I’m thrilled to share Stephanie and Ted’s Lakeview Park wedding today! This sweet couple first met in January of 2014 when Ted started working at the State Lab where Stephanie worked. Ted moved to Madison not knowing anyone and it took a little while to get to know his coworkers outside of the lab, including Stephanie. But once they started dating, they knew they had found something special.

I love how Stephanie describes their relationship, “I never really had the ‘aha’ moment. I just know that every step we’ve taken has felt like putting on a favorite pair of jeans – there was always an inherent ease. When we moved in together it felt like we had always lived together.” Ted agrees and shares, “Working together was oddly one of the best ways to get to know someone and understand how compatible we are. Being able to seamlessly coordinate together in a high throughput environment made transitioning to cohabitation and dating an absolute breeze. Having learned the in and outs of each other slowly over the course of years while working together made our partnership feel like putting that last puzzle piece into place.”

Ted proposed during Christmas. Stephanie shares the story, “It was just our little family in our home and as is tradition, Ted hid all of my gifts before I got out of bed. I searched and found each one-by-one, and then when there was one last gift to find he turned on the record player and played one of our favorite songs – ‘In Spite of Ourselves’ by John Prine. Shortly after the song started I dug into a box of tissues (how appropriate) and found a small box. While the song was still playing he proposed.”

I actually met Stephanie in high school and was thrilled when she reached out asking me to be her wedding photographer! Originally, Stephanie and Ted planned a big wedding for July 31st but decided on something more intimate and postponed the big party to next year. Thankfully, I still had the honor of documenting this wonderful couple and their smaller ceremony. With just family members in attendance, Stephanie and Ted had everyone meet at their house. Then they shuttled everyone over to a beautiful park for their ceremony. Following their ceremony, they would enjoy a lovely dinner then drinks and music back at Stephanie and Ted’s home.

What I loved most about this day was the reminder that you don’t need a big wedding to showcase your love. Smaller weddings are still impactful and sometimes more personal. Stephanie and Ted both got ready in their own home and had a beautiful ceremony surrounded by the people they love. Their friend/coworker was their officiant. They promised to love and cherish each other forever. Intimate ceremonies are some of my favorites to capture. It was an honor to be with Stephanie, Ted, and their family on this special day.

Congratulations Stephanie and Ted! Wishing you both love and happiness to last a lifetime!

Stephanie and Ted have two cute dogs and an adorable cat!

First look with Stephanie and her dad! Then they both surprised each other with bottles of bourbon!

While everyone took the shuttle to the park first, I actually drove Stephanie and her dad to the ceremony!

What I love about the photo on the right is that Stephanie and Ted are actually sitting on a playground turtle! You can make gorgeous images anywhere!

Thanks to all the amazing wedding vendors that helped make Stephanie & Ted’s big day wonderful!

Ceremony: Lakeview Park Gazebo // Officiant: Ed Oliver // Hair: Alan Koa Salon Spa // Wedding Dress: Etsy – AlexVeil // Bride’s Jewelry: Hair vine: Etsy – BellaViaDesigns; Earrings: Etsy – LandonLacey // Groom’s Attire: J Ferrar // Rings: Brides: TQ Diamonds (engagement ring), Mom’s ring (wedding band); His: Etsy, MNhandcrafted // Flowers: Brittany Kell // Invitations: Shutterfly