.Not your Mama's wedding. Hotel Red, Madison Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

I'm going to be honest, I LOVE vintage.  The cloths, the style, the rusticness of it all.  But after shooting vintage/rustic/shabby/chic for 3 years I wanted Wisconsin Brides to know that it is okay if that wasn't their thing.  It's okay beat to your own drum and step outside a trend.  If you are more contemporary, bold and into clean lines we have the place for you.
I teamed up with Hotel Red and a bunch fabulous other wedding vendors to bring you ideas that weren't hayfields and wooden chairs.
Corinne from Canvas by Corninne Van Arsdale and I produced and cooked up this fabulous shoot for you to gain ideas, get inspired, look at pretty things and see some fabulous new locations and vendors!

First things first:  Hotel Red!!!!  Such a fantastic location in the heart of Madison!  The first time I walked in I knew I wanted to shoot here.  Not only is their locations gorgeous but they are Bride and Puppy friendly.  Something to keep in mind if you want to include your pooch on your big day.

Wanting to work with a florist that will take your ideas and funkiness and make them real?  Call Amanda at Alluring Blooms.   When we spoke with her about our ideas she burst into excitement and knew exactly which ribbon she would use.  We had no worries and knew we were in good hands.

Monirose:  Ever dreamt of having a beautiful wedding gown but then wanted something funky and flirt for the reception.  Brides who want this usually opt for two dresses, but Monica from Monirose did us one better.  She gave us two for one.  A modern short dress with a top skirt.  Having a church wedding that you feel you need to be covered up for, but want some fun at the reception ... contact Monica and make your dream become a reality.
Let's not forget about the boys!  Everyone knows men always look handsome in a tailored suit.  Don't underestimate making your groom and his boys look their best too.  Contact Nedrebos to get you boy feeling handsome because it is his time to shine too!
Vera's comes high on my list for customer service and excellent options for brides and bridesmaids.  This black dress could easily be worn again and again after the wedding is over. Vera's continues to be one of the best in Wisconsin!

Wedding and Event Planner Corinne came up with a bunch of DIY ideas including this aisle runner and cement candle holders.  She is such a joy to work with and truly believes in helping you (no matter what your budget) organize but more importantly helping you make your wedding day reflect you, not just a trend!  I highly recommend her and can't stress enough how valuable an Event Coordinator truly is on your big day.

 

Brody from Brody Designs  always does a fantastic job.  His jewelry designs always impress.  I really like how he doesn't forget about the guys either, giving them many options to have their rings show a little flare as well.  He will incorporate what you want to make your rings truly you!

 

Spice up your bridal party gifts and give your girls something a little unique to your locations.  Futures above is a Wisconsin Necklace from Modest Metal on etsy and funky clutch purse from the MMoCA.

Heather at Sugar River Stationary always impresses but she really stepped it up with this creation for a contemporary spin on invitations.  This invite is actually printed on plexiglass.  Don't hesitate to ask vendors to step outside of the box to get something new for you.  Heather also put in the time to research the design of Hotel Red to make sure she could incorporate elements already at the hotel into her menus and invitations.  She rocks! 

Two of my most favorite topics, Hair & Makeup.  We had two of the best girls in Madison work with our models.  

Becca from b.suite for hair  

Jacinda for makeup   (608) 449-1801

We wanted to keep the look simple and clean so that you could see that it is possible to have makeup and look natural.  We all are BEAUTIFUL without makeup but having a professional help you look your best on your big day (even with a natural look) will make a big difference in the photos.  

After you spend the money on a fantastic photographer (wink, wink) PLEASE do yourself a favor and hire a professional for your makeup. 

 

 

 

The great news is that WI Bride is going to be publishing some of this work in their next mag, so more images to come in July.  Thanks again to everyone who was involved and made this possible.

Venue:  Hotel Red

Wedding planner:  Canvas by Corinne Van Arsdale

Wedding gown:  Monirose Bespoke Gowns

Men's attire:  Nedrebo's formal wear

Bridesmaids dress:  Vera's 

Rings:  Brody Design

Reception dessert:  Cupcakes A-Go-Go

Flowers:  Alluring Blooms

Invites/menus:  Sugar River Stationary

Wisconsin Necklace: Modest Metal

Table Linen:  la tavola linen

Hair:  b.suite 

Makeup:  Jacinda (608) 449-1801 

Photography:  M photography

.allison & matt. Lake Geneva, WI Madison Wedding Photographer

The tradition continues!!!!
Alison & Matt started coming to Grand Geneva three years ago for a get away sweetie weekend.  The first year Alison planned the trip.  The next year Matt decided to officially surprise Allison by making the second year their ENGAGEMENT year!!!  The third year they invited me for a few hours of capturing their love in their favorite place.  What a great location for a shoot.  Even the horses at the barn were perfect.  Allison and Matt were fantastic to work with as well.  Within seconds of starting they were acting like they had modeled for years!
Thanks for the fun in Lake Geneva, WI.  I'm so thankful that we came together there for your engagement session.  All the best,  Em

 

 

 

.miss avery. Madison Wedding photographer

What a gorgeous little nugget!  Miss Avery was just a few days old when we met.  She was a total trooper during her first photo session!  She slept and ate and slept and ate, just how a new baby is suppose to be.  Thank you Katie for inviting me into your home to capture you new bundle of joy.  Cheers to your new adventure.  All my love, Em

 

.fun with models. Madison wedding photographer

I was recently "cleaning up shop" and found some images I took at a workshop I signed up for a while back.  It's always good to push your skills and learn some new tricks every once in a while.  It's fun to play with models, makeup, and fancy dresses too!  Here are a few of my favorites ...