Tori & Eric | A Wedding at The Tinsmith in Madison, Wisconsin
Some wedding days just feel different from the moment they start. There's a certain kind of excitement and energy in the air. The kind that makes you slow down, breathe it in, and remind yourself to just be present. That's exactly what Tori and Eric's wedding day felt like. Present. Fulfilling. Emotional in the best, most beautiful way. It was one of those days I'll be thinking about for a long time.
Your Wedding on Photo, Video & Film: The Full Experience
One thing I was especially excited about for Tori and Eric's day: they went all in. Photo AND video, plus a generous helping of film photography woven throughout the day. There is something so romantic and tactile about film. It is just different. It captures the light and mood in a way that's hard to replicate, and on a day as emotive and alive as this one, it felt absolutely right.
As much as I love photography. I think the reason to have your wedding documented on video is to hear your loved ones' voices.
There will be a time when getting to hear your dads reaction to your first look or your moms speech will be priceless.
As much as I also love the slow motion b-roll moments there is absolutely no question in my mind that the people at your wedding are the most important part of your wedding.
The Venue: Where History Meets Modern Madison
Let's talk about The Tinsmith for a second, because if you're not familiar with it, you need to be.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Madison, The Tinsmith is a restored 1930s Trachte warehouse. A large space that's been transformed into one of the most interesting wedding venues in the state. The variety of the venue from the bar, the huge open space with high ceilings, the loft, and my absolute favorite part, the solarium.
The Tinsmith blends historic architecture, modern design, and that four-season greenhouse into a setting that genuinely feels one-of-a-kind. When you walk in, you're greeted by large skylights, and touches of greenery that make every corner feel bright and welcoming. The flow of the space is wonderful and from ceremony to cocktail hour, and into your reception everything happens in one beautifully cohesive space, with no room flipping required. Each space really feels unique and gives the guest experience (and your photos!) a ton of variety.
The solarium is a photographer's absolute dream. The walls and ceiling diffuse the light in the most stunning way. Tons of natural light that changes from hard light in the afternoon to soft light as the sun dips down towards Lake Mendota. I could shoot in there all day and never get bored. And because the light changes so much, this one room can be featured across your entire wedding.
Oh, and it's worth mentioning: The Tinsmith has been named Best Wedding Venue in Wisconsin by Wisconsin Bride Magazine. That award is very well deserved, and I would know as a voter.
Tori & Eric: The Kind of Couple That Makes My Job Easy
From the first time I connected with Tori and Eric, I knew this was going to be a special one. They're the kind of people who are just easy to be around. Warm, genuine, and so funny. They weren't worried about perfection; they were focused on each other. And that made for some of the most natural, unguarded moments I've captured in a long time.
Their day had all the feelings.The quiet, nervous excitement of the first look, the tears during vows (the good kind, obviously), the laughter that bubbles up when you're so happy you don't know what else to do with it. It was emotional in a way that felt earned and real, not performed. The stuff I live for.
The Details: Simple, Stunning, Intentional
Tori and Eric made a beautiful choice: let the venue do the talking. Their decor was intentionally minimal, allowing the original industrial character, the old wooden floors, the modern bar, the gorgeous glass solarium to shine on its own. Less is more, and Annie with Heather Farr Events absolutely nailed it.
The one detail that stopped me in my tracks? The Polaroids. Tori and Eric (probably Tori) printed many of their engagement photos and photos from their proposal in Greece and included those in their box of details. With their rings it created a wonderful combination of past and present. One of my favorite detailed photos to date.
For any future brides researching a Tinsmith wedding: trust the space. It's already lovely. A few intentional touches and the right flowers go a long way.
Around Madison: The Best Part of Being in Downtown Madison
Here's one of my favorite things about shooting a Madison wedding at The Tinsmith. It's located right downtown, making it incredibly easy to take portraits at some of Madison's most iconic spots. And that's exactly what we did.
We kicked off the day with the first look and portraits right at The Tinsmith itself (because, honestly, you can’t skip the solarium). Then we headed over to Yahara Place Park for more portraits — tucked along the waterway, it's lush and peaceful and gives you that dreamy green backdrop that photographs beautifully in summer. And of the Madison parks, it is not too busy.
Then as the evening light turned that perfect golden amber, we made our way to James Madison Park right on the shore of Lake Mendota for sunset photos. The sky put on a show, and the wind was a paid actor. Of course it did. The universe had clearly read the assignment for this wedding.
The easy proximity to all the best places in Madison is such a practical gift for couples choosing The Tinsmith. You're never more than a few minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol building, some stunning museums like the Chazen Museum of Art, the lakes, or any number of wonderful photo opportunities in downtown Madison.
A Huge Thank You to the Dream Team
A wedding day is never a solo act, and Tori and Eric had an incredible group of vendors surrounding them. Massive thanks to everyone who helped make this day happen:
- Venue: The Tinsmith, Madison, WI
- Photo & Video: Derrick Parsons & My Team
- Florist: KP Designs Madison
- Caterer: Blue Plate Catering
- DJ/Band/Music: Sound By Design
- Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Heather Farr Events/ Annie Mears
- Cake/Desserts: Stellies Ice Cream
Now go take a look. Take your time. These deserve it.
And if you're in the early stages of planning your own wedding at The Tinsmith — or anywhere in Madison — I'd absolutely love to chat. Whether you're looking for a Madison wedding photographer & team who does it all (photo, video, and yes, film), or you just have a million questions about what the day might look like, my inbox is always open.
I’d love to bring your vision to life!
Because days like Tori and Eric's don't happen by accident — they happen when the right people come together. Let's make yours just as unforgettable.
