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From Knitting to Turkeys // Max Cerrina & Gretchen Zelle

August 12  //  Engaged 3.11.23  //  Olbrich Gardens, Madison

Max (he/him) and Gretchen (they/them) met on a knitting forum during lockdown and only later discovered we lived in the same city. We previously had a small legal ceremony, so our day was all about celebrating with community. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day at Olbrich. We even had wildlife guests—a turkey greeted us on the patio, and pairs of rabbits hopped around the event garden. Readings by Mary Oliver and flowers from the farmers’ market set the tone; we invited guests to participate in the act of commitment by affirming their support. We emphasized mutual care by taking Covid precautions and making joyful accommodations for the varied disabilities among our guests and ourselves. Everyone took care of us throughout the day, leaving us free to enjoy. Photographer: Dutcher Photography

Wishing Stones //   Nancy Garnier & Vicki Kenyon

August 15  //  Engaged 4.5.22  //  Our friends’ garden in full bloom, Madison

Members of both of our families gathered in the garden for an amazing Pagan ceremony officiated by Nancy’s niece. There were hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees hovering about on a beautiful sunny morning. Friends traveled from the East Coast, the South, and Illinois to share the day. Our purple Prince-themed celebration at Delta Beer Lab included even more friends and family. We enjoyed a lot of hugs, laughter, food, libations, music, and dancing all afternoon. Our guests honored us with wishing stones and were able to select from an assortment of crystals and charms to take home. This day was perfect—from the weather, to the garden, to the party, and all of the love we received! A fabulous honeymoon in Tulum, Mexico was icing on the cake and bubbles in the glass! Photographer: Maureen Cassidy

Music and Magic //   Akiya & Nekeya Alexander

August 24  //  Engaged 3.3.24  //  The Echelon Experience, Lynwood, IL

It was amazing to walk out and see so many smiling faces of family and friends that came to share our journey with us. We learned just how loved we were by so many people in our lives. Something that was so special about our day was the people that were involved. The love and support from our parents, siblings, and close friends was nothing short of magical! We had our good friend and singer from the Madison area, Sultry Shibon, used her beautiful voice to sing us down the aisle as Nekeya walked with both her stepfather and biological father. And Akiya went viral on TikTok as she showed her full personality while locking hands with her father as she walked down! Local DJ, Cooper, officiated our wedding with so much grace that it left us feeling happy and hopeful for the future. Photographer: Chelle Labelle Photography, LLC

Blessed by Bees //   Amanda & Libby Luciani

August 31  //  Engaged 6.1.24  //  Harvest Moon Pond, Poynette

Libby was stung by a bee at our rehearsal the day before our wedding, and during our ceremony, there were two or three bees buzzing around our heads. During our vows, one even landed right on Amanda’s ring. That made it very hard to focus on such an important moment! Overall though, the day was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for anything better! Photographer: Anya Kubilus