KIRSTEN & MATT | Gates of Heaven Elopement

Gates of Heaven Elopement in Madison Wisconsin

Our all-time favorites are photographing intimate weddings like this Gates of Heaven Elopement in Madison, Wisconsin! When you get two rad humans getting married to their all-time favorite humans. You just feel all the love around you! We’ve photographed at Gates of Heaven before, but each time is special and unique to the couple!

We arrived at Hotel Indigo, where everyone was getting ready! The hotel rooms were so awesome and different from any other hotel we’ve ever been to! The rooms were modern in the most epic way! The photo on the wall that said Play Hard got the Wiz Khalifa – Work Hard Play Hard song in my head for DAYS! In the most epic of ways!

The ceremony was at one of my favorite places in Madison, Gates of Heaven! But, before that, we took some fun photos near Tinsmith and Breese Stevens Field before heading off to James Madison Park! Breese Field meant a lot to Matt, a he is a huge soccer lover and player!

A dear friend officiated their wedding, making it even more personal! With so many hugs and love after they said I do, it was rad to photograph and witness! Their reception was super intimate and by candlelight at State Line Distillery! They had rad gifts for each couple who arrived with a bottle of State Line Liquor! So amazing, right!?

What is your proposal story?

Kirsten’s mom was recently diagnosed with cancer, and we thought, what are we waiting for? Life is short, and we wouldn’t want anything to get in the way of having all our loved ones present and able to witness our wedding. We are so glad we decided and planned an intimate wedding in 2 months.

Matt, what do you love most about Kirsten?

Her fun-loving nature and ability to speak up for what she believes in.

Kirsten, what do you love most about Matt?

His empathy and care for others. He always tries to do the right thing, even if it isn’t the easiest.

What would your perfect Sunday be together?

Sip on some coffee in the morning and head to the tennis courts for a set of tennis. Come home, make a yummy brunch and take our dog, Jojo, on a walk to the neighborhood dog park.

What memory stands out most from your wedding day or lives together.

Seeing all of our closest friends and family in one room together. Because of Covid and moving to Maryland, it had been a long time since we had seen many people, and it was so special to be surrounded by their love and support for us.

What was the best part of planning your wedding day?

We reached out to each of the few friends we were invited individually to share the news of our engagement and ask them about our wedding. It was so special to celebrate with each of them.

In your own words describe your day from the night before your wedding to waking up on your first day Married?

We each spend the morning of our wedding with friends at rooms at a nearby hotel to get ready. My sister Rena, my maid of honor, my mom, and one of my best friend’s Maija, whose husband was officiating the wedding. She is also the roommate I was living with when I met Matt. Matt was also with his best man Max, a best friend from childhood, his old roommate, and the officiant of our wedding, Jake.

What was the greatest challenge in planning your wedding?

The biggest challenge was planning a wedding that was going to be in Madison from Baltimore and in only two months. We felt the least prepared for was all the finishing touches the week or day of. We can’t think of anything that we wouldn’t have done or included. It was even more perfect than we could have imagined!

What personal touches did you add to make your wedding your own?

Our dog Jojo was our flower girl, and one of our close friends married us. At the reception, we had two wedding cakes. A Norwegian cake called Kranskake is traditionally made and eaten at weddings. Kirsten’s mom and cousin created it.

What are/were you looking forward to most in your future together?

Sharing experiences and supporting one another as life partners!

What advice do you have for couples planning their wedding day?

Once you make a decision, don’t linger in it! Move on to the next item on your list. No matter what you decide, it will end up being a wonderful day!

How do you feel about your decision to go with Natural Intuition Photography?

We are SO happy about our decision! Christine’s enthusiasm for our wedding made the day that much more special! Christine and Justin enjoy being a part of memorable moments in people’s lives and helping to capture them.