Michele & Drew have followed their love across the country and back. When they first contacted me they were living in California and in many ways their wedding had a fresh California feel about it. Light suits, airy dresses, California jams and a reception on the edge of the water. They had dreams of marrying one another on Catalina island but ultimately, home and family and life deposited them close to Michele’s family home in Wisconsin’s lake country. So the water’s edge reception was on Lake Nagawicka and I helped them get some Wisconsin scenery into their photographs (who doesn’t love barns, anyway?) I met with Michele and her family-filled bridal party at that family home and experienced an immediate immersion into her life growing up. I came back to my city condo that night and said to my husband today’s wedding made me want to be part of a really big family, have 4 girls and move out to a lake.
Andrew prepared for the day at Delafield Hotel surrounded by a smaller but no less engaging family. When I met him there I could tell he was nervous, but once Michele walked down the aisle with her tearful father it was as if his nervous energy had been spirited away. For the rest of the day I could see him completely immersed in her presence, almost memorizing each moment together.
Rings worn by three generations of Michele's family and her something blue sewn onto a family handkerchief by her mom.
Drew's cufflinks sport sentimental California spots
I love love love this photo and wish that every pastor had the families face the congregation during the blessing. The emotion on their faces makes this one of my all time favorite ceremony photographs.
A tiny rain shower passed over the lake during dinner and left just as quickly as it had come. With the grass still wet Michele and Andrew took a quiet walk alone along the piers just before sunset; I imagine they talked about the sweet toasts and how lucky they are to have all these amazing people in their lives. Then, as the sun moved closer to the horizon the clouds gave way to one of the most brilliant sunsets I’ve ever seen. Tiki torches threw romantic beachy light onto guests taking their photographs in front of the sinking sun and the horns of the band grew in sound. Andrew is a good dancer and it was obvious good music was high on their priority list. The guests responded and a hilarious limbo caught everyone up in the fun.
The night closed with a warming bonfire and the two of them dancing alone to an Al Green song. Just the two of them.
~The Details~
