Villa Filomena in Milwaukee offers boundless opportunities for great wedding portraits, and you have time for precious few, so one of my jobs is deciding how to maximize impact with what I have.

Wedding Portraits of Derek & SaraPortraits of Derek and Sara, family and wedding party at Cathedral of St. John, Lake Park, Villa Filomena. www.JoelNisleitPhotography.com

We made a few portraits on our way into the building, and just before they fluttered off to cocktail hour, I knew I had to make something with the etched glass window on the inside entrance doors.

It started with just the bride with light on her face, but then I realized I needed to make a silhouette of the couple.

Yes, mom, I know they're out of focus. Thank you! 

I photographed the couple both in and out of focus, but it was this out of focus shot, one of maybe two, that conveyed more of the mood and romance I wanted, like you're looking in on the moment but aren't allowed to fully experience what the couple is.

It's one of those times where I look back and say "I'm glad I changed it up a bit." I don't always have that foresight or luxury. I'm not perfect.

Lighting was simple, probably an Ice Light to the right of the couple, if anything. This is also one of the few times I do any sort of conversion in post processing, as I thought color distracted from the mood.

Crafted with a Nikon D4, Nikkor 85 1.8 lens, exposure ISO 200, 1/125 @ f/4.

Joel Nisleit Self PortraitSelf portrait of studio owner Joel Nisleit. Joel's skills enable him to capture portraits like this in any location, from home to a parking garage.

Joel Nisleit is a classic, romantic Wisconsin wedding photographer with a flair for glam. Contact me today so I can serve the aesthetic and historical significance of your wedding.