You can’t tell by most of these photos, but Kate and Chris got a pretty miserable day for their engagement session. It was rainy-ish (as in, rainy but not so rainy that we had to cancel), and windy, and nippy. Especially on the shore of Lake Monona, where we didn’t last long.

But we did get some lovely photos in the Memorial Union on the UW-Madison campus, and at Olbrich Gardens, where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. And Kate and Chris were in great spirits despite the weather… Perhaps they were thinking of their upcoming destination wedding on Sanibel Island in Florida. Congratulations to both of you, and thanks for the fun morning!

Gina and Tim are an adorable and so-sweet couple planning a wedding at The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells this summer. Gina wanted a rustic location for their engagement photos, and we were lucky enough to get to shoot at one of the gorgeous Wilderness cabins on Lake Delton. It worked out perfectly, and their kids got to watch SpongeBob by the fire as we snuck in a few romantic shots outside. A win-win, for certain.

I love these two:

They have really sweet children who were really great sports.

Watching all six of them load up into Tim’s red pick-up at the end of our session warmed my heart a bit. Congratulations again on your engagement, Gina and Tim! I’m so excited to photograph your wedding and your lovely family this summer.

Dana and Brandon were married in Mauston Saturday, and for an April wedding they couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was beautiful.

I love this photo of them in front of a weathered former mill in downtown Wonewoc. They are such a sweet and grounded couple.

Getting ready at the church. Dana’s 6-year-old daughter was the mini-bride while Brandon’s 10-year-old son was the mini-groom. They were such amazing little kids — polite and patient and sweet and excited all day and well into the reception. It was clear they have great parents.

Snapped this casual portrait of Dana’s brother when the men were waiting outside before the ceremony. I don’t think he even realized how sharp he looked…

Part of the wedding was a sand ceremony, where Dana poured white sand and Brandon poured royal blue sand together into a vase until the two colors were intermingled and inseparable. The pastor pointed out that there seemed to be quite a bit more of Dana’s color in the vase, though she insisted it was an equal mix…

Isn’t she gorgeous? She was just stunning, and I loved her tulip bouquet.

Dana is an EMT and Brandon and his best man are on the Fire Department, so the wedding party took a spin on Engine No. 1 after the ceremony — very cool. That’s Brandon’s son riding shotgun.

I adore both of these photos of Dana and her so-sweet daughter.

Brandon’s spry 80-year-old grandmother made the cake, which was just amazing.

Here she is serving a piece to Brandon’s sister to pass out to the guests. She’s retired from wedding cake-making unless you happen to be one of her grandchildren, so don’t even ask. I tried.

Dana planned hula-hoop contests for the guests, with separate ones for kids and adults (because the kids would take no prisoners in a contest like that).

Wiping away tears of joy during their first dance.

Thank you, Dana and Brandon, for inviting me to be part of your day. It was so much fun to spend time with you, your families and your beautiful children. It’s clear you have many happy years ahead of you…