I am so incredibly happy to introduce you to my beautiful friends, Casem and Amber:

I first met Casem on October 2, 2006.  Yep, I remember that date because it was the day I started at Epic.  And I know that’s the day we met because I remember looking at the window of my new office and the shiny nameplate that said “Mandie Holterman,” and then seeing the nameplate beside it that had Casem’s name on it.  I remember trying to figure out how to pronounce his last name.  Yup, Casem and I were office-mates!  We shared four walls and a big window for over a year before I moved into my own office (without windows).  I missed Casem much more than the windows.  To this day, I wish I had stayed his office-mate.

Casem and I shared a lot of important stories in the time that we spent together.  He was the first person at Epic to see my excited smile and my engagement ring after Eric proposed.  I was the first person at Epic to hear that he had met Amber (or so he says…).  Casem is responsible for the videos we have of our wedding, since he was so wonderful to accept the duty even though I waited until THE WEDDING DAY to thrust our camcorder into his hand and say, “would you mind running this for me?!”  And even after he and I had both left Epic to pursue alternate careers, I was honored to accompany my dear friend Casem on his shopping excursion for Amber’s beautiful engagement ring.  I was so happy for them both!

I was sad when I couldn’t fly out to New York City to see & photograph Casem & Amber’s wedding ceremony last fall, but I was elated to be able to shoot their Wisconsin celebration this July.  These two are truly a beautiful, fun, playful, and loveable couple.  I am so blessed to call them friends. 

I’m pretty sure Casem knows this, but he’s one lucky guy.

I love Casem’s expression in this next one…  “Yeah.  That’s my wife.  She’s gorgeous.  I know.”

Hang on for dear life!

It was HOT…but the sun was wonderful.

We found a fun little lawn to park on for a few shots.  Like a wedding picnic!!

Casem’s sister Sara is responsible for the beautiful flowers.  I LOVE the huge bamboo leaves!

These two were up for anything, including lots of climbing. 

This is what happens when two people meet while both acting in a play: the histrionics never really end!  LOVE it.  Also must thank my honey for suggesting this spider-man-style shot… 

Gotta getta drama shot for the dramatically inclined.

You can’t get married at the UW Union and NOT stop by the pier!  Casem proves he can kick that heel, too:

Yes, everyone…it’s one of my favorite spots!!

And is there really any question WHY?  This is my absolute favorite shot of Amber & Casem and has been my desktop for weeks now. 

Sunburst chairs and awkward stares!

What a smashing pair.  I’d say Casem is quite dapper here.  His wife’s pretty fabulous, too!

After we finished portraits with Casem & Amber, we started family photos.  Now, I don’t normally post many family photos, but Amber and her brothers totally cracked me up when they requested these goofy senior-portrait-style shots!  Everyone pop out on three!

This is their “band shot.”  Yup, big sister front and center sounds right to me!!  Of course, I say that as the oldest of three myself….

The reception was held in the grand ballroom at the UW-Madison Memorial Union.  With all of his stage experience, Casem had absolutely no problem playing the part of master of ceremonies.  Their DJ probably had the least stressful night of his career with Casem at the helm!

These adorable and very TALENTED kids performed several songs while dinner was going on.  They did a great job!

Amber & Casem are very loved, and a number of super-sentimental speeches reflected that.

The last speech was given by the bride & groom themselves.  They graciously thanked everyone involved, and I love this shot below.  This was the moment when Casem was thanking ME (you guys are such sweethearts!).  He looked around the room saying, “…and Mandie…where is Mandie… Well, Mandie took off somewhere but…”  It was really difficult not to giggle as I photographed this moment from across the room with my handy zoom lens.  Yes, it turns out I am a ninja-photographer and can make myself invisible.  He he!  They eventually spotted me…happily shooting away.

Mmmmm, I loveyummy cake. 

The first dance was a fun one, and one of my favorites- Say Hey by Michael Franti!  Loved it!  I highly suggest playing this song in the background while viewing the next few images.

Their performance was awesome!  It looked choreographed, but you never know when you’re dealing with two theater-musical veterans.    GREAT JOB, guys!

To Casem and Amber, I cannot begin to express how happy I am for you, my friends.  You are both beautiful and loving souls and I wish you an amazing, happy, and fun-filled marriage and life together.  I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of your celebration and I am ecstatic that you two will be back in Madison for a while!  NYC will miss you, but there are a ton of people who will be happy to have you back here.

For details about hiring Red Gecko Studio as the photographer for your upcoming wedding, please use the Contact section of this blog! Red Gecko Studio proudly serves weddings and special events in Madison, Milwaukee, and southeastern Wisconsin. Travel to any other location in the world can always be arranged,so don’t hesitate to ask about coverage for your destination wedding! Thanks for visiting, and please take a moment to leave your thoughts as a comment!