Natalie and Nick had an intimate family only ceremony today at the Willow Creek Community Church.  It is the first wedding I photographed where part of the wedding guests where through Skype.  The reason is because the lovely bride dressed in lace is from the UK.  Today is the day they make their marriage official and they will continue to celebrate their union with the rest of the family next year over seas.  So when the couple asked me if I can post a preview to share with the family who could not be here today, I decided that I want to give them more than than one picture to share.  Here are some of my favorites from their portrait session.  Hope these pictures will bring part of their special day to people who could not be here today.  

My old corporate self really appreciated Tracy and Erick's organization skills when it comes to their wedding planning.  I met this lovely couple only two short months prior to the big day at the Wood Stock Wedding Network annual Wedding Walk.  For any engaged couples out there, put WWN on your list of must dos.  It is wonderful group of vendors joining together to make your planning process a breeze and also a great resource for you to find discounted decor/accessories through their monthly WWN Garage Sale.  It was blast to work along with fellow network member Action Video for the entire day.  

Now back to my admiration for Tracy and Erick's detailed step by step wedding schedule, checking out portrait locations, and sending me screenshots of each setting. Their cooperation lead to more time for formal portrait at THREE different settings!  We started wedding pictures at the pier of William's Bay Park and then moved on to the board walk of the forest.  The newlyweds know what they wanted but at the same time flexible with changes as they happen.  This really helped me as photographer since there were guidelines but also room for creativity.  During sunset time we stepped out during the reception with the wedding party for part 3 of the formal portrait.  When we talked during the consultation I imagined sunset with bright orange and red.  However the position of the trees and the sun we ended up with beautiful soft pink, blue, and golden glow.  Sometimes things don't play out exactly how we plan it but that should not stop couples from planning out the details as much as possible.  It's always better to over plan ahead of time and then approach the wedding day with an open mind.  

The Ridge Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for intimate getting ready photos.  Hair and makeup by Ridge Spa.  

We found this adorable little courtyard hidden between the buildings at the Geneva National Golf Resort to hide from the sun.  The lighting worked out perfectly for family portraits.  My advice for future bride and grooms are to rely on your wedding photographer's advice on where to do portraits. Lighting come before setting and your photographer will be the one who can see hidden potential for the perfect light.  

Ceremony at Pavilion Lawn of the Geneva National Golf Course. 

Cocktail Hour at Lake Geneva Room & Lounge.  Flowers by Twisted Stem. Cake by Sugar Circle

Amazing music and lighting provided by DJ Dave from A Posh Production

My favorite element of this wedding was the mix between vintage and modern elements.  The intricate cut out of the invitation plus the old fashion type writer for the guest notes brought me back in time.  The lobby of the Renaissance Hotel offered a great backdrop for portraits with art gallery feel white walls plus tons of reflective metal and glass.  The reception was at the Sam and Harry's restaurant inside the hotel.  It was the perfect venue because it  carried on the theme of opposing yet so harmoniously blended feel between traditional vs. modern.  The blue back leather chairs and dark wood provided the indoor space with an upscale cigar lounge atmosphere.  The terrace housed spacious modern outdoor furniture where the guests mingled in the summer breeze.  As I write this blog I realized that this opposing combination was no accident.  After all the bride herself was a vision of classic bridal beauty who wore personalized Converse as her wedding shoes.  *wink*