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North Central Wisconsin Senior & Portrait Photographers James & Katie Stokes Located in Medford, Wisconsin // Midwest    

Tag Archives: Midwest

Romanic Wedding Photos

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February 14, 2017

/ James Stokes

Romantic Wedding Photos

Valentine’s Day. Very few know the reason for the Holiday, so being the history buff I am, I looked it up only to find several conflicting stories all deeply shrouded in mystery from antiquity. Thanks to some surviving hagiographical records, we’re able to compile the various records of a man or men named Valentine and combine them into one identity and merged with a pagan fertility festival which we celebrate today in the form of pink and red hearts and roses, chocolates, and possibly engagement rings!

I like to think that there is always a bit of truth in legends. In short, we celebrate a day named after St. Valentine who allegedly married young Christian couples in secret due Emperor Claudius II outlawing marriage because he thought that married men made poor soldiers. Accounts state that Valentine broke the law and also attempted to convert the Emperor to Christianity. This ultimately culminated in his demise outside the Flaminian Gate.

In later years, the Roman Catholic church would turn the story of a priest & a bishop into a patron Saint for bookkeepers and lovers alike. In an interesting personal twist, a common ancestor of both Katie and myself, poet Geoffrey Chaucer (16th great grandfather), may have single-handedly created the romantic tradition we know today with his work “Parlement of Foules,” in which he stated that birds and human find a mate on Seynt Valentine’s Day.

For whatever reason, we like to remind those closest to us that we love, care, and are thinking of them on this special day in February. I always look forward to the vintage cards my grandmother sends my children, a tradition she started with me and has kept over the last 30 years. I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have been loved by so many throughout my life. This is a gift I have often taken for granted. Not everyone is so fortunate and blessed to love and be loved in return.

My wife, Katie, knows wholeheartedly that I am not the biggest fan of this American Holiday, but maybe that was because I never understood the story behind and the personal attachment to its origins. As a believer, we embrace the very real possibility that our faith will have negative earthly ramifications for following Jesus. We’re blessed to live in a country where we’re able to worship how we like and marry whom we love. 

Special thanks to all of our 32 Couples from 2016 for reminding us why we love what we do so much and Happy Valentine’s Day! – The Stokes

Couples, Personal, Wedding / Faith, Kiss, Midwest, Romantic, Rustic, Valentine's Day, Weddings, Wisconsin / 1 Comment

Laura & Kamil | Lincoln Park Chicago Engagement

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December 18, 2015

/ James Stokes

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Engagement / Bourgeois Pig, Cafe, Chicago, Chicago Engagement Photos, City, Couples, Engagement, Fall, Lincoln Park, Midwest, Park, Winter / Comment

Laura & Ross | Mill City Museum Engagement

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November 4, 2015

/ James Stokes

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Published! Midwest Bride

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March 26, 2015

/ James Stokes

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Photos By: James Stokes Photography | Venue: White’s Wildwood Retreat | Flowers: Eau Claire Farmer’s Market | Videography: Lasting Images Videography | Rentals: A1 Rentals | Catering: Sweet Clarisse Catering | Dress Store: The Wedding Shoppe

Press, Weddings / Bride, Cabin, Chippewa, Midwest, Midwest Bride, Northwoods, Press, Rustic, Wedding / Comment

NIKI & DANIEL | OUTDOOR SNOWY WINTER ADVENTURE

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December 4, 2014

/ James Stokes

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Couples, Engagement, Lifestyle, Portraits / Central Wisconsin, Midwest, Outdoor, Snow, Stylized Shoot, Winter, Wisconsin / Comment

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