Ben & Kari | A Joyful Wedding Celebration at St. Peter's Catholic Parish & Inn on the Park in Madison, Wisconsin.

Ben & Kari | A Joyful Wedding Celebration at St. Peter’s Catholic Parish & Inn on the Park in Madison, Wisconsin.

August 16, 2016

The GPS took us out into the country, just outside the northwestern border of Madison. We turned left off the BeltLine + onto County Hwy K, where rolling hills were frequent + homes few + far between. On the right, we passed a “fresh sweet corn for sale” wooden sign, hand-painted with red lettering + if we had had more time, I totally would have made Caleb stop to get some of that corn! Have you ever had Wisconsin sweet corn in the summertime? It’s incredible. We made it to the top of the hill + on the left was a small but breath-taking old stone church. “You have arrived,” the GPS told us. We looked at each other + smiled, the perfect spot for Ben + Kari’s wedding.

The church, nestled intricately into the countryside hills, was built in 1901 + still dons many of the original architectural features of the space. Old stone, ornate wooden detailing, + stunning artwork … to name a few. For a couple whose faith is so deep + so steadfast, it was truly the perfect spot for a wedding. From the beginning, this is something we have admired SO much about Ben + Kari — their commitment to their faith, to their Catholic roots + beliefs, + their admirable reverence for it all. Ben actually used to work for the Bishop, so not only was he in attendance for the mass, but so were SEVEN other priests! Along with hundreds of guests, I’m going to say it was a full house in the little country church ; )

At the reception, Ben + Kari spread their joy (they are SO good at doing this!) as they interacted with + loved on their many guests. A lot of Kari’s family is from Kuwait, + while some were able to actually be at the wedding, many were not — so they surprised her with a BEAUTIFUL video that was recorded prior to the day. Family members spoke works of love + encouragement to the new couple + we all watched the video together during dinner. It was a really special part of the day! I loved witnessing the outpouring of support for this newlywed couple : )

While these two are honeymooning in Italy, we get to relive their day with them from overseas! My prayer is that their GENUINE joy would seep from these images + fill your heart with happiness + gratitude + hope in something good today : ) ENJOY!! And cheers to the brand new Mr. + Mrs. Schmitz!