Kayla Hurst Photo, West Allis, WI (2025)

01/19/2025

What do ya know- I've won the Knot's Best of Weddings, FIVE YEARS in a ROW!!!🥂

I'm also super excited to say I've won WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Awards for the second year as well

This award is only given to the top ✨5%✨ of wedding vendors on the Knot - and only ✨1%✨ of vendors were inducted into the Hall of Fame!

These wins are based on couples' 5 star wedding day reviews- so THANK YOU to each and every one of you who took the time to explain why you LOVED working with me on your most important day.

I truly couldn't have done it without you- especially those who helped me with last minute reviews around the holidays! ♥

Cheers to all of the other incredible vendors in Milwaukee and beyond who also have been placed in this top-tier category! 🥂

12/16/2024

2026 BOOKS ARE OPEN! I can't believe in just two weeks we are heading into the 2025 season. Along with this comes the opening of my 2026 calendar!

With the new addition of my sweet daughter, 2026 will be a limited year for weddings for me. I'm definitely not going anywhere but will be prioritizing clients who align with me and my brand- fully, authentically, completely.

✨️I'm looking for couples that value amazing photos, of course, but more so those who appreciate a documentary, editorial, and non-traditional feel to their day. Those who put their time together and guest experience first, couples who cherish nostalgia, intentionality, and the truly genuine moments.✨️

If this sounds like YOU, let's chat!👏

I'm so used to jam packing my schedule with so many incredible couples, but feel I can be more present with both my couples - and my new family - by taking on less weddings and dedicating more of that time to you!

I am so sad to see this year end with some of my favorite couples ever, but am so excited to see what my 2026 calendar will bring!

2025 is *almost* full. I'll be welcoming TWO more full weddings to my schedule, as well as a few smaller, elopement type days.

It's definitely not too early to reach out to your favorite vendors for 2026, so don't wait! ❤️

Vendors from this lovely wedding day:

❤️

12/11/2024

I debated doing Holiday Mini Sessions this year with my wedding workload and new family, but I've been working extra hard to be able to fit just a few in for you!

🌲Outdoor Pine Tree Minis - SATURDAY DEC 21st
🍬Holiday Cookie Sessions - booked individually

Same deal as last year:
$300 for 30min + 30+ edited photos
$50 to book your spot

Open to email list starting Thursday 12/12
Open to everyone else Friday 12/13

12/09/2024

Kristen + Ryan- where to begin. Their intimate, emotional October day was one of my favorites of the year. They did something I loved that I've never seen another couple include in their day.

Each part of their day allowed them to be surrounded by the most beautiful architecture and views our city has to offer. Their style and venue choices made them fit in, but at the same time stand out, and really be the true focus.

They shared a truly grand first look at the Hilton, where we took portraits and family photos before heading to the George for the main events.

The light poured in the west windows, creating absolute magic for their guests as they arrived for the ceremony. A friend officiated their beautiful ceremony (which had a reading from my husband's favorite book that we actually had in our ceremony, a sweet little surprise!).

Laughs, mingling, and cocktails were had in the Madcap lounge with the most delicious appetizers and charcuterie from

Towards the end of dinner, K+R chose to do an OPEN MIC after main speeches, which turned out to be incredible and one of my favorite moments of the year. So much more laughter and tears followed such kind words for the couple. It was an awesome addition to their dinner.

Dancing, desserts, and late night snacks (who can say no to apple crisp, every flavor of macrons, or Saz's mozzarella sticks? Not me.) closed out the evening.

Their smaller guest count really allowed Kristen + Ryan to be present with each other and their guests and to really slow down and enjoy the day. What an honor it was to be alongside them for such a wonderful day.

Amazing Vendors:
Planner:
Photographer:
Videographer:
Venue:
Florist:
Catering:
Cake:
DJ:
Groom:
Bride:
Hair + Makeup:
Linens:

💗

08/09/2024

Here's some drrrrreamy film from what started out as a rainy summer day at with S+E.

Literally cannot wait for their Milwaukee wedding this fall ♥

07/18/2024

Last month I had the absolute pleasure of helping Tanner plan and photograph his proposal to Ariel!

He planned a couples photo session to celebrate their fourth anniversary near (iconic). We started taking photos near the museum and around Museum Center Park on a Thursday evening.

When the time was right and no one else was around, I positioned them in front of the bridge leading to the Art Museum, so Tanner could ask the biggest question of his life.

Ariel said, "YES!" They soaked up the moment for a bit and we continued more photos showing off her new ring and their excitement.

After photos, Tanner planned a surprise dinner for them and their families at Room Service to celebrate.

T+A are soooo in love and I feel so honored to have been able to help plan and capture this super exciting moment for them! It was absolutely perfect.

Soooo, so happy for you two! ♥

(PS. If you're planning a proposal, DM me!)

07/09/2024

Saturday was such a lovely day for Val + Evan to tie the knot at !

We started the day with parents helping the soon-to-be newlyweds get dressed and complete their finishing touches.

The sweetest first looks, first with Val + her father and then just Val + Evan, were had on the balcony overlooking the historic ballroom.

We walked over to Père Marquette Park where the Milwaukee Historical society stood in the background to switch things up and showcase the lush summer greenery + florals surrounding the building and park.

It was a beautiful, peaceful, afternoon as V+E chose to forgo a wedding party, but included family and close friends in their ceremony by having them walking down the aisle and with readings during as well.

After a cocktail hour on the sunlit balcony, V+E decided to keep the night simple and super fun. The dancefloor opened immediately and they led their guests down to the party where they were free to eat, mingle, and dance at their leisure 💃

Their parents gave the most lovely speeches and they *really* had a blast the rest of the evening. V, E + their guests danced the night away with a live band, the most delicious mini dessert bar, and a late night snack from 🍕

V+E really focused on what they loved for their wedding day and ditched the details that weren't super important to them - something all couples should really take note of and do on their own special day ❤️

Thank you so much again for having us. It was a wonderful day! Congratulations! 🥂

Slide 7 taken by my lovely second photographer Morgan

Vendors:
Photographer:
Planning + Coordination:
Bride's Attire:
Bride's Hair + Makeup:
Groom's Attire:
Live Band:
Catering + Dessert:
Late Night Pizza:
Venue:
Linens:
Lounge + Rentals:

07/03/2024

Don't forget about the groom + groomsmen! They deserve cool portraits on wedding day too.

Obsessed with these shots of the guys from on wedding morning with T+C ❤️

06/25/2024

Some of M+V's timeless reception details on film 💕

Vendor Dream Team:
Photographer:
Planning + Design:
Florals:
Videographer:
Bride Hair + Makeup:
Bridesmaid Hair + Makeup Team: .llc
DJ + Photobooth:
Tattoos:
Cake:
Venue:
Church: Calvary Church
Getting ready hotel:

06/12/2024

Martha + Vinnie's wedding day was absolutely one for the books! Some of my favorite vendors put together an absolutely ✨️epic✨️ day for these two.

We started off at the historic Hilton while the bridesmaids got ready before heading to the stunning Wisconsin Club for first looks, photos, and some of the most heartfelt vows everrrr in the Belvedere (slide 4).

The Belvedere was constructed sometime in the early 1870's for Alexander Mitchell to view his lush gardens from in lavish comfort💐

After a super sweet ceremony where M+V's daughter played "Lover" on her cello before they tied the knot 🥹, we headed back to the WC to celebrate 🥂

I checked off a wedding "bucket list" item (slide 6) and was able to capture the couple getting tattoos after the ceremony to further make their vows permanent!

is absolutely incredible and was so fun to have along for tiny tats after the ceremony and during getting ready time for the bridesmaids.

Cocktail hour followed in the Milwaukee Room + Grand Ballroom while guests mingled about the dinner tables by warm chandelier and candlelight.

Some of the sweetest speeches were given during dinner, which led us into a super fun night of dancing. Ending the night, a bourbon + cigar bar was hosted on the balcony 🥃

M+V included so many amazing custom details into their day and really made the day all about them and their favorite things. It was such a fun day surrounded by all the best people.

Thank you so much again for having me; it was such a pleasure ♥

(The sweetest first look moment on slide 3 by my second, Morgan)

Vendor Dream Team:
Photographer:
Planning + Design:
Florals:
Videographer:
Hair + Makeup Team: .llc
DJ + Photobooth:
Tattoos:
Cake:
Venue:
Church: Calvary Church
Getting ready hotel:

06/04/2024

T+C tied the knot on Saturday with an intimate ceremony with 60 of their closest friends + family.

It was such a classic day with a gorgeous, timeless vibe taking place in a few of Milwaukee's most beautiful historic buildings - + in the Cudahy Tower on the lake.

The new renovations at the Pfister? Sheeeesh! 🥵Keeping the historic charm, but including new upgraded amenities - the suites were the most perfect and ridiculously beautiful place for Tayler to get ready with her favorite ladies.

After a "first touch" with Chris and private vows in the suite, we headed to Bacchus to seal the deal 💍

Their ceremony in the conservatory was so super sweet and had everyone emotional - filling the entire room with love.

The gentle rain created a familiar feeling of comfort as it pitter-pattered on the glass ceiling above while they promised their vows.

A dreamy cocktail hour was followed by an incredible meal and the most amazing desserts by the lovely staff at Bacchus (always).

After speeches and their cake cutting, they danced a few special dances, leaving the rest of the evening to mingling and guests swaying to romantic love songs.

It was such a relaxed, beautiful day that absolutely everyone enjoyed. Thank you so much again for having me.

Congratulations T+C! 🍾

Vendors:

05/30/2024

A springtime walk though the South Allée of 's Renaissance Garden with S+B. I'm so excited to be working on these this week!

Sabrina + Brad recently moved from Chicago to Indiana, are from Wisconsin, and are getting married in beautiful Michigan next year!

It's been so fun to watch their journey as Sabrina has been a close and amazing friend of the family for many years now. I am beyond THRILLED to be photographing their wedding next September.

I actually hadn't walked down to the gardens at the Villa until just this April! There are quite a few stairs leading down to the bottom but oh, so worth it - especially in spring. Every corner is just absolutely stunning so I'm just sharing a small set in the South Allée for today ♥

05/25/2024

Today you get color - but I *really* cannot wait to share the black and whites from V+E's dreamy Chicago engagement session! I met them on time (well 3min late because I set off the emergency alarm coming out of the parking structure but there were no signs so 🤷‍♀️)!

I say on time because one time when I traveled to Chicago for an engagement session I was over an hour late even though I gave myself an extra hour to get there on top of my GPS time it told me - which I guess wasn't enough 😑

Anyway - we strolled along the riverwalk near the Wrigley Building + the Veteran's Park Ledges at sunset and ended at Montrose Beach for sunset. It was such a lovely evening.

We are almost only one month away from their big day in Milwaukee and I could not be more excited to spend it with them ❤️

05/19/2024

This first image deserves a permanent spot on my feed as the featured photo. There's something about the mix of palm trees and cacti that just screams "oasis" so hosting a wedding at truly just made sense for P+C.

Here are a few of my favorite frames of the bride + groom from this tropical dream of a weekend 🌴🌵

☀️Vendor Team☀️
Designer + Planner:
Venue: .wedding
Rentals:
Florals:
Hair + Makeup: + Video Team: .films
Gown: Tux:

Los Cabos Wedding I Los Cabos Destination Wedding | Poolside Cocktail Hour | Mexico Destination Wedding | Acre Resort Wedding | Destination Wedding I Destination Wedding Photographer I Los Cobos Elopement | Mexico Wedding I Mexico Elopement | Mexico Elopement Photographer | Los Cabos, Mexico | Tropical Wedding | Tropical Destination Wedding I Tropical Elopement

05/05/2024

Yesterday was super amazing. I drove out to Cross Plains to meet K+E for their engagement session at sunset and we had the whole place to ourselves.

It was THE MOST gorgeous evening and we found the biggest dandelion puff field I think I've ever seen.

K+E definitely got a little workout in, running and spinning until they got dizzy. It was so much fun and I'm super excited to share every set of images from the evening ❤️

05/03/2024

The prettiest getting ready moments with Vivien at their East Side aribnb the morning of the big day ♥

Fourth + seventh images by my lovely second, Morgan.

Wonderful vendors for the day:
warehouse

04/30/2024

A few small moments from S+B's intimate day at 🤍

04/22/2024

🌎 Happy Earth Day!!! 🌎

This year's theme is PLANET VS PLASTIC!

‼️Did you know that ONE SINGLE 150 person wedding day can use 750 plastic cups OR MORE?!‼️

According to earthday.org:

🍸 "9.1 BILLION US Tons of plastic has been produced since plastic was introduced in the 1950s. (That's the weight of 822,000 Effel Towers!)

🍽 79% of plastic that has ever been made still sits in landfills or the natural environment (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated or recycled)

💧 Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.! That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.

🥤 The world produces more than 26 million US tons of polystyrene (plastic foam) each year. Americans alone throw away around 25 billion Styrofoam coffee cups every year!

🍱 In 2017, packaging production constituted the highest-demanded use for plastic, with 146 million metric tons used.

🐢 At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution such as: sanitary landfills; incineration facilities; recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure; proper management and disposal of waste systems 🚫

🗑 When plastics end up in landfills, they aren’t harmless. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them.

📈 Researchers indicate that terrestrial microplastic pollution is much higher than marine microplastic pollution (4 to 23 times higher, depending on the environment). This could ultimately have adverse health effects on humans and animals."

✨️Ditch the plastic (cups, plates, silverware) on wedding day and go with the classier a more eco-friendly option like glass or porcelain! ✨️

Kayla Hurst Photo