Ron Lutz II

A Bond to Behold

The engagement session with Ross and Kristine was one that I will always remember. We met at a Tenney Park on the near east side of Madison on a beautiful early fall day. As we worked together I could easily see how in love this couple was with each other. It was obvious they had that "perfect chemistry." I knew their wedding was going to be one to look forward to photographing.

Ross was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. After completing his undergraduate work at the University of Nebraska he made the difficult decision to leave all he had known growing up behind to go to Madison to pursue graduate school in chemistry. About six months after arriving in Madison he shared a memorable and amazing evening of polka dancing with Kristine and the rest is history.

Kristine was born in Boston and raised in Seattle and earned her undergraduate degree at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. She had spent almost no time in the Midwest before arriving to Madison for graduate school in chemistry. She learned that she enjoyed Madison, the Midwest, and a Midwestern guy named Ross, as they enjoyed the polka, badger football and trips to Nebraska/Amigos.

The First Stage

When the big day arrived for their wedding it seemed it was going to be a gray, damp spring day. The weather didn't matter though because the Messiah Lutheran Church was simply beautiful. Having arrived before the wedding party I had a chance to really take in the unique architecture that offered such excellent natural light. By the time the bride arrived I knew exactly how I was going to cover the ceremony, and had picked out some of the details I wanted to capture. It's such a lovely church, but little did I know how memorable this particular service was to be.

With the arrival of the bridal party my photographic journey really began to take shape. Kristine and her bride's maids & man were some of the most lively, fun folks I'd ever worked with. I found their custom tank tops particularly funny. After snapping a close up of the Bride's top, I asked to take a close up of another from the party. While the women's tops were cute, I had to get a shot of the only man's shirt. And then there were all those red shoes, and little details that had been so thoughtfully done. This was fun!

Electrostatic Force of Attraction

My earlier impression of how loving this couple was became very apparent during the Groom's first view of his Bride. I know some people feel this particular photographic event can be forced, posed and artificial but this was not the case with these two. You could feel the electric charge in the air when he first turned around and beheld his soon to be wife. I honestly can't think of a better job than mine. I get to see up-close the love people have for each other, and get to experience their excitement along with them!

A Memorable Ceremony

As I mentioned earlier, it was a memorable ceremony. Not only was the love these two hold for each other apparent, but also the love they shared with their families and friends. The service itself was simply marvelous. The Pastor was a dynamic man, and his very personal reactions, his easy manner and laughter set a warm tone that touched your heart. I was particularly enthralled by his singing of the prayer services, bonding these two as husband & wife. I don't think I will every forget it.

I'll just let you, the reader now enjoy some of the photos from the ceremony without my descriptions. It's pretty obvious what is happening I think. You should note the unique ceremony using chemistry glassware these two performed. I thought it was brilliant!

See the Rest of the Photos

To see additional wedding photos from the day, including the reception, please click the photo below. It will take you directly to the gallery.