Alyssa & Matt's Wedding at The Bailiwick | Medford, Wisconsin

August in Wisconsin is beautiful. August in Wisconsin with a surprise storm rolling in right as you arrive to photograph a wedding? That's just a little extra excitement nobody asked for — but Alyssa and Matt handled it like absolute champs.

Plot Twist: The Sky Had Other Plans

The moment we pulled up to The Bailiwick in Medford, the clouds had ideas. There was a flurry of nervous energy as everyone transitioned from getting ready to the first look, umbrellas were considered, backup plans were whispered — and then just like that, it was gone. Completely cleared up by the first look, not a cloud in sight by the ceremony. Wisconsin weather, keeping us on our toes as always.

Private Vows That Wrecked Everyone in the Best Way

Before the ceremony, Alyssa and Matt shared a private first look and exchanged their own personal vows — just the two of them. We have been seeing more and more couples do this and honestly we hope it never stops. There were tears. Real, beautiful, completely unguarded tears. It is one of our favorite things to photograph because it is pure and unscripted and absolutely priceless.

The Ceremony at The Bailiwick

The Bailiwick is a stunning all-in-one venue tucked in Taylor County, with a gorgeous outdoor ceremony hill, a beautiful arbor, and an extensive tree line that makes every photo look like it was planned by a professional set designer. Alyssa and Matt had a huge bridal party flanking them and the whole scene was just spectacular.

The Reception: Polka, Glow Sticks, and Heart Shaped Sunglasses

If you need us we'll be thinking about this reception forever. The DJ kept the energy high all night, the dance floor never emptied, and at some point glow sticks and heart shaped sunglasses appeared and things really took off. And then — the polka. Because this is Wisconsin and of course there was a polka, and it was perfect.

Alyssa and Matt — thank you for having us along for the chaos, the tears, the dancing, and every single moment in between. What a day.

AnaFinn Photography photographs weddings across northern and central Wisconsin including Medford, Waupaca, Stevens Point, Wausau, and surrounding areas. We'd love to tell your love story too.