Intimate Capitol Wedding & Harvey House Celebration
After all of their world travels, Katie and Michael knew that they wanted to celebrate in style for their Intimate Capitol Wedding and Harvey House celebration. Their day consisted of a small grouping of family and friends who were invited to watch their intimate ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol, and a celebratory dinner at one of Madison’s best restaurants.
When I first chatted on the phone with Katie and Michael, I knew their day would be spectacular to photograph. Their “garden party” vibes set to the backdrop of the Capitol building were a perfect combination.
I met with Katie and her friends at Hilton Downtown Madison where she finished getting ready before walking to the Capitol for her first look with Michael. The Hilton is perfectly located for days like this: wedding days located in Downtown Madison where we can walk from one location to the next with ease!
After we arrived at the Capitol, I met Michael and set up their first look outside. On nice days, I love capturing first looks outside. Outside is usually a little bit more private, and the lighting is also much nicer for capturing reactions. There’s also a ton of room to move around, which allows me to give you more privacy after you see each other for the first time on your day.
Traditionally with capitol elopements, I set aside some time to take portraits immediately upon meeting couples at the Capitol. This is to allow them to spend more time with their guests. This also allows each couple to soak in the fact that they’re getting married that day!
For Katie and Michael, we spent our time wandering around the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, searching for good light and private areas for photos. Because the Capitol building is so huge, it’s easy to find spaces with no people.
And if there do happen to be a couple of stragglers in the back of your photos, I’ll photoshop them out–don’t worry!
After we finished their portraits, we met their guests in the gorgeous Senate Parlor, which Katie and Michael had reserved for their intimate day. I highly recommend renting a room if you are looking for privacy in the Capitol Building. In addition to being a gorgeous room, the Parlors throughout the capitol building allow for a gathering space before and after your ceremony.
When you rent a room in the Capitol building, you have the room for a set number of hours, which allows us to grab some photos in there before or after your ceremony – just like Katie and Michael!
Upon the start of their ceremony, a friend played guitar to set the stage for Katie walking down the aisle. Their heartfelt vows brought tears throughout the space and their happy smiles upon their marriage being official lit up the room. Thanks to Judge Higgenbotham, their ceremony was a perfect representation of these two.
As soon as their ceremony concluded, I always advise my couples to sign their license to make everything official! These two did just that before posing for some family and group photos with their guests.
After group photos, Katie, Michael and I spent some time taking a few more portraits around the Wisconsin State Capitol building before heading to the Harvey House for their intimate dinner celebration!
Upon our arrival to The Harvey House, I made sure we set aside some time for a few portraits inside the restaurant and it’s surroundings. The Harvey Hosue is located just down West Washington Avenue a short distance from the Wisconsin State Capitol Building.
After taking portraits at the Harvey House, it was time for their guests to arrive. The Harvey House has multiple spaces that can be rented for private events. Katie and Michael rented the Office, which is a long building located next to their main restaurant. It features a private bar, cocktail tables, intimate seating and more!
These two planned an intimate dinner across two tables that were candlelit and adorned with flowers from Daffodil Parker. I loved capturing the happiness these two shared with their guests, plus the intimate details they created!
Katie and Michael’s intimate Capitol wedding and Harvey House Celebration was one of my favorite to capture last year and I’m so excited to have shared a bit behind the scenes in how we made it happen!
Are you getting married at the Capitol this year? I still have dates available! Reach out today.
