This past weekend I had the chance to visit the Green Bay Wedding Show at Shopko Hall with camera in hand. Why might a photographer do something like this? Well, quite simply, for you. I love the wedding world and I want every bride we have the pleasure of working with to have the best and greatest of everything on their wedding day. We’ve photographed over 100 local and destination weddings and are there from start to finish on many occasions. We meet most every vendor at a wedding, have tasted food from most every venue and caterer in the area, certainly eat cake (maybe more than we should), know which DJs keep a full dance floor and have worked with many of the florists and wedding planners around as well. All of this is to your benefit because it’s all a big deal on your wedding day! So, here’s my list of a few favorites:
First is Copper Clover Films. If you do not have a wedding film in your budget I seriously urge you to figure a way to get one in there! Not having a wedding film is one of the top regrets from most brides. With the flood of emotions that day, YOU WILL FORGET so much! The day is a blur, and I promise, you will want to go back and relive all the time and love you poured into your day. Check out this wedding highlight sampler:
My second advice and favorite thing (besides cake) on a wedding day is to work with an event planner. I know it may feel great to ‘save’ all that money by not hiring one, but man, once you’re living that day you will be soooo happy you have a go-to person! Planners will take care of so much more than you think and free you up from micro-managing your aunts, mother and bridesmaids allowing you and your guests to completely enjoy your day. I’ve worked with Alliey from Sash & Bow for many weddings and she always does an amazing job. Also, if the word ‘vintage’ has anything to do with your wedding vision you MUST contact her about her vintage rentals. Check out a few of the tables she had set at the wedding show.
Casee from Branching Out had a stunning booth as well and paired with wedding planner, Styled Accordingly, displayed a modern meets vintage yellow pallet. We’ve done so many amazingly beautiful weddings with Branching Out and I’d highly recommend their team to anyone. Their flowers are always breathtaking and Casee is a really fun artist to work with!
As for cakes, I have no photos but speak from my tummy when I recommend my favorites. The Italian Cream Cake by Cakescapes in Green Leaf, WI… AMAZING. I’m speechless at how flavorful this cake was and I’d love to eat it this summer, so please, one of our 2013 Brides, order it! My next all-time favorite is Monzu on Broadway in Green Bay. Love, love, love. I drive up to Green Bay from Appleton for my kids birthday parties just to have their cake. I’m not a crunchy frosting cake lover so Monzu is my bakery. Their buttercream is as smooth as whip cream and cakes are a work of art. This one is from a recent wedding we captured this summer… so good!
And, nothing is cooler than an ice cream bar at a wedding so if you want your cake and ice cream too, you must check out Kelley Country Creamery. The smoothest, creamiest, yummiest ice cream I’ve ever had! It’s a small-town ice cream shoppe just south of Fond du Lac making all their own ice cream on-site using milk from their own cows out back. With over 200 flavors available I’m sure you will find a few to match your wedding theme and colors! I hope you had the change to attend the Green Bay Wedding Show and if not, there will be more coming up this Spring. Stay connected with our Kim Thiel Photography – Weddings Facebook page for more wedding tips and favorites.