Wisconsin Farm Wedding | Pickett, Wisconsin
This weekend we joined Ryan and Melissa at their very own farm in Wisconsin for their wedding day! If you’ve never been to a farmer’s wedding, there are a few things you should know. The guest list will be long enough to start a small town, jeans and boots pass as formal attire, the Old Fashioneds will be strong, and you won’t leave without getting caught in at least one midwestern goodbye. If you ever get invited to one, you’re in for a treat I promise.
Before the Ceremony
One of the perks to hosting her own wedding is that Melissa was able to get ready in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by her best gals. As they sat together on her bed smiling and giggling for photos, Melissa shared with each of her bridesmaids just how much they meant to her. Meanwhile, Ryan played golf down the road with all of his buddies. As it got close to time for the two to see each-other, they took a moment to themselves to read the private vows that they had written for one another. Their beautiful words set the tone of emotions for the first look ahead. Escorted by her Step-Dad, Melissa made her way to Ryan. I could see from the side how excited he was before even getting to look at her, so when he turned around fully- his expression said it all! Despite all the sass he had given me about photos, the wedding, and anything else that day, I knew he was truly happy in that moment with his soon to be wife.
Time flew by after their first look Energy was high on the farm, and we had fun laughing and joking around with the wedding party. We took photos around the farm, and did our best to keep everyone in the shade and out of the heat. As the afternoon ended, it was time to get serious and head over to their ceremony site.
The Ceremony
Their ceremony took place at a beautiful piece of land owned by the family just down the road. They had spent all year landscaping and prepping to make everything perfect for Ryan and Melissa (talk about love). Guests made their way to the pond where they were seated in the cool shade. To keep things intimate and personal, the ceremony was officiated by a family member who reminded them that marriage is one of the most rewarding adventures of their lives.
They included a reading called “Maybe” and my favorite line was, “Maybe once in a lifetime, you find someone who not only touches your heart but also your soul, someone who loves you for who you are and not what you could be. “
With a few laughs, and many happy tears, they we’re officially wed and guests flocked back to the farm to get the party started.
The Reception back at the Farm
After family formals and a few more portraits under the willow tree, we joined the guests back at Miller Farm. The Old Fashioneds were already being poured, and appetizers had been served. With everyone excited and in good spirits, we let the wedding party have a little bit of fun on the tractor while their DJ got everyone seated for the grand march.
During speeches, Ryan’s best man teased Ryan for being the guy who would always say “I don’t have time to do that, I’m way too busy working” before meeting Melissa. He said that she was the one to change all of that and thanked her for her patience and selflessness. He complimented her on her ability to push Ryan to make more time for his friends, his family, and even himself and reminded Ryan to always remember to make time for her.
Melissa’s Matron of Honor and childhood best friend referred to her as the sister she never had, and spoke to all of the growth she has accomplished in her lifetime. Amanda gave her blessing to Ryan, saying she couldn’t have picked a better partner for her best friend. Her speech carried on with a few jokes and playful jabs at Ryan which had everyone chuckling to themselves. It was the perfect lead up to the final, and most emotional speech, Melissa’s step-dad.
He spoke about how his relationship with Melissa had grown over the past 20 odd years through the good and the bad. The part that seemed to hit us all was when he respectfully mentioned the folks who were no longer here with us, and reminded everyone there that a gravestone has a birth year and a death year, but it’s the dash in the middle that matters the most. He encouraged us all to “live for the dash”, sending everyone into tears.
With that message in mind, everyone made the most of the evening. The dance floor was full, and guests happily mingled with a cocktail in one hand and a gelato in the other. Ryan and Melissa walked around their farm, catching up with loved ones and squeezing in a few final important photos.
When we headed out that night (after two midwestern goodbyes), all we could say was how lucky we were to have clients that felt like friends. A text message from Melissa the next morning confirmed that the feelings we’re mutual, as she thanked us for making her guests feel so relaxed and comfortable, and commented on her gratitude for our new friendship.
Congrats Millers!
Ryan and Melissa’s Wisconsin Farm Wedding
