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Sticking by Each Other //   Ian Leach & Luke Urbain

September 6  //  Engaged 7.29.23  //  Madison Public Library, Madison

We had our ceremony at the Madison Public Library downtown. Of course, there’s no weekend in the summer in Madison where there’s nothing going on, but we had an Ironman and a football game all in the same evening!

At the event, we had a flower stampede, a name we titled for the seven children between Luke’s two sisters who brought flowers down the aisle from ages 3 to 10. After the ceremony, we had our reception at the Park Hotel, where we got to see the Capitol during the evening.

We got the advice to stick by one another’s side the entire night, and it was the best suggestion. We got to share so many special moments with each other’s loved ones, even though we might not have met them before. And we got to remember the night together, as a newly married couple. Photographer: Melanie Renee Photography

Two More “I Do’s” //   Virginia Harrison & Melissa Peyton

September 13  //  Engaged 1.5.25  //  Wild Rice Retreat Center, Bayfield

We decided January 5, 2025 to mark 20 years together by getting legally married, and set the date for September 13. When Trump was inaugurated and issued so many terrifying executive orders within the first week, we got panic-married at the Dane County Courthouse on January 27 to ensure that the legal part was in place. Our friend, Court Commissioner Tony Jamieson, officiated with personalized vows, and our Madison friends made time short-notice to be our enthusiastic witnesses. Then, in September, we gathered our lifelong friends, our daughter, and their partners at Wild Rice Retreat Center in Bayfield to participate in our beautiful wedding ceremony officiated by Rev. Stacy Craig of Ashland. After decades of commitment and celebrations, what’s two more “I do’s” for good measure? Photographer: Aria Rose Photography

Each Other, Forever //   Austin Baldwin & Ryan Pawlowski

September 20  //  Engaged 6.20.23  //  Milwaukee

We may have been the sweatiest grooms in all of Milwaukee! We knew our church didn’t have air conditioning, but the weather didn’t seem too bad, so we were thinking we might be okay. The lights, the eyes (and heat) of 200 people, and the nerves of the day all bundled together, and we ended up sweating straight through our tux jackets! One thing that came out of that in a cute way was that our guests commented how nice it was seeing each other take care of one another, little things like wiping sweat from each other’s brow and making sure we each got a quick hydration in right before the vows. Photographer: Sarah Glick

Echoing Laughter //   Sadie Cordova & Karli Noone

September 26  //  Engaged 11.11.24  //  State Capitol Building, Madison

We planned a small, simple ceremony at the Capitol and only casually told family and close friends in case anyone wanted to join us. To our surprise, nearly 20 people showed up, so many that we actually needed a permit to gather in the rotunda. What started as an intimate plan turned into a spontaneous, joy-filled celebration surrounded by the people who love us most. Standing together in such an iconic place, with laughter echoing through the building, made the day feel deeply personal and unexpectedly grand. It was a beautiful reminder that love has a way of growing beyond plans. Photographer: Bloom & Evolve Photography

Building Together //   Nina Kenefick & Jordan Oyen

October 4  //  Engaged 1.20.23  //  Our backyard, Nashotah

As a poly family, we bought a home together last year. Jordan and I wanted to host a commitment ceremony for our relationship, as a way to celebrate. We began a remodel in January 2025, and completed it in time to host! My other spouse was a wonderful help preparing our home, and my kiddo loved being a flower girl! Jordan and I had the friend who introduced us years ago officiate, and it was wonderful to see all our favorite people celebrating us and supporting our relationship, non-traditional though it may be. Photographer: Melanie Renee Photography