Finding two people madly in love for one another that have a true appreciation for the zest of life is a powerful combination. Add the strength of family, the support of friends and the beauty of nature and you have the makings for this very special wedding celebration.
Family and friends from all over the world gathered amongst the peaceful protection of towering trees at Schlitz Audubon Nature Preserve to witness the power of love that these two share. Their heartfelt ceremony included not only chosen scripture but also a special heart shaped rock blessing and notations from poetry such as this:
‘Camerado, I give you my hand!
I give you my love more precious than money,
I give you myself before preaching or law;
Will you give me yourself? will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?’
-taken from Walt Whitman’s “Song of the Open Road”
Ellie and Kevin, you two have found within each other what poets write about. You two really made the day about your unique spirits and we’re delighted to have been included. We left feeling like old friends and hope to soon take you up on your West Coast offer.
Their wedding rings were a perfect reflection of who they are and where their love blossomed, Mt Hood. Oregon.
A wedding day is just as exciting for the parents of the couple. We strongly encourage involving your parents as much as you can… they’ll be honored to assist!
When Ellie pulled out two tiny boxes as gifts to her sisters it was all they could do to contain their humor. Inside the boxed were two sweet little rings from Tracy Sylvia as was the contents of the tiny little box they had for her! These sisters are so in touch with one another that they unknowingly bought the same gifts for each other!
After dressing, Ellie skimmed her vows one last time and prepared for the First Look to see her handsome groom. 
I get butterflies in my tummy reliving their First Look… sweet and tender and laced with expressions and embraces that would not have taken place should they waited for the aisle. 
When Ellie was younger she found a postcard on the streets of Costa Rica, picked it up and tucked it away smiling to herself shyly, thinking that one day she would give it to her future husband on her wedding day. The front reads “you’re the one”, the back a sweet message for Kevin. 
An impromptu First Look with daddy:
Ellie’s mom was the most excited mom I’ve ever seen on a wedding day; her energy contagious!
Ellie has a ‘small’ collection of heart-shaped rocks, each holding special memories of places they’ve been. Specially packed and traveling from Mt. Hood, Oregon, this rock will now hold the loving touch of friends and family and will always remind them of this unique gathering of friends and family from across the world.
Kevin could no longer contain his excitement!
Finally, Husband and Wife…
Having the chance to photograph Ellie and Kevin (at a Nature Center!) for me was like a kid in a candy store. I didn’t know where to begin but their tender loving embraces and calming attitude guided me to exactly what I wanted. For more of their Nature Center images visit a previous blog post I had to share immediately after the wedding.
I melt at this image… ugh. 
Ellie had a beaming smile across her face all day as Kevin swept her off her feet. 
As we rounded the tiny path leading to the beach front, Ellie and I threw our heads at one another, beaming, as our eyes laid eyes on THIS! A driftwood teepee… are you kidding me! We both dropped our jaws and giggled knowing this was going to make for their perfect ‘sea side’ wedding images. 
Yes, I got a bit soaked as I took the beating of a few waves to get these shots. Not complaining… so worth it!
A summer afternoon on the shores of Lake Michigan…
After soaking in more of the views and surroundings of the nature preserve, Kevin whisked Ellie away to the recently re-purposed Pritzlaff Building in the Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee. It certainly is a hidden gem with its hip vibe and old world charm. It’s Cream City brick and massively tall wooden columns fit their vision for a romantic dinner ending in a huge party.
No Wisconsin wedding is complete without a lavish cheese spread and Shully’s delivered just that, it was amazing.
Thee Pritzlaff Building, gah!
Their Head Table:
Each table was assigned a memory from Kevin and Ellie’s life journey.
A glimps into dad’s 22 minute heartfelt speech, a shining example of why you need video on your wedding day. While these images capture a mood and memory, those words spoken, an artform in and of itself, will forever be gone unless captured. Copper Clover Films was there for the entire event and will surely deliver an amazing wedding film to Kevin and Ellie to relive as often as they wish. More to come… 
I love food, let it be known. Taste and smell are amazingly powerful senses that have the power to bring floods of memories back into our lives so I try to always catch a few shots of the wedding meals that were carefully selected to celebrate with. This simple yet perfectly prepared wedding meal provided by Shully’s.
I expected nothing less than an emotion Father-Daughter dance:
Kevin and his mom cut it up to a hip Irish jig: 
And the selection for the First Dance was an upbeat and hip tune of ‘This Must be the Place’ by Talking Heads which swiftly welcomed the guests to devour the dance floor! 
If you’re searching for the best DJ you can for a memorable event I seriously encourage you to check out Jimmy Cababa… your wedding WILL be an amazing dance party. 
Being from Portland where food trucks are quite the craze, Ellie & Kevin decided to treat their guests to one of their comforts of home. The Chubby Cheese Truck was busy making delicious grilled cheese for guests needing a refueling from the packed dance floor. 
Dress :: Ania Bridal of Portland, OR
Tux :: J Crew
Shoes :: Imelda’s Shoes {hers}, Nordstroms {his}
Floral artistry :: Esther of Impressions Floral
Bakery & Custard :: Loaf & Jug-pies, Kopps-custard
Catered Cuisine :: Shully’s Cuisine
Venue :: Pritzlaff Building courtesy of Gravity Events
Food Truck :: The Chubby Cheese Truck