I’ve got to admit – I was beyond giddy when Anna and Alex asked me if I’d photograph their wedding. You see, Anna and I go waaaaay back to when we were little tykes. Her older sister, Christine, and I were best friends (colloquially known as “The Christines”), so we all spent a lot of time together. We exercised our imaginations in the woods by their house, we made silly plays together (that we forced our very patient parents to watch), we turned garage attics into forts, we always tried to persuade our parents to indulge us in Grandpa’s Pizza on Wednesday nights, we celebrated birthdays together, we had slumber parties and ate cookies’n’cream ice cream in our pjs and stayed up late giggling uncontrollably, we dressed up David (perhaps tormented would be the better word here), their younger brother, we trick-or-treated together – you name it, we did it. So it was beyond exciting to be asked to document such a special day in Anna and Alex’s lives – and have an added bonus of being able to see some familiar faces I haven’t seen in years.

As I knew it would be, Alex and Anna’s day was awesome from the start. We hung out, joking around as everyone got ready, and then Alex, the guys and I, made our way to the Monona Terrace where Alex and Anna were to have their first look. It was a sweet moment, and Anna’s giggles and brilliant smile as she saw her husband-to-be had everyone grinning.

The ceremony began not long after, and guests enjoyed a beautiful view of Lake Monona as Anna and Alex spoke their vows to each other on the rooftop of Monona Terrace (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright). Birds flew overhead, pure happiness was abundant, and Anna and Alex were nothing but smiles as they walked down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife.

Family and friends showered the new couple with hugs and well-wishes and then headed on over to the Madison Children’s Museum, where the reception was being held. We took advantage of that extra time to make some fun photos on the rooftop, and then walked across the Capitol Square (where the Wisconsin state capitol is located), making the most of all that gorgeous architecture on our stroll. (We just don’t have many buildings like that in Montana!)

The wedding party joined guests on the rooftop garden of the children’s museum (seriously an awesome place – if you’re ever in Madison, visit it! It’s so cool!), and friends and family chit-chatted, enjoyed appetizers, and strolled through the garden admiring the whimsical sculptures, as well as the sunset.

As the sun sank behind the city skyline, guests moved down several levels into the museum to dine on a tasty dinner, partake in some of THE best cupcakes I’ve ever had (I’m not kidding – they were incredible), and listen to hilarious and touching toasts to Anna and Alex.

Soon folks kicked up their heels on the dance floor, (including a giant Tenderheart Carebear, too!), laughing and having a grand ol’ time.

Anna and Alex – what a truly awesome day! It’s a complete understatement for me to say how much it means to me that you invited me document such a happy, beautiful day in your lives – it really means the world to me, and it was beyond wonderful to see you both so happy and in love. I wish you all the happiness that life has to offer, laughter that bubbles over always, and exciting adventures as you continue your lives together. Congratulations again!!

Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Monona Terrace, Madison, Wisconsin
Reception Venue: Madison Children’s Museum, Madison, Wisconsin
Officiant: David Ziemer, brother of the bride
Cake Artist: Bloom Bake Shop, Middleton, Wisconsin
Florist: Costco, Madison, Wisconsin
Hair and Makeup Artist: Studio Z Salon, Madison, Wisconsin
Wedding Dress: Ann Taylor
Menswear: Macy’s
Keyboardist: Kristin Warner, found via GigMasters

On the docket: more weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine