Wedding Date: April 29th 2023

As I ventured to the rustic wedding venue in Wisconsin, driving through forests and past fields, it felt like I was on my way to capture a family member's wedding. I had the same butterflies and buzz of excitement and that feeling like I was stepping into something really special. My wife, Janelle, practically lived at Kali’s family’s camp, Brad and Kay’s Campground. So much so that Kali’s grandparents feel like Janelle’s family, and in turn, my family too. I even made a special trip out to the campground to capture their engagement session in the place that was so special to all of us. This one has a lot of personal layers and I couldn’t have been more excited.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the family in a flutter of excitement and Kali putting on her finishing touches with the help of her mom. As I went to meet up with Hunter, I was reminded of something they said to me on our last call before the wedding day, “Andrew, you’re going to need to bring your cowboy hat for this one.” I may have forgotten mine, but Hunter looked incredible in his and he wasn’t alone. The venue was filled with blue jeans, cowboy hats, and tons of rustic country charm. I felt so welcomed and right at home. Hunter and I made our way outside to get ready for their first look. As Kali turned the corner of the barn, I could see Hunter’s eyes well up and the second he saw her he let it all go. This was one of the sweetest first looks I’ve seen in a long time and the love they felt for one another radiated from them so much it nearly knocked me off my feet.

Once we all dried our eyes, we met up with their wedding party to explore the grounds while guests started to arrive. Everyone took their place in the barn where Hunter stood at the end of the aisle waiting for his one and only. They vowed their love in front of family and friends and then practically danced down the aisle after their first kiss. They couldn’t stop smiling and laughing and looking at the rings newly placed on their fingers. Now it was time for the party to begin and it felt like the life of the town was right here and we were at the center. Smoked meats were brought in tray after tray and the smell of some amazing home cooking filled the air.

As the guests filled the hall, we decided to adventure out to one of the nearby fields to take in the sunset. They laughed and gazed into one another's eyes and I felt like a lucky fly on the wall getting to see a happy couple enjoy their first few moments of married life. But soon the sun started to dip below the horizon and the smell of some amazing food lingered in the air and beckoned us back to the party. Toast after toast with a mix of heartfelt sentiments and some funny anecdotes went perfectly with the low chatter of the crowd all enjoying the present company and great meal. Everyone watched as the newlyweds took to the dance floor and twirled to one of their favorite songs. Smiles and happy tears filled the eyes of the audience and I once again felt so very lucky to have been here with each and every one of them.

Vendors: Church Barn (venue), Farmhouse Floral & Design (florist), Almena Meat Company (catering), Essence of Australia (dress designer), Bella Rose Bridal (dress boutique), Joe's Custom Vests (suit), Peach'd (makeup), Beauty Lounge (hair)