Road Trip - Summer 2018 Wisconsin; Wedding at the Farm (part 2-photos)

The bride, groom and wedding party were stunning. The venue, setting and views were outstanding. The guests were fun and had a lot of fun. A lot!
The ceremony and celebration was full of personal touches. I’ll try to mention a few but I may forget some details.
Wedding officiant is a family member.
Mavis-the dog-was the flower girl.
The couple planted a tree using soil from their childhood homes.
Beverage glasses were etched with a drawing of a tree in their front yard.
Bride made a patchwork quilt and asked guests to add messages.
Dessert table was designed by bride’s mother.
My Goddaughter and I made the chandelier.
Groom’s parents hosted a fun rehearsal dinner at a local park.
Table decor was a collection of leaves and branches from the farm.
Blackboard for table seating and dining chairs were from an old school that groom and company renovated into apartments.
Groom’s friend created the bouquets and many more touches...#weddingworkweekend
Tables, benches and stage were handmade by groom and family and friends.
Place cards were handprinted by the bride.
Bride’s father and my son performed the traditional “Egg Trick”.
Groom’s youngest nephew danced on and off the dance floor.
The band rocked!
Three kegs of beer and numerous bottles of wine were enjoyed throughout the celebration.
Best Beer quote: When asked the next morning how much beer was left, my oldest brother replied;
“Not enough for breakfast.” Hilarious!
The wedding celebration is over but we will enjoy our memories for a long time.
I’m now road tripping it back to Arizona. Just like my wedding apparel is wrinkled and crammed into my suitcase instead of freshly pressed and hanging in my car; I am not quite as fresh as my drive to the wedding and am  ready to be home.

“Two souls but a single thought
two hearts that beat as one.”
~John Keats

Road Trip - Summer 2018 Wisconsin; A Wedding? When? Where? (part 1-preparations)

Weddings are well what can I say...wonderful! A celebration when a family member marries is somehow extra special. The wedding provides an opportunity for a family reunion and the chance for two families to celebrate the union of two people they love.
Sarah married her oldest sister’s husband’s cousin (her brother-in-law’s cousin) so a lot of family connections but not in a weird way. (A quote I’m borrowing from the wedding officiant-Sarah’s cousin’s husband.....yes it was a family affair!)
The wedding venue was the home of the couple! Preparations were begun as soon as they announced their engagement. In addition to candles, flowers, music, etc there was a structure to build, landscaping, painting, furniture building, painting.....but oh my what a wedding venue! Family and friends worked tirelessly for months before the big day. I rolled in a week before and joined the work force. My niece, Sarah Jo, asked if I’d help once she realized my road trip would have me in Wisconsin pre-wedding date. I was honored to be asked and had fun lending a hand. At times, an exhausted hand!
The groom, Eric, and Sarah Jo certainly had a clear vision of what their special day would include. They were also very flexible with details which made it easy for us to help.
Sarah and I share a middle name and I promised an explanation. I’m a retired educator and Sarah was born in the summer....summer break from school....breaks spent in Wisconsin....can you guess? My sister-in-law, Peggy drove herself to my parents’ home where I was staying. It was time and my brother was working and could not be reached-no cell phones then. Sarah’s older sisters were in the car and I had my oldest brother’s children. Off we went to the hospital, at least a 20 minute drive! Four kids, a mom-to-be, and a driver oh what a day! Sarah was born shortly after we arrived at the hospital. I was touched when my middle name also became Sarah’s middle name because I got Peggy to the hospital on time! Now you know why we share a name.
Eric and Sarah live in western Wisconsin near the small town of Hudson. They are very close to the Minnesota border and the area is called the La Croix Valley.
Learn more: http://saintcroixriver.com/
As you’ve already discovered I enjoy photography. I’ll try to just post the highlights of the preparations for the wedding and of course photos from the big day will be in part two!