I had the privilege and pleasure of photographing the sweet, intimate wedding of Kathy and my uncle Phil at The Coopers Tavern in downtown Madison, WI and I am elated to share these sneak peeks with you!

Phil and Kathy met in the early 70’s working at The Swiss Colony in West Towne Mall. During that time some of their coworkers, including Phil’s twin sister Nancy (my lovely mama back before she even knew to expect me), would try to coordinate their breaks time to facilitate them spending time together and getting to know each other. Phil played short stop on the Crude Dudes softball team and Kathy became a “groupie” as she put it. She would attend the games and hang out with the team. During those years Kathy attended Madison West High School and Phil went to Memorial High School.

Fast forward almost 50 years later in the Fall of 2022, Kathy reached out to Phil to see if he would like to get together for lunch. Kathy sweetly wanted to check in on Phil, as a friend, and see how he was doing. The previous couple years had brought some tough times and Kathy truly wanted to make sure that Phil was getting along alright.

On October 21st, they met for a lovely lunch. They caught up and chatted the whole time and from the way they both tell the story it was like though 50 years had passed no time had passed at all. At the end of the lunch, in a moment of bravery, immense honestly and thinking what did she have to lose, Kathy divulged to Phil that he was her first love.

Two days later, Phil called Kathy and told her that he has always had a soft spot for her.

They shared lunch again and again, spending more and more time with one another. In January 2023, Kathy moved in with Phil. The two have fallen in love more and more every single day. As they told me this story they both had tears in their eyes and look at each other as though each other is the only person on earth. It’s truly something to behold. Phil makes Kathy laugh every day, whether its good jokes or not so good jokes or when she is pulling into the parking ramp and he is providing self made sound effects of a car scraping the concrete wall, they have so much fun together.

50 years in the making, though they both lived separate lives in between when they met and Fall 2022, they found their way back to one another. Forever.

During their wedding ceremony they both shared handwritten vows that they had each prepared for one another.

For Phil, Kathy read, with such confidence, joy, her voice occasionally cracking with emotion, “If someone had told me 50 years ago that she would be standing here today I would have just shook my head. Phil, you have filled my heart with so much love and happiness. Everyday with you is special. You make me laugh and feel so loved. We have such fun together whether it be going to a Packer game or Badger game or just staying home. I will love you forever. Thank you for being in my life.”

After finishing her vows the two shared a sweet hug.

For Kathy, Phil read, with the utmost happiness, his voice cracking with emotion, “Kathy, I vow to cherish you everyday. Everyday, I think about you all day. I don’t know any better way to say it, I love being in love with you.”

Another loving hug was shared.

They placed rings on each others fingers beaming at either other as a symbol of deep and unconditional love. Life always has a way of surprising us and often those surprises are more beautiful than anything we could have dreamed up ourselves as long as we hang in for the ride.

The reception was lovely. Close friends and family shared never-ending conversation as time flew by. The cake cutting was my favorite event of the day. Just look at how cute these two are!!

The food was absolutely delicious. For me, the cheese curd mashed potatoes had me hooked right off the bat. (Did you catch that softball reference there?)

A downtown Madison Wi wedding could never be complete without portraits at the lovely Wisconsin State Capitol so we made our way over to capture these gorgeous photos as a finale to a wonderful wedding and celebration.

Congratulations Phil and Kathy! Welcome to the family Kathy!
Love you both and thank you for choosing me to capture your special day!

Love,
Jen

Make sure to check out the other fabulous vendors involved with this spectacular wedding!
Venue: The Coopers Tavern
Food Fight Restaurant Group 
Flowers: Felly’s Flowers
Cake: Craig’s Cake Shop
Wedding Bands: Condon Jewelers 
Food: The Coopers Tavern
Drinks: The Coopers Tavern
Videography: Andrew Woodruff
Phil & Kathy’s Wedding Video
Photography: J.Kellerhuis Photography