GREEN BAY WEDDING PHOTOS: BILL + BRENTON

For nine years, Bill and Brenton dreamt about their wedding day. Until recently, these two handsome grooms didn't know if that dream would ever become a reality. July twenty-fifth was a gloriously sunny day filled with promise and love. There was a sense of reverence in the air.  A soft breeze made the wildflowers dance and songs with sweet operatic vibrato filled the courtyard at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

In a classroom nearby, the two grooms dressed for the joyous occasion they were finally able to celebrate. Bill fixed Brenton's bowtie with such visible love and care, the simple moment was rendered beautiful. As the ceremony began amongst the greenery and the waterfall in the courtyard, we all knew we were witnessing something special. The couple had a close friend officiate the ceremony. His deadpan humor and familiarity with the couple made Bill and Brenton's wedding at UWGB one of the most entertaining and heartfelt I've ever been to. 

After a victorious kiss, I stole the newlyweds away for some portraits. We were able to snap a couple pictures outside the Common Grounds coffee shop at UWGB. This was the very spot Brenton first laid eyes on Bill, and he says it was love at first site. We headed out to the beautiful trails on campus and captured some wonderful moments. It was visible in Bill and Brenton's eyes how incredible they were feeling. 

The reception was held in the new Titletown Brewing Company tap room. Banquet tables adorned with farmers' market flowers lined the space, and craft beer was flowing off the taps. The touching speeches given by family and friends made it clear how beloved Bill and Brenton are. They have surrounded themselves with kind, caring, supportive people, but it seems to me that the people around them are the lucky ones. Bill and Brenton are two extremely genuine, lovely souls who radiate a humble happiness. 

There aren't enough words for me to describe how truly lucky I am that my path crossed with yours, Bill and Brenton. Your wedding day was such an emotional and rewarding experience for me, and I thank you for letting me be a part of it. I wish you years of happiness and adventure together. 

The couple got married in the beautiful courtyard of Mary Ann Cofrin Hall at UWGB.

Their vows to each other were handsomely typed out and carefully crafted.

They were surrounded by family and friends for their wedding at UWGB.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay provides stunning backdrops for weddings and portraits, and this bridal party made the scenes all the prettier!

Finally, a moment alone to celebrate their new marriage...

These dapper grooms requested an urban counterpart to their portraits at UWGB, so they ventured down Broadway in downtown Green Bay.

The reception at the new Titletown Tap Room was filled with light, farmers' market bouquets, a charming card box, and rainbow lollipops.

Custom beer glasses with Bill and Brenton's wedding date on them were the place cards of choice for this Titletown Brewing Company wedding reception.

Thank you, again, Bill and Brenton. You have made my life more complete by welcoming me into yours for this brief time. Much love and appreciation, Kate

Top Twenty Moments | Our Great American Roadtrip 2014

This fall, Tyler and I took three weeks off and headed out west. I had carefully planned the details of our adventure for almost a year, researching restaurants, campsites, and hikes. I think travel is one of the most rewarding luxuries we afford ourselves. It opens our eyes to the world around us and broadens our horizons. I'm a hopeless wanderer, I yearn for mountains I haven't seen, and I would gladly live out of a suitcase if it meant that I could see the world. I can honestly say this trip was one of the coolest things I have ever done. So without further ado, here are my Top Twenty Moments from Our Great American Roadtrip 2014 (in no particular order):

1. Watching Orcas migrating off the coast of San Juan Island, Washington. (No Orcas below)
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2. Sharing s'mores with our Asian camping neighbors in Yellowstone National Park who had never had s'mores before.

3. Watching the sun rise on the Teton Mountains.
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4. Sitting in the hot springs of the Salmon River just outside of Stanley, Idaho, drinking local beer.

5. My dad surprising Tyler and me by showing up in Springdale, Utah and joining us for dinner, hiking, and relaxing.
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6. Attempting to hike Angel's Landing in Zion National Park. This made the list ONLY because Tyler and my dad were with me every step of the way. It was singlehandedly the hardest physical and mental challenge I've ever tried in my life. I cried and had to hold my dad's hand. However, I didn't make it to the end. Maybe next time...
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7. Cooking a live crab over a campfire.
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8. Seeing Glacier National Park for the first time and walking along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
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9. Snuggling in a two-person tent on a blow up mattress every night. Seriously, some of the best sleep I've ever gotten--a warm, comforting body next to me, nestled under sleeping bags and blankets, the cool night air surrounding us, and (usually) soft sounds of nature lulling us to sleep. Perfection.

10. The glorious colors of Utah and Colorado in fall.
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11. Seeing how truly beautiful Idaho is. My previous perception of Idaho was so wrong.

12. Our whole San Juan Island experience--the ferry ride, camping on the edge of the ocean, exploring the tidal pools, visiting Pelendaba Lavender farm, our neighbors sharing huckleberry pancakes with us, and again, watching the Orcas migrate south.
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13. Walking through the Portland Japanese Gardens and the International Rose Test Gardens.
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14. Getting to stay at The Pines in Beaver Creek, Colorado in our generously upgraded room.
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15. Cooking over the fire almost every single night. You'd be surprised the delicacies you can prepare over open flame! We also had some amazing restaurant experiences on this trip, I can't pick just one.
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16. Exploring Pike's Place Market with the little time we had. The dried pasta and produce we picked was amazing, as was our lunch at Lowell's.
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17. Getting to try so many craft beers we can't get in Wisconsin!
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18. Getting to photograph almost every single moment and Tyler being so patient when I either pulled over to take a picture, or made him pull over so I could take a picture, or taking pictures with Tyler.
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19. Realizing that no matter how carefully the major details may be planned, there will always be something to throw you off like a two-hour detour, or a closed road, or an injured knee or back. Roll with the punches.
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20. All of the "little" moments with Tyler that were the real meat-and-potatoes of this trip; moments of laughter, frustration, serenity, excitement, and appreciation. Moments spent talking or silently learning about each other. We definitely drove each other crazy at times. But that's not what stands out to me. I remember making each other laugh until we cried, and looking at each other in wonder when we came across something breath-taking or interesting or new. I'll remember how important it is to spend the rest of your life with someone who will take adventures with you, say "screw it" and go into the unknown, help you put up the tent, and still call you beautiful when you haven't showered for four days.
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This wasn't just an amazing road trip, it was a test of our relationship. Before, I would only remember what I saw, what I ate, and the experiences that went along with that, because I was almost always with my parents (thank you, Mom and Dad). But as I reflect upon this trip and make this list, it's clear to me just how important it is who was beside me through the whole thing. My parents gave me the gift of travel, and I will be forever grateful for that and the trips we shared. They've given me a wealth of knowledge of travel tips, ideas, and planning. I'm so relieved that I've found someone who understands this wanderlust soul of mine. Stay curious, my friends. It's the only way we really experience life.

Until next time,
Kate

Three Three Five | Anniversary Dinner

If you live in Green Bay, by now you've probably heard of the downtown restaurant Three Three Five. It's certainly deserving of all the buzz. Owner and head chef Chris Mangless has created a dining studio that is worthy of Chicago or New York's critical eye. The open kitchen concept is fascinating and friendly, as you can see your food being prepared in front of you. It's an art form, really. Chris pairs creativity with a considerate and thoughtful mindset that has SLO food (Sustainable, Local, Organic) fans in the area excited as well. Only open to the public on select Wednesdays, Three Three Five is somewhat of an illusory place, second only to Narnia, or perhaps Hogwarts or The Shire. Patience pays off, however, and the good people at Three Three Five try to accommodate as many people as they can when they are open.

I frequently tell people that Three Three Five is the best restaurant in Green Bay. You could say I'm a little biased; I consider Chris a friend of mine, and my fiancé proposed to me at Three Three Five. That being said, I would consider it disrespectful to give a less-than-honest review of any restaurant just because I am acquainted with the owner or staff. I have many friends in the service industry ranging from servers and cooks to owners and investors. I have been blessed (and cursed) with the knowledge of this industry from growing up in it and working in it, as well as the opportunities to dine at some of the best restaurants across the globe. Constructive criticism can sting, but it can lead to reflection and improvement.

Be that as it may, I have little to say in the way of constructive criticism concerning Three Three Five. Our meal and experience was wonderful. When I made our reservation, I mentioned that we were celebrating our anniversary. Upon arrival, we were greeted with two complementary glasses of sparkling wine served at the perfect temperature in lovely Reidel glasses. I adore a place with great glassware. We also ordered one of the house cocktails, "The Mangler". Comprised of bourbon, earl grey tea, absinthe, and Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters, The Mangler had a much lighter, more refreshing taste to it than I expected. The ice ball was very welcome, as an ice ball prevents dilution better than regular ice cubes.

We ordered a variety of shared plates as our meal. The Wisconsin Artisan Cheese platter is a guilty pleasure of mine. We were served Hooks Four Year Cheddar, the Carr Valley Ba Ba Bleu, LaClare Farms Evalon goat cheese, and the Wisconsin Sheep co-op triple cream, along with an assortment of crackers, dried figs, and apricots. They were all delectable, providing a wonderful array of flavors and textures, although I personally loved the Evalon the most. 

The Cape Cod bay mussels were tasty, but I think the sauce they were served in was the real star of the plate. It was reminiscent of a hearty tomato soup beefed up with small strings of onions and bits of smoked ham. I lapped up as much as I could with the sourdough toast that came with it. Perhaps a few more mussels could have been thrown in.

The Wagyu beef was the risky delicacy of the evening. I say that because what often happens when my fiancé and I eat at someplace like Three Three Five is I look over the menu, pick out what I think will be most interesting and delicious, tell him what I think, and he usually agrees without looking. He claims that I know what the dishes are better than he does. This may be true a certain percentage of the time, but I definitely took advantage of it in this instance. You see, the Wagyu meats in this dish were braised tongue and shaved tenderloin. I knew Tyler hadn't looked at the menu and read the ingredients. I gleefully informed him after he ate every last bite. We have since taken up a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when we dine out: he doesn't ask, and I don't tell. The Wagyu dish with the meats, polenta, kohlrabi, and salsa verde was crisp, savory, and filling. The Wagyu was tender and juicy with great flavor. The kohlrabi was the perfect texture contrast in the dish.

Although it is always hard to choose a favorite dish, I must say that the 335 Patio Figs were divine. The thick slices of sourdough toast topped with chèvre, fresh figs, La Quercia prosciutto, saba (sweet syrup from grape must), and nasturtium leaves left me yearning for more. I enjoy a great dish that makes me close my eyes and enjoy while wondering if all of this consumption will give me a heart attack an an early age. I would rather die fat and happy anyways, especially if my last meal was at Three Three Five.

To top off our celebratory dinner, we satisfied our sweet teeth with the Meyer lemon pound cake and the bittersweet chocolate budino. My heavens. The whipped creme fraiche with the pound cake tasted like angels' wings had graced our plates. The budino itself was so silky and sexy with it's cocoa nibs and gingersnap, I would have taken it home any night of the week. We could not get enough of them. On the outside, we may have looked like a sweet couple sharing our spoons, but on the inside, we were calculating exactly how many bites were left and how we would get more than the other person without them noticing. It was a draw.

 

The only fallback to our evening was at the end of the night when we asked for our check. From the moment we asked for our check to the moment we signed our receipt, it took roughly eight minutes. Eight minutes may not sound like a long time, but when you're sitting at a cleared table ready to leave, it can feel like an eternity. We had also asked for a specific way our payment be handled, and it wasn't taken care of the way we asked. We were aware that our server had gotten more tables seated in his section in the meantime, and he thanked us for our patience. However, a rule of thumb when a server gets unexpectedly overwhelmed is to ask for help from your fellow servers. Certainly no one is perfect, and it by no means ruined our evening. 

Overall, I would give our experience a 9 out of ten. I have yet to be dissatisfied upon leaving Three Three Five, and I will still tell anyone who will listen that it's the best restaurant in Green Bay. If you don't believe me that such an enchanting place exists in Green Bay, follow the yellow brick road north on Broadway, click your heels three times, and enter Three Three Five. If you can't people-watch at a window seat, be sure to ask for a table at the bar and watch the action. You won't be disappointed.

Manitowoc Engagement Shoot | Stacie + Jimi

This weekend, I was rewarded with the joy of shooting in a new location more beautiful than I expected. I had the opportunity to photography Stacie and Jimi at Silver Creek Park in Manitowoc. The park provided the perfect backdrop for summer engagement pictures.

I was able to really spend time with Stacie and Jimi and get to know them, both as a couple and individuals. They're love is absolutely effortless, it just pours out of them. They laugh and kiss easily, they were relaxed, and so focused on the moment they were in. It was so touching to see how they look at each other with eyes full of love. They seem complete when they're with one another.

Stacie and Jimi, thank you for letting me capture these moments of your love. I can't wait to see you at your wedding!!

Hinterland | Restaurant Week Dinner

This past weekend, Tyler and I had a chance to venture out and join other gastronomics for one of the more ingenious tourism schemes in our area, Restaurant Week. This year, Restaurant Week featured 60 restaurants offering reduced lunch and dinner menus for $10, $20, and $30. When culinary delights like Hinterland and Three Three Five partake, one would be simply foolish to not enjoy a night out at one of these establishments.

We started our evening with cocktails expertly crafted by the bartender Christina. My favorite was the Bourbon Peach Old Fashioned made with Four Roses Small Batch bourbon, peach purée, bitters, and press, pictured below. 

Our three-course meals began with appetizers. Tyler chose the pork shoulder, I chose the Ledgeview Farms tomato salad with sunflower sprouts, chèvre, basil vinaigrette and balsamic reduction pictured below. I'm normally not a fan of tomatoes, but this salad was excellent. I do wish there had been more chèvre, however. 

For our entrees, we both selected the Branch River Trout with Indian couscous, pole beans, chanterelle mushrooms, and lemon caper emulsion. It was decadent. The flavor combination was perfect and had me practically licking the plate. 

For dessert, Tyler selected the milk chocolate peanut butter silk with strawberries, and I selected the vanilla gelato with pomegranate and pickled blackberries. Personally, I loved the silk exponentially more than the gelato. The milk chocolate and peanut butter silks were separated by a thin layer of wafer crisp, providing an unexpected, but welcomed, texture contrast. I eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Needless to say, it was so good, we didn't document it before it was eaten...

Overall, I would give the experience an 8 out of 10. The food was great, but the service could have used a nudge. While I recognize it was a busy night and know from personal experience how unnerving a busy night in fine dining can be, a busy night is not an excuse for inattentiveness. Our server was pleasant but didn't stand out like some of the previous servers who have taken care of us at Hinterland. Multiple servers did not fill of our rapidly emptying water glasses even while carrying water pitchers, one of the service steps I pay high attention to when dining out. That being said, it's very difficult to have an absolutely perfect experience anywhere you go. We appreciate what Hinterland has always strived for: sustainability, thoughtful production, and creative culinary delights. We will definitely return!

Stephanie and Dalton | Their Engagement Journey

When one of my best friends, Stephanie, told me Dalton had asked her to marry him, I shrieked with happiness. We had all been waiting for this day. Steph and Dalton have been together since high school, and we have all known they would be together forever. While I've only known them since college, they're love for each other has been obvious to me from the beginning. 

Steph and Dalton are completely compatible. You can tell they've grown together and have gone through thick and thin together. They are best friends and each other's biggest fan. They may be young in years, but their love is timeless. They laugh easily together. They make those around them laugh. I wish both of you endless happiness for the rest of your years. I love you both and I'm so honored to be a part of your special journey.