Alex + Maggie’s wedding last Saturday … What. A. DAY. I will quickly acknowledge this right away because it was something we simply couldn’t get over — we had the BEST weather we’ve had so far this season for a wedding when just the DAY BEFORE the wedding, the forecast predicted an 80% change of thunderstorms all day long, with the highest chance being right when Alex + Maggie were planning to have their outdoor garden ceremony. Everyone was so worried about the storms (us included!), so much so that the day before the wedding, Alex + Maggie looked into renting a ballroom at a local hotel because they didn’t think their 300 guests would fit into the tent they had as a backup if it stormed.

BUT … they didn’t end up renting that ballroom because of a feeling.

And it DIDN’T rain. Instead it was 70 degrees + partly cloudy with a cool breeze : ) Just so, so amazing!! The perfect day!

When I first saw Maggie as she arrived to the Scheig Center, I couldn’t help but notice how radiant she was! Yes, her hair + makeup looked perfect, but she was glowing with joy + excitement to be marrying the love of her life in just a few short hours. As the bridesmaids were taking care of their final touches before the ceremony, Maggie took me out into a secluded hallway to read a card that Alex had given her. As she read it, the tears rolled softly down her cheeks + when she finished, she looked at me + said, “I am seriously so lucky to be marrying such an amazing person.” And then the tears really came : ) It was a wonderfully beautiful moment that let me in just a little bit more to the depth + kind of love that these two share with one another. It’s a moment that I’m really thankful I got to experience.

Soon after, Maggie shared a special first look with moment with both her mom + dad, + again, I was let in on a bond between a family that really changed me, you guys! I wasn’t expecting it going into their wedding day, but getting to know Maggie’s family, + seeing their closeness + love for each other all throughout the day REALLY, truly inspired me to cultivate that sort of closeness with my own family some day. (Thank you for that, Van Abels!). <3

The moment Alex saw Maggie at the ceremony (+ then every moment after that for the rest of the day, whenever he would look at her), he was beaming. riving home from the wedding, Caleb turned to me in the car + said, “He is just so sweet with her.” And I couldn’t agree more. Each touch, kiss, hug … it was gentle + loving, yet so assuring. These two are such a perfect match for one another + you just know they are both better people because of having the other in their life. It’s obvious!! I’m so excited to share some moments from their day with you — Alex + Maggie, we adore you two + are SO excited for all the things you two will now accomplish, TOGETHER : )!! Enjoy some of our favorites from the day!!

Maggie … Maggie, Maggie, Maggie!! You are absolutely breathtaking!!

You guys look GOOD!!!!

A FAVORITE!! : ) Those are some gorgeous girls!!!

I just love how happy + proud Maggie’s dad looks here : )

YES!!! Love this bridal party so much!!

FAVORITE!!! Gahhhhhh!! Love this moment!! And the light : )

We had to make a pit stop on the way to the reception to get a photo with Alex + Maggie’s fur baby, Hazel!!! Of course!!!! : )

The reception took place at a family restaurant that has been in Maggie’s family for generations (her maiden name is Van Abel!) — when we got to the restaurant, Maggie’s sister + maid of honor arranged for us to go up to the rooftop to take a photo with the famous “Van Abel’s” sign!! I won’t tell you exactly how we accomplished this … but let’s just say it involved a bride in her wedding dress + a ladder …. sorry Momma Van Abel!! ; )

This land is literally in Maggie’s backyard! So special : )!

A BIG round of applause for these fabulous vendors!!

Ceremony Location: The Scheig Center | Reception Location: Van Abel’s of Hollandtown | Wedding Coordination: Joy Kubat | Florist: Master’s Touch Flower Studio | Cake Artist: Simple Simon’s Bakery | DJ: The Milwaukee DJ | Makeup Artist: Jenna Girodana | Bridal Shop: Vera’s House of Bridals | Bridesmaid Dress Designers: BHLDN, Jenny Yoo | Menswear: Macy’s | Stationery: Sarah Van Abel