Tender moments occur all the time at weddings. But Katie and Kyle had one of the most poignant and loving of moments just minutes before their wedding last month at The Landing 1841, on the banks of the appropriately named (for a wedding venue) Honey Creek.
The two had decided to exchange personal vows with each other before the ceremony during a “first touch.”
What’s a first touch you ask? Let me explain. It’s when the bride and groom spend a few moments together before their ceremony holding hands and talking, but not seeing each other. It’s a way of calming the nerves and physically connecting without stealing the thunder of the grand entrance the bride makes when she walks down the aisle.
The two carefully met under a stately tree that casts glorious shade, especially on this scorching Wisconsin summer day when the thermometer topped well over 90. As Katie and Kyle reached for each other’s hand, their smiles revealed how comforting that first touch was.
Then it was time for their private promises to each other. And what vows they were!
Kyle reached back to the very first time he met Katie, recalling that he immediately knew she was someone special. Katie lingered on all of the support Kyle has offered during their relationship. The tears flowed between the two … and from the small group of witnesses.
It moved us so much, that we have made it the centerpiece of their Sneak Peek. We hope you agree that is shows the best in a relationship and its future.
Ceremony by Honey Creek
Then the whirlwind of a day truly began. First, with the ceremony that included a beautiful “tying of the knot” ritual. The location, tucked under ancient, towering trees and on the banks of Honey Creek, could not have been more beautiful. One of the most compelling moments came when Katie’s father, Rick, mustered all his energy to rise from his wheelchair and escort his beautiful daughter the final few steps down the aisle to her groom.
Again, it was a tender moment that few will forget.
After a ceremony that included a “tying of the knot” ritual, it was on to lawn games and cocktails for the guests, while the bridal party wiped their misty brows and smiled through awesome photos by Elizabeth Haas Photography. You can check out her beautiful images here.
The Landing 1841
I’d be remiss if I didn’t describe a bit about The Landing, which is a fairly new event space in Burlington. First, it’s set on a gorgeous bend of the aforementioned Honey Creek and on a sprawling tract of land. It’s spacious barn has two distinct wings that allows for great movement for a wedding. From the outside, the barn looks like a modern marvel, but once you walk up the grand walkway to the French doors and enter, you see that much of the original wood has been preserved or shored up. A perfect blend of rustic and sophistication, the barn has twinkling chandeliers, a built-in bar, updated restrooms and a spacious deck.
Another wonderful aspect of The Landing is that the bridal party has access to a completely updated farmhouse for prep. There’s ample room and plenty of windows that offer perfect light for makeup and hair.
A tender dance, too
Our other favorite moment during the wedding was after Katie and Kyle’s first dance. As tradition often calls for, Katie and her father entered the dance floor space. Rick marshaled all his energy to take a few steps on the dance floor with his Katie girl. There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t glued to the center of the floor.
We are always so honored to film weddings, and Katie and Kyle’s is no exception. They went to great lengths to make all of their guests feel welcomed and loved, and you could see the same emotion being radiated back to these two.
Congrats to the newlyweds!!
The Team
Videography: Sweet Pea Cinema
Planning: Events by Melissa
Florals & Catering: Gooseberries Fresh Food Market
DJ: Sound by Design
Gown: Maggie Sottero Designs
Menswear: Mens Wearhouse
String Ensemble: Wedding and Events String Ensemble
Calligrapher: MJ Creative Co