This past Saturday, I had a very unique treat in the form of Rebecca & Dave’s wedding at Devil’s Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin. When I discovered that this couple was looking for a wedding photographer to “take a hike,” I was immediately intrigued. I thought to myself, “I’m in good enough shape to carry my camera up a hike, right?” Well, I made it- but it sure was grueling!

The more I learned about this couple through their consult, their engagement session, and their wedding info sheet, the more I looked forward to their day. I knew it would be one-of-a-kind, and that is the best part of each wedding for me! From men in kilts to a ceremony that included “props” to a three hour portrait hike to a final, watery good-bye…this was one fun day for all. I believe the best way to explain their day will be through the photographs!

The day began as any normal wedding day for me goes- I kidnapped the dress. Yes, future brides, get used to the idea: if need be, I will pry the beautiful gown from your fingers and whisk it away on a mini adventure. Don’t worry, it stays out of the sight of the groom! Wedding gowns, no matter what style, are beautiful enough to deserve their own slice of my attention. With Becca’s, we played in the sun with the trees around the reception shelter.

While the girls got all prettied up, the boys were followed around by my awesome second shooter, Mike from The Visual Soundtrack. I snuck up behind him to snag a few shots of my own. YES, that groomsman IS holding a baguette of bread. If you look very closely, you’ll see that each kilted groomsman is carrying a ceremony prop!

The guys and gals skipped the traditional arm-in-arm stroll down the aisle in favor of a slightly coreographed run towards the altar, where the bride and groom met. Here are the girls mid-jaunt!

Within a circle of their trusted friends and family, Becca & Dave pronounced their love and commitment to one another with very personalized vows. Dave took a knee before his beautiful bride.

After the ceremony, the women of the wedding party changed from casual sandals into serious hiking footwear. I just couldn’t resist this shot! Yes, this bride and groom know how I LOVE the shoe shots, so they were well prepared!

And what’s a shoe shot like that without its opposite? Can we say killer album layout?

And then began the endless kisses.Â

Here we are, just a teensy bit into the hike. I have to admit, part of my motivation in composing this shot was to finagle a break for my tired self, but I think it worked to everyone’s advantage!

A little over half way up, we came across a very narrow pass occupied by a group of rock climbers. They were nice enough to follow direction- thanks, climbers!

From this vantage point, they could watch over the fun festivities being enjoyed by their guests as we hiked: volleyball, swimming, kayaking, croquet, and general mischief. They even had board games set up for those who wanted to stay out of the sun!

But seriously, can you imagine having such a breathtaking view on your wedding day? Beautiful!

You guessed it, another shoe shot…and more gazing. Aaaaw!

Right before we composed this shot, Dave informed me that he’s got a slight fear of heights. I have to say, that’s not what I expected to hear from a groom who’s dragging me up the side of a giant bluff on his wedding day, but I offered to pose him elsewhere. Instead, he barreled ahead and did it anyway. What a trooper! Pun intended, Dave.Â

Can’t you just feel the love?

This has got to be one of my favorite group shots EVER. All those guys in kilts were not only tasked with this hike, but with assisting Mike and I with all the gear to get this shot, including two lightstands, one strobe light, a giant octobox, and a portable generator. Wow! Dave had promised me they’d be helpful, but they really went the extra mile. They didn’t even complain! Dave, you’ve got some fantastic man friends there.

And this shot was definitely worth it!

Playing in the prairie grasses…

They were ready for a few minutes of bench-lounging, I’m sure. Love happy, content, and satisfied look on Dave’s face as he grins at his bride!

Remember those props from the ceremony? One was this rope, used to officially “tie the knot.”

And one last portrait at Devil’s Doorway:

After the hike, we retired to the reception shelter for fantastic ribs, entertaining speeches, and a great round of “Becca & Dave Jeapordy.” Now, THAT is a great way to fend off the tinkling of the glasses! Each question was worth a certain kind of kiss from the bride and groom, varying in intensity with the difficulty of the question.  When that was over, Mike and I were able to pry the wedding party away for one more quick set of shots…in the lake.Â

Thanks for being such GREAT sports, guys…it was all well worth it!

To Becca & Dave: I had a blast shooting your day.  The hike may have been tiring, but it was well worth it and it made me realize what better shape I’m in now than I’ve been over the past few years! Your unique, fun, and mischievous personalities made your day a great experience for me. I hope you enjoyed your preview!

**And a special note to The Visual Soundtrack, for lending me Mike for the day- you guys rock! Thanks for the extra equipment, the great attitude, the interest in learning, and all the great images that these two will LOVE. Mike, you were a huge sport and I truly appreciate it- I look forward to working with you again, soon!

Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the gift- here are a few of my favorites!

I hope to see some of you again for a family portrait session this summer!

One of the great benefits of exhibiting at the show is that I get some free tickets to give away! SO- are you planning a wedding? Are you free on May 27th? Are you armed with pre-printed labels with your name and address for all the give-away drawings? If you answered YES to these questions, KEEP READING!

For a chance to win two free tickets to the Milwaukee Summer Bridal Show, simply leave a comment here and tell me about ONE image you would love to have from your wedding day. Is it your future husband’s face as he sees you come down the aisle? A portrait with your grandparents who inspire you to love for a lifetime? Your bouquet? Your something blue? A dramatic dipping kiss portrait? There’s got to be ONE image that you’re dying to have in that final album!Â

We’ll randomly choose the winners from all the entries. There are several sets of tickets up for grabs, so tell your friends!

Good luck!