James & Sarah were married on May 24, 2014, with a ceremony at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a reception at the Millhome Supper Club. Their Fond du Lac, WI, wedding was perfect.

Sarah is a physical therapist, and James is a PhD student at UWM in chemistry. I love how Sarah tells how James proposed:
“James asked me to pick a date to go miniature golfing for a little break from school. The day before we had planned on going, he asked me what I wanted the prize to be if I won the first 9 holes (our mini golf ritual) and my response was ‘a ring.’
His response was, ‘I’m sure I can find something at my apartment that is circular, but I’m not sure which finger it’ll fit on.’ The rest of the night, he walked around his apartment saying ‘Tomorrow’s the big day,’ so the next morning, I walked around saying ‘Today’s the big day.’
After exhausting his patience, James looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You need to stop, or you’re just going to be disappointed with how today ends.’ After having lunch at Joe’s Crab Shack, we went to Putting Edge in Norridge, IL. After finishing the first 9 holes, I beat James by 1 stroke (which he told me was not on purpose), and he grabbed a keychain ring off of his keys, saying, ‘Well, I guess I have to practice proposing.’
After James finished his proposal, he pulled the actual ring out of his hood. My response was: ‘Yes, but I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.’”

I was so fortunate to photograph Sarah’s sister’s (and her matron of honor) wedding a few years ago, and I will be photographing Sarah’s other maid of honor’s wedding this weekend. This group felt like family to me!

Before the ceremony, the couple shared a special moment. They chose not to see each other before Sarah walked down the aisle, but they chose to hold hands and to read personal letters they had written for each other. It was so sweet and a very intimate, personal way to start their wedding together.

At the church, they had 14 memory candles lit with the photos of the individuals who were there in spirit. It was another personal touch, and you could tell how much family and friends mean to this DEAR couple. I felt that love again and again throughout the day. During the ceremony, I love how they honored their grandparents by hugging them during the sign of peace.

After the ceremony, we took bridal party shots and formals of Sarah and James alone at the St. Martin Heritage Park. The reception at the Millhome Supper Club was mixed with funny and touching moments, and the dance floor was filled with fun and celebration all night.

Thank you, James & Sarah. I was blessed to be a part of your beautiful nuptials! Both of you have the kindest hearts, and I wish you all the happiness in your marriage!

The team:

Venue: Millhome Supper Club
Dress: David’s Bridal
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Kayla Raquet
Engagement ring and wedding bands: Lake Country Jewelers
Cake/Desserts: Alice Ketter
DJ: Infinity DJ