As a newer photographer to the Madison scene, I’m looking forward to many first experiences with some of Madison’s most unique and characteristic venues. This past weekend, I had a very enjoyable one of these first experiences that included two great Madison wedding locations: Luther Memorial Church on University Avenue and the University Club near Library Mall. These elegant locations were the perfect setting for Allison & Mike’s September wedding…talk about a perfect fit!
Before I begin sharing images, I have to thank Christy Langheim of Christy Langheim Photography for having me along as her second shooter. Christy’s a wonderful person, a great photographer, and a fantastic friend. I had so much fun shooting with her! I’m so lucky that she lives just a couple blocks from me. What a blessing to have a colleague AND a buddy on my very own street! I look forward to working with her more often in the future.
We began the morning by meeting the bride in her downtown condo while she got ready for the day. This is one of my favorite parts…stealing away all the little details and of course, kidnapping the dress.Â
 Love the texture of these shoes against the couch fabric:
The instant we walked into the condo, I knew I wanted to use the lobby chandelier for the dress shot. It’s always fun to do the dress shots with a team because dresses are inanimate objects (surprise!) and we can circle around them like little camera-bearing vultures. The buttons on the back of this gown are actually BEADED- they were beautiful!
After a flurry of girly detail shots, I got one of the great treats of being a second shooter: some guy time! I headed over to the hotel where the gents were preparing for the day and had some fun with the more masculine details.
I will be completely honest and admit that this shot was accidentally overexposed, but I decided not to delete it because I like the high-key look.
I have always loved the mother-daughter moments during the getting ready part of the day, but I may have underestimated the moments that are exchanged between grooms and their dads. Mike wore some very meaningful cufflinks for his wedding and I had the honor and pleasure of capturing these touching images of his dad helping him put them on.
A quick shot of the guys before the ceremony. What a handsome bunch!
This quick triptych from afar shows three of my favorite moments during the ceremony: bride and dad just about to walk down the aisle, groom watching his wife to be walk towards him in her dress, and dad giving bride one last hug or kiss before handing her off. So cute!
After the ceremony we snagged some shots right outside of the church. I couldn’t choose between these, so you get to see them both!
There’s a gorgeous little park across the street from the church, so we stole away the bridal party for some portraits. The flowers were so colorful:
Warning: several kissing shots ahead.Â
I love it when a bride isn’t afraid to sit in the grass in her gown…especially in front of Bascom Hall!
I heart bouquet shots…and Allison’s was BEAUTIFUL.
I believe Mike’s comment was something along the lines of “Hey, it’s kind of fun under here…”
As the sun set over the Union terrace, we rolled on to the reception. The speeches were heartfelt, and I had several chances to grab photographs of Mike gazing with adoration at his gorgeous new wife as their friends and loved ones spoke about their amazing love.
The colors that the couple chose were perfectly between summer and fall.
With a quaint hall serving as the dance floor, Allison & Mike were surrounded by a warm circle of their guests as they shared their first dance.
These last two shots make me happy, too… such true joy shared between parents and their now married children!
To Allison & Mike: you two had a gorgeous wedding day to cherish always! Thank you for having me along to share it.
To Christy: you rock, girl! I can’t wait to shoot with you again.
by Mandie Haberman
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