A couple stands close together on the edge of a calm lake, framed by a row of tall trees. The water and sky in the background create a serene atmosphere.

Destination Weddings

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November 15, 2018

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bishop’s bay country club destination wedding – abby & chad

I first met Abby & Chad last autumn when they booked me for their Duke Gardens engagement session. I do get quite a few clients who are getting married in other states who just want an engagement session. So it was really flattering when Abby & Chad contacted me after the shoot to ask me if I would be willing to fly up to Wisconsin to photograph their wedding. I don’t class myself as a destination wedding photographer per se. I spent many years travelling internationally on a weekly basis when I worked in sales and marketing, so, nowadays, I’m happy shooting weddings close to home so I can be with my wife and kids. Of course, being English with a Panamanian wife also means that we get quite a few air miles in each year just visiting friends and family back home. ;)

All that being said, I do enjoy photographing weddings out of state or in other countries, especially if it involves working with such lovely people as Abby and Chad and their families. I flew up to Milwaukee on the Friday and drove over to Madison to be ready to go first thing on the Saturday. It’s always nice to get a good idea of the lay of the land, so I scouted out the locations we would be shooting in. That way, we would be able to make the most of our time together given that wedding day timelines are almost always very tight.

Bishop’s Bay Country Club is a lovely location on the shores of Lake Mendota, WI. Given it had been raining, one of my responsibilities was to make sure we kept Abby’s dress as clean as possible so we limited the amount of walking around we had to do. Luckily, the wedding ceremony was being prepped to take place by some trees that provided a beautiful way for us to frame the couple with the State Capitol and other buildings in downtown Madison visible in the distance. As always for the first look, I like to give basic directions on where the groom (or bride) should stand and wait and then just stand back and let the natural moments unfold. From there, we travelled to the state park just up the road for some photos of the bride and groom and the bridal party before heading back to the ceremony spot under the branches of those gorgeous trees.

As you can see, the whole day was full of emotion and the moody skies were a lovely complement to the location and vibe of the day. Big thanks to to Abby & Chad for getting me out of the studio and for being such amazing subjects. I wish you guys all the very best for a long and happy life together!

Here, as always, are just a few of my favourites fro the day. Thanks for stopping by!

A large, elegant stone mansion with multiple chimneys and a circular driveway. The sky overhead is overcast, giving the black and white image a dramatic look. Lush trees and a manicured lawn surround the house.
A delicate white wedding dress hangs in front of a large window with a grid pattern. The view outside shows greenery. Warm light from a modern chandelier illuminates the scene.
Black and white image of a woman in a wedding dress being assisted by another woman. They are surrounded by mirrors, creating multiple reflections. The room is adorned with decorative light fixtures and bowls.
A black-and-white photo shows a woman partially obscured by a wall. She has long hair and wears a sparkly top, gazing forward with a soft expression. The image is artistically blurred for a dreamy effect.
A close-up black and white image of a person adjusting an ornate dress adorned with sequins and beads. The focus is on hands delicately working with the intricate details of the fabric.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman looking at her reflection in a mirror. She has wavy hair and is wearing a dress with a beaded top. The image captures a joyful, candid moment.
Black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair wearing a detailed, beaded dress and long earrings. She has a neutral expression and is looking directly at the camera, with soft lighting highlighting her features.
A man in a suit adjusts his tie in a dimly lit room, looking focused. A jacket hangs on a nearby rack. The black and white image gives a classic, timeless feel.
A person in a suit is putting on a jacket in front of a row of lockers. The image is in black and white, highlighting the contrast between the dark suit and the metal lockers.
A man in a suit stands in front of a body of water, looking towards the camera. The photo is in black and white, with a blurred background that gives a serene and calm atmosphere.
A silhouetted bride and groom stand apart between large trees, overlooking a calm lake under a cloudy sky. The bride, dressed in white, is walking towards the groom, who stands closer to the waters edge.
A couple stands close together on the edge of a calm lake, framed by a row of tall trees. The water and sky in the background create a serene atmosphere.
A silhouetted couple face each other against a tranquil waterfront backdrop. The evening sky and distant city skyline create a romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors, smiling at each other. The bride is wearing a white lace dress and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere. The background is a lush, green natural setting.
A bride in a white lace dress and veil stands beside a groom in a gray suit and purple tie. They are smiling in a grassy, overgrown field with trees and cloudy skies in the background, capturing a serene and romantic moment.
A bride in a white lace gown holds a bouquet of flowers, standing on a grassy path surrounded by trees and shrubs. The scene is outdoors, with a natural, serene backdrop.
A bride and groom stand close, with entwined hands and rings visible. The bride holds a bouquet of roses and greenery, wearing a lace-embellished gown. The background is a grassy area, adding a natural touch to the scene.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black suit walk arm in arm through a field. She holds a bouquet of flowers, and both are smiling. Tall grasses line the path, with trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
A bride and eight bridesmaids stand together on a grassy hill, holding bouquets. Their reflection is visible in a calm body of water below, with a cloudy sky in the background. The photo is in black and white.
Two young boys in gray suits with burgundy vests and bow ties stand on a staircase. One leans casually against the railing, while the other stands upright, both smiling. The setting is indoors with wooden details.
Three musicians dressed in black perform outdoors. The foreground features a violinist with sheet music, while the background includes a violist and a cellist. Theyre seated and focused on their instruments, with a tree nearby.
A smiling man in a suit walks arm-in-arm with a happy older woman in a dark dress and corsage. They are on a grassy path with seated guests and trees in the background, possibly at a wedding ceremony.
A black and white photo of an elderly woman wiping away a tear, wearing a floral corsage. She is surrounded by people, with a man standing behind her. The mood appears emotional, suggesting a sentimental moment at an event.
Two young boys in gray suits walk down an outdoor aisle. One holds a ring pillow, and the other carries a box with a heart decoration. Flower petals line the grass, and blurred guests are seated in the background.
A groom stands outside in front of a large tree, wearing a dark suit, light shirt, and tie, with a white boutonniere. A man in a similar outfit is in the background, slightly blurred.
A bride in a white gown holds a bouquet of flowers as she walks arm in arm with an older man in a black suit and tie. They are outdoors, with greenery visible in the background. Both are smiling.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. The groom stands at the altar, smiling, while the bride approaches with her father. A floral arrangement decorates the altar, and an officiant stands to the side. Guests observe the scene.
A joyful black and white image of a bride with a veil embracing an older man in a suit, both smiling warmly. The scene appears to be outdoors, with blurred guests in the background.
A wedding ceremony by a lake with trees and guests seated. The bride and groom stand under a wooden arch with bridesmaids in maroon dresses on the left and groomsmen in black suits on the right. The sky is overcast, and the setting is lush with greenery.
A wedding ceremony by a lake, featuring a couple exchanging vows. The bride is in a white dress with a long veil, and the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere. An officiant and groomsmen stand by, with greenery and water in the background.
A wedding ceremony is taking place outdoors under tall trees. Guests are seated on white folding chairs, facing an altar. The setting is a green, grassy lawn, with a large house and flagpole visible in the background.
A bride and groom stand outdoors at a wedding ceremony. The bride wears a lacy gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit with a boutonniere. The officiant stands beside them. Bridesmaids in matching dresses hold bouquets in the background.
A wedding ceremony by a lake, with a bride in a white dress and veil and a groom in a suit standing under a wooden arch decorated with greenery. The officiant stands between them, surrounded by four attendants. Large trees frame the scene.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride is smiling and wearing a veil, while a woman speaks into a microphone. Other people are visible in the background. Black and white photo.
A joyful couple sitting together, dressed elegantly for a special occasion. The man wears a dark suit, and the woman is in a purple dress, both smiling and surrounded by seated guests outdoors. White chairs and blurred attendees are visible in the background.
A group of smiling guests seated in rows at an outdoor event. In the foreground, two older individuals hold bouquets. Everyone appears happy and engaged, with a grassy background suggesting a ceremony or celebration.
A wedding ceremony outdoors by a lake, with a couple standing under a wooden arch adorned with greenery. Guests are seated on either side, and the wedding party stands nearby, surrounded by tall trees.
A couple kisses under an arbor at an outdoor wedding ceremony by a lake. The bride wears a white dress and the groom a dark suit. Bridesmaids in matching dresses and guests seated on white chairs watch the scene. The sky is overcast.
A newlywed couple joyfully walks down an outdoor aisle lined with white chairs. Guests stand and clap. A floral archway is visible in the background, with tall trees framing the scene. The bride holds a bouquet as they smile together.
A bride stands under a sparkling chandelier while bridesmaids help with her veil. The room is elegantly lit, casting an ornate pattern on the ceiling. The bridesmaids hold bouquets, creating an atmosphere of celebration and anticipation.
A couple kisses under a wooden arch adorned with flowers, surrounded by tall trees. The background features a cloudy sky and a distant view of water. The setting conveys a romantic outdoor atmosphere.
A wedding party stands outdoors by a wooden arbor adorned with flowers. The bride and groom are centered, surrounded by bridesmaids in burgundy dresses and groomsmen in black suits. Two children stand in front. Trees and a body of water are in the background.
A bride and groom pose with three children in front of a wooden arch by a lakeside. The bride holds a bouquet, and the children, two boys in gray suits and a girl in a white dress with a floral crown, smile together on the grass.
A bride in a white lace gown and veil stands smiling next to a man in a dark suit with a boutonniere. She holds a bouquet of white and pink flowers. They are outdoors on a grassy area with trees in the background.
A rustic wooden box centerpiece holds a bouquet of white, pink, and dark purple roses with greenery. Surrounding it are small, wooden blocks with engraved details and tealight candles, arranged on a white tablecloth.
A display of elegant place cards arranged in rows. The cards have floral designs and names written in script, each marked with a different colored dot, including red, blue, and green. Some cards are numbered at the top.
Close-up of a floral arrangement in a wooden box, featuring deep red dahlias, white flowers, leafy greens, and small berries. The arrangement is set on a white tablecloth with a gold decorative sign in the background.
A woman in a sleeveless burgundy dress holds a microphone and a piece of paper, speaking passionately at an event. She gestures energetically, while seated guests in the dimly lit venue listen attentively. String lights hang across the ceiling.
A bride, groom, and a young girl raise glasses in a celebratory toast at a wedding reception. They are seated at a wooden table adorned with floral arrangements. The atmosphere is warm and joyful.
A man in a vest and tie speaks into a microphone while reading from a paper at a formal event. The background is softly blurred, showing seated guests at tables decorated with lights.
A couple sitting closely at a table during a warmly lit event. The man in a vest and tie leans towards the woman in a dress, who is smiling. Another person, a woman, sits to their right, partially visible. Glasses and decorations are on the table.
A man in a vest and tie is speaking into a microphone while holding a paper. He is standing indoors, with warm lighting and string lights in the background.
A woman with long dark hair and a gentle smile sits at a table adorned with green foliage. She wears a light-colored dress and long earrings. Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy atmosphere.
A bride and groom share their first dance at a wedding reception. The bride wears a lace gown, and the groom wears a vest and tie. Guests are seated at tables decorated with flowers and candles. String lights add a warm glow to the venue.
A couple is dancing closely at an indoor event. The woman is wearing a dress with decorative shoulder chains, and the man is in a shirt and vest. They are smiling at each other, with other guests blurred in the background. The scene is in black and white.
A bride and groom embrace on the dance floor under a tent with string lights. Two young boys in suits joyfully run around them. Guests are seated at tables in the background.
A woman with blonde hair smiles joyfully as she embraces a man in a formal suit on a dimly lit dance floor, surrounded by people. She wears a corsage on her wrist.
A black-and-white photo of three people sitting at a round table during a social gathering. The woman on the left is using her phone, while the older woman and man beside her are engaged in conversation. Other guests and tables are visible in the background.
Two women seated at a table share a lighthearted moment. One is whispering while the other laughs joyfully. Both wear floral-patterned attire. The setting appears to be a social event, with blurred chairs and people in the background.
A woman smiles while posing with two children, a boy and a girl in a white dress. The boy is wearing a suit. They are being photographed by someone holding a smartphone. The setting is a warmly lit indoor space.
A group of four women, dressed in colorful evening attire, happily pose together on a dance floor. Behind them, other people are seen dancing in a festive, well-lit venue with tables in the background.
Two women are embracing at a lively event. One holds a drink while smiling happily. People in formal attire are mingling in the background, under string lights.
A joyful man and woman smiling and posing with drinks in hand at a festive indoor event. The room is warmly lit with string lights. Other guests are socializing in the background.
A lively wedding reception with guests dancing energetically. The bride, in a white gown, is surrounded by friends in purple dresses and formal attire. String lights illuminate the festive atmosphere under a tent.
A lively scene at a dance event with people enjoying music. Two young women in floral dresses are dancing energetically in the center. A few adults and a child in the background are clapping and cheering under string lights.
Two women joyfully dance together at an indoor event. They are surrounded by others, with warm lights illuminating the space. Both are smiling and appear to be enjoying the moment.
A couple dances closely, gazing into each others eyes, under a tent adorned with string lights. Other couples and individuals dance in the background, creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
A group of six women is joyfully holding another woman in a white lace dress. They are indoors, and everyone is smiling and laughing. The atmosphere is celebratory and lighthearted.

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