The story of Cory and John, and how I came to be their photographer, begins all the way back when John and I were a young, 17 years old. 

John and I had traveled to Australia and New Zealand together on a student ambassador program with other high school students from all over the state. I remember John being an immediate favorite of everyone on the trip, he was just a fun, easy going guy with an increibly big heart. 

The journey down to Australia and New Zeleand definetly created so many life long bonds. After returning home, a group of us from the trip would always get together, go to high school home comings together, have sleep overs and enjoy our lives as crazy, hooligan teenagers! 

After graduating high school, such as life, we slowly started to dispurse, trying our best to keep in touch, but not always having the time to allow for it. As life went on, many of us went through college, got married, had babies, and carried on with the regular day to day hustle and bustle.

That's where Facebook came in to play...

Oh yes, Facebook. The place where many have reconnected, and some have disconnected, but in our case, we reconnected! John and I caught up with each other's lives through social media and I couldn't have been happier to see this friend come back into my life, and with him, I would gain another friend in Cory, his new fiance! 

Long story short (some what...) They asked me to be their photographer! I remember saying to John "Who would have ever thought when we were 17 that I'd be photographing your wedding!?"

This neat little story of our history doesn't stop there. John and Cory had planned their wedding to be held on June 27th, 2015 in the Wisconsin State Capitol, followed by an evening of fun at the Overture Center. This date in it's self was special because it followed the Supreme Court ruling that same sex marriage would be legal in all 50 states. Without knowing it, when they planned to be wed on the 27th, John and Cory would not only be celebrating their love and commitment to one another, but the equality and love for everyone all around the U.S. 

I can honestly say that I adore these two and the love they share. They are, in every way, amazing people and a beautiful couple.  

Thank you for having me be in your lives, John and Cory, and a part of your very special day. Looking forward to watching your family grow and sharing many more years of friendship!

Here's to love, always winning...

Because I could see all of these things in Amy and Justin when they said "I Do"... I'll let Mr. Marley take it from here... 

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” 
― Bob Marley

Congratulations Justin and Amy! 

Cody and Jessi were married on a gorgeous January day. We had planned for beautiful snowy winter pictures, pine trees outlined in white... of course none of that happened, but we certainly didn't let that ruin the day! It was gorgeous, mild. And the couple? Sweeter than pie :-)

From being married in a beautiful, historic church to a rustic reception, these two just had it all together. Everything was perfect, including the love they have for one another. 
The entire day from start to end was filled with laughter. These two have incredible friends and family who are so supportie in every element of their lives, which was very evident on their wedding day! 

The church was completly packed and silent as they shared their special moment with the people they love most. It ended with Jessi walking over to her grandfather in the front row and giving him a kiss on the cheek, which made everyone tear up a bit.

After the ceremony, laughter and congratulations once again filled the air as Jessi and Cody thanked each person one by one for being part of their day. I would say a majority of the guests had known these two all their lives, or met them in college in which they were immediately drawn to their charismatic ways. Both soft spoken and genuine. 

The reception was at The Crystal Room at Buffalo Phil's in Wisconsin Dells. Cody and Jessi's friends and family certainly know how to dance! The dance floor was filled from the moment it opened, and was still going strong by the time I packed up my gear and left! My kind of wedding! And if I wasn't there as a photographer, you can bet I would have been out there, cutting a rug ;-) 

Congratulations Cody and Jessi! I feel incredibly blessed that you chose me to be your photographer, and further more, I am beyond excited to see you all again in October for Jessi's sister's wedding!!!! 

I met Jessi and her sister, Amy, in the early autumn of 2014. Both sisters had wedding dates set in 2015 and they were looking for a photographer to capture both days. When we met, there was instant chemistry. conversation flowed, not only about their wedding days, but about other aspects of life! Three hours of great conversation later, I left their parents home feeling as if I had known their family forever! 

In November, I met Jessi's other half, Cody. What a match made in heaven. Everything about this couple is cute. Their affection for one another, the little jokes and laughter... The way Cody looks so lovingly at his soon to be bride. They are one of those couples you look at and think: " yup, you guys have it." 

We ventured out that day to shoot their engagement session... little did we know that they day we shot their engagement session in November would actually be about 30 degrees colder than what their wedding day in January is forcasted to be!!!! But they stuck it out and were so amazing! 

Here are some shots from their engagement session.. Tomorrow, January 24th, these two tie the knot! Congratulations Jessi and Cody!