Wedding Cakes, Flowers, and Centerpieces
The most important wedding pictures are, of course, photos of the ceremony (the main event!), the couple, and the couple with family and friends. But what I also really like about weddings are the details, big and small, such as the wedding cake, flowers, and table centerpieces.
This is why I like to take pictures of wedding event spaces before the ceremony and reception. After all, the decorations and items the couple have prepared for the day usually reflect their personalities and are meaningful to them.
Let's look at some examples:
Christine & Kurt's Wedding
Christine and Kurt's wedding was outside on this beautiful property. They set up wooden tables with runners along the center with flower bouquets on top. They also had glass jars for water.
Here's a closeup of the flowers on the tables.
They also put flowers and ribbons on the chairs.
The wedding cake looked amazing! I don't remember having any but I'm sure it tasted good!
Christina & Todd's Wedding
Unlike Christine and Kurt's wedding, Christina and Todd's wedding was both outdoors and indoors. The ceremony was held on the waterfront and the reception took place inside the resort.
They put white bows on the end chairs and set up a small gazebo with a garland of flowers wrapped around the wood (the next picture is a closeup). As you can see, it was very windy that day!
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The flowers really added a nice touch.
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The gazebo framed the couple and presider.
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In the room outside the reception hall, Christina and Todd set up several nice table decorations. This is where guests dropped off presents and cards.
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A few tables had these nice thank you notes and bouquets.
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This guest board was a really cool idea! Guests could also drop a note in the small box on the right.
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This memorial was really touching.
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The cake and was really beautiful, and the cupcakes—I did have a few—were really good!
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The wedding party sat on tables decorated with these bouquets and flower garlands.
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I loved the centerpieces they had on the tables. They glowed so nicely in the ambient light.
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Alyssa & Brian's Wedding
Alyssa and Brian's reception was held at a really nice golf club out in the country. Their decorations were simple yet very striking.
This "love" sign was incredible! It looks as though it was handmade. It was the perfect centerpiece for the wedding party's table.
The green and white theme was really attractive.
Each table had two lit candles and a small vase with flowers.
These little guest tuxedo and dress gift boxes were great!
The wedding cake was small (there was of course much more for all of the guests!), but it was beautiful and had heart made of wire on top.
Alyssa and Brian had a fun time giving each other a bite!
As you can see, little details can be attractive and meaningful. To me, capturing them is just as important as taking pictures of the couple, family and guests. They are a big part of the wedding day.
If you're on the lookout for a Milwaukee wedding photographer for your upcoming wedding, please contact me today! You can also reach me on Facebook.
5 Photo Locations in Milwaukee You Haven't Thought About
You probably already know about several great photo locations in Milwaukee. These could include the Milwaukee Art Museum, the North Point Lighthouse, the Riverwalk, or Lakeshore State Park. I like all of them. They’re definitely good choices.
But what about other spots? It’s fun for me to scope out new places and that’s what I have done recently. Here are 5 Milwaukee photo locations you may have overlooked (but I haven’t!):
Milwaukee Pierhead Light
Did you know that there is a cool lighthouse behind the Marcus Amphitheater? If not, now you do! And that's a good thing because the Milwaukee Pierhead Light, as it's called, creates a striking backdrop for photos. Its bright, red color against the blue sky is ideal for creating memorable pictures. For example, you could lean against the red railings and include the lighthouse in the background.
Milwaukee Pierhead LightThe Milwaukee Pierhead Light is a great photo location in Milwaukee.
Here is another view of the light from from farther away.
Milwaukee Pierhead LightThe Milwaukee Pierhead Light is very easy to get to. Just take Erie Street at the southern end of the Third Ward and take it all the way to the light.
This row of maple trees near the light is intriguing as well. I could take a photo of you and your partner sitting on a blanket in between them with the sky, the lighthouse and the lake as the backdrop. Or I could have you pose in front of them with the camera facing the amphitheater. Coming back in the fall would be awesome, too, because the trees would be even more beautiful.
Maple Trees This row of maple trees is located near the light and in front of the Marcus Amphitheater. They would make a great backdrop in the fall.
Another advantage of this location is that it's next to the Hoan Bridge. You can't go wrong with getting pictures with one of Milwaukee's most iconic landmarks as your backdrop! Just be sure to take photos in the early-to mid-morning or later afternoon to take advantage of good sunlight.
The Hoan BridgeThe Hoan Bridge is a cool backdrop for photos. This picture show how it's lit up in the morning. At this time, the sun is behind the pierhead light, which isn't great for pictures.
The Hoan BridgeThis photo shows the Hoan Bridge looking east towards Lake Michigan. I took this picture in the afternoon.
Trestle Park
One of the newest parks in the city, Trestle Park is a small but very interesting photo location in Milwaukee. It’s named after the massive, rotating railroad trestle in the middle of the Milwaukee River. The park has plenty of bench space, flowering trees (in the spring), a small grassy area, and two railroad crossing lights. It is also situated along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Trestle ParkTrestle Park features flowering trees, a grassy area (to the right of this picture), the railroad crossing lights, and benches to sit on. It is located along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Here is a view of the boardwalk and trestle.
Trestle Park Trestle Park has a lot of bench space. The trestle in the background provides a dramatic background for photos.
The great thing about this park is that you can take a variety of photos from different angles. If you want an industrial look, I would have you pose with the trestle and the old grain silos behind you (however, please be aware the silos will be demolished soon). Or I might ask you to sit on the benches with the trees as the background. Another option is to put a blanket on the grass with your partner or family and get a wide-angle picture of the whole park as a backdrop. Whatever we might do, you'll be sure to get some unique pictures!
Under the Marquette Interchange
If you're looking for a dramatic setting for your photos, the area underneath the Marquette Interchange is a great choice. The highways soar above you, providing a terrific background of contrasting colors, shapes, and shadows. There is a lot of room to move around as well, giving you the ability to take a variety of photos.
Highways of the Marquette InterchangeThis photo location is really unique. The highways above you offer a great background for a photo shoot location.
I could get photos of you from a low angle to include as much of the highways as possible. I also may have you pose next to one of the big concrete supports. It’s best to go here in the morning or afternoon to ensure you get enough light.
Highways of the Marquette InterchangeThere is plenty of space under the highways to move around. You can get photos from any direction to create interesting images.
Kadish Park
Kadish Park is an awesome location for photos! The most obvious reason is this beautiful, unobstructed view of Milwaukee. I recommend going in the later afternoon or evening when the sun shines nicely on the city.
Overlooking Milwaukee From Kadish Park Kadish Park has one of the best of views of Milwaukee. If you want to the city as your background, this is a great choice. The evening is the best time come here.
The park also features this cool, outdoor theater. I would take photos of you in the seating area, either sitting or standing, in a variety of poses. This would also be a fun spot for family photos or a large group because people could spread out easily.
Kadish Park Outdoor TheaterThis outdoor theater in Kadish Park is a neat spot for photos.
Kadish Park Outdoor TheaterThe seating are rises up with the hill. A variety of sitting poses here would look great. Groups could spread out here as well.
Just to the west of the theater is this interesting, steel staircase. The steel structure at the top would form a compelling frame around you. A variety of shots standing or sitting on the steps would look great.
Steel Staircase at Kadish ParkThis steel staircase rises from Commerce Street to a walking path (that's part of the Oak Leaf Trail) and then to Glover Avenue.
Steel Staircase at the Top LevelThe top level of the staircase has a lookout platform and these steel beams that form box-like space. Definitely a cool spot for pictures!
Top Level of the Steel StaircaseThe top level of the staircase looking south. This direction would also be good for pictures.
Next to the staircase is this winding path that leads to Commerce Street. An array of flowers, plants, and tall grasses grow alongside it. Posing next to them would make an attractive photo. Standing near the concrete walls would work, too, if you want add a white background.
Kadish Park Winding PathLooking west from the staircase offers this view of the winding path (which is part of the Oak Leaf Trail) that goes down to Commerce Street.
Winding Path in Kadish ParkThe winding path (which is part of the Oak Leaf Trail) in Kadish Parks leads down to Commerce Street as well as the pedestrian bridge under Holton Street.
Winding Path at Kadish ParkConcrete walls help create the winding path in Kadish Parks that leads down to Commerce Street.
“The Calling” Sculpture
It might be easy to forget about “The Calling” sculpture as a photo location. After all, it is very close to the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is a popular place to take pictures. But the size, bold orange color, and shape of the “The Calling” make it a great location for photos. I would take photos of you where it's totally visible in the background, or direct you to pose next to it.
"The Calling" SculptureMaybe the most famous public artwork in Milwaukee, "The Calling" sculpture by Mark di Suvero is a great location for photos. The Milwaukee Art Museum is in the background.
"The Calling" Sculpture"The Calling" Sculpture as it appears looking west.
Go Check Out These Photo Locations!
Do any of these places appeal to you? If so, make some time to scope them out for yourself. That way you can decide if you like them.
If you do, contact me today to set up an appointment! I would be happy to take your engagement, headshot, family or any other portrait photos at any of these locations or anywhere else you like. Looking forward to hearing from you!