Erin and Eileen’s backyard wedding at the B Family's lighthouse home in Grafton was the perfect celebration of love, joy, and the beauty of a Wisconsin summer wedding. As a Midwest wedding photographer, I love weddings like these—filled with personal touches, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable moments.

The setting was a dream for anyone who loves outdoor weddings, with views of Lake Michigan and lush gardens surrounding the property. From the moment they exchanged vows, with Eileen’s brother officiating, every detail felt personal and heartfelt. Eileen and Erin’s connection to the location was clear, as they were excited to capture memories everywhere, from the one-of-a-kind lighthouse-home interiors where they got ready (just look at that mushroom floorboard!), to the scenic lakeside views of their ceremony and reception, where tables were adorned with centerpieces of flowers from their gardens.

One of the highlights of the day was the reception, where Flour Girl & Flame catered an artisanal wood-fired pizza buffet that perfectly complemented the relaxed, outdoor vibe. The pizzas, made with locally-sourced ingredients, were a hit with guests, who couldn’t stop raving about the fresh salads and mouthwatering appetizers. Erin and Eileen even jumped in on the live cooking action, adding a fun, hands-on element to their reception.

As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle over the lake, Erin and Eileen danced the night away under the open sky, surrounded by their closest family and friends. For couples considering outdoor weddings in Wisconsin—especially with the ever-changing Midwest weather—tented weddings offer a great option for combining the beauty of nature with the comfort of a covered space. Whether you’re planning a full tent wedding or just want a tent for the reception, it can provide the perfect blend of outdoor charm and practical comfort. Erin and Eileen’s backyard celebration was a perfect example of how to embrace the natural beauty of a summer wedding while still having the security of a tented area for dining and dancing.

For couples dreaming of an outdoor Midwest wedding, Eileen and Erin’s day was a perfect example of how to blend personal, meaningful details with the natural beauty of Wisconsin. Whether it was the intimate lighthouse setting, the custom beer, or the magical golden hour lighting by the lake, their wedding was a true reflection of their love and the stunning backdrop of Grafton’s lakeside views.

After the sun set and the shine of the lighthouse cascaded over the backyard, we captured some creative wedding portraits with Erin and Eileen’s silhouettes against the deep blue night sky. Walking hand-in-hand amidst the twinkling walkway lights was such a special and romantic scene, embodying the essence of romantic wedding photography. We also took a few cinematic, film-like photos, incorporating candid motion blur to give that documentary-style wedding photography feel as they danced in front of their reception tent. This trend of motion blur and candid moments brought out the natural joy of the evening, perfectly suited for couples looking for timeless, artistic wedding photos. Their wedding was SUCH a pleasure to photograph, and it brings me joy knowing they’ll be looking back at these photos, and their wedding memories, for years to come. Thank you so much for the honor!

Caterer: Flour Girl & Flame
Hair: Allure Salon & Spa
Invitations: Minted
Makeup: Carter Salon
Wedding Attire: Boujee On A Budget Bridal

As a Wisconsin-based LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, it's always a joy to capture the beautiful love stories of couples like Erin and Eileen. If you’re searching for a Midwest wedding photographer who celebrates all love, let’s connect and create something beautiful together.