Abbey & Natalie’s wedding at Olbrich Botanical Gardens was simply magical- just look at how they glowed! And the gardens! They were like nothing I had ever seen- with every direction you turned, different botanical textures, colors, and patterns would lead your eye to the next gorgeous backdrop. I was absolutely giddy with the options, and because they chose to do a first look (a fabulous choice), we were able to explore the gardens a bit before the ceremony. The day started out *very* wet, but by late afternoon, the skies cleared, and everything was shiny and fresh for the ceremony to be held outside.

Along with the stunning garden setting, I also loved how involved their families and friends were in the wedding.

-That gorgeous ivory dress that Natalie wore with the lace on the top? It was Natalie’s mom’s wedding dress, and Abbey’s mom, a talented seamstress, modified it. Check out the before and after picture to see the remarkable transformation!

-The officiant was Abbey’s father (and he did a fantastic job!).

-The talented make-up artist was a close friend from college, the chauffeur was a brother, the day-of-coordinator was a sister, the DJ was a former roommate and friend….

…and they all knew exactly where to be and when using remarkably thorough Excel spreadsheets that the couple put together. My favorite spreadsheet title was “The Stuff and Who’s In Charge.” I wish I had been half as organized when I planned my own wedding!

Congratulations you two, and thank you so much for choosing Salty Raven to photograph your wedding; I loved getting to know you and your guests, and I hope to return to Madison someday very soon.

    

Venue: Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI

Caterer: Blue Plate Catering

Cupcakes: Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery

Abbey’s Dress: BHLDN Wedding Dresses, Badgley Mischka

 

I enjoy each and every wedding I photograph for Salty Raven. It’s true! I feel fortunate because I seem to attract genuine people who trust me to bottle up the moments, the atmosphere, and the joy of their wedding days in a visual and artistic way. Sometimes though…woah. Sometimes the match is amazing. From the very first Skype date with Jenny & Ethan, I was swooning because they had so many “couple qualities” I adore including:

-Couples whose quick banter keeps me on my toes following the twists and turns of the conversation.

-People who show laughter with their whole faces and talk excitedly with their hands.

-Couples who make each other laugh, laugh, laugh!

Oh, they were the best, and I’m so excited to share their wedding photos from The Dumbo Loft in Brooklyn, NY. Their goal was to bring together their family and friends into a cozy space in a pocket of Brooklyn that draws you in until you wish you could live there. The cobblestones, archways, river, bridges, fire escapes, people watching…it was all so invigorating. First, I’ll share a few of my favorites of Jenny & Ethan, and then we’ll rewind to enjoy their day as it unfolded. Vendor details can be found below.

Until next time, Brooklyn!

 

Isn’t that DUMBO sculpture above cool? It’s the creation of artist David Crumley, and it’s interactive! You can read more about it here on his website. And now, to rewind. First stop, the apartment where Ethan was getting ready. I met him on his stoop, and we went inside so he could transcribe his vows into a tiny antique book he picked up that morning.

 

 

Vendor Team Details Provided by the Couple:

Photography: Salty Raven Studio & Event Photography

Venue: The Dumbo Loft

Wedding Planning: Emily Canterbury with Whimsy Weddings

Florist: Buds of Brooklyn

Catering: Ryan Brown Catering (I had the spring veggie lasagna, and it was YUMMY!)

Cake artist: Melanie at Ladybird Bakery

DJ: Mon Amie Events

Dress/tux: Wedding Atelier & SuitSupply

Videographer: The couple’s friend, Allegra Oxborough

Bride’s Hair & Makeup: friend Heather Alexander (former professional hair stylist) and makeup artist MJ Johnson

According to the time stamps on their ceremony photos, one minute and 58 seconds is the time it takes to be officially married in New York City Hall from when you enter the chapel until the first kiss! But Shayla and Paul’s intimate destination wedding in NYC was way more than just the ceremony.

As a wedding photographer with a documentary/storytelling approach, I was giddy over the waiting room aspect of their City Hall wedding. Anticipation built as they waited for their number- C693- to be called, traveled through the various stations, and waited outside the chapel for their turn with the officiant.

And then there was Manhattan! And family portraits under flowering trees, famous Grimaldi’s pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge, vows exchanged in a secluded corner of Battery Park, and countless sweet glances and gentle exchanges between the couple. Thank you, Shayla and Paul; it was an honor photographing your beautiful wedding day, and I wish you all the best for the exciting adventures to come!