Boerner Botanical Gardens Wisconsin Wedding | Rejoice & Ben

I could literally write a book about this one but I’m going to try and keep it to the main parts! After I graduated from college I took a job in the north suburbs of Chicago and had a great group of friends and church I attended there. My very first mission trip I went on was to the Philippines and my friend AC was on that trip. It’s also where I got my start in photography (with a Minolta digital camera) as I became the trip photographer and fell in love with capturing people and places that many would never travel to or get to see on their own. Fast forward to January this year when my AC called me and said that his daughter was getting married and could I be there on Saturday 6/17 to photograph Rejoice and Ben’s wedding in Wisconsin! I was available on their date but I did have a wedding here in Tampa on that Friday 6/16 which would mean I would have to fly up to Chicago on the morning of the wedding. If you know me, you know I would NEVER do that, I don’t generally do risky things when it comes to travel and weddings. Whenever I do destination weddings I’m always there minimum a day if not 2 days before, but we came up with a backup plan that they were cool with. I got a referral from a friend (thanks Cody!) and hired Maria from Lacore Images out of Chicago to 2nd shoot with me and if I couldn’t be there she could take the lead for me. Thankfully TPA, ORD, and United did me right and it was such an honor to be there to capture this gorgeous wedding and all the love and joy that all their friends and family shared with them!!!

Rejoice and Ben both just graduated from engineering school and had the best group of friends standing by their side on their wedding day. Rejoice loves flowers and she chose a pastel color palette which was perfection with all the gorgeous florals in the garden. They read their vows privately before the ceremony so we setup their first look so they would be back to back, read their vows and then turn around to see each other. I love that walkway under the trellis and the bright sunlight in the gardens, I’m so glad we were able to do all of their wedding party photos there before the ceremony! Rejoice’s mom, Theresa, did all those gorgeous florals and also the alterations on both of Rejoices gowns which were so light and perfect for their outdoor ceremony. AC and Theresa walked her down the aisle and then AC officiated a beautiful ceremony incorporating some of their Filipino traditions. The little bubble girls decided to have a seat right on Rejoice’s train once she was at the front:-)

The energy and love in their reception full of all their favorite people was so amazing to be a part of. Rejoice and Ben did a perfectly choreographed first dance and for the father daughter dance AC and Rejoice had an epic surprise dance that got everyone on the dance floor. For the cake cutting the groomsmen presented a sword to them to cut it with and then they did a money dance, but not just any money dance. Their guests had crowns, and sashes and necklaces made out of money for them!!!! We snuck them out for some dusk photos before the sun disappeared behind the trees and then they danced the night away. Congratulations again Mr. & Mrs. Steves and thanks for entrusting me and my crazy plan to make it happen. It was truly an honor and full circle kind of day!!! xoxoxo

Planner & Catering | Zilli Hospitality Group | Venue | Boerner Botanical Gardens | Sweets | Le Macaron | Videography | Flyin Iris | DJ | Big Sand Productions | Tuxedos | Mens Wearhouse