Lexi + Michael | Wedding | Manawa - racheljensenphotography.com

Lexi and Michael’s wedding at Hidden Treasures Event Barn in Manawa, WI with a big wedding party .

Last Saturday I was back in Manawa for another absolutely beautiful wedding day. I opened the dress bag, found the boots and the details box and got to work before the girls even got there. When they did, it was time to get everyone dressed and ready. After all, we had 3 first looks to do!

Lexi’s first look with her dad was super sweet. It was shortly followed by her first look with Cash. Cash of course is their dog and he was dressed to the nines for the day! Then we got our set up in place for the real first look with Michael. A private spot away from the bustle of the venue was perfect for them to first see each other. They had their own private vows to read and it was good to take a minute to just be quiet together.

Getting the bridal party wrangled was a good time. We were a little behind schedule so it was either only do portraits before the ceremony or only bridal party before the ceremony. Lexi said let’s go with bridal party and when they knew that if we got good stuff before the ceremony they wouldn’t have to do organized photos for it again, they were on it. I think this group of guys had the best cheering ability of any wedding party so far this year. 7 couples in this party, we did group and all the individuals girls with the bride, guys with the groom. I checked the time stamp. 21 minutes. You don’t need an hour to get great bridal party stuff!

Time to get hitched!

The ceremony was centered around Christ with the perfect amount of sentiment and laughter. My favorite part was the braiding of the three cords because each set of parents hung one of the ropes. They stayed close to the front as Michael and Lexi braided them, symbolizing not only the marriage needing God to stay strong, but the intertwining of the two families. Lexi and Michael are the first couple I had choose to go back to the front of their aisle and release their guests by rows in lieu of a receiving line at the end of the aisle. I’m telling you – this is the best way to do it if you want a receiving line!

The food was great, the cupcakes were phenomenal (at least the three I had were😁). Then it was dance time! Lexi and Michael, along with 14 of their closest friends, did a traditional Grand March announcing their wedding party which is always a good time. The Anniversary dance revealed the longest married couple there to be celebrating 69 years of marriage!!! After that we ran out for 5 minutes of sunset pictures which were so worth it. The rest of the night the barn was packed with guests chatting and dancing the night away.

If you were a guest at this wedding, I probably took a photo of you. Click this link to request your guest gallery I will email you the ceremony and dance photos when they’re all done.

Want a throwback to their awesome engagement session? Here it is! Lexi + Michael | Engaged