When you are a wedding photographer, it’s kind of awkward when someone you know or work with announces that they’re engaged. There’s that moment where your immediate reaction is more of a “YAY! Can I shoot your wedding?” inside your head instead of just the “YAY!” part. I generally work really hard to choke that back- I really REALLY do not want any friends or acquaintances to feel obligated to hire me as their wedding photographer. Of course, that doesn’t mean I won’t share my work with them on Facebook or pass my adorable little mini business cards their way. So, when Matt (my bar manager at my part-time off-season job) let us know he’d popped the question, I kept quiet. Then I showed Gabby my business cards and she was sold- she made me feel so wonderful because she even moved their potential wedding date to one that I was open for!
Needless to say, I adore both Matt & Gabby. They’re two of the nicest people you could ever meet. We tried multiple times to schedule their engagement session, and finally settled on a great afternoon in the middle of the week. I couldn’t be happier with the results!
We started our session in one of my favorite spots at the UW Union. You can tell by their smiles that they were having a good time right off the bat!
Since I’ve always known these two in more of a professional setting than a personal one, I wasn’t sure what to expect from them. I was so delighted to find that they were so adorable & comfortable in front of my camera. Their wedding day will be a breeze!
Ah, I love my sniper lens.
We caught some wonderful, delicious light before finishing at this location. Swoon! I love Matt’s expression in this shot… It is protective and makes me feel like Gabby will always ALWAYS be safe in Matt’s arms.
I really miss shooting black and white film sometimes. This is one of my favorite shots!
I believe this idea came from my fab assistant, Dave- cute shots!
The Union Terrace was a little crowded on this beautiful & sunny afternoon, but that didn’t stop the photo ops.
My favorite part of this image is the ducks on the left side. They were so calm!
DUCKIES!
We left the Terrace and headed over to the Capitol for a wardrobe change. LOVE Gabby’s adorable green dress! This bride’s hometown is in Brazil, and she always has the cutest outfits & jewelry from her shopping trips when she visits home.
Aren’t they a lovely couple? This is one of my favorites!
The back of Gabby’s dress was adorable! I had to sneak it into a couple shots.
We made the short walk over to the Monona Terrace. I love this spot- you get the Capitol AND the Terrace fountain!
Most of the time I’ve spent with Matt & Gabby has been right here…me behind the bar, and Gabby visiting Matt on his late-night shifts.
Gabby & Matt’s wedding will be right here at the Brink!
I love these two!! So adorably goofy!
To Gabby & Matt, I’m so excited for your wedding- just over a week away! Thanks for loving my work and including me in your day. I cannot wait to photograph all the fun! Gabby, you’re going to be a beautiful bride.
Also, thanks to Dave for tagging along! It’s always great to have you, and it’ll be fun to have your help at the wedding, too!
For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don€™t hesitate to ask about coverage for your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!
by Mandie Haberman
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