I could probably write a novel about this wedding, but I’m going to do my best to keep it short. But first, I need to give you some background… because, you see, Doug and I go way back. Back to when we were just young 22-year-olds in college, living in Madison, enjoying one too many beers all too often… and he even accompanied me to an Usher concert for my 23rd birthday with a couple of our friends. Oh yes, I said USHER. 🙂 (It was hot. Don’t judge! haha)
I could say a lot of things about Doug – but I’ll keep it to this: Doug is one of the best people I’ve ever met in life. When you meet him, you just know immediately that he’s good down to his core… an all around amazing human being. So naturally, over the years I’ve always hoped Doug would end up with someone equally amazing. And, as I’m sure you can guess, he most definitely did.
When Doug first introduced me to Chrissy I felt like I’d known her for years (much like when I first met Dougie), and I knew this girl was perfect for him. She was so down-to-earth, easy to talk to, and I was so happy that she and Doug had found each other. Then a while later, I heard the news that Doug and Chrissy were expecting a little boy! This was going to be the first little one introduced into our group of friends – and everybody was stoked. Of course I wanted to come visit and take some newborn photos of the little guy, and when I arrived I learned that Doug had proposed to Chrissy a few days after the gorgeous little Braydon was born!
Lucky for me, these two asked me to document their big day… the day their beautiful little family would ‘officially’ become one. I was beyond humbled to be a part of it all.
It was a day focused on family and close friends, with an intimate outdoor ceremony along the Mississippi River in La Crosse, WI. It was a scorcher of a day over 4th of July weekend, but that didn’t stop anybody from thoroughly enjoying themselves! There were more happy tears during the speeches than I think I have ever seen, and even more crazy dance moves on the floor! (Amazing!)
Chrissy and Doug… thank you so much for including James and I in your very special day. We were truly honored that you trusted us to document such a momentous day in your lives. We will never forget it! XOXO!
Because they had a late afternoon ceremony, Chrissy & Doug opted to do a “first look” and then take portraits before the ceremony so that afterwards they could just enjoy their wedding night with their loved ones. I’m so happy they did because it allowed us so much time to wander around and get some beautiful images while they both felt fresh and relaxed! (And if you’re thinking it made the moment when Chrissy walked down the aisle any less special… it most definitely did not. Just wait until you see those pics – it was like the first time seeing each other all over again!) 🙂
Love these moments captured by James below!
Another one of mine (on the left) & James’ angle of the same moment (on the right)!
It was piping HOT and we had high-in-the-sky midday sun… but we made it work! Love these images below…
Chrissy could teach me a few things about how to make a ‘model’ face! Gorgeous!!
Another one of James’ great shots…
Of course we had to bring little Braydon in for some family pictures! So cute!! 🙂
Apparently Braydon always has his hand around his dad’s face and hangs onto his ear for comfort. I cannot get over how adorable it is!
Fist-bump from Braydon means it’s go-time for the ceremony!
See what I mean about the ‘first look’ not changing a thing about the moment when Chrissy came down the aisle? They both still got choked up!
Love this one of Doug watching her walk to him… Aww…
Braydon was so happy for his mom and dad, he couldn’t help but clap with everybody else! 🙂
LOVED the speeches. So sweet.
And then… we noticed the sun setting over the Mississippi, and of course we HAD to catch some photos before it was gone!
Congratulations you two! Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and lots of dancing! 😉
