoga. Impressive!And those bagpipes at the end of the ceremony? Talk about a joyful noise!Then it was on to their reception, which was one of the most beautiful we’ve seen, absolutely brimming with stunning flowers, sparkling crystals in softly glowing lights, and spectacular food and beverage from Bartolotta catering.All night, guests seemed to want to stay in the newlyweds’ orbit, to bask a little longer in their glow.Megan’s dad, Mike, captured their spirit so well in his toast that we thought it only fitting to anchor their Sneak Peek with some of his thoughtful words. In fact, we specifically made sure that all parents were represented in the Sneak Peak, because we know how much they all mean to Megan and Patrick.Of course, there’s so much beauty and joy yet to come in their final film, but we’re loving this early glimpse.If you’re interested in some of the other wedding pros that helped Megan and Patrick pull off such a glorious night, check them out below.Congrats to Megan and Patrick.Cheers,Cindy

 

Emily + Pete: A St. Josaphat and Milwaukee Ale House wedding

These two. My heart expands a little bit every time I watch this sneak peek, which is grounded in the most beautiful basilica in Milwaukee. Seriously.Emily and Pete’s faith is their foundation and core, and it’s such a joy to watch how God’s peace and love flows through them. It’s no wonder their wedding at the Basilica of St. Josaphat and reception at the Milwaukee Ale House was such a blast. How could it not be?Perhaps it was because Pete set the tone. He challenged everyone to be fully present in the moment and to fall in love with life that night.Let me repeat that: Fall in love with life.How many grooms ask that of their guests? To take the focus off the bride and groom and put it squarely into the hearts and minds of those gathered close. So thoughtful and genuine.And how about that first kiss? Fist-pumping. Heart-pounding. Hip-swaying. I think it gives you perfect insight into these two and their personalities.It’s what I like to call (ALL CAPS!!) A MOMENT.And did I mention that this is just the sneak peek? Whew! You better hang on for more to come in their full-length cinematic film!More joy — and loving of life — to come.Cheers,Cindy

Megan and Patrick: Old Saint Mary and Pier Wisconsin

Megan and Patrick picked the absolute perfect location for their wedding reception: Pier Wisconsin.Yes, the venue has great vistas, a gorgeous entryway, perfect decks, an amazing tent and an unparalleled view in the Pilot House, but it also has the incredible Denis Sullivan sailing ship and it just so happened to be on the route of the Team USA Olympic-Distance National Championship triathlon.Now, I know you’re probably wondering how the ship and race fit into Megan and Patrick’s big day.Well, Patrick is into sailing, and absolutely loved it when Megan talked their way on deck for a few photographs with their talented and generous photographer, Patrick Manning of Manning Photography. You could see the joy on Patrick’s face as he took to the railing on that majestic vessel.Megan, on the other hand, is into fitness,  and running to be exact. Last year,  she ran her first marathon, the ill-fated Boston race, and didn’t get to finish. But the story ends incredibly well, because not only did Megan finish the race in 2014, the night of the Boston tragedy was the night Patrick decided he couldn’t live without her and proposed. Kind of fitting that the running route of the triathlon went right by her wedding-day venue.That beautiful story will definitely have a prominent place in their film, as told by  bridesmaid Marta. In fact, there are a ton of good stories family and friends shared about these two super kind and generous people.We couldn’t have been more honored to film their wedding and reception.So, until we get their sneak peek video produced, please enjoy a few screen grabs that we’ve collected as we are cataloging their footage (But don’t forget to check out the stellar photography of Patrick Manning!) Cheers,CindyMegan_at_Yama_Yoga Patrick_at_Groom_For_Men - Copy 
Megan_during_bride_prep_at_Riverfront_Condos
 Megan_and_Mike_Walking_Up_Aisle_Old_Saint_Mary Megan_Patrick_Old_St._Mary_Pier_Wisconsin Megan_and_Patrick_Old_Saint_MaryV Megan_and_Patrick_Lakefront_Park Pier_Wisconsin_sunset Megan_and_Patrick_Old_Saint_Mary_II Megan_and_Patrick_rings_at_Pier_Wisconsin "Crazy Love" was the rockin' and romantic song they selected for their first dance. Bartolotta supplied the fireworks. Megan and Patrick? Well, they supplied the romance, of course!

Betsy + Doug: Hitting all the right notes in this Door County wedding

If we were writing a libretto of Betsy and Doug’s Door County wedding, it would be something in Gilbert and Sullivan oeuvre. Light, fun and definitely romantic.Opera was on our mind the entire weekend, because — true fact! — the groom sings opera. In four languages. And everyone said he does it quite well.So, of course, we wanted Doug to sing for us on camera. And you bet we asked. At least twice. And even bugged his brothers to see if they could get him to sing for us.But Doug stuck to his primary role as groom, not entertainer. So no arias in this sneak peek.That left us with no choice but to resort to Plan B: recording Doug — oh, and Betsy, and all the guests at their rehearsal dinner — singing a prayer of thanks before the meal.It was such a lovely moment, particularly the harmonizing at “Amen,” that we decided it should lead their sneak peek. Because it wasn’t just a prayer. You see, that communal song of thanks spoke for the whole weekend. Betsy and Doug seemed so blissfully happy to be getting married (after 9 long years, according to all in attendance) and they also seemed genuinely thankful to be sharing the moment with each and every one of their wedding guests.We’ll get you all the details from this cast for their full film, but we can’t stop talking about the work of Jerad and Josh from Buds n Blooms Design Studio of Green Bay. Seriously, we have never seen floral arrangements and accents as bountiful and yet utterly chic. And the accent piece of  two antique cherry-picking ladders festooned with Edison bulbs cast an elegant glow on the head table. Pure genius.Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor, as always, outdid itself (thank you Amy and Allie!), and it was our pleasure to work with the super talented Erin Jean of Erin Jean Photography. What a fantastic creative partner Erin is, as well as her husband Adam.And with that, we hope you enjoy this quick look into Doug and Betsy’s lovely wedding.Cheers,Cindy