RockCut Events Wisconsin Wedding | Lauren + Derrick

February 20, 2019

A Beautiful Fall Wedding

Lauren & Derrick got married in a gorgeous barn ceremony at RockCut Events in Dickeyville. Lauren’s dress was so uniquely beautiful and the flowers were bright and vibrant. However that was only the first layer of what I was excited to capture on their big day.

A Blended Family

Since I first met these two I’ve heard about another special somebody who would be a big part of this day. When I asked about their love story, Derrick said he first knew he wanted to spend forever with Lauren when he saw her with his daughter.

During their engagement session I saw both of their eyes light up when they talked about little Ella. They assured me she would be a HUGE ham, and loved getting her photo taken.

I’ve talked before about how blended families have a special place in my heart. My daughter was 5 when I married my husband. Her then “Tony Wony” has been a part of her life since she was 2.

During the “getting ready” portion of the day I saw so many Mommy-Daughter moments between Lauren & Ella. Lauren hugged her, comforted her, gently put in her flower crown. Afterwards, during the first look with the bridesmaids Ella’s face was so sweet, like she was looking at a real life princess, her eyes filled with tears.

Why We All Cried During The Reception

Later, during the reception, Lauren’s Dad played guitar and sang a song he had written for Ella. The lyrics were all about how “Today, your Mom married her Dad”. It wouldn’t be generalizing to say pretty much everyone had tears in their eyes. I heard the DJ say it was one of the most emotional things he’s ever seen at a reception, and I would agree.

In conclusion, it is an honor to witness days like this! Congratulations Lauren & Derrick! Your wedding was completely stunning, and so full of love. I know you’ll do big things together.

Don’t miss the end of this post for the happy couple’s advice + favorite moments, behind the scenes photos, & info on their wedding vendors.

bridal details at wisconsin barn weddingbridal details at Wisconsin barn weddingbridesmaids toast at Wisconsin barn weddingbride getting ready at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride getting ready at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride getting ready at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride getting ready at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride getting ready at Rockcut Events WisconsinI love the first look with the bridesmaids, so happy this is now a thing. <3 bridesmaids first look at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbridesmaids at Rockcut Events WisconsinI could not get over the flowers + flower crown by Hand Pick’d! So vibrant and beautiful for this Fall wedding. They are linked up below.bridesmaids at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbridesmaids at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbridesmaids at Rockcut Events Wisconsingroom getting ready at Rockcut Events Wisconsingroomsmen at Rockcut Events Wisconsingroomsmen at Rockcut Events Wisconsingroomsmen at Rockcut Events WisconsinYou don’t have to see each other to share a quiet moment before the ceremony. These two exchanged letters and held hands without ever catching a glimpse of each other.bride and groom exchange letters at Rockcut Events WisconsinThis was my first time shooting at this venue and it did not disappoint. I love this barn set up.wedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn WisconsinLove this moment!! Officially Mr & Mrs!wedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinwedding ceremony at Rockcut Events barn Wisconsinbride and groom on tree swing at Rockcut Events WisconsinBig bridal parties are close to my heart. My husband and I had 9 on each side plus a ring bearer and flower girl.wedding party at Rockcut Events WisconsinCan we talk about how much kiddo cuteness this wedding entailed?!ring bearers and flower girl at Rockcut Events Wisconsinring bearers at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride and groom with flower girl at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride and groom with flower girl at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride and groom by field at Rockcut Events Wisconsinbride and groom by field at Rockcut Events WisconsinHeaded to the Millwork District in-between the ceremony and reception for some fun shots.wedding party in Millwork District downtown Dubuquewedding party in Millwork District downtown Dubuquewedding party in Millwork District downtown Dubuquebride and groom in Millwork District downtown Dubuquebride and groom in Millwork District downtown Dubuquewedding party in Millwork District downtown Dubuquewedding party in Millwork District downtown Dubuquebride and groom in Millwork District downtown Dubuquebride and groom in Millwork District downtown Dubuquebride in Millwork District downtown Dubuquebride with bouquet from handpickd dubuqueThis is going down as one of my favorite cake cutting moments of all time.cake smash at dubuque fairgrounds weddingcake smash at dubuque fairgrounds weddingcake smash at dubuque fairgrounds weddingApple cider donuts for the win! If you’re having a Fall wedding, just add those apple cider donuts please. 😉apple cider donuts at dubuque fairgrounds weddingtoasts at dubuque fairgrounds weddingThe first dance. The twinkle lights on the ceiling of the Dubuque Fairgrounds are pretty magical for those dancing photos.first dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingfirst dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingfirst dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingfirst dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingfather daughter dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingfather daughter dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingmother son dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingmother son dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingThe song that Lauren’s Dad played for Ella. So many tears! <3 dance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingdance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingdance at dubuque fairgrounds weddingdancing at dubuque fairgrounds wedding

In Their Words

What was your favorite moment from the wedding day?

Lauren : “Everything about the day was amazing but my favorite part was seeing my husband’s face when I walked down the aisle. Also after the ceremony, celebrating with our wedding party and letting loose together.”

Derrick :”Seeing my beautiful wife walk down the aisle!”

Any advice for future wedding couples?

“Take the time to enjoy each other that day. The day really does go by extremely fast so you’ll want to make sure you step back and enjoy the experience together. Don’t stress about the small things.”

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

“The “lap dance” from my husband before the garter toss. He is NOT a dancer. LOL”

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

“I would try not to please everyone else so much. Its ultimately you and your fiances day so make the choices that are best for you guys. Everyone will have their opinion but its your big day. Really enjoy every step of the wedding planning.”

Are you going/did you go on a honeymoon?

“We did a mini-moon to Nashville, then to the Florida Keys a few months later.”

 

Wedding Day Songs

wedding party introductions : Bring Em Out- T.I

first dance : Perfect – Ed Sheeran

father/daughter dance : Somewhere over the Rainbow – IZf

mother/son dance : A Mother’s Song – T Carter

catherine furlin photography behind the scenesRocking the getting ready shots with Donovan from Twelve One Videography.catherine furlin photography behind the scenescatherine furlin photography behind the scenesOn the left, one of my favorites & second shooter for the day, Amanda McLeod. Love this girl! Middle: I’m only 5’3″, therefore sometimes a stool is much needed. Right: Reception vibes, that’s all I can say.catherine furlin photography behind the scenes

Wedding Vendors

Ceremony | RockCut Events : Dickeyville, WI

Reception | Dubuque County Fairgrounds : Dubuque, IA

Dress Boutique | Brandi’s Bridal Galleria : near Madison, WI

Wedding Dress | Maggie Sottero

Tux Rental | Mens Wearhouse : Dubuque, IA

Caterer | The Barn : Sherrill, IA

Cake/Baker | Sprinkled Confections : Holy Cross, IA

Florist | Handpick’d : Dubuque, IA

DJ | Absolute Music : Dubuque, IA

Videographer | Twelve One Videography : Des Moines, IA

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Located in Bellevue, Iowa
Serving Eastern Iowa +
Madison, WI + Galena, IL

Modern wedding photography & family documentary sessions in Dubuque Iowa, the Quad Cities, and beyond. Located in Bellevue. Documenting love stories in the everyday moments & the life changing ones. Focused on creating honest images.