Jon + Natalie's Wedding Day
Natalie and Jon’s wedding day was so special! I started off the day bright and early, and headed to Alma Center. Everything took place at Garden Valley Gatherings, which is a super charming barn venue in the beautiful Wisconsin country. I loooove a venue that has it all - several getting ready locations, various spots to have cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, several ceremony spots, and lots of yard for fun games and even camping! Hair and make-up for the ladies was already underway at the farmhouse when I arrived, so I started off with a few candid photos, and then I grabbed Natalie’s dress + her other special items to photograph those outside of the barn nearby. Meanwhile, the groomsmen were golfing, but they arrived shortly after to get dressed.
After Natalie and Jon were dressed, it was time for their first look! Jon got into place outside the farmhouse to see his gorgeous bride-to-be. It was such a sweet moment when he laid eyes on Natalie in her stunning custom gown. After, we headed into the bride + groom portraits. It was so fun exploring all the space at this venue, and getting creative with Natalie’s cathedral length veil. Next, we called over all of the wedding party for some formals and a few fun portraits. And just like that, it was almost time for the ceremony!
Guests began to arrive, and the wedding party hid away to freshen up. I grabbed detail photos of all of the ceremony and reception décor and florals in the meantime. Every guest grabbed a glass of champagne for a big toast after the ceremony as they arrived. The ceremony began, and as Natalie walked down the aisle with her dad, you could tell it was such an emotional moment for everyone! The two exchanged vows and rings, and Jon dipped Natalie for a dramatic first kiss!! Everyone held their glasses up and congratulated the couple as they walked down the aisle.
The first thing Natalie and Jon wanted to do as a married couple was take a shot with their entire wedding party! After that, we did the family portraits, and then the couple got to relax and visit with their guests and enjoy a few cocktails. Soon it was time to sit for dinner, and the party continued. In lieu of a grand entrance, the wedding party opted for a flip cup competition - which was incredible! It was tough competition, but the groomsmen narrowly beat the bridesmaids. Following suit, Jon was able to get his cup flipped first and went for a victory lap around the reception hall! Everyone was standing and cheering-it was a good time!
We ate a delicious dinner, and then the couple their loved say a few words about them. Their videographer had prepared a touching video with interviews from Natalie and Jon’s family and friends. After that, we ventured out for a few sunset pictures. Everyone met back up in the dancing barn for the rest of the evening. The couple shared a first dance, and bravely competed in a questionnaire about each other. And then it was time for the PARTY, and it definitely got a little wild!
Natalie + Jon’s day was perfect, and I am so glad they included me as their photographer. They had a pretty amazing team of vendors, so shout out to them for helping make the day so perfect.
Check out their wedding video by Simply Love Films!