There are wedding days that sparkle with joy — and then there are days like Mimi and Roger’s at Prairie Creek Farm in Ridgeway, WI, where joy doesn’t just sparkle — it glows. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this celebration was something special: full of laughter, emotion, and all the genuine, heartfelt moments that remind me exactly why I love photographing love stories.
Getting Ready on the Farm
Morning light stretched over the countryside, spilling across weathered barns and quiet fields. Mimi’s wedding gown hung gracefully against the curved silo wall — lace details catching the soft golden light, tulle layers swaying gently in the breeze. The farm’s rustic charm made the perfect backdrop for her timeless bridal style: romantic, elegant, and beautifully her.
Inside, there was a calm excitement as Mimi got ready with her loved ones. She smiled through happy nerves, her hands steady as she held her bouquet — a stunning combination of white hydrangeas, lavender roses, calla lilies, and delicate greenery. The arrangement was soft, fragrant, and perfectly matched the day’s palette of lilac, ivory, and natural tones.
A few barns over, Roger and his groomsmen were having a very different kind of morning. Dressed in classic black suits and lavender ties, they joked, laughed, and made sure every photo captured their contagious energy. At one point, Roger even turned his best friend’s hair into a makeshift mustache — one of those hilarious, unscripted moments that tell you exactly who these people are: fun-loving, close-knit, and ready to celebrate.
The Ceremony in the Barn
Prairie Creek Farm’s arched barn is one of those spaces that truly takes your breath away. With its towering wooden beams, warm amber tones, and glowing chandeliers, it felt like stepping into something sacred yet cozy — a place built for memories. Guests filled the rows, their voices hushed with anticipation as the music began.
And then, there she was — Mimi, radiant, walking down the aisle toward the love of her life. Roger’s expression said it all — the kind of look every bride dreams of seeing. Their ceremony was deeply personal — full of laughter, heartfelt vows, and the kind of quiet glances that say, “we’ve found home.”
When they finally sealed their promises with a kiss beneath the wooden arches, the barn erupted in applause. The energy in that room was electric — joy, love, and relief all at once. It was one of those moments you wish you could bottle forever.
Portraits in the Countryside
After the ceremony, the newlyweds stepped into the soft afternoon light, surrounded by the rolling farmland that gives Ridgeway its postcard-perfect beauty. The golden hues of early fall wrapped around them as we captured portraits that felt both cinematic and completely natural.
Mimi’s family gathered close, their laughter echoing off the barn walls. One of my favorite moments? Her father kissing her forehead — a simple, tender gesture that spoke volumes. A few steps away, Roger shared a sweet hug with his mom, who wore the most stunning lavender-sequined gown that shimmered beautifully in the sun.
Every family photo felt full of connection — not posed, but lived-in. These are the images that carry meaning decades from now — the ones that tell the story of a family’s love on one unforgettable day.
The Love That Lights Up a Room
As the sun dipped lower, Mimi and Roger shared quiet moments together before the celebration began. The way they looked at each other — easy, relaxed, completely themselves — was a reminder that great love doesn’t always have to be grand. Sometimes it’s in the shared laughter, in the comfort of a hand held tight, or in the look that says, “we made it.”
Throughout the evening, their joy was contagious. Every toast, every dance, every smile reflected a love that wasn’t just celebrated — it was felt.
Why I’ll Always Remember This Day
As a Wisconsin wedding photographer, I’ve documented hundreds of love stories — but this one left a mark. Maybe it was the peaceful beauty of Prairie Creek Farm, or maybe it was the way Mimi and Roger balanced elegance with authenticity so effortlessly. Either way, their wedding was the perfect blend of laughter, tenderness, and timeless country charm.
From the silos and rolling hills to the laughter echoing in the barn, every detail of their day reflected who they are — grounded, joyful, and deeply in love.
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