Every year we create a best of series for several categories. The Girls, The Guys, Wedding Parties, Reception, details, etc. With all the extreme cold we thought this was the perfect time to share the warmth that we all feel when celebrating a wedding with family or friends.
When looking through thousands (and we mean thousands) of wedding pictures admittedly had its "carpal tunnel" moments but the memories were far too enjoyable to ever call it quits.
It didn't take us long to decide which series we should start off with. Because there is one part of the day that the wedding day is ultimately dependent on--the ring. Well maybe not dependent upon the ring, but its often the symbol that signifies the beginning commitment to the marriage process, the promise to keep it together, and a keepsake for future generations to exhibit the love that existed between two people.
The first time we met Shelly and Brian it was obvious how much fun we were going to have on their wedding day. And they didn't disappoint. They chose Grand Geneva--specifically, the Evergreen ballroom--as their reception venue for a very special reason: it was there at a friend's wedding they had met years previous.
The road conditions made for an interesting drive over to Chapel on the Hill for the ceremony in a trolley bus, but thankfully we made it around Lake Geneva safely. We had taken their engagement photos at the stables of Grand Geneva on a different freezing cold day, so we figured why not this day?
The bridesmaids ran in and out of the bus to keep warm, stealing a groomsman jacket whenever possible. The falling snow made for the perfect backdrop for all of the photos throughout the day. While summer is always a fun time of year to be shooting, there is a beauty and purity to winter that surpasses all seasons--but the warmth and love that Shelly & Brian share couldn't have been a more perfect couple to put in that backdrop.
Rebecca and Jed were the perfect couple to help us start off 2014. We're off to a great year with weddings. The day began with the girls getting ready at their family apple orchard just north of Elkhorn, WI. Having a unique, fun environment to take getting ready photos is always the way to go! Beautifully arranged photos were made by Crazy for You, and Rebecca wore a dress made by Casablanca and Betsy Johnson shoes. The ceremony took place at a country church practically across the street called Sugar Creek Lutheran Church. Everyone had to pack in, but with the cold winter air outside, I don't think anyone minded at all!
"Hey, Jon! How's it going? What can I do for you?"
"Not much, Jake. Thanks for answering my call. I was wondering if you could help me out. I have always wanted to get more into photography. I look at your pictures all the time on Facebook and want to take as good of pictures as you do. So I've been saved up $500 so I can buy a big camera like yours so I can take great photographs too."
"....." (Silence and frustration, I have heard this before)
We love wedding shows for a lot of reasons. Primarily because they are just a lot of fun. We get to meet hundreds of recently engaged brides who are beginning the exciting (0r daunting?) task of planning their wedding. Sometimes we even get to meet a couple of the engagee's--the groom, that is--who often prefer carrying the food rather than the flyers. They at least appear to be having fun.
Amanda and Brian are my neighbors. Literally they live about a 5 iron golf shot away. Amanda's dad is a fun friend on Facebook and we have tons of interconnected friendships. So today was really special. Amanda was stunning and Brian looked dapper. Renee, owner of Frontier Flowers did an outstanding job on the flowers. The Starline looked amazing. Angelus, of Walworth, WI did the decorating. I was blown away with the organic, over-the-top custom designed wedding reception they accomplished!!! Wow! Check out some of the photos from the reception.It was a picture perfect day. Celebrations on Wells catered a delicious meal and did a wonderful job of serving. All around this wedding was a home run. Nice work Amanda and family for pulling this all together! Below are a few of my favorite shots.
We are honored to announce that Matt Mason Photography received the Bride's Choice Award from WeddingWire.com. From Wedding Wire's website: " WeddingWire Bride's Choice Awards™ recipients represent the top five percent of wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism." Thank you to the brides and grooms who have supported us through leaving feedback on various sites.
Below are some of my favorite Ceremony shots of 2012. I'll post my top seven unique shots but follow the link at the bottom to view all 50 selected for your viewing pleasure.
January is the month I like to share all of my previous year's favorite photos. I have categories like Rings, Shoes, Flowers, Dress, Bride, Wedding Party etc. With over 60 weddings it is sometimes hard to narrow it down. We try to choose photos that are somewhat unique but also crisp, vibrant and tell a story. Not every wedding makes it into every gallery. That doesn't mean I playing favorites or think the photos were not good from a particular wedding. In fact, I may have overlooked an obvious entry. If you feel I am missing a best of photo from a wedding please let me know. Here is the gallery I keep all my 2012 best of photos. More will be added in the next couple of weeks. Below find the photos representing my Best of Father Daughter photos.
Recently I have become enamored with how romantic and amazing the forehead to forehead moment is. I decided to go through the archives and find some of my favorite forehead wedding day photos. I wanted to make a point that it is worth "practicing" this kind of affection before your wedding day. If you don't already do the forehead thing with your fiance I highly recommend it. As you view these photos I think you will agree that it is fun, romantic and intimate to express your love for each other with your foreheads. See for yourself...
