The Batzler's

Sarah + Cade — such a beautiful October wedding. They each started the morning getting ready with their people in different AirBnB’s in downtown La Crosse.

While Cade was getting ready, he opened up this wedding gift and card from his bride to be.

Nothing like a shot of tequila to get the morning rolling! Once all the ties were tied and buttons buttoned, everyone made their way to The Waterfront to prepare for the afternoon ceremony.

Sarah shared an emotional first look with her father upon her arrival at the venue, and her mom stood close by to join a beautiful family moment together. They each had perfect sentimental gifts for each other, and Sarah got her “something blue” for her big day.

After her moment with her parents, Sarah made her way down to the dock where Cade was waiting for her.

After the first looks were finished, Sarah + Cade rounded up the people closest to them and we all made our way to Riverside for some group photos. These people truly were a party! It is so clear how loved the bride and groom are by all those around them.

First looks offer such a different feel to wedding days. Sarah and Cade were able to spend the morning surrounded by all of their people instead of hidden away from each other, and this also gave them time together before their ceremony. They sent their wedding party away, and spent the next 40 minutes loving on each other before they say their “I do’s”.

And suddenly, it was almost 4:30. Their guests filed in, buzzing with excitement, and everyone settled in to witness two become one.

Sarah + Cade included readings from family in their ceremony, and they wrote their own vows. As you can see, there was not a dry eye in the audience, including myself silently sobbing behind my camera.

Mr + Mrs Batzler celebrated their way back down the aisle, and waited to embrace their guests before everyone made their way to cocktail hour. What a beautiful golden hour ceremony.

Let the party begin!!

The Batzler’s chose to kick off their reception with their Grand March and then moved straight into their first dance, father/daughter and mother/son dances. This was a unique touch, and truly kept all eyes on them before dinner was served.

Family and close fiends gave toasts and blessings to the newlywed’s, and it was so touching how truly emotional this day came to be. Happy tears overflowed from start to finish, and it was an honor to capture that for Sarah + Cade.

After dinner, the candy and cookies came out to play. I absolutely loved all of the skull details Sarah sprinkled throughout the day - from the socks, to the centerpieces, to the cookies at the end of the night.

It wouldn’t be a wedding day if something didn’t go wrong. Enjoying herself on the dance floor, Sarah’s dress found itself a victim of red wine. Not to worry! Her ladies came prepared, and pulled her into the bathroom suite with a trusty tide pen before sending her back out on to dance with her friends. This day was so filled with love and friendship, and it was beautiful to see everything come together for this perfect couple.