Ron Lutz II

Forevertron for a Foreverlove

One the best things about being a wedding photographer is getting to meet very interesting people. The first time we met, I knew I'd enjoy working with Jesse and Lisha. Their interest in games, metal bands, and art echoed some of my own tastes, as did their love of nature and science. Instead of just discussing their wedding shoot, our conversation got sidetracked for an hour or more. It was like meeting old friends I'd not seen a while.

When they chose Dr. Evermor's Forevertron as the location for their engagement session, I was simply beside myself! I couldn't think of a more perfect setting to capture the spirit of their love of life and love for each other. During our photo shoot, I learned that this was one of many places that Jesse had convinced Lisha to go with him that ended up being a part of their lives. Another such place was the Olbrich Botanical gardens, which would form the backdrop for their wedding ceremony.

A Zen Experience

Dew was still on the grass when I arrived at the lush Olbrich Botanical Gardens to scout locations for the photos. Outdoor weddings can be tricky, but this day was nearly perfect. As the wedding began to unfold, the sweet sounds of a string quartet began mingling with the smell of a garden in full bloom.

This would be a unique wedding, with a simple and elegant ceremony scripted entirely by the couple. With no carefully arranged chairs or extra decorations, the wedding would be held an arms-length away from their immediate families.

This intimate ceremony was to be conducted by a Soto Zen priest, an acquaintance of the couple. Both dignified and tranquil, he was an excellent choice to unite two families that had never met. The bride's slightly late arrival added just the right amount of anticipation, as he walked the gardens between the two anxious families.

As everyone moved into place, the string quartet began playing a hauntingly beautiful melody. I later learned this song was from one of the couple's favorite metal bands, arranged by the string quartet. It was the bride's processional, and it could not have been more fitting for the couple.

I struggled for weeks to find words to truly describe the lovely nuptials that followed. Reflecting on this, I realized that I didn't need words. In the spirit of Zen, I'll let the photos of this beautiful day speak for themselves.

See the Rest of the Photos

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