there are so many adorable new venues popping up all over and this is no exception!

the Ivy House is located in downtown Milwaukee and has a fresh, modern vibe. Some of its many great features include the adjacent bridal suite , the open feel + natural light, and its large outdoor patio- great for cocktail hour on nice days!

BUT, what makes this wedding oh so very special is something I can barely put into words.

Not only did I feel a connection to Rachel and Joe instantly when I met them, but their wedding date happened to land on a very significant day… the day my father passed away 5 years prior. (I know I knowwwww, not something you really want to talk about on such a joyous occasion, but read on and I’ll explain.)

sooo if you’ve lost a parent or loved one, you’ll understand that grief is never really gone… it’s just something you learn to live with. My dad & I had a really special bond, and he tends to pop in now and again with a sign to remind me he’s still watching over me. :) can you relate to signs sent from loved ones??

anyways, first dad looks as well as father/daughter dances always tend to sucker punch me in the heart, so as usual I prepared myself in the few minutes we had before Rachel was about to see hers. but what happened next…………….. took my breath away.

in he walked- and there he was… a doppelgänger of my dad.

It was an emotional moment for everyone…..… including myself. but for different reasons.

he spoke like him… he walked like him… he carried himself like him… and at the end of the day he even danced like him. it was like I was seeing his ghost and it shook me to.my.core. But more importantly, I took it as a sign. My dad had a funny sense of humor, and I’m convinced he was the reason I agreed to take this wedding… my very first wedding on the date he received his angel wings.

I kept myself composed all day long, but finally decided to share this with Rachel before I left. I was going to keep it to myself because after all, the day is never about me… it’s about my couples. but it was something I felt she would appreciate knowing. She hugged me through teary eyes, and I went home that night with a big smile on my face… completely honored to capture her and Joe’s day. what a beautiful couple, inside and out. I never take for granted the fact that people trust me to capture the most important day of their lives… I’m forever thankful.

and I love hearing stories like this so it was only fair to share this deeply personal story with you.

*****feel free to scroll to the end to see a photo of her dad next to mine.

VENDOR LOVE