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

Sarah and David’s wedding in Marfa, Texas was epic in all the best ways. Each detail of the wedding’s southwestern theme showcased the bride’s amazing style. Her dress and shoes especially…wow! Guests enjoyed stunning desert landscapes, a mission church with charming architecture, and the town of Marfa of course- a place rich in art, culture, and plenty of quirks.

I feel so fortunate to have photographed this couple’s destination wedding and see their vision for it come together so beautifully!

• Ceremony location: Calera Chapel
• Reception venue: Private residence in Marfa, TX (the landscaping and art- oh my!)
• Photography: Salty Raven Studio & Event Photography
• Catering: Marfa Table
• Event Planning: Lizzy from Magic Hour Marfa
• DJ: Simone Rubi

 

  

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!

Sometimes, a wedding is so deeply heartfelt that it’s difficult for me to choose which photos best convey the love surrounding a couple for those not there in person to witness it. Sarah and Jenny’s beautiful wedding ceremony on the Mills College Campus in Oakland, CA followed Quaker tradition; there was no fanfare or giving away of the brides, and no officiant. Instead, they walked together into the chapel, and their friends and family members sat in contemplative silence before rising one after another to testify to the strength of the couple’s relationship. The Mills College Chapel is in the round, and believe me, the love indeed circled them!

To make the day even more awesome, add in book-themed decor (both Sarah and Jenny are librarians!), a reception in the Reinhardt Alumnae House where past Mills College presidents looked on as Jenny’s talented cousin Mindy, a professional hair and makeup artist, helped them get ready, and the Spanish and modern architecture mash-up that is the Mills College campus. (Goodness, did I have fun during the portrait session with Sarah and Jenny!) And Portabella Mushroom Banh Mi- YUM!

I feel so honored and lucky that I was able to fly to Oakland to photograph Sarah and Jenny’s wedding!

P.S. You may remember from an earlier blog post (their engagement session here) that Sarah was a bridesmaid at my college friend Sara’s wedding that I photographed back in 2009, and three years later, I received the kind of e-mail that makes a photographer dance around the house with giddiness: “Ever since Sara and Devin’s wedding I’ve been waiting to send you an email like this! Jenny and I just looked over your website again and we loved what we saw.”

Friend referrals are THE BEST!