Some wedding days just stay with you. Not because of the decor or the dress or the venue (though all of those things were beautiful), but because of how the day felt. That’s what I’ll remember most about Ethan and Lakota’s wedding at the Dousman House in Prairie du Chien: the feeling.

It felt like stillness in the middle of a busy world. Like joy that didn’t need to be hyped or posed. Like two people who have loved each other for so long, finally getting to stand in front of the people who raised them, rooted for them, and just… be fully present in the moment.

From the second I arrived at the Dousman House in Prairie du Chien, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be a wedding day centered around a checklist. No one asked what was next. No one cared if we were “on time.” It didn’t matter. Every person there, from family to friends to the groomsmen cracking jokes in the heat, was simply excited to be celebrating Ethan and Lakota. And Ethan and Lakota? They were soaking in every second.

And as an outsider looking in, it felt so grounding. We weren’t rushing through moments, but rather we were letting each moment breathe. It didn’t feel like a production. It felt like a celebration that mattered.

Ethan and Lakota, I don’t have the words to fully capture how honored I am that you invited me into this day. You two radiate kindness, strength and a love that’s been steady for years and yet still feels brand new. I’d photograph your wedding 100 times over if I could.

The creative team that helped Lakota and Ethan turn their dream day at the Dousman House into a reality:

Venue | The Dousman House

Catering | The Barn Restaurant 

Wedding dress |  Vera’s Bridal 

Suits | Holly’s Bridal

Bridesmaid dresses | Revelry

Hair | hair.by.kaylamay + hairbyhaleigh.b

Makeup | dolledupbykenna 

Florals | Flowers from the Farm

Videographer | H Creation Films

Photographer | Megan Snitker Photography

Ring | Faithful Platform

Cake and cupcakes | Cakes by Glenda

DJ | Elite DJ Service