Over a year ago, Joe emailed. With a grand plan. To propose to his high school sweetheart. In front of the Eiffel Tower. After months of back-and-forth emails, discreet text messages and secret Skype calls, we successfully flew under the radar all the way to Paris. We’ll never forget the moment Joe got down on one knee. Our hearts were probably beating as fast as his. The entire experience will forever be a career favorite for us.
After she said yes, Joe revealed his next surprise: an all-day engagement session in Paris the next day. He took Megan shopping that afternoon, and the next morning, we started an adventure that took us to every corner of one of our favorite cities in the world. So, needless to say, ever since that trip, we’ve been counting down the days until we’d get to see them again for their wedding in their home state of Wisconsin.
So, last week, we loaded up the crew: our baby boy Beckett and his Aunt Caelen and Uncle Austin. Between our cameras, lenses, light stands, Beckett’s pack n’ play, car seat and stroller, we were quite the scene. We’ve seen just about every part of this beautiful country, but we’ve never ventured this far north before, so this was our first time in Wisconsin. And, other than humidity that made us think we were drowning and bugs that made us feel like we were in actual Revelation, we loved it. We stayed at an AirBnb in a small town called Maiden Rock with beautiful views of the Mississippi River, stopped at a local country market on the side of the road for Wisconsin cheese and fudge, and played more than our fair share of Settlers of Catan.
The wedding was at Villa Bellezza, an Italian-inspired winery in rural Wisconsin. The Mediterranean on the Mississippi, they call themselves. So the surroundings were (obviously) stunning. But what struck us was how beautiful everyone in attendance was (inside and out). From their bridal party, to their family, to their guests, every interaction we had made us feel so thankful to serve couples like Megan and Joe. We’d heard the expression “Minnesota Nice” before we left for our trip, but after spending time with so many Wisconsinites, we learned that it’s really “Midwest Nice.” The people they surround themselves with couldn’t have been sweeter or kinder or made us feel more welcome. That, of course, didn’t surprise us, because even though Megan is a successful dance teacher in Ohio, and Joe is an NFL Pro Bowler, you would never guess it — because they’re as kind and genuine as they are successful. Midwest roots and values, apparently, run deep; and, we they really show that it matters less what you do, and more who you are.
Megan and Joe, we love you both so much. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of the most important moments of your life this past year. As of Saturday, you’re officially Mr. and Mrs. Schobert. One team. There are so many exciting chapters ahead. So many pages to write. We can’t wait to see how they all unfold. If they’re anything like the time we’ve already had together, they’ll be full of fun and adventure. Even though we won’t be seeing each other or talking as much in the year to come (unless Joe has more surprises up his sleeve, in which case, count us in!) we’ll be watching and cheering for you both every step of the way. Especially on Sundays, when we’ll be wearing our new Cleveland Browns swag. Becks, particularly, can’t wait to throw on his little orange onesie! Until then, we wish you nothing but all the success in the world. Because we know you’ll always stay the same. Those Midwest roots, after all, are so strong.
Cheers, Megan and Joe, to the most important team you’ll ever be a part of.
the creative team
wedding planner: jaime engebretson • jaime events
floral design: cutting garden
venue: villa bellezza
bride’s dress: martina liana • bridesmaids dresses: lulus • cake: farina baking company • catering: river valley catering company • dj: dj mike hongslo (bellagala) • groom’s ring: kessler’s diamond center • groom’s suit: ticknor’s • groomsmens’ suits: men’s wearhouse • hair: veronica klein • invitations: minted • makeup: jodi winter- winter artistry • officiant: sara morris • photographer: amy & jordan • videographer: luke warkenthein- (bellagala)