These two. If you need an intro, click here to see one of my most talked about engagement shoots of the summer or click here to see the BTS of this shoot for my branding video (shot by Joe Lotz.) I have been waiting for their wedding long before Olivia and Ryan officially hired me to be their wedding photographer. If you want the story of how we met, click back to their engagement photos, but long story short: Olivia and I have know each other since 2015 and she is an absolute dream to photograph. Not only is she stunning, she is intentional and creative, and is always prepared with the best mood boards and inspiration. She sent me her Pinterest board the week of the wedding and it got me absolutely pumped to document their intimate micro wedding. I haven’t had the time to send their 35mm film out yet, but couldn’t wait to share a glimpse into their day.
Surrounded by their families, the two wed at St. John’s Northwest Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Ryan attended school at the academy with Olivia’s brother, and that’s how the pair officially met. Which fits as the perfect meet-cute, because Delafield itself looks like a freakin’ Hallmark Movie (there was a Halloween celebration happening in town at the time of the wedding and we drove through it on our way to the reception, and it made my heart all happy and smiley seeing little kids and their parents in costumes walking around town.) With only 16 people, including myself and the couple, in attendance, the day was intimate, personal, laid back, and all about Olivia and Ryan. We took portraits around the campus and inside the stunning church full of stained glass, got them married, took family photos during glow hour, and had dinner in a private room at Eldr + Rime in Milwaukee. Before dinner started, Olivia changed into a second dress (s/o to Wish Upon a Dress for providing her with not one, but two gorgeous looks) and we did some flash photos of them in their hotel room and in the lobby of the hotel.
Small, intimate weddings will always be a vibe for me. It’s kind of like shooting film — it allows me to slow down and take my time. It was such a joy to spend the day with Olivia and Ryan and I am grateful for clients that make me feel like I am apart of their family. Especially grateful for Olivia, who allows me to be creative and gives me the extra push I need to keep evolving as an artist. She is also a wonderful friend and I am so grateful she has supported my business since it was a baby.
Scroll to see some of my favorites. Also peep Olivia’s Italian Renaissance wedding table inspo.
This moment right here might have been my favorite of the day to photograph. Olivia and I both have deep Italian roots, and have similar soft, big hearted Italian dads. Prior to walking down the aisle, Olivia’s dad was holding back tears as he told her that he wished his mom was there. If you know me, you know that I absolutely lost it. Looking at this photo brings me right back to that moment and my eyes are welling up as I type. These moments are why I do what I do.
All image © Arielle Gallione 2022
The butt grab, the red door, the dancing dip, the angelic veil covering her face, the one where she leans on his knee in adoration, and the veil splaying behing her in a castle setting like a fairytale
[…] and Ryan’s engagement session and they deserved their own post. These two are literally the most photogenic couple ever, which obviously made it a dream to shoot their engagement and wedding, but throw some […]
[…] done, and it’s a solid to 30-60 minutes of extra time we’ll get to focus on your wedding portraits. But trust me, as someone who is having ten bridesmaids and ten groomsmen at her own wedding next […]