BROOKE & KELLEN | RIB MOUNTAIN WEDDING
North Central Wisconsin Senior & Portrait Photographers James & Katie Stokes Located in Medford, Wisconsin // Wausau // Page 3
Sometimes you just know. I think that was the case with Justine and Josh and I know it was the case for us. When I first met them atop Rib Mountain, I knew they were the perfect fit for us and would celebrate their love and union in a beautiful way. Well, that was such an understatement. Rothschild Pavilion served as the perfect wedding venue for their winter nuptials and reception.
Their wedding was the best way to start 2014 and we were so honored to be a witness to their vows amidst the ‘Winter Wonderland’ and the sea of friends and family. With Christ as the center of their marriage, Josh and Justine, instead of lighting a unity candle, painted a heart together. It was such a unique and touching example of how two become one.
Justine, with the help of her sister, mother, and dear cousins arranged all the decorations. Many of the creations were DIY projects and the bride herself created nearly everything. There was so much thought and talent that went into the details of this wedding. The bouquet was hand-made and was by far one of the most beautiful. The programs were made to look like the literary works of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author and poet, who served as inspiration for their fairy tale themed wedding. Justine’s beauty truly is legendary it was hard to not want to photograph just her the entire day. Josh made the perfect prince Charming and in every way is the classic gentleman young girls dream of marrying. All around, their story and their wedding is straight out of a fairy tale and we can’t wait to see how their journey continues in the many years to come!
Josh and Justine were able to suffer the cold for a few short minutes together outside for some warming couple shots while guests enjoyed a hot chocolate and a potato bar. Vegan and gluten-free cupcakes, cookies, chocolate goodies, and more was bestowed upon all who were in attendance. With the #jjhappyeverafter guests could help document their day via instagram. I personally thought this was sheer genius and the alternative to leaving cameras on the tables. It is incredible to see how things have changed in such a short time. Will our children discover our digital past and will our Facebook timelines become the new family album?
I hope this couple will cherish these images always and create hundreds of photographs from these digital images, but more importantly value each other and be reminded of the day they gave each other to the promise of fidelity and marriage.
Thank you for allowing us to capture your first day as husband and wife,
J&K
Caterer: A Spoonful of Batter, Rockman’s Catering
Dress Store: Brandi’s Bridal Galleria
DIY or Handmade Goods Designer: Tailor Made Stamps
Getting married on top of a mountain is something people from Wisconsin only dream of. While we have plenty of rolling hill, fields, and bluffs we lack any major mountain range, however, Rib Mountain is as good as it gets and it serves up an incredible view and the feeling you’re standing in the clouds.
Katie and I are thankful to have been referred by friends and previous clients. They knew that we would be the perfect fit for Luke & Melissa’s outdoor Wausau wedding.
During our engagement session, we shot on Luke’s family farm in Athens, WI. Luke and Melissa make you feel like you have known them your whole life and are a true joy to be around! Growing up on a dairy farm myself, it always feels like home whenever I am photographing in the country surrounded by cows and fields.
Moments before the ceremony, Melissa stepped out of the limo to be escorted down the isle by her father. Luke, in all white, eagerly waited atop the Rib Mountain Amphitheater. Emotions ran high as parents looking onward. Melissa’s aunt, an aspiring wedding planner, attended to every detail and everything went off without a hitch. Their wedding celebration continued at the Sundance Chalet at Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin. With vaulted ceilings and large windows, it made an ideal location for their evening’s dance and reception. The venue was decorated with pink accents, mason jars, candy, & wood blocks.
The couple snuck away for a few minutes during their wedding slideshow so we could capture them just before sunset. Upon their return, they were greeted to a surprise their parents and siblings were in on involving the police!
We feel lucky just have met Luke and Melissa, but we are even more honored to have been able to capture their incredible day!
Blessings,
J&K