Hi, I'm Xavier, your friendly neighborhood photographer and storyteller. Today, I want to share a few tips on how to prepare for your engagement session. This is an exciting opportunity for us to get to know each other and for me to capture your unique love story through my lens.
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Let's start with outfits. What you wear plays a crucial role in how your photos will turn out. I encourage you to pick outfits that reflect your personal style. Feel free to bring a couple of options, and we can decide what works best. Remember, your comfort is key. If you feel good, it will shine through in your photos. Also, think about how your outfits will look together. Complementary colors and styles always look great.
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Now, onto choosing your location. This could be anywhere that is meaningful to you as a couple. It could be the place you first met, your favorite park, an iconic city backdrop, or even your own home. If you're unsure, I'm more than happy to suggest some locations that I've found to be photogenic over the years.
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As for posing, don't worry. I'm here to guide you. The most important thing is to be yourselves and to interact with each other naturally. I'll capture those moments of genuine laughter, tender kisses, and loving glances. All I ask is that you trust me and the process.
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The aim of this session is not just to get beautiful photos, but also to have fun. So, let's keep things light and enjoy the experience. This is a celebration of your love, after all.
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I hope these tips have given you a better understanding of how to prepare for your engagement session. I can't wait to meet you and help bring your love story to life through my lens. Remember, this is your moment. So, let's make it one to remember.

Preparing for an Unforgettable Engagement Session: A Guide for Couples

I'm here to share my experiences about the top 5 wedding venues in Milwaukee, WI. These venues are not just buildings, but they tell a story and give a unique experience that's truly unforgettable. They're not chain hotels, and they're open for business. Each venue has its charm, best times to get married, and they're suitable for different types of weddings.
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First up is <a href="https://pritzlaffevents.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pritzlaff Building</a>. This venue is a piece of Milwaukee's history, dating back to 1875. The Pritzlaff Building strikes the perfect balance between old-world charm and modern elegance. With its cream city brick walls and high wooden beam ceilings, it's ideal for any couple looking for a rustic and vintage vibe. The spring and the fall are the best seasons for a wedding here. The Pritzlaff Building can accommodate large weddings with ease.
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Next is <a href="https://ivyhousemke.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ivy House</a>, a modern industrial event venue with a lush outdoor fern garden. The Ivy House's uniqueness lies in its ability to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. The best time to get married here is during the summer, where the fern garden is in full bloom and perfect for outdoor weddings. The Ivy House is great for both intimate elopements and large weddings.
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Then we have <a href="https://www.villaterrace.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum</a>. This venue transports you to a historic Italian villa without leaving Milwaukee. The Renaissance-style garden with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan makes it an ideal spot for a romantic wedding ceremony. Villa Terrace is best for spring or summer weddings and suits intimate weddings exceptionally well.
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Fourth on the list is <a href="https://www.bartolottas.com/catering/venues/grain-exchange?utm_campaign=Google-My-Business" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Grain Exchange</a>, a venue that exudes grandeur and elegance. With its soaring ceilings, stunning frescoes, and grand chandeliers, it's a venue straight out of a fairytale. The Grain Exchange is perfect for winter weddings, providing a warm and cozy atmosphere. This venue is best suited for large, extravagant weddings.
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Lastly, if you're looking for a venue with rich local character and historic charm, <a href="https://bestplacemilwaukee.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery</a> is a must-see. Located on the original grounds of the iconic Pabst Brewery, this venue offers a cozy, Old-World ambiance with its vintage beer hall, stained glass windows, and exposed wood beams. It's especially stunning in the fall, when Milwaukee's crisp air and golden foliage set the scene perfectly. This venue is ideal for mid-size weddings and for couples who want a blend of history, warmth, and Milwaukee pride.
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I hope my insights help you find the perfect venue for your special day in Milwaukee. Remember, your wedding venue is more than just a place to say 'I do'; it sets the tone for your entire wedding day.

Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in Milwaukee, WI

You've picked the perfect dress, chosen the most stunning venue, and meticulously planned every detail of your big day. But when the cake has been eaten and the guests have all gone home, what remains are the precious memories captured in photographs. This is where the importance of hiring a professional wedding photographer becomes evident.
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Professional wedding photographers bring immense value to your special day. Their skills, experience, and refined artistic perspectives ensure that every moment, from the grandest gestures to the subtlest glances, is captured beautifully and authentically. The pictures they deliver aren't just snapshots; they're a narrative of your love story, each image brimming with emotions that you can revisit and relive for years to come.
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The quality of photos a professional photographer can produce is incomparable to those taken by an amateur. They have a deep understanding of lighting, composition, and timing, enabling them to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant images. They're equipped with high-end cameras and lenses designed to handle the fast-paced, varied lighting conditions of a wedding. They also have the expertise in post-production editing to ensure each photo is polished to perfection.
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Beyond the tangible photos, a professional wedding photographer plays a critical role during the event itself. They have an uncanny ability to put people at ease, fostering a relaxed environment that allows the true personalities and emotions to shine through in the images. Their approachable nature and calming influence can turn potentially stressful situations into enjoyable experiences. They're not just photographers; they're directors, therapists, and problem-solvers rolled into one.
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Hiring a professional wedding photographer might seem like a big investment, but it's one that pays dividends in the form of precious memories captured with artistry and heart. When you look back on your wedding day, it's the laughter, tears, love, and joy immortalized in the photos that will transport you back to one of the happiest days of your life. And that's a priceless treasure that a professional wedding photographer can deliver.

The Invaluable Role of a Professional Photographer in Weddings

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Perfect for couples who want to capture the heart of their day, the Basic Moments package includes 5 hours of continuous wedding photography—whether that’s the excitement of morning preparations through to the ceremony, or from your "I do’s" to the first dance. I'll focus on capturing natural emotions and meaningful details throughout. Every image will be carefully color-corrected and adjusted for lighting to ensure a polished, timeless look. Once your photos are ready, you’ll receive access to an online gallery to choose your favorites—and everything will be delivered on a keepsake USB drive for easy safekeeping and sharing.

Basic Moments (5 Hours, 1 Photographer)

Designed to capture a fuller picture of your wedding day, the Snapshot package includes 8 hours of continuous coverage—from the excitement of getting ready in the morning to the energy of your reception. Your day will be documented by one experienced photographer, focused on preserving the real moments, emotions, and atmosphere that make your celebration unique. Every image is professionally color-corrected and adjusted for lighting to bring out its best. You’ll receive access to a private online gallery where you can view and select your favorite images. Final photos will be delivered on a beautifully packaged USB key—ready to be treasured for years to come.

Snapshot (8 Hours, 1 Photographer)

For couples who want every unforgettable moment captured from start to finish, the Signature package offers 10 hours of full-day coverage—from morning preparations to the dance floor celebration. One dedicated professional photographer will be by your side to document it all: the quiet, emotional moments, the big milestones, and everything in between. Every image is professionally color-corrected and adjusted for lighting to ensure a consistent, cinematic feel. You’ll receive a personal online gallery to browse and choose your favorite images, with final delivery presented on a USB key—perfect for safekeeping and sharing with loved ones.

Signature (10 Hours, 1 Photographer)

The Focal Essentials All You Need Plan lets you create a beautiful business website with the power of AI. Create Packages, Pricing pages and Blogs. Make booking easy for your client with Focal's Booking System. 5TB of Gallery Storage.

All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

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<h3 style="text-align: center;">"Photos you&rsquo;ll frame. Video you&rsquo;ll actually watch."</h3>
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I focus on capturing your day in motion, creating a heartfelt film you&rsquo;ll actually want to watch again and again. And because some moments are meant to be framed, I also deliver a few beautiful photos to complete the story.
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If a 20- or 30-minute wedding video feels like too much, my hybrid photo + video option is for you.
Capture beautiful photos and meaningful video clips, then craft an easy-to-watch, heartfelt highlight film you&rsquo;ll actually want to watch and share.
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It&rsquo;s the perfect way to relive your day without overdoing it.
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https://www.youtube.com/embed/eBptYBQ_B4Y

Hybrid add-on cost varies depending on the photography package you select. See the add-ons within each package for pricing!

Hybrid Packages

You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me. 

"I'm Xavier, a French storyteller who brings narratives to life through both photography and video.

I've spent half my life in France and the other half in

the U.S., including 20 years in Los Angeles honing my craft as a photographer, cameraman, video editor, and, above all, a storyteller. Five years ago, I moved my business to Milwaukee.

I specialize in creating personalized photography experiences—listening closely to my clients and capturing the moments that truly matter."