Carmen and Jake - Wedding! - racheljensenphotography.com

Carmen and Jake had a classic wedding at Devotions Chapel in Greenleaf and Beverly Gardens in Denmark with Rachel Jensen Photography.

Where do I even begin with the story of Carmen and Jake’s wedding? Of course I could start with what an obviously well matched couple Carmen and Jake are. I could go on about how much support they have and how many people were thrilled to be a part of their day. I could start with the absolutely stunning chapel they were married in or the awesome vendors they had for the day. The awesome food is good option, the weather cooperating, or maybe the live pig at the grand march. Any of those are viable options for starting the story.

It really does start with Carmen and Jake. When we first met and I shot their engagement session they were so easy going and trusted me right off the bat. I felt like anyone could get along with them both and boy was I right. All 350 or so guests were so excited to see them get married and party it up with them later. Carmen and Jake had a big group in their wedding party and the cutest little kids, (who all did a great job by the way!)

Now for the day…

When I pulled up to Devotions Chapel I was a little surprised this old church was only a wedding venue and not congregated parish. I also have no idea if I said that right but you get the point. The building from the outside looked well maintained it’s quite large. I walked in to the most interesting church I’ve entered in a long time! Wendy introduced herself as the owner and told me about this now gorgeous place. It had sat vacant and rotting for 20 years before she bought it and after a few years of really hard work it was opened as Chapel. I could go on but just know this building has a great story. I also met Tori and Stacy who were awesome planners that I loved getting to hang out with all day! They didn’t miss a beat to pull this day together

The bridal suite was full of antique furniture and accessories. Very shortly after the girls arrived we were ready to get Carmen in her dress. It all sinks in at that moment and I think Carmen may have had a little bit of the butterflies for a few moments. Then she got to go see her dad, Pete. I didn’t get to chat with him much that day but he just seems like the kind of guy every girl wants for a dad. I never saw him without a smile on his face all day. The biggest smile was when he turned around and saw Carmen there in her white lace dress on her wedding day! Carmen could relax then and was ready to see that other guy.

When Jake saw Carmen it took him a few seconds before he could get some words out. And when he wrapped his arms around her it was like every nerve and bit of anxiety melted. Nothign had been going wrong but when you put as much work into a day as Carmen and Jake had, it’s just a lot. Now they were there and ready and everything was good. We pulled the bridal party outside to do most of the photos which went great. Then came Elsa. Elsa is their pup who is growing up so fast! Just a shot or two with her and a few more of Carmen and Jake together before guests were starting to arrive!

The ceremony was simple and lovely. Wendy has married a lot of couples and even stands to the side when they exchange rings! Thank you Wendy. Carmen and Jake did a tree planting with jars of soil from each of their childhood homes. I thought that was pretty cool. After some smooth family photos the wedding party jumped on a bus and I followed them to a barn belonging to some people Jake knew right down the road from Copper Top where cocktail hour was going on. Since we got so much done before the ceremony (first look benefits), we didn’t stay too long. Carmen and Jake and the rest of the party got to go enjoy cocktail hour with a whole bunch of their guests.

Time for Food and Fun!

Dinner at Beverly Gardens was so so good! Chicken and beef tips are never a bad choice for a wedding meal and this place did it so well. They even had some desserts on the table and the little powdered donuts with frosting were amazing. Speeches were just right for this group, not too long, funny and sweet. All the decorations were beautiful and brought the sunshine with these huge sunflowers grown by Carmen’s aunt.

After we ran outside for some rain pictures instead of sunset photos, Brett from Wisconsin Music DJ kicked off the party. Their first dance was sweet and the floor was packed pretty quickly with guests ready to party. There was a traditional Wisconsin grand march where all the couples dressed silly. Then there was the couple who brought in the pig. The honest to god live pig that was okayed by the venue to bring onto their dance floor. He was a very tame show pig and all shined up for the occasion!

Carmen and Jake had an amazing day. I had an amazing time shooting it. I hope they recovered well and are enjoying the first few days of being Mr. and Mrs.!

If you missed the blog of their engagement session, it was one of my favorites! You can check it out here! Carmen and Jake – Engaged