PEDRETTI’S PARTY BARN AT VERNON VINEYARDS  | RUSTIC CHIC WEDDING

Loren and Brandon’s wedding was one that kept me—and everyone else in attendance—smiling all day long.

The rustic, semiformal celebration was one of excitement and love, and you could tell from the get-go that everyone involved was overjoyed to be part of the big day.

I originally met the couple when I photographed the wedding of Brandon’s sister a few years ago, and they appreciated how I kept the day in control while also keeping things light and fun. I also worked with Brandon and Loren on their engagement session last winter, where we got to know each other even better.

Loren shares her preferences and opinions for photos in the best way, where she expresses her ideal themes and ideas while also giving me the freedom to pick poses and photos that would mesh with those. That honest dialogue was a huge help to keep us on the same page and helped me craft a vision for their wedding.

The day started at an AirBnB, where the girls shared giggles and cherished each other’s company. This gave me the chance to snap some photos of the women helping their best friend prepare to walk down the aisle. Loren has this incredible mix of laid back personality with some sparkle and confidence, and it shone on her wedding day.

One special moment included a pre-ceremony chat between Loren and her grandmother, whom the bride described as her dearest and closest friend. Grandma shed joyful tears throughout the day, and I will long fondly remember photographing the best friends before the wedding.

Grandma might have been my favorite person at the wedding, too, because she waved and flashed a smile every time she caught a glimpse of me. She brought a beautiful energy to the day.

We traveled to the expansive Pedretti’s Party Barn in Viroqua, a beautiful vineyard property on a ridgetop that meshed vibrant greens with cool, calm tans and natural cream colors. The weather was outstanding for a fall day, and an overcast sky allowed for the perfect lighting and setting.Loren’s hair was soft and elegant, and the lace in her hair was a perfect touch for our photos. Color was a big part of their day (her flower bouquet brought out tears from the bride).I also got to capture Brandon’s own special moment in his mom pinning a boutonniere on the suit of her only son. Brandon and Loren each shed their share of tears during their first look, which they held prior to the ceremony. This allowed us to get all of their portraits–both serious and some light and goofy–finished ahead of the wedding, giving them more time to spend with their guests and each other at the reception. This one is a favorite for sure!
Do you see this gorgeous train? I love the covered buttons. They add a ton of class to the gown.  The colored dresses created a stunning contrast with the white wedding dress. The guys flashed their own style, too, as Brandon’s navy suit brought its own ‘Wow’ alongside the classy gray tuxes from his groomsmen.

Brandon was a total mess as his bride walked down the aisle. I must admit, I was pretty teary, too 🙂 The newlyweds had wanted sunset photos since they began planning their wedding, but they wanted to hurry back to their loved ones, too. I set a five-minute timer and we were able to knock out their checklist photo with multiple options while also respecting their wishes. As soon as the music started in the barn for the reception, so did the dancing. At one point I’m not sure there was room for anyone else on the dance floor. Hanging twinkle lights gave their choreographed first dance a jaw-dropping backlight as they made the most of their special night.

Brandon and Loren are the sweetest and kindest couple, and sharing in their beautiful Christian celebration of love was a blessing. They made me feel so welcomed and appreciated, but truly I am the one that is thankful for their business and friendship.

We will soon meet again so that I can help them order prints for the walls in their new home together. I can’t wait to help them organize and plan the layouts for these prints and to see this great duo once more.