Josh and Heather first met in 2012 through mutual friends while they were attending college in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Their group of friends decided to go out to have a little fun one night and it’s then that Josh first saw Heather. He thought she was absolutely beautiful and so easy to talk to. By the end of the night, he promised her a real date. He kept his promise and took Heather out for ice cream and a walk through La Crosse’s Christmas Rotary Lights!

After a few years of dating, Josh proposed! He wanted it to be a complete surprise for Heather so he worked closely with her parents and two sisters to make sure everything went perfectly. Her mom and sisters made sure Heather looked amazing, lending her a dress and sending her off to get her nails done, pretending that they wanted her to look nice for a girls’ night they were having. When her sister tells their girls’ dinner has been pushed back a few hours, they encourage Heather and Josh to go for a little walk. Little does Heather know it’s all part of a much bigger plan.

Heather and Josh walk along the beach that overlooks Lake Michigan. This place is their place, it’s the place that Josh first told Heather he loved her. As they continue walking, Heather spots a dozen roses and a black box! As she stares, completely in shock, Josh gets down on one knee and asks Heather to be his wife. Through tears, Heather says, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Just as they embrace, her sisters and their boyfriends run out screaming with joy and bringing champagne for the newly engaged couple. Heather recalls the day happily, “It was perfect. It was only then that I began to realize that Josh and my sisters had planned my entire day without me knowing anything! To top off the night we went out to dinner, where my big brother joined us! Needless to say I was crying happy tears the whole night! I could not have imagined a more thoughtful or elaborate engagement. Josh is so kind and special and went out of his way to make sure that everything was perfect for me. I truly am the luckiest girl in the world!”

Honestly, this couple could not be more perfect for each other. They are so genuine, sweet, and kind to each other and everyone they know. Their wedding day just felt like one big celebration of love and happiness. I broke my record by crying five times at their wedding (the previous record was three.) I couldn’t help it; between the expression Josh had when he saw Heather walk down the aisle, the beautiful speeches at the reception, and how lovingly they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching – it was almost impossible not to cry.

Congratulations Heather & Josh! I’m happy I had the chance to meet you two and I wish you a lifetime full of love and joy!

Along with her pearl earrings, Heather also wore emerald earrings and an emerald necklace. These were a wedding gift from her dad. Her family is Colombian and Colombia is known for having the best emeralds in the world!

Josh surprised Heather with a beautiful necklace before the ceremony!

As Heather’s sister put on her shoes, Heather jokingly says, “You’re no Price Charming.” They burst out laughing and in that moment I’m reminded of how fun and wonderful a bond between sisters is.

Heather’s gifts to Josh were just as sweet! She gave him a custom wooden sign, cigars, and a bottle of Johnnie Walker!

St. Clement’s Church looked so classic and beautiful!

Ahhh! That look! I still cry every time I view this photo of Josh seeing his bride for the first time.

Married! Woohoo!!

This entire bridal party was such a blast to work with! They were just so much fun!

I loved that Heather’s bridesmaids wore white! Seriously, how cool is that?!

The Newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Stegner!

Heather’s cathedral veil was my favorite detail of the day! Buttons that belonged to her grandmother’s wedding dress were sewn on to the top of it!

We made a quick stop to visit Lake Michigan, their “special spot.”

The Osthoff Resort looked absolutely stunning!

I just had to get my selfie with the bride and groom!

Heather and Josh had a perfectly choreographed dance for their first dance as husband and wife!

Special thanks to my second shooter and assistant, Nicole Jolly, for all her help throughout the day!

Thanks to all the amazing wedding vendors that helped make Heather & Josh’s big day wonderful!
Ceremony: St. Clement Catholic Church // Reception: The Osthoff Resort // Catering: The Osthoff Resort // Officiant: Father Matthew Widder // Hair & Make-up: Mox•ie Hair Lounge – Hair: Marcee Zimmermann and Somer Holler – Make-up: Shannon Beauvais // Flowers: Hoffman’s Flowerland // Wedding Dress Boutique: Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique // Bridesmaids Dresses: Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique // Men’s Attire: Nedrebo’s Formal Wear (Michael Kors Tux) // Bride’s Jewelry: pearl necklace – gift from Groom, emerald necklace & earrings – gift from Bride’s father, pearl bracelet – “something borrowed” from Bride’s Aunt Astrid // Rings: The Diamond Center // Cake: More Frosting Please Bakery // DJ: Sound By Design // Invitations & Programs: Mary Angli’s Wedding Shoppe // Videographer: Anthony Catelano // Transportation: Discovery Coach