Carter and Bailey shared a day straight from what Northwood wedding dreams are made of! Tucked away among whispering pines and placid lakes is where they imagined their wedding day- and what better place than Bailey’s parents house in Hazelhurst, WI to provide that backdrop for their ceremony and cocktails? Their story is full of romantic spirit and a very persistent Carter, caught in a whirlwind of love that began miles away! Originally from Arizona, these two planned a destination wedding with the help of some amazing vendors and thoughtfully chosen details.
I started my morning off with a drive actually- a beautiful drive up north to a quaint lakeside town with my trusty cup of coffee. When I arrived at Bailey’s parents house, I was greeted by an excited and shining bride with hugs; she was smiles ear to ear! Bailey showed me into the house where I started with her details, so carefully and tastefully selected for their big day. The girls sipped on mimosas and giggled away, the house was full of busy bodies and moving parts. I strolled over to the guys where Carter and the guys were renting a neighboring cabin. (Again, how thoughtful was this planning?) I spent some time, lots of laughs, and maybe a little sarcasm with the guys before heading back to the girls where Bailey slipped into her gown. Both the guys and girls had some fun with photos before we had to get Bailey tucked away for the approaching ceremony.
Before their ceremony, Carter and Bailey chose to exchange letters with each other which were read quietly and alone- the perfect way to slow things down and take the moment in. I can’t tell you what those letters said, but I was welling up as they read them and I photographed them. I know- I’m super cheesing’ it up over here- but c’mon! These two are so romantic it just gets me!
The love and emotion on their wedding day felt so amplified, and it wasn’t ever more apparent than during their ceremony. Carter started facing away (my favorite way for an awaiting partner to stand at the end of the aisle), as Bailey began to make her way own the stairs to the aisle and he was already fighting the tears back. It wasn’t until she was at the end of the aisle when Carter was turned around. He was just so overcome with his love for her it completely poured out of him. He had all of the guests in tears, including myself! Like full-on tears rolling down my cheeks crying! Oh my gosh, his response to seeing his beautiful bride was something to be a part of. They shared a loving and heartfelt ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest and sealed it with a kiss!
We then went into some fun portraits and their bridal session while guests mingled in the driveway enjoying yard games and drinks before heading to the party down the road. In true Northwoods fashion, they invited guests to share a lovely dinner under the stars with an outdoor reception where they shared many laughs and memories. Carter and Bailey snuck away with us for an intimate golden hour bridal session and, Oh. My. Gosh- magic happened! I mean seriously, thee two are so in love and easy to work with, I could’ve photographed them forever! The light was perfect, the beach was warm, and the sky just got better and better the later it got! We hung out for a while capturing some of my favorite photos before heading back to dance the night away! Congrats again Carter and Bailey, and thank you so much for asking me to share in your special day! A very special thanks to Sara Baillies for her talented second shooting and assistance and these amazing vendors!
Planning, Coordinating & Decor | Without a Hitch LLC
Ceremony | Bailey’s Parents Home
Reception | Willow Wood Lodge
Catering | Adamus Catering
Floral | Trigs
Cake | Sweet Dreams Bakery
DJ | Big Dog
