Lauren & Derek | A Wedding at The Swan Barn Door

This wedding at The Swan Barn Door was so incredibly stunning. I was amazed at how the couple, Lauren and Derek, were so intentional about moments in their wedding. From picking the right decor to getting ready with all their close ones, and even sneaking off to exchange vows, this couple’s wedding was truly a dream to capture.

I met Lauren and Derek last year when they came to Chicago for their engagement session. We had so much fun during that shoot, that I knew the wedding was also going to be a great time. I packed up my gear and headed to the Wisconsin Dells, where I would meet up with Lauren and Derek and their wedding party to capture the big day.

Lauren and Derek knew from the very first moment they saw one another that they would spend the rest of their lives together. For Lauren, Derek stole her heart right away and felt that she had known him forever. For Derek, it was Lauren’s incredible smile and her confidence that drew him to her. The couple became inseparable and started to build their life with their kids.

This couple is so down-to-earth! From game nights at Dave and Busters, to weekend coffees, to watching hockey during the season, this couple fills every moment with love and laughter. I could see this shine through during the wedding day and made the day feel very relaxing and comforting.

An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony At The Swan Barn Door

Once the couple had gotten ready, they headed out for a moment in private where the two of them read their vows to one another before the ceremony. This was such an intimate moment. It will always be special as it truly was just the two of them sharing their love and commitment to one another.

The ceremony took place in a gorgeous shaded area with a beautifully decorated arch as a feature. I could tell how much thought and effort had gone into each decoration. It made this wedding feel very unique to the couple.

After the ceremony, the celebration continued through dancing and sparklers as a send-off. It truly felt like a magical way to end the night.

The couple is now headed off to St. Lucia for their honeymoon as they begin this new chapter as husband and wife. I am grateful that I was able to capture this moment where Lauren and Derek became each other’s forever best friends.

Bridal party posing for a photo in front of their dresses inside the barn at The Swan Barn Door A bride is popping a champagne with her bridesmaids on her wedding day at The Swan Barn Door A bride is getting ready with her bridesmaids inside a barn

Bride and groom read their vows in private before their wedding ceremony at The Swan Barn Door in Wisconsin Dells. A bride walks down the aisle with her dad during an outdoor wedding ceremony at The Swan Barn Door Bride and groom's first kiss as husband and wife at the wedding at The Swan Barn Door Bride and groom exit the ceremony space down the aisle at The Swan Barn Door The Swan Barn Door wedding photo showing the forest in the background Bride and groom having fun on their wedding day at The Swan Barn Door Wedding photos of a bride and groom in front of their flower arch at The Swan Barn Door Bridal party photo at The Swan Barn Door with the wood in the background

Bride is wiping her tears during the best man speach A large wedding party reception at The Swan Barn Door A candid moment during wedding reception at The Swan Barn Door Creatively composed image of wedding champagne glasses at The Swan Barn Dooor A bride and groom kiss at their wedding at The Swan Barn Door in Wisconsin Dells A candid image of bride and groom looking at each other under the bride's vail A bride and groom pose of a photo during the golden hour at their The Swan Barn Door wedding Bride and groom's first dance at their wedding at The Swan Barn Door Bride and groom walk during their sparklers send-off ceremony Bride and groom kiss at a sparklers sent-off ceremony at The Swan Barn Door in Wisconsin Dells