Lisa + Ryan: A central Wisconsin love story

When love finds you in an unexpected place, there’s something extra sweet about it.Lisa and Ryan — both transplants to the state — came from south of the Illinois line to establish careers in Wausau, she as a medical professional, he as a law-enforcement official.Each had busy, hard and demanding careers. Neither one really knew if central Wisconsin would be the place they’d call home.That is until they met each other.Then suddenly, the world — and the possibilities — opened up. Love blossomed and roots began to take hold.We have an extra soft spot in our hearts for these two, because they remind us just a little of our own love story. Dean and I married later in life (much later than Lisa and Ryan, for sure!), and until I met Dean, I wondered if love and true companionship would ever cross my threshold. I found that the wait was worth it, and I’m certain Lisa and Ryan do too.Now, let’s talk about their Sneak Peek.We simply had to set their first look moment on the grassy slopes of Granite Peak  as the foundation for the piece. We can’t recall more unfettered joy in a couple seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day. The tears and emotion were infectious!And of all the really wonderful things people said in their toasts to the couple, we fell hard for what step-dad David had to say, particularly after he asked permission of the groom to speak on behalf of Ryan’s late father, Kirk. What a gentleman.We also can’t say enough about working with the McCartneys. Butch and Kelsy are amazing. Please check out their photos and blog post from Lisa and Ryan’s wedding. We’d like to also thank the folks at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, who were more than gracious in setting up for the ceremony. Lastly, the Jefferson Street Inn‘s ballroom looked splendid with birch trees, wicker globes encased in moss and twinkling Edison lights illuminating the night, much from Evolutions in Design. Beautiful!If you’d like to know more about the wedding professionals who made their day all the more glorious, please check out the links below.Of course, there is much, much more beauty, laughter and love to come in their full cinematic film. We can’t wait to edit their incredible first dance! It is not to be missed.Cheers,CindyHair and makeup: Courtney Torres of The Beauty CatBridal gown: Jenny Lee from L’atelier Couture, MinneapolisBridesmaids dresses: Saison BlancheTuxes: Campbell Haines MenswearFlorist: Randy at Evolutions in Design!Band: Charisma (Bananas Entertainment)Catering: City Grill & Jefferson Street InnCatering manager: Jamie MartinoCake: Loving Traditions CakeryPhotographers: Kelsy and Butch McCartney of The McCartneys