Joel & Erin's Unforgettable Wisconsin Barn Wedding| The Enchanted Barn | Hilllsdale WI Wedding Photographer | Dani Stephenson Photography

Have you ever been to a concert and every song was awesome, its almost over you feel drained, out of motivation and ready to give up and then they play the very best song and all those feeling melt away and suddenly your full of energy and inspiration? That sums up my fall season, I was on the verge of a burn out. I had shot 14 weddings (4 in October alone) amongst a million family session or so it seemed. I was ready for my winter break and then I arrived at Erin and Joel's wedding at The Enchanted Barn.


I had talked briefly with Erin on email the past year as she planned the wedding, she sent me a photo of her dress and her save the date and invitation as time neared, every puzzle piece I received about this day really started coming together for me but to see it that day really blew me away. Not only was every detail well thought out and absolutely perfect but every moment, song, reading was thought out to the point where every second I was waiting for what was next. If I ( a vendor) felt like this can you imagine being a guest? My second Shooter Theresa Hanson and I were like giddy school girls, be sure to check out Theresa's take of the wedding on her blog as well. She is my friend and trusty second shooter and as always love having her with me.


I find myself blogging to tell a short story of the day, from start to finish. Sometimes I think there's no need to tell a story just put up a nice preview for the newly weds to enjoy. Then I dig into my CF cards and so the story begins, naturally really I start with my first card I used and end with my last, I grab a handful of images from each card that I feel represents the wedding day and me as a photographer. For Erin and Joel's wedding I may have gotten carried away, so hold your hats for a slightly longer preview because I feel this wedding represents the target wedding and client that I want to work with....as a photographer AND because it was my very last wedding of the season and the blog will be sad and slow for the next few weeks, think of it as a gift ;)


SO here goes- I hope you can follow along as I chime in here and there, I (as always) met the beautiful bride while she was getting ready at the bridal suite, Erin was stunning, like crazy stunning.
Yummy scented jelly-shoes, and no- I'm not kidding.

Paint sample cards for escort cards?!!! yeah. you heard me right.

Erin & Joel's wedding day was also shared with Erin's grandparents 50 year anniversary and this is a 50 year old cake topper. Love it. I would also like to plug the cake company here: Buttercream from the cities- Oh my, I will admit this was worth every calorie and hands down the very best (2) pieces of cake I have ever had. I had the raspberry and then Erin informed me there was apple caramel...come on. It was chilled cake and the frosting wasn't frosting (thankful) it was more like smooth creamy deliciousness. Future Enchanted Brides- take my word for it- please!

I'm such a sucker for amazing bouquets- who knew? Flowers by the always amazing Studio Fleurette

I told you, crazy-beautiful

so Happy!!

So I asked Erin- what's the wedding party wearing? Her reply was "I don't know yet" girlcrush

Ok big moment- "Erin's walk" she waited in the back of the barn in the pasture while the wedding party walked in (insert THIS song)
as the back door of the loft raised, Erin started walking to meet her dad and the entire barn was cheering and hooting and hollering- it was HER moment, this is a FIRST for The Enchanted barn. I get goosebumps reliving it.

The ceremony consisted of amazing readings that really meant something like "Oh the places you'll go" by Dr. Seuss

Listen to the Recessional song HERE while people flooded out of the barn, outside to grab a shot and have a toast- booze and bluegrass! (in place of a receiving line they did a shot- who else loves that?) Check out this amazing Bluegrass band that I had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with, they are great at what they do and really excellent dinner company- Sawdust Symphony

LOVE. THESE. CENTERPIECES.

Are you still with me? it gets better...

Flannel + Vera= LOVE.

Oh Erin, beautiful and funny.

I can't say enough about Erin & Joel and this amazing wedding they had, I couldn't be happier to have been there and I hope my photos did it justice. Best wishes for a wonderful life together!

And that concludes the 2012 wedding season. THANK YOU to every single one of my wedding clients this year, I couldn't be happier to have worked with you. 2012 has been an eye-opener for me and I'm ready to tackle some new challenges, make some updates and take a nice long winter break ;) At this point, my 2013 wedding season will kick off at The Enchanted Barn!