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

Tag Archives: Weddings

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

Rustic & Romantic Northern Wisconsin Wedding Venues | Part 2

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July 19, 2016

/ James Stokes

Rustic & Romantic Northern Wiscosnin Wedding Venues

Ten years ago, Katie and I started planning our own wedding and we had no idea where to start. We had never planned a wedding before and all the weddings we had ever attended took place in a Church. While we still admire traditional wedding venues, Northern and Central Wisconsin have some great options for the modern bride who is looking to break the mold and is up for a little adventure. Why not invite all your closest friends to a resort for the weekend and end your night with a camp fire and smores. Check out some of our favorite Northern Wisconsin Wedding Venues. Part 1

White’s Wildwood Retreat

White’s Wildwood Retreat is one of those venues where all of your dreams come true. There is nothing that the team won’t do for you to make your wedding day magical. The venue can accommodate a wide range of ceremony and reception requests. If you are unsure of the type of venue you want then you need to visit White’s Wildwood Retreat and see what they have to offer. If you are looking for a beautiful country wedding venue in Wisconsin, then this is the place you have been dreaming of. You can find this magical retreat nestled in the bluffs between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls in the town of LaFayette.

This venue is both rustic and elegant and provides a beautiful country vibe to your big day. From vast grassy gardens with rustic bridges and arches, to gorgeous wooded indoors with breathtaking views of nature. The stunning wooden pavilion is a fantastic option for your reception. The simplicity of the place lends itself to endless decor possibilities. Should you wish to keep things simple, the natural wood and dim glow of the fairy lights are romantic enough to create the dreamy atmosphere you are looking for. Perhaps you prefer to dance under the stars as husband and wife? Choose to have your reception moved outdoors in the beautiful country gardens and dine by starlight.

Choose White’s Wildwood Retreat for the endless photographic opportunities. There are many beautiful backdrops that nature provides at this venue. Your guests that have traveled far can also spend the night in one of the many cabins available on the property.

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Enchanted Barn

Enchanted Barn in Hillsdale Wisconsin is a venue out of an enchanted country fairytale. Their slogan is “where rustic marries elegance” and it is truly nothing short of that very description. You will feel no less than royalty on your wedding day should you choose to marry at Enchanted Barn. Everything from the bridal suite to the reception barn, is absolutely gorgeous and finished with rustic touches of ancient timber and stone with hints of chic white decor.

Your wedding ceremony is held inside the barn loft under the glow of soft lights and candles. The barn is open and allows nature to fill the air as you say your vows. When your ceremony is over guests can enjoy cocktails on the decked patio by the fireplace while you enjoy the beauty of the gardens for your wedding photos. While you are away the barn gets transformed into a dining area to die for. Guests won’t believe it is the same place that they were sitting in for the ceremony. After the dinner speeches are over and the guests are satisfied with their amazing meal they can once again head to the coffee parlor to enjoy an array of desserts while the final touch of magic happens in the barn. Once again the team changes the venue into a dance floor of dimmed lights and romance.

There is no request too large or elaborate for the Enchanted Barn team and they will go out of their way to make sure that your wedding day vision is met. Their motto “shoe up and get married” is taken to the literal extreme and you can rest assured that your day will be perfect.

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Willow Springs Garden

Picture getting married in a restored old barn. Willow Springs is known for its rustic round barn which caters for many functions. There are a wide array of ceremony options at Willow Springs and is perfect for both summer and winter weddings.

Should you choose to say your nuptials outdoors, your decor will be minimal as the beautiful gardens and lush lawns provide all of the country beauty you need for your ceremony. There is a quaint little gazebo that can also be used for your ceremony and will look really great in your photos. If you decide to marry in the cold winter months, your ceremony can be held in the old town hall or in a romantic tent in the gardens. Your reception can also be held in the hall, although the round barn is the center attraction at Willow Springs. Little decor is needed inside the old wooden barn as it provides that rustic charm most country brides are looking for. Dance the night away in this unique barn that dates back to the late 1800’s and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Willow Springs Garden is a simple country gem that is warm and inviting, making it the perfect location for your country wedding.

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SentryWorld

Located in central Wisconsin, SentryWorld is a unique choice for your wedding. Your ceremony and reception locations offer views of their beautiful green golf course. The manicured gardens are something to gaze at in awe at SentryWorld.

Enjoy a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the summertime in the lush gardens painted with colorful flowers. Your photos will be nothing short of magical in the magnificent garden setting this venue has to offer. In the winter months, you can choose from one of the indoor options which is equally as beautiful with its wood finishes.

Your reception will be held in the hall of your choice. All of the halls have the most exquisite wooden finishes which is both rustic and modern. The way they have designed the ceilings is truly beautiful and complimented by the stunning lighting fixtures which will provide elegant backdrops for your reception photos. In the snowy winter months, your guests can enjoy the stone boma fire on the patio while we capture the most amazing winter photos with nature’s own bridal backdrop of white snow. All of the buildings are wood with marvelous stone features designed in a chic modern way.

If you are looking for something between country and modern then this is the right venue for your big day. Beautiful architecture with rustic compliments and gorgeous lush gardens, what more could a bride ask for?

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For Brides, Wedding / Enchanted Barn, Northern Wisconsin, Outdoor, Rustic, SentryWorld, Weddings, White's Wildwood Retreat, Willow Springs Garden, Wisconsin Outdoor Wedding Venues / 2 Comments

Rustic & Romantic Northern Wisconsin Wedding Venues | Part 1

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July 18, 2016

/ James Stokes

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The rustle of fallen leaves, the warmth of sunshine hitting the trees giving them a golden glow, the cool breeze, and sounds of nature, the fresh summer air or the crackling of a winter fire. If you are planning a rustic country wedding, then these are all of the romantic connotations you would associate with your perfect wedding day. Northern Wisconsin has some of the most beautiful wedding venues, they are simple and rustic yet romantic and elegant all at the same time. If you are on the search for the perfect wedding venue, keep reading. We have found seven gorgeous venues that will take your breath away. Part 2

Rondele Ranch

At first glance, this venue looks like an amazing holiday home on the lake. As you enter the ranch you drive through magnificent steel gates that give you that sense of luxury. The road is lined with tall pine trees which lead you to lush green gardens. The ranch has an elegant country look to it, designed with warm woods and huge windows to allow the splendor and beauty of nature to fill each room. The lake adds to the romantic appeal of the venue, can you imagine the amazing wedding photo’s we could capture out on the lake or at the lakeside as the sun is starting to set? If you are looking for first-class country elegance with just the right touch of rustic charm, then you definitely need to take a trip up to Northwood and see the country beauty of Rondele Ranch in person.

Should you choose to have an outdoor summer wedding, you will be surrounded by gorgeous full gardens shaded by an array of trees. A stunning paved path leads the bride up to a cute little gazebo with soft linen drapes blowing in the summer breeze. Say your vows with the soft sound of the lake water in view of the gazebo. A Wisconsin summer wedding could not be more perfect in the gardens of Rondele Ranch.

If you prefer a cosy winter wedding, envision warming fireplaces and wooden furniture with the soft glow of fairy lights. Walk down the aisle in the warmth of the winter sun surrounded by rustic wooden chairs and candles. Enjoy your reception in a cosy venue where the love of friends and family is warm enough to fight the winter chill.

Whichever season you choose to get married in at Rondele Ranch you can be sure of one thing, it will be rustic and romantic.

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Munson Bridge Winery

Centrally located in Wisconsin’s heartland, Munson Bridge Winery is the perfect location for a dreamy barn wedding. If you have always dreamed of getting married at a classy yet rustic country venue, then this is the one for you. The entire property has a very old school western look to it and almost has a vintage feel, yet still modern and enchanting. You can expect to see a lot of gorgeous steel work and decks in the gorgeous barn-like facilities. The gardens are spacious and green with huge trees. I particularly love the way the Ivy grows up the barns, it adds such a natural romantic look to the structures, I would imagine Romeo and Juliet getting married at a venue such as this.

You will be walking down the aisle in a magnificent hayloft, the loft is made of original wood from top to bottom and is topped off with a huge chandelier which adds an amazing elegance to the place. Envision your guests sitting on comfortably draped bails of hay as you say your I do’s under the glow of the chandelier. I love how the sunlight peeps through the small holes and cracks in the barn walls and roof bringing in some natural radiance.

The wedding reception facility is a huge tent that is situated in the gardens, offering spectacular country views of the winery. In the summer, you can choose to have the sides of the tent open to allow for the fresh summer air and sunlight to fill the tent. In the chilly months, you can choose to have the tent closed and enjoy the warmth of the candlelight throughout the evening. What is truly lovely about this tent is that it is a blank canvas and can be decorated in any way your heart desires. Their on staff decorator works with you to bring your vision to life.

Toast to your future as husband and wife with a glass of one of the many wines that the Winery makes on site. This adds a personal touch to end off your big day.

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Chippewa Retreat Resort

You don’t get much more romantic than saying your vows on a beautiful lake. If an outdoor summer country wedding is your vision for your big day, then this venue should be at the very top of your list. Located in the beautiful Northwood, Chippewa Resort overlooks Lake Manitowish which provides you with the most exquisite wedding backdrop in the summertime.

The resort has gorgeous wooden villas and decks. There are beautiful stone walls and huge rustic wooden doors, which all provide beautiful backdrops for your wedding day photos. The views and photographic opportunities are breathtaking as you wander down tree-lined pathways which meet the deck leading onto the lake. A sunset photo shoot will be a truly romantic and memorable experience at this resort.

Should you wish to stick to a traditional ceremony, there is a stunning little chapel with stained glass windows and wooden benches for your guests, which is also suited to those who are planning their weddings in the cooler months. Should you decide to have an outdoor ceremony, lush gardens, green lawns and the beautiful lake will be all the decor you need. The Chippewa team have a wonderful wedding coordinator team should you wish to add to the decor that nature has provided. A boat trip down the lake takes you to a reception hall that looks like it comes out of a top country magazine. The decks lead you to a huge romantic cabin with an impressive stone fireplace. The surrounding deck also accommodates those who wish to bring their celebrations outdoors.

If simple country romance is what you are looking for, Chippewa Retreat Resort is the perfect place for you. The best part is that you can choose to stay for your honeymoon at the gorgeous retreat.

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For more great Northern Wisconsin Wedding Venues, click HERE.

 

For Brides, Wedding / Central Wiscosnin, Chippewa Retreat Resort, Enchanted Barn, Munson Bridge Wi, Northern Wisconsin, Resources, Romantic, Rondele Ranch, Rustic, SentryWorld, Venues, Weddings, White's Wildwood Retreat, Willow Springs Garden / 1 Comment

Handmade Leather Wedding Album

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April 9, 2015

/ James Stokes

Polished. Elegant. Stylish. Hand-Crafted.

One of our favorite pastimes is digitally archiving our family’s photographs. We spend afternoons going through old albums, discovering a little piece of our past as we page through the old black and white photographs.

Years from now, when our children are grown, we hope to pull out our family albums and share with them the moments that defined our life. Katie and I will relive those stories with them and share a little about how they all came to be! This is just part of the goal of creating a family legacy for future generations to cherish and enjoy.

Katie and I believe that your memories deserve to printed and bound in a timeless classic album that will outlive your hard drive. Your wedding album is just the beginning. Have a life that is revered! Your family heritage started long before you said, “I Do!”

Wedding photography preserves the memories of a life that has been created by those closest to you. That is why we believe it is paramount to not only document families, but also create heirloom quality products that showcase both the history and emotion that are captured in those quiet and endearing moments with those we cherish most.

In a digital age, we find solace and refinement in the printed photograph. We take great satisfaction in the understanding that your handmade album will be seen, experienced, and preserved for generations to come. We offer an array of album options that ensure the preservation of your most important wedding day moments. We hope our pride in craftsmanship connects with couples who seek authentic, artful, imagery – and share our reverence for quality handmade albums.

All of our wedding albums are Flushmount albums, which means that your wedding images will be printed directly onto the album pages and can bleed off of the edge of the page and go straight across the center seam with no gap in the middle. The pages are thick and hard, so these are substantial books that are built with the latest in book binding technology.

We offer two different styles of albums – the Fabric Album and the  Leather Album – and they come in two different sizes – 10×10 or 12×12.

James Stokes Photography

Wedding Albums Redtree Wedding Albums Redtree Wedding Albums Redtree

Wedding / Products, Wedding Album, Weddings / 2 Comments

FINE ART WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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August 13, 2014

/ James Stokes

Engagement, Wedding / Central Wisconsin, Fine Art Weddings, Slideshow, Video, Weddings / Comment

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