There are so many aspects of DJ + Melissa’s day that we loved.  Outdoor ceremony and reception, country setting (all on the land where Melissa grew up), great musicians, non-traditional bouquets, kids in the party, handmade/homemade/meaningful details, guys wearing casual vests, a stylish bridesmaid dress, an uneven number of groomsmen/bridesmaids, time for photos at sunset, freshly-picked wildflower centerpieces, live music, fireworks, and an incredible amount of faith in us, as their photographers, to just shoot whatever took place… I could go on and on.

You’ll see it in the photos: DJ + Melissa were completely joy-filled and laid back. These two giggled their way through the entire wedding day! I think you’ll find yourself smiling right along with them as you’re viewing the photos from their day. :)

Vendors/Venues
Ceremony and Reception: Family Farm
Musicians: Honey, Summer and Fall

I was excited for this wedding immediately after receiving the first email from Lane, way back in 2009. Lane wrote,

One of the important factors for us is having [a photographer] who knows the area and therefore can get the best out of the uniqueness of the driftless region.

We’ve probably written it before. How we really love the area in which we live and are constantly in awe of the beauty that is packed into this tiny little part of southwestern Wisconsin. Affectionately known to locals as, “the driftless region”.

Lane and Jason’s wedding was one fabulous DIY event; I’m trying to think of what wasn’t created from scratch. Their ceremony was unprecedented; never before have we seen such a large majority of the guests play an active role in supporting the bride and groom in their decision to marry. The book, I Like You, was the whimsical poetry behind the loveliness of it all. And the stars, Lane and Jason, fit their roles perfectly. Yes, they really do like each other. :)

Not only did Lane and Jason carefully create a huge amount of the details for their wedding guests to enjoy (hand-stamped flags hanging from all around, thrifted plates and silverware on which to enjoy delicious Indian cuisine, hand-crafted berry infusions, plus adorable hand-stamped vintage handkerchiefs and luxurious homemade goat’s milk soap for guests to take home as favors). In fact, their handiwork started with their invitations; here’s a post on Offbeat Bride outlining how Lane and Jason and their artistic friend Kristel created their adorable invites. To top it all off, Jason built the yurt where they spent the weekend. I told him he needs to get into the yurt building business; I’d be the first to buy one.

And anything that they did not do themselves, others gave as a gift, as they requested just one gift from their guests: their art. Their friend, Phia Dedes, created her dress and hairpiece… you will never find a dress like this anywhere; completely unique and perfectly Lane, this friend’s art-gift was on display all day. :) Another friend created a hand-drawn font, uniquely theirs, now in their own illuminated wedding certificate.  Another friend, Rana, officiated the ceremony.

Others provided the night-time entertainment: fabulous Balkan music, belly dancing, and fire spinning. Yes, fire spinning. A few relatives contributed homemade marshmallows for roasting around the bonfire. Together, those present created a guest book of fabric with the vintage typewriters set out for all to use (or were they to play with?). :)

Lane and Jason, we were inspired to be around such an artistic, creative and welcoming group of people. We’re honored to finally present to your our gift. We’ll admit, we had quite the advantage though; we wouldn’t have been able to create it if it weren’t for you.

Enjoy!

Kevin and Bethany’s wedding took place at the Forest Hills Golf Course on an incredibly hot and sunny day with beautiful views of the bluffs in La Crosse and train tracks running through the course.

We had fun getting to know Kevin and Bethany and their cute son throughout the day.  A sweet and funny moment happened when we were taking some family shots of them, sitting on the railroad tracks.  Their little guy was sooo concerned that a train might come (totally valid, since we saw many trains pass by throughout the day!) and smash them all!  It was a little tricky to keep his eyes toward the camera, because he really wanted to keep watch behind them to make sure they were all safe.  It was really adorable and made for a lot of giggles, which is always better than everyone’s eyes toward the camera, anyhow.  =)

Venues & Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Forest Hills Golf  Course in La Crosse

If I were the guy who gave out awards for one of the most calm, and stress-free brides, Jessica would definitely get a trophy.  It is pretty typical for things to run behind on a wedding day.  But when the bride shows up at the ceremony site 5 minutes after the ceremony is supposed to start and the she isn’t even a little bit on edge, I find that pretty remarkable. =)

Everything took place at the Lussier Family Heritage Center outside of Madison.  Their day was so enjoyable, the location was beautiful, and so was the couple.   I think I could write a whole book about all of the things I loved about their wedding day: outdoor ceremony, amazing lighting, great reception area, great food, amazing ice cream sandwich desserts….

When the day was over and I made another one of my late night drives home from Madison, I remember thinking to myself how quickly the day went and how I wished it would have been longer so that I could have gotten to know this fun, adventurous couple better. Thanks again, Paul and Jess, for letting me be a part of your beautiful day.  And thanks to Patricia of ReJoy Photography for joining me as a second shooter.

The photo above was taken by Patricia The photo above was taken by Patricia

Vendors and Venues
Venues: Lussier Family Heritage Center
Second Shooter:  Rejoy Photography