I simply wish I could copy + paste the best man’s speech from this wedding into today’s post because it was hilarious (+ you all would think I am really funny) and, more importantly, it was SO heartfelt. It was deep, honest, eloquent, + inspiring. The thing you need to know about the newly married couple on the blog today – Evan + Emily – is that they have been dating since 8th grade. 8TH GRADE!! That puts them at 13 years together … but not just any thirteen years. The thirteen years in which, I think we could all agree, a person experiences A LOT of life change. Some might argue they are the most pivotal years of your life. And these two endured the changes, the transitions, the great losses + the exciting accomplishments together. Always, always together. The best man has known these two since they began dating 13 years ago + has walked alongside them through many of these life experiences. The words he spoke about how Evan + Emily always chose each other, always chose love, always KNEW the other was their forever love – they were words that brought us all to tears. It was a day that was exactly what these two dreamed it would be: simply, a celebration of love. 

Being from the Wausau area originally, these two chose to marry where their roots lie. Both the ceremony + reception took place at the beautiful Willow Springs Garden just outside of Wausau where you will find nothing but rolling hills, weathered barns, + windy Wisconsin roads : ) It was an overcast day, nice + cool, + the bridal party looked stunning in their navy blue attire against the lush, freshly-rained upon grass below them : ) The happiest of tears were shed time + time again as everyone reminisced on Evan + Emily’s story, or whenever they looked into each other’s eyes. It was almost like they were saying to each other, “We’re finally here. I love you” … without having to speak a word out loud : )

By the time the reception rolled around, the sun was peeking through the clouds + we lucked out with a little bit of a sunset! The best part, however, was that we were able to see the Super Moon that was showing itself off that night! Yes – a super moon!! Evan + Emily actually picked August 29, 2015 for their wedding day because that was the day of the super moon this year … the one day of the year when the moon is the closest to the earth : ) We were worried we wouldn’t be able to get a shot of the two of them with the super moon (which they really, really wanted) because it was SO cloudy!! But the stars aligned + the clouds cleared + we were able to get a really cool shot!! : ) I’m just SO excited to share this wedding with you because these two are unbelievable people. Their hearts are loving, their souls are now ONE, AND they love the band Hanson + the game Settlers. What more can you ask for!? : )

To the Thomas’ – CONGRATULATIONS you two!! Love, love, love you to the moon + back!!!

Evan MADE these little fishing lure boutonnieres himself! He told me he thinks he’s going to start an Etsy shop 😉 haha!

This little flower girl was such a cutie .. and a little ham!! I might have taken too many pictures of her!! : )

These bracelets worn by Emily + her bridesmaids are from 31 Bits, a Ugandan company that teaches women how to make bead products from recycled paper so they can rise above poverty + provide for their families. Since Emily spent time teaching in Uganda, this company is near + dear to her heart <3

This clutch Emily carried on her wedding day was made from her grandmother’s wedding dress : )

Ahhhh, EMILY!!! So beautiful!!! I remember the bridesmaids squealing over this one!! : )

Such a perfectly romantic morning with the fog rising up over the hills <3

I LOVE this.

And the following is what oftentimes happens when couples do a first look – SO much time for portraits!!!!!

A hedge/maze/garden!! Perfect for shooting!!!

Love these : ) : )

Just TOO cute!! I love the wreath by Inspired by Nature!!

One of Emily’s family members has a RUNNING Vintage Ford Model A!! SO perfect + fun for their day!!!

Oh my GOODNESS a FAVORITE!!

Love these : )

Such a beautiful spot to get married!!

During the ceremony, Evan + Emily took dirt from each of their childhood homes + added it to a tree they will now plant at their new home together <3

I’d say they’re excited to FINALLY be MARRIED!!!!

The reception was at The Round Barn also on the Willow Springs Garden property!! I have never seen a barn like this before!! So crazy!

Evan + Emily picked August 29th as their wedding date because of the Super Moon that happened that night!! These images are different than our normal stuff, but we had fun creating some shots for them that included this special moon!! (Okay, these were ALL Caleb’s work!!)

And lastly, a HUGE thank you to the team <3:

Ceremony + Reception Location: Willow Springs Garden | Florist: Inspired By Nature | Videography: Vaughter Weddings | Band: Hometown Sweethearts | Cake: Sweet Dreams Bakery | Wedding Gown: Elegant Occasions, Designer: Stella York | Bridesmaid Dresses: Elegant Occasions + Mestads | Menswear: Joseph A. Bank | Hair + Makeup: Nola Kahn, nola.kahn@gmail.com