Today’s the day, the day that I get to share the images and story behind these two beautiful souls wedding day! On September twenty-second, my assistant (and lovely aunt), Rhonda and I drove up to the Hilltop Haven in Fredonia Wisconsin. The moment we walked into the venue and saw all the beautiful tables, flower arrangements, and the eclectic decor of the venue, we were immediately smitten. I just remember at that moment that I was so incredibly thankful that I had brought two extra rolls of film so that I could properly document how beautiful Noel and Tanner’s wedding day was going to be.
What a wonderful gift it is to witness two people who have such a deep and everlasting love, make a vow and promise to spend the rest of their lives together. As some of you may already know, Noel and I have been friends for years. It wasn’t until their engagement session back in January where I got to meet Tanner for the first time and witness their relationship with one another. As we walked to a from their engagement location and enjoyed a homecooked meal from Noel in our dining room that night, I got to know them both better and see their love for one another unfold. It’s easy to see how God has brought these two wonderful and kind-hearted human beings together and I knew the moment they arrived at my house on that January afternoon, that being their wedding photographer was going to be such a tremendous honor.
On the day of their wedding, I walked into the room where Noel and her ladies were getting ready and was warmly welcomed by all of them as we discussed the day and how it was going to all unfold. Noel and Tanner had opted to have the first time they saw one another be at the ceremony and I couldn’t wait to see such a precious moment between the two of them. The ceremony was incredibly heartfelt as I watched Noel walk down the aisle and the look that she and Tanner shared as they looked at each other for the first time that day. I photographed and listened as so many important friends and family members took their time sharing their hearts during the ceremony and how so many others have had the joy of watching the relationship between these two people grow and flourish over the years.
As the ceremony concluded and the night proceeded on, I eventually pulled Noel and Tanner away from their guest to take some sunset images of the two of them. The sheer happiness and devotion that radiated between the two of them was such a joyous thing to be a part of. I watched as they walked together, Tanner turning to his new wife to ask and make sure she was doing ok. I watched as Tanner reached over to kiss Noel on the forehead after they had posed for a photo. I watched as they pulled each other close during their first dance while Noel mouthed the words to the song and Tanner watched her lovingly. I watched these two people fall even deeper in love with each other as the night progressed on and they started their lives as man and wife.
At the end of the night, Rhonda and I said our goodbyes, expressing our love and joy for them as they both wrapped Rhonda and me up in big hugs. That night as Rhonda and I sat in our hotel room, we rolled the entire night over and over again, reminiscing and replaying our favorite parts of the wedding day. The silliness of the groomsmen, the love and tears during the ceremony, the delicious Mexican buffet for dinner, the unique choice of drinks, and the absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt first dances. As I walked away from their venue that night, I knew that I closed out my wedding season for 2018 in the best possible way, with amazing people, fellowship, food, and more love than you can possibly imagine.
Noel and Tanner, thank you both so much for the privilege of not only documenting but being able to observe the extraordinary love that you have for one another.
