This sweet couple, deeply in love with Door County's natural settings, wanted bridal party shots at the top of the old ski hill, looking down at the wooded valley below. The lighting was fantastic, and the couple was so fun to work with. We had captured their engagement photos the autumn prior, along the banks of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal--a location I had not ever thought to have an engagement shoot before. It is now one of my favorite spots. As is this hill in Potawatomi State Park. The couple had their outdoor wedding in Sturgeon Bay, right along the bay, and then a short walk to the marina boat storage facility for their reception: an elaborate taco bar. Then dancing and outdoor games until late. An added bonus: a next door party included fireworks, so the wedding party and guests were able to step out into the warm evening air to watch the unexpected display. This wedding was special--I knew many of the friends and family and was honored they would ask me to capture their day. Seeing old friends and colleagues made the day seem so much more personal. The couple's parents, grandparents, the friends...so many familiar faces. And best of all, the couple themselves were the most sincere, down-to-earth people. Easy going, and willing to roll with the punches, including one strange disaster: while we were shooting the bridal party, a tree fell across the road--our only way back to the reception. It was a clear day, no rain or wind--why that tree fell, we have no idea. A team came out to saw the errant tree apart, and open the road again. But there were a few phone calls made, and some worried guests back at the reception. No problem, though, it only delayed us about 15 minutes.
Location: Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
1/320; f/3.2; ISO 100; 155.0 mm.