The Kroenke Homestead

Winter Homestead Session

Shawano, Wisconsin
March 10th, 2018

Let’s take a walk…a walk through time, through the legacy of a Wisconsin dairy farming family. A walk, that after three generations of back breaking work, passion, and perseverance has come to an end…

Here we are, just days before the auction. When I saw the flyer for Mark and Kathy’s farm sale I felt compelled to reach out to them. Small family farms, such as theirs, hold so much history. History that can only be preserved through memories, stories and photographs. Although I do not come from a farming family, I come from a community that values agriculture, and that has instilled an immense respect in me for the families that work countless hours, 7 days a week to support, feed and fuel our country.  My hope was that by documenting the farm while it was still in operation would make this transition a little easier, knowing they have something they can physically look back on, cherish and share with future generations.

Friday was the last day…The last day he will rise before sun up to walk through that old milk house door, into the 110 year old barn that was home to a herd of 80. The auction has now come and gone. The equipment will run again in new fields. The herd has found new homes. And the legacy of the Kroenke family will forever have a lasting impact on the agricultural community and we thank them greatly for that.

It has been said “all good things must come to an end.” I don’t know that a farmer is ever really ready for that time. It’s in his blood. It’s what he knows. It’s what he enjoys. But if there were ever a time to retire, it was now. I wish Mark and Kathy the best in this next chapter of their life. May they continue to be blessed with good health and new adventures be on their horizon. God Bless!

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Kopitzke Wedding

October 7, 2017

Split Rock, WI

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Vendors
Ceremony: Peace Lutheran Church – Split Rock
Venue: Shawano County Park Pavilion
Wedding Dress: The Bridal Event
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Flowers: Village Garden Flower Shop
Rings: Kesslers Diamonds
Programs: Jessie Driscoll
Cupcakes: Fanitas Bakery
DJ: Night Lights Entertainment
Videographer: Jake Timm Productions

Van Dyn Hoven Wedding

September 30, 2017

Door County, Wisconsin

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VENDORS:
Ceremony Site: Cave Point County Park
Venue: Alpine Resort
Dress: Elaine’s Wedding and Event Center
Men’s Attire: DuBois Formalwear
Flowers: Hobby Lobby
Rings: C.W. Smith Jewelers
Desserts: Farm Inn on Main
DJ: Encore Entertainment
Videographer: Michael Cortes Pro
Transportation: Door County Trolley

 

The Swiggum Wedding

September 9, 2017

Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes, Wisconsin

Mark and Trisha are Wisconsin natives who have a passion for life and a love for travel. Although they now reside in California, one of their favorite places to visit is the family’s vacation cottage on the Chain O’ Lakes. What they love most about the cottage is the nostalgia they feel when visiting the local store for a 25 cent ice cream cone; or going for a dip in the lake after a long run; or biking along the winding back roads. You get the idea!

This feeling of simplicity inspired them to return here for their laid-back outdoor wedding. The day began at the cottage where the groom and his men got ready on the old front porch. The bride and her gals rented a small boat house a few doors down. When Trisha was ready, Mark went to the end of the dock to await the “first look” at his bride to be! They exchanged gifts, a sweet hand written note from the groom and a custom book depicting their love story made by the bride. We then traveled along the back roads to a spot that Trisha and Mark had chosen to photograph the bridal party. The weather was a perfect sunny and 75.

The bridal party arrived by boat to the ceremony site: a small peninsula overlooking the lake. In the late afternoon hours the sun began to warm the sky, which graced the occasion with a subtle glow. The ceremony was full of good vibes and love as the couple read custom vows. Their brother in-law, who officiated, also added a fun, personal touch.

The Indian Crossing Casino was the perfect reception venue as it is an iconic, old building in the area that features old wooden floors, high ceilings, string lights, etc. The old dance hall definitely has a vintage “dirty dancing” vibe which complimented the nostalgic feel. It’s also located right on the lake where we could watch the sun go down and the night come to life.

Scroll down to view the detail-filled collection of their Summer Wisconsin wedding. Congratulations, Mark and Trisha!

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Vendors:

Venue: The Indian Crossing Casino
Flowers: Primrose Gardens and Gifts
Dress: Essence of Australia
Men’s Attire: The Black Tux
Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group
Brides Ring: Blue Nile
Grooms Ring: Naturaleza Organic Jewelry
Guest Book: HassoStudio
DJ: Van Rixel Productions
Videographer: Michael Gehrman Filmworks
Caterer: Rockman’s Catering

The Gutts

Summer Family Session

Mosquito Hill Nature Center – New London, WI

It’s been far too long since I’ve featured a family on the blog! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share the sweet faces of these handsome boys! We had an absolutely perfect, late summer night. We wrapped up the session with a few solo shots of Griffin for his first birthday!

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Sweet Like Peach Wine + Your Grandmother’s Wedding China

Inspired by the gorgeous setting at Givens Farm, a collection of antique wedding china, and the summery sweetness of peaches, we collaborated with local talent to style a wedding shoot in Hortonville, WI.

Think bridge + string lights, gorgeous flower gardens, a vineyard, antique furniture and decor, and gorgeous peach accents – the evening was sweet-peachy perfection!

We wanted to showcase the ease of planning an event locally – with this group of talented, local vendors. Combining boho and rustic accents, vintage rental and decor, natural-light photography, and a casual setting – we hope you enjoy our styled collaboration.

Vendors

Photography: Timeless Touch Photography

Design + Rentals: Garnish Rental & Design

Venue: Givens Farm

Florals: The Lily Pad

Invite/Paper Goods: Emily Anne Design

Cake: Tara Kelliher

Rings: Trophies and Treasures

Models: Calli & Lukas Pehlke

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Mark and Trisha

Summer Engagement

Chain O’Lakes – Waupaca, WI

Originally from the Oconomowoc area, these two enjoy nothing more than an annual trip to the Wisconsin northwoods for Summer vacation. Their annual stay typically includes a run around Marl Lake, followed by a quick dip; a 25 cent ice cream cone at Weller’s Store, and bike rides along the rural roads. Fun stuff, right! They envisioned that their wedding and engagement would capture the essence of a nostalgic Summer vacation, and so we did just that! By incorporating the vintage tandem bike and visiting a few of their favorite spots we were feeling the vacation vibes. Take a peek below at a few of my favorites from the session!

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Gunner & Jessalyn

Spring Engagement – Tigerton, WI

We couldn’t have asked for a better May day! Ok, a little sunset light would have been nice, but honestly look at these two! So much love and chemistry, it makes me beyond excited to photograph them on their wedding day!

I love that during this session we were able to incorporate a majority of my favorite things: old vehicles, barn board, rust colors, log piles and dirt roads! All of the rustic flare had my creativity flowing and I’m so pleased with the end product. Thanks Jess, for bringing me to your family properties and I can’t wait to be back in October!

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