When I think back on Stephanie and Sam’s Wisconsin State Park wedding from last fall, 3 words come to mind: intentional, relaxed, and grounded.
These two wanted the perfect intimate wedding day that balanced spending quality time with just each other and going on some micro-adventures, while also spending quality time with the few people they invited along for the adventure to Madeline Island!
Their whole day felt SO intentional from start to finish. From getting ready at the Barn, to having a first look with each other, to grabbing drinks at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe, then sharing private vows in a hidden spot, running into 2 black bears, having an official ceremony with their families, enjoying the sunset down at the dock of their airbnb, having a private candlelit dinner, and SO much more. Not to mention, one of their non-negotiables was to bring their senior dog, Chief, along for the ride. (Don’t worry, I made sure to snap a lot of photos of him!)
Read more on how to include your pets on your elopement day here
Stephanie and Sam, thank you both so so much for trusting me to not only document your day, but to also help you both plan it out from start to finish. Your day was SO beautiful and I cannot wait to see where life takes you both next! 🤍 I’m so grateful to know call you both friends and can’t wait to get to meet up soon to yap!
Looking for some more Wisconsin wedding inspiration?!
Want to know what Stephanie and Sam had to say about their experience?!
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Sam and her photography! My husband and I connected with Sam about 10 months before our elopement and her knowledge and suggestions helped us feel comfortable, despite living several hours from our elopement location. Her vendor recommendations were also spot-on. When we got our sneak peek gallery, we could not believe the nuance in the photos she captured. We had a specific request to get plenty of photos with our senior dog, and she was more than willing to accommodate. We are so grateful to Sam!”
-Stephanie and Sam, October 2025
Getting Ready at the Barn
First things first, they gotta get ready! They ended up booking The Barn on Madeline Island for everyone to say at (including the few family members they brought along) which ended up being the perfect place for their day, and as soon as these two were ready… we set off for La Pointe so they could grab a little drink from a local bar that’s a must see when you’re in the area!
The perfect way to start your adventures, right?! 😍
Grabbing a Drink at Tom’s Burned Down Cafe
A pit stop before the adventures begin: grabbing a little drink at everyone’s favorite bar on Madeline Island! Tom’s Burned Down Cafe is such an eclectic and unique spot, and makes for the perfect place to stop on your wedding day. When Steph & Sam asked me if I knew of a good spot to grab a drink before heading off to the parks, I knew immediately I had to take them to Tom’s!
Sharing Their Private Vows in the State Park
These two knew right away that they wanted to take a bit of time for themselves on their wedding day and to exchange their personal, heartfelt vows privately. I helped them find a quite spot in the state park so their vows would be 100% private… aside from us quite literally running into 2 black bears! (Don’t worry, I had bear spray handy just in case) but how can sharing your vows in front of Lake Superior, black bears, and the trees get any better?
Wisconsin State Park Wedding Ceremony with Family
After S&S shared their vows with each other, we then made our way to their official ceremony spot where their families met us with Annette, the celebrant who was getting these two legally married! Their ceremony was still just as beautiful as special with them sharing their private vows. Their families (and Chief) gathered around as they witnessed these two making it officially official. Keep scrolling to see more ceremony photos from their Wisconsin State Park Wedding!
P.S. Chief (their 15-year old golden retriever) was even their ring barrier 🥹
ELOPEMENT PHOTOS DURING WISCONSIN STATE PARK WEDDING
After capturing some moments with their families and getting to catch up with them, they left the state park to go make sure the Airbnb cabin was going to be ready for dinner! While family took care of that, Stephanie and Sam were ready for some more portraits together and more adventures! Who says you can’t mix both quality with time yourselves AND quality time with your closest loved ones?!
End of Night Intimate Wedding Dinner with Family
Once Steph and Sam were ready to head back to the barn, we met our way back for some dinner, cake, and for them to round out their Wisconsin state park wedding with their families (and maybe just sneaking a peek at the sunset from the dock at the Barn too ;))
It doesn’t get better than that!! A candelit dinner with some of the most delicious local food served by a private chef, chatting with your closest loved ones, and just soaking in every last minute on the night of your wedding.
WISCONSIN STATE PARK WEDDING VENDORS
Wisconsin Small Wedding & Elopement Photographer: Me, Samantha Burke
Madeline Island Airbnb for Wisconsin Intimate Wedding: The Barn on Madeline Island
Caterer: Farmhouse Inn
Officiant: Marry Me in the Northland
Florals: Flourish Ashland
Hair & Makeup: Northern Bridal Artistry
Table Decor: Lace and Brass Events
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HEYY HEYY!! I'm Sam, your elopement photographer and experience creator based out of Minnesota!! You can also find me on a flight somewhere, swimming in the ocean pretending I'm a siren, screaming my heart out at concerts, or reading some smutty enemiesy to lovers romance books!!
