Shadowing Emily Jean Photography — Cold Wisconsin Weather, but Beautiful Memories
In mid-May, I had the wonderful opportunity to shadow Emily and her husband Ben at a beautiful wedding held at Country Reflections in Sparta, Wisconsin. Emily, the creative force behind Emily Jean Photography, is an incredibly talented photographer whose warm, natural style captures authentic moments in a way that tells a story beyond just images. As someone passionate about growing in the wedding industry, learning from pros like Emily and Ben is truly invaluable — and this day was no exception.
A Chilly Surprise in May
You’d think May in Wisconsin would feel like the start of warm, spring days, but this wedding reminded me how unpredictable the weather can be here. The temperatures were surprisingly cold — so cold that it caught just about everyone off guard! Guests bundled up, couples braved the breeze, and vendors hustled to keep everything on track.
Despite the chill in the air, the day was filled with warmth and joy. Country Reflections is a gorgeous venue with rolling fields, rustic charm, and plenty of cozy indoor spaces for guests to warm up between moments outside. The natural beauty of the venue shone through, even on a blustery spring day.
Emily’s Warm Presence and Expert Guidance
One of the highlights of the day was watching Emily’s personality shine through her work. Emily’s led the couple with ease and confidence, helping them feel relaxed and joyful in front of the camera — even when the cold made things a bit challenging.
Emily’s warmth and professionalism helped calm nerves and made everyone around her feel at ease. She has a true eye for capturing every meaningful detail, from the smallest boutonniere to the genuine laughter shared between family and friends. It was inspiring to see how her energy kept the day flowing smoothly, even when the weather wasn’t cooperating.
Watching Emily Work Her Magic
Beyond her personality, Emily’s technical skill is impressive. She has this incredible ability to find the perfect light — even when the sky is gray and the wind is biting. Watching her capture raw, genuine emotion with such calm and focus reminded me how much photography is about storytelling, not just pictures.
What impressed me most was Emily’s flexibility. The cold weather threw a few curveballs, but she adapted seamlessly without missing a beat. It was a masterclass in staying calm under pressure — something every wedding professional needs.
Ben, too, was a steady presence behind the scenes. His easy-going professionalism and smooth management of logistics made the day feel organized and flowing. Seeing how they work as a team gave me great insight into how vital vendor collaboration is on wedding days.
Lessons in Adaptability and Presence
Weddings are often pictured as perfect, sun-filled celebrations — but the truth is, no day goes exactly as planned. This day reminded me that weather, while unpredictable, doesn’t have to steal the joy or magic of a wedding.
The couple’s love was palpable, radiating through every smile and glance. Everyone involved was determined to make the day special despite the cold, and that energy was contagious.
From this experience, I learned so much about adaptability — how to adjust timelines and expectations gracefully — and the power of staying present in the moment. These are lessons I’m eager to bring into my own wedding coordination work to help couples stay calm and joyful no matter what the day brings.
More Than Just Weather
Shadowing Emily and Ben at Country Reflections was a reminder that weddings aren’t just about perfect weather or flawless details. They’re about people coming together to celebrate love — in sunshine or chill, calm or chaos.
And that, truly, is what makes a wedding day beautiful.
If you’re planning a wedding and want someone who understands the real, sometimes unpredictable side of it — while keeping your day calm and joyful — I’d love to connect!
Reach out here to chat about how I can support your wedding day.