Milwaukee Wedding Photographer: Cris and Gary!

We have fielded many interesting requests as a Milwaukee wedding photographer, but this was a first. Merely a few weeks before the big day, Cris and Gary called to tell us about their plan and see if we were available to document it for them. They were throwing a Christmas house-warming party for their friends and family, but little did their guests know they would be getting married in the middle of the party! To put the final touches on this epic surprise, they also invited Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a reindeer! This was a party that no one will forget anytime soon.Pulling this party off required some interesting logistics. Mandie had to arrive nice and early to have time to document the bridal details before any of the guests arrived.

In order to get some photos of her getting ready, Cris actually got completely bridal, had some photos, then changed into her party dress.

This moment was a throwback to the early days of Cris raising her daughters. Time sure flies by in life.

Zilli’s catered these delicious passed hors d’oeuvres.

Eventually, they sent everyone outside “for a toast” which gave Cris and Gary time to sneek away to change BACK into their wedding gear. They emerged outside to reveal the biggest surprise of the night.

For a simple backyard wedding at night in Wisconsin in winter, Cris and Gary found ways to really dress up the scene.

The element of surprise was clearly the first clever idea, but it didn’t stop there. They strung lights in their trees and around their adorable shed.

When everyone thought there could be no more surprises, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a live reindeer pulled a sleigh rounded the corner! Nothing like a little Christmas magic to take a wedding to a whole other level.

Front Room Photographer:  Mandie