There’s something truly special about late spring in the Coulee Region. On a bright, sun-drenched day in May, Emily and Patrick celebrated their wedding at Maple Grove Events in West Salem, Wisconsin. As a La Crosse wedding photographer, capturing a day filled with this much heart, history, and genuine belly laughter is as good as it gets.
From quiet moments tucked away reading letters in the shade to an unforgettable reception packed with legendary toasts, Emily and Patrick’s day was a masterclass in celebrating love authentically.
Morning Moments & Personal Letters
The morning was filled with relaxed anticipation as everyone got ready for the day ahead. Before stepping out into the spring sunshine, Emily and Patrick exchanged personal letters to read on microphone for their wedding film.
Emily reflected on knowing Patrick was “the one” from the very first date. Patrick brought his signature warmth and humor to his note—affectionately calling her “Stembelli,” hoping his words wouldn’t smudge her makeup, and teasing her about her famous enthusiasm for mowing the lawn. It set a lighthearted, grounded tone that carried through the entire celebration.
First Looks & Intimate Shade Vows
Tucked behind the venue near the ceremony space, Emily shared an emotional First Look with her dad, Don. Standing together in the May breeze, Don couldn’t help but reminisce about Emily growing up—from being three years old and using the car door handle as a makeshift sauce dip for McDonald’s burritos, to taking gravel road curves at 55 mph as a teenager.
Shortly after, Emily and Patrick met for a private First Touch and Vow Exchange. Standing back-to-back in the shade, away from the eyes of guests, they shared raw, unscripted promises. As a La Crosse wedding videographer, capturing the genuine emotion in their voices during private moments like this always creates the most powerful anchor for a couple’s legacy film.
“You are my favorite person, my safest place, and the greatest adventure of my life.”
— Patrick’s Vows
A Ceremony Centered on “The Village”
The outdoor ceremony on the lawn highlighted why this space is consistently recognized among the most picturesque La Crosse wedding venues. Officiated by Patrick’s brother Matt, the ceremony balanced deep sentimentality with crowd-pleasing humor.
Matt opened with an interactive poll for the crowd—asking everyone to raise a hand if they had shared drinks with the couple, watched Emily navigate Patrick’s questionable life choices, or simply came for the open bar. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4:9 and 1 Corinthians 13, Matt reminded them that marriage isn’t about getting everything right, but about staying curious and choosing connection every day.
To honor everyone who helped shape their journey, Emily and Patrick held a Unity Bouquet Ceremony, gathering blooms from family members down the aisle into a single, vibrant arrangement.
Reception Toasts, Beer Thrones, and a Classic Prank
When it came time for speeches, the reception hall came alive with stories that had the entire room roaring:
- Maids of Honor (Jacy & Ashlyn): Emily’s lifelong best friends recounted their college days at Winona State, life in the 417 Bates House, the infamous time Patrick ate a questionable french fry just to make Jacy smell it, and Emily’s transition into his happy “passenger princess.”
- Best Man (Sam): Patrick’s brother Sam delivered an unforgettable speech detailing childhood barrel-rolling stunts, a 2020 quest to build a literal living room “beer throne,” and a 5-hour drive to the Iowa border to purchase a non-running snowmobile.
- Patrick’s Speech Prank: Patrick took the microphone to thank their families, credit Emily for 99% of the planning… and then dropped a fake pregnancy announcement on the room that had everyone gasping before bursting into laughter.
Golden Hour & Dancing in West Salem
As golden hour settled across the fields of Maple Grove, the wedding party helped clear the floor, kicking off a high-energy night of dancing and celebration under the barn rafters.
Emily & Patrick: Thank you for letting us document your story. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, adventures, and choosing each other every single day!
Planning Your La Crosse Wedding?
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