Weddings
Weddings at Sugarland Barn
A charming Country Estate, Sugarland has become a premier wedding destination, recently nominated by Brides Magazine as one of the top Wedding Venues in America.
- Exclusive use of Venue for your Wedding
- 4000 square foot Barn accommodating up to 300
- Setup and clean-up of event
- Private On-site lit parking
- On site event coordinator for the entire event including set up.
- Outdoor brick paver patio with patio furniture and cocktail tables and fire pit with firewood
- Rustic campfire site in rear of barn, fire wood provided
- Use of projector and screen
- Cleaning before and after the event
- Beautiful chandeliers on dimmers in the barn and landscape lighting around the property
- Miscellaneous antique wooden tables, antique workbench, long counter, four wood plank tables and tables for gift, head table and linens
- Place setting packages (per person charge) to choose from that include all guest tables and all linens with choice of dinnerware and glassware.
- Beautifully appointed commercial and air conditioned rest rooms
- Licensed Commercial Kitchen on site
- Miscellaneous antique wood boxes for display
- Additional Services, available at cost, include spraying property for insects, heat if required and miscellaneous rentals
Tours available by appointment
Reach out to us today to schedule your tour of Sugarland.
Calendar
Vendors
Accommodations
North Central Group Hotels
North Central Group Hotels
You said ‘Yes’, let us do the rest! Group accommodations with our Madison West/Middleton hotels create an experience that reflect the style and personality of each couple.
Please contact us for more information on custom wedding packages and group pricing at any of our 7 Hilton and Marriott hotels.
Photographers
Monica Caughlin
Hi, I’m Monica!
I’m a mother to two crazy beautiful girls, Kaia & Kaylie. I am a custom portrait photographer based in Greendale, Wisconsin specializing in lifestyle newborns, families, and weddings.
I’m a simple girl from the Midwest, and I pride myself on my laid back and genuine approach to photography. My goal is to capture you as you are, and it’s as simple as that. Thank you for joining me!
MThreeStudio
I’m a storyteller
I come from the film and animation world. I’m always looking for the story – in every moment, in every couple, in every wedding day.
I approach your day just as I would a film – with an evolving storyboard in my mind that will eventually become your album. This is not to say my approach is formulaic.
Far from it.
I am anticipating those moments that help turn a collection of images into something curated. I’m following the great light and the subtle emotions. I’ll make sure you are in the best possible light and backgrounds, move the shopping bag that’s distracting in a shot and edit your reality to look as it should. My goal is for you to experience your day to the fullest – good experiences lead to great photography. As such, I’m efficient in organizing your day so that I can cover your story without being intrusive to that experience. As your day unfolds and the pictures start piling up, so does the story.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves. It all starts with your engagement session. I’m going to ask you questions. Lots and lots of questions, likely as we shoot. I do this to get to know your stories, your history, what makes you and your love unique. Your engagement session is just the first step in building your story. It is such an important part of my creative process that I include it for everyone at no extra charge.
On your wedding day, I’ll show up looking like a guest, wearing heels and ready to rock it. I alternate between blending in and taking charge, depending on what is needed. When I’ve done my job right, your guests will ask me if I’m an old college friend of yours, and when we look at your pictures for the first time, you’ll exclaim “I don’t even remember you being there!”.
The m three experience means you are hiring an artist you trust.
It’s not about trends or fads, but it is about creating your first family heirloom.
It means having a great wedding, and even better pictures to remember it by.
Meet Maison and Caleb Engel
About Us
In those first moments alone together after our first kiss as husband + wife,we held each other tight with a love deeper than we ever knew possible. As we stood there in the fog on top of the hill, we looked in one direction + saw the people who have supported us + encouraged us in our journey enjoying the wedding celebration. In the other direction, we saw a horizon that continued into forever + we felt excited to finally begin our own journey together that would span just as far.
We are Maison + Caleb, a husband + wife photography team based in Madison, Wisconsin, + we are wildly in love. We got married on August 23, 2014, + have fallen more in love every day since. It is through the grace + love of Jesus that we are fortunate enough to work side by side.
We are wedding photographers because we LOVE marriage. We believe that the most authentic way to capture someone’s love story is by investing in who they are before, during, + after they say, “I do”. By combining our passion for timeless photography + forever marriages, we want to encourage you as you journey towards marriage because we believe in it! For us, it’s not just about the photos, it’s about the experience.
The Experience
We know that your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of day, + we think that your experience with us should reflect that starting the very moment we meet. Because of this, we craft our experience to include EVERYTHING you need, while leaving room to add the extras, + a few surprises along the way! We will photograph together, demonstrate poses, + provide you with peace of mind knowing that we always work side by side as a husband + wife team.
Our hope for your experience is that we would build a relationship. One in which you feel known, encouraged, + excited about your future marriage! That you would be able to trust us as photographers, but more importantly, as friends + cheerleaders for your marriage.
We’ve found that a trusted relationship not only makes your photography experience fun + natural, but also allows us to join you in your celebration as both photographers + advocates for your journey ahead.
Because you know what?! Marriage is AWESOME. And we believe in your story.
Creative Look Studios
About Us
Hey there!
Thanks for checking out our work!
We are April & Derrick Look and our photography and video work is not only our livelihood, but our passion.
We are not just weekend warriors who shoot on the side, we’ve been doing this full time for 10 years, have been voted ‘best of’ by multiple statewide and regional publications, and have a dedicated boutique studio in downtown Middleton, WI.
We love creating work that is not only full with creativity and quality, but also meaningful for our clients. As a family we have 3 little boys of our own who keep us on our toes and make sure that we never have a dull day. Our two dogs knew us as a newlywed couple, and now help support us as family pets. We travel all through out Wisconsin and the Midwest to create imagery for our wonderful clients. We strive to live an eco friendly and plant based life style. We would love to speak with you about what you’re looking to create and capture.
We look forward to hearing from you! – April & Derrick Look owners and photographers at Creative Look Studios
Captured Moments Photography
About Us
Your family is the heart of our family business
We are honored that you are considering us to capture a special time of your life and promise that our family will provide yours with the quality, creativity, integrity and outstanding customer service that has set us apart in Madison for nearly a decade.
Your life through our lens
When you choose us to photograph your wedding, your new baby, your kids or any other special people or event in your life, it’s not just a photo shoot for us. It’s a chance to preserve moments that will never happen again. It’s a chance to capture personalities and not just pictures. It’s a chance to make time stand still, even if it’s only for a second. Whether it’s tiny fingers reaching for your hand or your groom’s first glance as you walk down the aisle, our goal is simple: for you to look back at a single photograph and feel those same emotions, experience those same moments over and over again for a lifetime.
Our style
Our photography combines modern portraiture and classic photojournalism to create photos that are fresh and unique but will still stand the test of time. Here’s more about how we work: we like using natural light; we come up with original ideas for pictures based on your location and personality, not a list; when taking pictures, we give you direction so you don’t feel lost, but let the rest fall into place so that your natural emotions and interactions can tell a story; we love detail shots and close-ups; we love creating crisp black & white images but also love creating deep, vivid color images; we are hard-working, easy-going and create a comfortable, fun environment where you feel relaxed and happy, not stressed about taking pictures; we’re flexible, accommodating and open to your feedback and suggestions so that together we can create images that truly reflect who you are.
Beyond the Booth
Meet Mike and Michelle (Beyond the Booth)
We are a husband and wife team and photo booth extraordinaires!
Nominated for Wisconsin Bride “Best” Photo Booth 2011, 2012 & 2013!
While planning our own wedding, we decided that a photo booth was the best idea ever! We researched other “traditional” booths, but decided that we would take it one step further and put a modern, classy approach to a traditional concept.
Now, happily married for five years, our booth has allowed us to see people laugh until they cry, pose like nobody is watching, and catch some of the funniest and most sincere moments.
Thanks so much for inquiring with Beyond the Booth. We look forward to bringing you professionalism, lasting memories and most important, many laughs!
Mike and Michelle
Stephanie Neprud
Stephanie Neprud Photography
Fine Art Wedding Photography
I am…..
A mom to two mischievous little darlings.
A wife to a man who believes in his family and in me. Always.
A quiet reader wrapped up in a blanket.
A hopeless romantic and a believer in love at first sight.
A planner of day trips, weekend trips, anything that means I can pack my family in the car and drive.
A garden grower and an outside player. A singer and dancer….. though, I wouldn’t consider either a strength.
A lover of great big belly laughs usually at my own jokes (yep. I am ‘that’ girl).
Laurelyn Savannah Photography
Laurelyn Savannah Photography
Authentic, artful photographs that tell your love story.
I specialize in documenting naturally beautiful weddings, most often in outdoor settings because natural sunlight is the most flattering for creating memorable images. Working with a limited number of couples per year allows me to get to know each of my clients personally and also to do my most inspired work. I adore documenting each couple’s love story along with all the carefully planned elements and unscripted moments of a wedding day.
My photographic style is timeless, organic, and authentic. I blend both film and digital mediums and using a fine art approach, I create honest + captivating images that speak to your love story and fully represent your wedding day. I devote as much attention to the brief, candid moments as to the big moments.
At weddings, I adore: soft + neutral colors, organic styling, mismatching bridesmaid dresses, loosely gathered fresh florals, sentimental details, tear-filled vows, and dogs in bowties. What excites me most is watching all your loved ones embrace you, celebrate your love, and dance the night away.
When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me traveling, spending time outdoors, reading Kinfolk issues, snuggling my husband and our rescue puppy, wandering the farmers market, doing yoga, online shopping at Anthropologie + J.Crew, or enjoying breakfast foods for dinner.
Read how my past clients describe the experience and be sure to check out my blog to view my most current work.
Can’t wait to connect with you!
Emily Steffen Photography
Emily Steffen Photography
I believe when it comes to wedding photography, timelessness is key.
Despite the fact that you may choose the baby blue tux or the mile high shoulder pads in your wedding dress, I don’t ever want your future kids to look back on your day and make fun of your photos.
I appreciate good color combinations. Especially at weddings.
I still believe in the tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
I prefer to eat dessert first. But I promise not to do that at your wedding. I promise!
I believe that you should fall in love with your photographer. Don’t hire them just because they are available or in your price range. I want you to LOVE your wedding photos more than your bank account.
In my ideal world I would wear my Birkenstocks to your wedding, but I promise I won’t. Unless your wedding is in a grove of trees or grassy field, then I might.
I believe that you should dance the night away at your wedding.
People who have dogs at their weddings are my favorite!
I believe that wedding dresses don’t have to be white and bridesmaids’ dresses don’t have to match.
I cry at every wedding. I just do!
I believe that every single bride is beautiful.
You will always see me with my fabulous assistant Katie. She is helping me live my dreams; I LOVE her!
I believe that the Midwest is best. But if you’re planning your wedding across the globe, call me too, I love to see new places!
And I believe that your wedding photos should make you happy. They should remind you of how much you love and are loved!
Dani Stephenson Photography
Dani Stephenson Photography
After years of loving, learning, practicing, dreaming, and absorbing everything photography… here I am.
Photography has always been a part of my life. When I’m not working at my day job, burning brownies, watching Toy Story, playing tractors and trucks with my boys, watching the game or wine and movies with the hubs, hanging out with friends, catching a concert or online shopping – I’m a wedding photographer.
Hiring a wedding photographer is really a personal choice, not only do you have to share a vision of what you want your photos to look like, but you have to connect on a personal level and feel comfortable with that person and have confidence they will capture your day the way you had hoped for plus you will be with your photographer more than your best friend, your mom and even your husband on your wedding day.
Front Room Photography
Front Room Photography
Cling & Peck
Cling & Peck
We’re Daniel and Erin Sather. We’re high school sweethearts, and we shoot weddings together. New friendships, big laughs, awesome light, and exploring God’s creation are what we’re all about.
Michelle Kujawski Photography
Michelle Kujawski Photography
Hi, I’m Michelle, a Wisconsin based wedding photographer. I value experiences over material things, authenticity, nature as nourishment for the soul, aesthetically pleasing everything and travel, travel, travel!
Natural light plays a big part in my timeless and elegant style. I’ve had a camera in my hand for most of my life and have always been drawn towards preserving special moments in time through imagery – especially when there is a deep love and connection between the people I’m photographing. Photos, to me, are memories. They are how you are able to recall the tiniest detail of your wedding and relive each moment over and over again throughout your life. More than anything, my goal is for the photos to bring couples right back to all the feelings and emotions of their wedding day!
Photo Booth
Beyond the Booth
Meet Mike and Michelle (Beyond the Booth)
We are a husband and wife team and photo booth extraordinaires!
Nominated for Wisconsin Bride “Best” Photo Booth 2011, 2012 & 2013!
While planning our own wedding, we decided that a photo booth was the best idea ever! We researched other “traditional” booths, but decided that we would take it one step further and put a modern, classy approach to a traditional concept.
Now, happily married for five years, our booth has allowed us to see people laugh until they cry, pose like nobody is watching, and catch some of the funniest and most sincere moments.
Thanks so much for inquiring with Beyond the Booth. We look forward to bringing you professionalism, lasting memories and most important, many laughs!
Mike and Michelle
Bridal Galleria
Brandi’s Bridal Galleria
Meet Brandi
I grew up in Monroe WI and followed my passion for fashion and pursued a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Design at Illinois State University.
Upon graduation I moved to New York City and had a wonderful internship with Kenneth Cole where I learned so much! After a while I accepted a position with Macy’s West Corporate Offices in San Francisco, CA. I loved learning more about fashion and living in San Francisco with all the wonderful things there were to offer. But I missed the Midwest and moved back to WI.
I wanted to wake up every morning and do something I loved, so I opened Brandi’s Bridal Galleria, Etc. in 2003. Customer service I felt lacked in the bridal market in Southern WI, and I wanted to make people feel special and important through their entire bridal shopping experience.
My dream was to bring fashion forward gowns to WI and very good prices. I felt there was a need for fashion forward trends to be brought to southern WI.
With pricing in mind, I searched market after market in the US and Spain to find the most cutting edge styles at good price points to bring to WI. We offer many Designers that you cannot find in WI or Northern IL, so you will be an individual on your wedding day.
I live in New Glarus with my husband and two children.
Music
Pecatonica string quartet
Pecatonica String Quartet
About our Music
We pride ourselves on being able to delight audiences with our wide range of style and repertoire. From elegant classical compositions of Bach, Handel and Mozart to rockin’ Led Zepplin, Queen and Journey; you name it, we’ve got it. We play light jazz standards, classic oldies and many fun party hits of today. Do you love the Beatles, Coldplay, Sigur Rós, Jason, Mraz, Train, The Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell Williams, Edward Sharpe or John Legend? We can play it all! And if something isn’t on our extensive list, Chris Dozoryst (our violist) is an amazing arranger and can make your perfect song a string quartet reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parts of the ceremony do I need to pick out music for?
Prelude, Processional, Special music, Recessional, Postlude
Prelude: Music to welcome guests as they are being seated before the ceremony. Prelude generally begins 15 minutes before the ceremony. The quartet is happy to select these pieces when requested.
Processional (wedding party): Music for the wedding party to enter. (slower)
Processional (bride): Music for the bride to walk down the aisle. (slower)
Special music: Music that may be during the unity candle, the giving of roses to family members or for a moment to listen and reflect. Some brides opt for no additional music during the ceremony.
Recessional: Music for the wedding party to exit. (more joyous and up-beat)
Postlude: A continuation of joyous music as guests exit or are ushered out.
Having a Catholic wedding but not with the full mass?
The Responsorial psalm and Alleluia are in the quartet’s repertoire and we are happy to play it for those parts of the liturgy at no additional cost. If you’d like us to perform with a family member, friend or church cantor as the soloist there will be an additional $100 charge for the extra rehearsal.
Madtowndj
MadtownDJ
Weddings
The wedding day is one of the most important times in a person’s life. So it’s crucial that the people playing a part in that day are high-quality professionals who can provide the very best memories.
So Why is it So Important that you Choose the Right DJ?
Some interesting statistics compiled by the American Disc Jockey Association:
- 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
- Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
- During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer – reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
- When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.
- 65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.
* These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.
So What Should You Look For?
- Is the Disc Jockey insured?
- Do they have proof of liability insurance?
- Will they be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
- Do they use Professional Equipment?
- Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
- How much time do they allow for set-up?
- Do they provide a written contract?
- Will they be suitably dressed for the occasion?
- Do they belong to a professional organization or trade group?
*These questions are recommended by the American Disc Jockey Association
Why Madison Mobile DJ Service?
We are a professional service with well over 20 years of experience. We draw on our experience to make sure your event goes as smoothly as possible.
Disc jockeys are not only entertainers, they are coordinators and artists in their own right. Every event comes with its own challenges and you need to have someone working for you that has the preparation and experience necessary to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
We will meet with you ahead of time to make sure all your needs are met and that we leave no questions unanswered. Our services are guaranteed to make sure everything we do meets your expectations.
All of our equipment is professional quality and we come fully equipped to every event. Finally, we carry full liability insurance to protect our equipment and the venues we perform in.
Cost vs. value is very important to us and that is why we make sure everything we do lives up to standards of quality and professionalism that we have described above. Don’t leave the quality of your memories to chance. Let us help you make the best memories of your life.
Thank you for considering Madison Mobile DJ Service!
Juke Box Bandstand
Juke Box Bandstand
What To Expect From Us…
We all know what you can expect from any DJ, but with Juke Box Bandstand…
you can expect more.
Juke Box Bandstand is a family owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment business. We feel personally involved with each and every booking, and strive for your complete satisfaction.
From our early years of “spinning the tunes” on vinyl records, we have evolved in to using today’s most technologically advanced digital music controllers… enabling us to offer you an unsurpassed variety in music choices. Juke Box Bandstand is the only Madison, WI area DJ service that allows the clients to pick and submit music choices on-line. We are the only DJ service offering a custom designed wedding reception form where you totally control the content!
At All Of Our Performances:
- Madison’s most talented DJs/Emcees… bringing together years of performance experience.
- Music selections from the 40’s through today. Our posted on-line library comes to each and every show.
- On-The-Spot requests from your guests, ensuring they get to dance to some of their favorites
- Tasteful equipment set-ups… tables are draped; cords are hidden making for a very neat appearance.
- Cordless microphones for your use as needed.
- Perfect sound at the perfect volume. We use only 3-way performance speakers… and what a difference that makes!
- Dressed in professional attire. DJs that have their wits about them… someone you will be proud to have at your event.
- At the event our DJs will greet you, stay in touch with you throughout the evening, coordinate events with your photographer and perform exactly as you expect them to… always remembering this is your event!
- We maintain back up equipment, and more importantly… back up personnel.
- Fully insured.
What Not To Expect From Us…
In any competitive industry, many businesses feel the need for “one-upmanship”. In the DJ industry, some competitors see fit to perform antics that are really not related to the reason you hired them in the first place. This might include contests that have the bride & groom competing as the fastest beer drinker…from a dog dish; toilet paper rolling contests; tricycle races, and on & on. At Juke Box Bandstand, this is not going to happen. We know how to entertain you and your guests without having to resort to juvenile and embarrassing antics. In a nutshell… we are not the typical “cheesy” DJs!
GreenTone a cappella
GreenTone a cappella
greenTONE a cappella is an all-female, professional-level contemporary a cappella group based in Madison, WI. We have devoted our vocal talents and contagious sense of fun to serving up pop, folk and jazz favorites, from doo-wop to hip-hop.
Our “aca”-adventure began over the fall of 2007 when a few UW Tangled Up In Blue alums got together and decided to form our own group, which is now a part of the Contemporary A cappella League, housed under CASA‘s umbrella. Since that fall, we have had the privilege of singing for a variety of functions that include weddings, holiday parties, the annual Wisconsin Counties Association Annual Convention, and most notably, a Brewers game at Miller Park where we performed the National Anthem for a sold-out game!
Whether it is an intimate candelight party or a festive corporate celebration/fundraiser, greenTONE a cappella can personalize a sophisticated and memorable event for you. No matter what the occasion, greenTONE a cappella looks forward to bringing its high-quality vocal performance to your next gathering!
Limo Service
Gallant Knight
Gallant Knight
One part princess. One part practical.
The surprisingly affordable way to eliminate stress and enjoy every minute of your wedding day!
When everything needs to go right, trust the professionals at Gallant Knight for all of your wedding day transportation needs.
- Count on us for safe, clean and comfortable vehicles—All Gallant vehicles are diligently maintained and immaculate, inside and out.
- Relax and enjoy the day—You won’t have to worry about parking or members of the bridal party getting places on time. And you can rest assured that your family, wedding party and guests are traveling safely. Pick your route and the stops you’d like for pictures, visits to special spots, etc. Your driver will handle everything!
- Spend quality time with the people you love most!—Traveling with your wedding party gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the day and lets you make the most of every minute together!
- Create memories that will last a lifetime—After all, it is your special day!
Plus! The Gallant Knight staff will work with you to create a flexible pricing package that meets your needs and your budget.
Just ask Gina or Larry! Your wedding planning experts!
When you need transportation for your big day, you need Gallant Knight! With years of experience in the limo industry, Gina and Larry know exactly what questions to ask and key things to think about. Let us help you create the day you’ve been dreaming of!
Some of our top tips:
Watch out for hidden charges. Don’t get caught off-guard by a final bill that’s much higher than your original quote. Make sure your quote includes everything you’ll have to pay for: limo charges, fuel, gratuities, tax, travel fees, tolls, late-night service fees, etc.
Plus, be sure to ask whether a deposit is required and what the cancellation fee is.
Know exactly how many passengers you’ll have… Will you include ushers in your party (we usually vote “yes!”)? Do you want the photographer to ride along to capture special moments? Are you providing rides to children? Get a final count and then start to review your vehicle options.
…and think about size. In addition to knowing how many people you’ll need a seat for, you also need to consider how much space they’ll require. If your groomsmen are linebacker-size or tall, consider a bigger vehicle. And don’t forget the dresses—full-skirted gowns can take up a lot of room!
Keep time on your side! No one wants to feel frazzled on their wedding day and careful advance planning helps ensure that the day of your dreams goes smoothly and well.
When scheduling a pick-up time at the ceremony location, think about the following:
- How long will you need for pictures, both at the ceremony site and on the way to the reception?
- Will you have a receiving line immediately after the ceremony or wait for the reception?
- How much time have you allotted between the ceremony and reception?
Wedding Cakes
Sweet Street Bakery
Sweet Street Bakery
About Us
Julie, owner and winner of numerous statewide cake decorating awards and several times published in a national magazine, will personally decorate your wedding cake to your individual specifications. Sweet Street opened a retail store in Verona in 1984 and moved the bakery to New Glarus in 1997. Serving Wedding couples, Wholesale and Dane County Farmers Market, we are located 2 miles north of New Glarus off of Hwy 69.
Julie has
- Over 39 years of bakery experience
- A Fine Arts Degree from UW-Madison
- Taught cake decorating at Madison Area Technical College, culinary classes and numerous demonstrations
- Taken classes in fondant, cake sculpture and cocoa painting from world renowned cake decorators
- Unique creations and designs
- Intricately detailed or beautifully simple work – whichever you prefer
- A state licensed and inspected home bakery specializing in cakes
- Member of International Cake Exploration Society and previous board member of WI Bakers Assoc.
- Won 1st place in the State of WI for our Fudgey Sour Cherry Cake in the cake category at a confections cooking contest, recognized by Gov. Tommy Thompson.
- Completed a masters of cake decoration course in Australian Fondant methods, gum paste, tulle & floodwork from the McCalls School of Cake Decoration Inc. based in Canada.
- Won 1st place at the Madison Food and Wine show in cupcakes.
Wedding Officiants
Ceremonies By Design
Ceremonies By Design
Ceremonies by Design and Reverend Joan Pape
Why We Have Ceremony
When I was a little girl living in Roxbury, just about every day I would take long hikes on Frey’s Hill. I knew that, in times past, the Sauk Indian tribe roamed this very hill, and the surrounding countryside. I liked to imagine that I was among them, foraging and hunting. It felt natural for me to build little shrines out of loose rocks and fallen branches, and to ask for Spirit’s blessings upon the land. My humble ceremonies helped me feel connected to the noble legacy of the past. They helped me to cherish the abundant landscape around me. And they helped me feel a certain peaceful optimism about my life to come. I feel this is the value of ceremony in our lives, and the reason I founded Ceremonies By Design: to honor the past, to cherish what we have, and to anticipate our lives to come.
The 1st Wedding I Performed
The very first wedding ceremony I conducted was an eclectic blend. I welcomed the friends and family in attendance, then talked about some of the unique experiences the couple had gone through, and how those experiences got them to their wedding day. After their vows, I led the couple as they performed “The Ceremony of the Roses” to commemorate their shared understanding of their commitment to each other, and to honor their parents. During “Ave Maria,” we did the Lighting of the Unity Candle. The bride’s sister read a poem entitled, “Spirit of Love and Life.” I led everyone in reciting The Lord’s Prayer, after which the groom’s sister read the Apache Wedding Prayer. The ceremony ended as I introduced the newly married couple, and they shared their first kiss.
In the more than 300 weddings I’ve performed since that first wedding, there have never been two that are exactly the same. My strong feelings about the importance of ceremony in our lives is reflected in my delivery of a ceremony that represents the two of you … your relationship story, your values and your wishes. In that way, your wedding ceremony ultimately represents the start of your marriage journey and your lives as husband and wife.
A Brief Biography
I’ve been an avid student of a wide variety of spiritual disciplines for a long time. I’ve studied and trained in various spiritual schools of thought since 1974. In 1998, I was ordained as a minister in the Universal Life Church. The core teaching of the Universal Life Church is: “Do only that which is right.” I was drawn to the Universal Life Church because it shares my belief that there is a difference between spirituality and religion, and that each of us is free to pursue our own personal spiritual beliefs. You need not be a member of the Universal Life Church for me to perform your wedding ceremony. When I perform your wedding ceremony, your marriage is valid and legally recognized. It may also interest you to know that I am a Reiki Master Teacher in both the Usui and Karuna Reiki® traditions, a Practitioner of Reconnecting Healing ™ and a Certified Fitness Specialist for Older Adults. I have combined the best-of-the-best in these therapeutic healing practices and offer holistic services for wellness of the whole person – body, mind and spirit. I also offer a wide variety of classes and workshops in these areas.
My ministerial work is a great joy and passion in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve so many wonderful couples with my ministry. I so look forward to partnering with you to design your soulful wedding ceremony.
Happily Ever After
Happily Ever After
About Us
Connie and James have been married over 20 years.
While they did not have children of their own, their foster child Alex and their grand nieces Lucy and Sylvia enriched their lives over the years. So did their yellow lab KAI who lived with them over 13 years until he died in 2010.
Alex has grown up but Connie and James still love child-sitting Lucy and Sylvia. They also enjoy walking and playing with their rescued chocolate lab CoCo, shopping for treasures at resale stores, talking to and laughing with each other. Their vacation time is spent in the quiet of the Upper Peninsula in a cabin on Lake Superior near the Porcupine Mountains where, with CoCo leading the way, they hike in the forest, explore the waterfalls and collect stones on the beach. At the cabin, they both enjoy reading mystery novels. Connie also brings puzzles and Jim brings Legos to relax by the fireplace.
Rev. Connie Engmann
Connie grew up in Antigo, WI. She received her Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, after which she worked as a speech therapist in Wisconsin public schools. Connie’s life path led her to study different religions, cultures, customs and rituals, especially Celtic, Goddess and Native American Spirituality. She connects to the Divine through all life on the Mother Earth. Her ministry training took her to Circle Sanctuary, Pathways of Light Spiritual College and Hospice Care, Inc. Connie’s ministry has included leading women’s spiritual retreats and serving as a vigil sitter, one who stays with people as they die, in a hospice setting. In her free time, she loves working in the garden, playing piano, keeping up on Facebook and fixing things around their condo.
Rev. Jim Engmann
James was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, where he graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School. He received his Bachelor degree from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, his Masters from UW – Milwaukee, and his Juris Doctorate from UW – Madison. He has worked as a journalist, teacher and attorney. James’ spiritual journey led him to study many world religions and his path led him to becoming a Humanist. He received his minister training at Pathways of Light Spiritual College and his chaplain training at Meriter Hospital. His ministry has included serving as chaplain in hospitals, treatment programs, assisted living facilities, memory care units, and nursing homes. Jim loves working with polymer clay, creating glass beads, watching movies, and cheering for the Badgers and the Packers.
Lighting
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