Seven years ago right here in the Chippewa Valley these two met through mutual friends at Country Fest and this past weekend they had the most elegant Wild Ridge Golf wedding!
I arrived at the Lismore in Eau Claire just after noon last Saturday and found the girls laughing in their plaid button downs, drinking champagne and bloodies. There was nothing but absolute joy and excitement in the room. While the guys were off golfing together at Wild Ridge Golf Course, the girls got ready.
As the girls buttoned Ashley into her gown, she radiantly smiled so absolutely excited to see Nick for the first time in just minutes. And the moment she walked up behind Nick for their first look you could see the emotion on Ashley’s face, so many happy tears, tears for the day they had been waiting for, for years. It was so, so good!
Just before Ashley & Nick walked down the aisle just steps from the reception space, dark clouds started rolling in. Wild Ridge is on this beautiful piece of land that overlooks the Chippewa Valley and we could see that there was a storm brewing just moments away. I checked the radar and it showed a large blob of green, reds and purples coming straight to us. Ashley & Nick’s officiant ran inside and made sure we could start the ceremony right away, and as Ashley’s parents walked her down the aisle you could see this was the moment she had been waiting for, for so very long. Just as Ashley & Nick started their sand ceremony the wind started whipping blowing her veil, the arch, everything nearby…. and moments after Ashley & Nick kissed they ran for the venue and the rain came pouring down! It was so, so memorable!
Not long after the storm rolled through we were able to take some time to do a few more portraits outside, it warmed up and the sun shown. Such a beautiful, elegant day and I love SO many of these images because it just shows how much these two love and adore each other. Congratulations Ashley & Nick!
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Special thanks to these vendors: Ceremony & Reception Venue: Wild Ridge Golf Course | Officiant: family friend, Dan Ekblad | Florist: Avalon Floral | Cake & Cupcakes: The Frosted Petal | Videographer: Walter Mueller | DJ: All Occasions DJ Service | Hair & Makeup : Nicole’s Salon & Spa \ Travis Gorell | Wedding Gown: Bella Bridal Boutique / Bill Levkoff | Bridesmaids Gowns: Bella Bridal Boutique / Bill Levkoff | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Photobooth: The Joy Booth | Special thanks to my assistant Wes 🙂
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Ashley had a pin made for Nick to wear all day of his Dad who passed away 2.5 years ago.
I thought this little series that Wes captured of Ashley’s dad was hilarious with his pocket square. What does one REALLY do with a pocket square?
You guys… this shot is 100% real… untouched. Look at the butterfly! It’s the only shot it’s in, in this series and I didn’t notice it until I was going through the images.
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I’m on a mission to craft personalized sessions for small businesses and high school seniors looking to tell their story.
The best decision I ever made was packing up my car and heading west to finally pursue photography! That decision allowed me to spend the next 15 years capturing life’s fleeting moments.
But the journey is bigger than that. My work isn’t just about capturing a beautiful photo, it’s about changing the perspective, helping others see what true beauty is.
It would be an honor to have you along for the ride!
Eau Claire Brand, Senior and Family Photographer
HI THERE, I’M CHRISTY!
Currently: lacing up the old hiking boots and preparing for my next adventure.
