I walked into the hotel room with a gentle knock and was greeted with hugs from strangers who felt like family. As I met all of the women Elise was surrounding herself with as she got ready, I knew this day wouldn’t be like the rest. We talked like old friends and clung to each other as we stared at her wedding dress, this was the day she was going to marry Ryan and the excitement was in the air. As her mom and sister buttoned up her dress, I looked around the room with tears in my eyes. You know when people say that the bride was glowing? Well, she was shining brighter than the big dipper, Elise was stunning. Drew texted me halfway through the wedding to ask how it was going, I quickly responded with “this is the best EVER, I am among the coolest people and I feel so loved.” That theme rang true through the rest of the day as me and my assistant Erin hung with Elise and Ryan’s families as they experienced their wedding day.
There is something so pure about feeling welcomed within a family, I watched as two families became united as one and was in awe of the ease throughout the day. Elise and Ryan were on top of the world and I was lucky enough to be there to help them remember it. I truly am thankful for the opportunities this job gives me, experiencing a day like this made me know that there is art behind what I create and freezing moments in time is a gift that I am lucky enough to offer. I drove home in silence with the biggest smile on my face – I had just left a group of people (and an epic dance party) that I prayed would stay in my life long after the vows were whispered. Ryan and E – thank you for choosing me, thank you for trusting me to capture sure a precious day, I have never, ever taken so many images at one wedding – you truly left me speechless.
As a little wedding gift to these two, I pulled together a bit of the behind the scenes of their wedding day! To watch them in action and feel like you were there with them, hit play:
To see more of their wedding day, turn on your sound and click play below (you might want kleenex.)
Leave these two some love, if Elise and Ryan’s blog gets 25 comments, they will get a complimentary 8×10″ print of their favorite wedding day image, so leave these two a comment!
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VENDORS:
Preparation Room: Iron Horse Hotel // Ceremony: // Reception: Harley Davidson Museum – Milwaukee, Wisconsin // Dress: Brandi’s Bridal // Shoes: Macy’s Enzo // Suits: Men’s Wearhouse // Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew // Florist: Impressions by Esther Fleming // Hair and Makeup Artist: Julie Rosembaum
Oh, the beauty is just beginning, click a link below to continue the fun:
Jenna I’ve always enjoyed keeping up with your blog to hear about your business and projects and photography, but hooooly cow I actually know Ryan & Elise and cannot believe how perfectly you’ve captured them. These are beautiful; looks like it was a wonderful day!!
Jenna, you have done an amazing job of portraying the incredible day of Ryan and Elise! I am beyond words at how beautiful these are! Thank you for being there on my sister’s special day and you certainly feel like family to us!!
JENNA! These are awesome!!!
PS Elise Nelson I love the mom and dad dancing sandwich one
Gorgeous wedding!!
They look like such a fun couple! Loved the short video! You never cease to impress, Jenna!
To all the Hansen family! Absolutely stunning wedding pictures. I feel like that I was there. I loved them all but especially appreciated seeing Diane’s dad and my cousin, Dick, laughing and probably crying too! I have fond memories of being a part of Ashley and Scott’s wedding when we sailed my mother across the lake on the SS Badger so that she could see her brother! What a great family you are!
Absolutely stunning pictures! You really did capture the pure love, joy, and fun of the day! Well done.
these are beautiful images of a beautiful day. love these two!
Beautiful !
LOVE these photos. You have captured the amazing day for Ryan, Elise and family. Can’t wait to see more.
they look like the most fun couple ever.
I just fell in love with these people I have never met! I think this is my favorite wedding yet! Beautiful work, Jenna!
Jenna your pictures of Ryan and Elise’s wedding were amazing and so creative! You captured the love they felt that day and also the fun they were having. They were the most amazing wedding pictures I have ever seen! (Ryan’s cousin) Vick!
What a blast
What a great video. What was the song playing on the first video? Such a great fit. Wondering who did the catering/decorating for this beautiful wedding? Great job!