Wedding: Rachel + Mitchell

November 13, 2018 / Morgan Brown

Mitchell and Rachel were married at Calvary Baptist Church in Watertown, WI and we took a side trip to Madison, Wisconsin to spend some time taking formal portraits at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. As art lovers, both Rachel and Mitchell loved the beautiful backdrop it created, the bright and modern lines, and the air-conditioning ;)

Since they are both English teachers and met in a class they shared in college, reading, literature, and writing are key elements in their lives and played a beautiful role in their wedding. Rachel used The Night Circus, a favorite book, as her launching point with colors and styling. Antique and heirloom pieces made subtle background characters to their literature themed wedding and they opted for an evening ceremony and a sweet and simple dessert reception.

Some particularly unique details of the day were Mitchell’s textured, retro suit from Men’s Wearhouse, Rachel’s gorgeous Jane Austen meets The Great Gatsby wedding gown + Juliet veil, and the poem she wrote for her new husband that was displayed as the backdrop to the ceremony. It was a beautifully memorable day for two amazing people.

Venue: Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, Calvary Baptist Church

Wedding Planner: Extras by Ann

Bridal Bouquet: With Love and Petals

Bride’s Jewelry: Appleblom Jewelry Co., Bradow Jewelers

Wedding Gown: Vera’s House of Bridals

Bride’s Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson

Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Groom’s Wedding Ring: Manly Bands

Bridesmaids Dresses: JJ’s House

Wedding Pastries: Sassy Sweets

Wedding Favors: Lindt Chocolate

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Charis Cook Pottery

November 10, 2018 / Morgan Brown

This August, Charis asked me to visit her pottery studio in Stillman Valley, IL and photograph both her pieces and her process.

We spent some time before the shoot working to create a vision for where her brand is headed and what images would be best to compliment her art but one of the joys of photographing brands and businesses is the life each shoot takes on its own. You can go in with expectations but art creates art and what you initially thought would be the best way to showcase the product may get left by the wayside. That was exactly the case with Charis’s pottery. When we walked into the session, we were both expecting to photograph in a light, minimalist style and ended up with nearly 300 images in earthy beiges, browns, and grays and we both were pleasantly delighted with the results.

That kind of magic doesn’t happen though when you hold on tightly to results. The magic is in the creating, in knowing that while having expectations can help you on your journey to art it can also pull you back when you’re not willing to let it go. Charis totally understands this creative process, we spent tons of time talking about where her business has been and where it’s going and she’ll be the first to say that her style has changed over the years and gone in directions she hasn’t expected. If we weren’t constantly changing and growing, we wouldn’t be artists.

The one thing that has remained consistent in Charis’ art however is the meaning behind it. Her goal with every piece she makes is to create something that is lovely and practical. Check out her shop HERE to see for yourself!