Wisconsin Wedding Photographer // Brianna & Kathleen Wedding 2017

A few years ago I was second shooting a wedding with my talented friend and mentor Amanda taking portraits of the couple by the Mississippi river when another couple who turned out to be Brianna and Kathleen offered us their canoe to use for the couple. Fast forward to summer 2017 and here I am lucky enough to be photographing Brianna & Kathleen on their wedding day...in a canoe of course.

One of the many things I love about my job is all of the new experiences I get to have. I get to travel, get to know people, see some beautiful locations, and work with other amazing creative people. I also get to learn about other peoples' traditions, backgrounds, and faiths. Brianna and Kathleen had a Quaker ceremony at beautiful Lily Springs Farm in Osceola, Wisconsin.

Brianna & Kathleen explained that "during a Quaker ceremony all guests sit in a circle on chairs around the couple. The ceremony begins with a period of silent worship, until the couple feels moved to speak their vows to one another. In Quaker theology all people are equally close to the Divine (God) and we do not have any Pastors/Ministers that act as intermediaries, so there is no one "pronouncing' the couple. Once the couple has shared vows, they sign their marriage certificate. Afterwards there is a period of time for additional worship/silence. During this time friends and family who feel moved can stand, if able, and share their thoughts, wishes, love, etc. with the group. Once a person has shared, they sit again and the group continues in silence. There is generally a moment of silence in between messages so that there is time to reflect on what was shared. The couple determines when the ceremony is over in the same manner as when they decide to share their vows, when the moment feels right. At the end of the ceremony the group stands and hugs one another, or shakes hands. Guests (all ages!) are then be invited to sign the marriage certificate. Their signature on this certificate is their commitment to supporting the couple in their marriage."

The beautiful ceremony was followed by a gorgeous reception filled with delicious food, dancing, drinks, thoughtful toasts, lawn games, and finished with an amazing sunset on top of a perfect weather day. Congratulations again to Brianna & Kathleen, your day was one for the books.

Venue: Lily Springs Farm

Florals: Ancanthus Floral Art

Rings: Joyeria Ecuador

Dress: Pronovias Bena

Catering: Eat for Equity

DJs: Cristalle Bowen & Angel Davanport