Wedding Date: August 27th 2022

As I made the drive to Wisconsin, I couldn’t help but reflect on the past year. This is a very personal wedding day for me because I get to capture the day of my son’s assistant teacher. She made every day so special for him so in turn, I want to make sure and do the same for her. Before I left this morning, Diem asked if he could record a special video to wish her a happy wedding day. I had my phone in my pocket and a lot of great memories swimming through my head as I pulled up to this gorgeou white barn just off the road that seemed to appear out of nowhere. A mini oasis in the middle of the country, Hayvn at Hay River was the perfect place for a wedding for these two amazing people.

After Emily put the finishing touches on her look, her mother accompanied her out across the lawn to this little cottage at the edge of the property. There, her father waited for her with tears filling his eyes as he turned around and saw his little girl. Then one of my favorite moments of the day unfolded as he said, “pull up a chair” and the two sat and took in the moment as the entire world seemed to slow down even if it was just for a few minutes. Emily is so sweet and present with everyone, it was fitting that she took time out of her day to make special memories with each person. But now it was time for her moment as she walked toward Theodore who was facing the wide open prairie that looked more like Montana than Wisconsin. They threw their arms around each other and laughed until they cried.

We explored the beautiful and unique property as rain threatened our plans off in the distance. It made for some very dramatic photos but the big call had to be made. They decided to go ahead with their outdoor ceremony and they were thrilled that they did because the rain just missed us and as the clouds cleared, the sky opened up to be big and blue which was the perfect fit for these two happy souls. After a joyful exchange of vows, they danced down the aisle to the applause of their loved ones.

We took the long way to the reception hall, through the sweeping fields and tall grasses. Then we entered the barn filled with old timber beams and fieldstone which made everything feel warm and cozy. They danced and listened to toasts from their loved ones as the room filled with joy and more laughter. Before the evening came to a close, I noticed that the sky had opened up to reveal an incredibly colorful sunset. Emily, Theodore, and I ran out to the nearest field and took in the amazing site. Thank you both for filling my day with joy and for making so many incredible memories for my son and my family. We all send our love and can’t wait to hear about all the new memories you’ve made together as husband and wife.

Vendors: Hayvn at Hay River (venue), Malana Olson (florist), Big Guys Barbeque (catering), KT's Cupcakery (dessert), Rebecca Ingram (dress designer), The Wedding Shoppe (dress shop), Nautica (suit designer), Glamour Beauty (makeup), DJ Mitch (dj)