Diane & Carl

Diane and Carl were married at the Country Bluff Wedding Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 20 in the middle of a very picturesque Wisconsin snowstorm. Friends and family drove long distances, filed into the chapel brushing the snowflakes off their coats and shaking off their boots, and filled the room with warmth and love and music. It was a beautiful event.

I am a complete sucker for dads who get emotional when they first see their daughters in their wedding dresses, so I’m going to start with this image of Diane and her father.

The flower girl’s dress was actually made from Diane’s mother’s own wedding gown, which Diane’s grandmother had made.

Carl, right, offers reassuring words to his best man, Steve. In the mirror is Carl’s very sweet and supportive daughter Kari.

Diane has been friends with her maid of honor, Connie, since third grade. She knew exactly what to do.

And the dress in action: The incomparably cute flower girl, Katie, and ring bearer, Carter. Look at his expression! Love it.

By the time the ceremony started it was dark outside, but there was such a beautiful warm light coming from the altar.

Diane had the idea to give every guest a candle as they entered. When the time came to light the unity candle, they started at the back of the chapel and passed the flame forward, from candle to candle, as Diane’s young neighbor played “Silent Night” on the viola.

After the kiss, a baby in the back pew let out a wail, as if on cue. Diane thought that was pretty funny.

What it looked like outside as everyone left for the reception at the Baraboo Arts Building.

Carl lined up these smashing red boots right behind the wedding party table, just waiting for the moment he could change into them and his jeans.

Diane did many of the decorations herself, including table centerpieces with fresh pine (that she had Carl go trim near their cabin!). It looked gorgeous.

In their own little world during the first dance.

During the next dance their families came out and joined hands in a circle around them, closing in closer and closer.

Diane and Carl, thank you so much for welcoming me to be part of your celebration with your loving family and friends. Congratulations on your marriage – here’s to many happy years ahead!