“Chris and I have been married for almost seven years.  We technically were married twice and had the opportunity to have a small intimate ceremony prior and a large celebration with family and friends.   Both experiences were very special but following the large celebration I remember feeling so focused on the details of the wedding that I paid less attention to the reason for being there, the union between Chris and I. 

Fast forward a handful of years and two kids, I wish I could say that I found a way to always keep Chris a the forefront of my priority list but most days, that is far from the truth.  The days are filled with trying to keep kids alive and happy (mostly), the house in a livable condition and getting to work on time.  On a rare occasion, Chris and I will sneak away for a date but there is typically a “to-do” list for us to accomplish at some point of our breakaway. We often talk about making more time for each other but that time never seems to show up!

When the idea of a vow renewal was brought up, I wasn’t sure if we had the time to do it.   I thought back to the big beautiful wedding and the stress and “misguided attention” and it did not seem like something I had the desire or energy to take on.   After talking with Trisha (Xsperience Photography) those nerves were put to rest.   She had so many ideas, inspirations and connections that everything that I was initially worried about fell in line!

Chris and I headed to Bayfield, Wisconsin on a Monday night to spend the night prior to our vow renewal.  On the drive north, the stress started to melt away. When we arrive at the Seagull Motel I felt right at home in the relaxing atmosphere.  We spend the next day enjoying walks, meals and games together.  The following night Trisha had coordinated Mollie Carrier (who with her beautiful family own the Seagull Motel) to take care of my hair and makeup and had set us up with a gorgeous location for the renewal at Blue Vista Farms. 

The night was magical.   I felt like a shinny penny and my only focus was my time with Chris.    I felt the “spark” like we had when we had started dated.  We laughed and renewed our love for one another.    We were lucky enough to have the entire experience captured by an amazing and talented photographer team and had all the details of the experience taken care of by very brilliant local vendors (THANK YOU ALL). 

If you are thinking about a vow renewal or just and incredibly special event, do not think twice.   For Chris and I it was an opportunity to have an unbelievable experience, focus on each, and have it captured with beautiful images that we will cherish.” Alaina, on her vow renewal experience.