The Pregler Wedding | Elegance Emotion and a whole Vibe in Northeast Iowa and Prairie du Chien WI | The Dousman House
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MITCH & LIZZIE | 08.22.2026
Some couples wonder if having a first look takes away from the emotion of walking down the aisle.
I can tell you without a doubt, the emotions were full force all day for these two and their family and friends! The Preglers’ first look AND their walk down the aisle were both filled with tears of gratitude and love to magnificent proportions and it was the sweetest thing to document!
From getting ready through the final speeches, this day was filled with laughter, happy tears, and all the emotions. From the groom to the bridesmaids, there weren't dry eyes in the house.
This was one of those wedding days that was elegant and fancy, wildly fun, incredibly emotional, a total whirlwind, and completely true to Lizzie and Mitchel.
And I loved every second of it.
We started the morning with getting ready photos and details at the Gifford home before sneaking away to The Jude to capture some rowdy groomsmen getting ready for the big day.
It was a blast.
I think those few moments helped the guys relax and feel comfortable with me in front of the camera, which definitely paid off.
You can tell this is a fun crew.
All joking around aside, you could feel the intensity in the air around Mitchel. He was ready to get to his Bride.
Back at the Gifford home, hair and makeup were wrapping up, along with a fresh haircut for the father of the bride. Y'all, it couldn't have been more perfect.
Michelle put the finishing touches on the bridesmaids' bouquets while Alice worked her magic on Lizzie's makeup. Everyone was dressed in the most adorable floral pajamas, and the energy in the house was the perfect combination of excitement and anticipation.
Lizzie, her mom Michelle, and MOG Liz Pregler (yes there are two Liz Preglers now!) headed back to the master bedroom to help Lizzie into her dress.
But before Lizzie slipped into her elegant gown, she had a surprise for her mom.
She handed Michelle a watercolor painting of Lizzie, her mom, and her grandmother, who unfortunately couldn't be there for the wedding day.
They fought back the tears and treasured the moment.
And you can imagine how much that touched this artist's heart. What an incredibly thoughtful gift and such a beautiful way to honor someone who was so clearly part of this day, even from afar.
Then Liz and Michelle helped their beautiful bride into her dress before heading outside for first looks with the bridesmaids and Lizzie's prince charming.
The First Look
Y'all.
Mitchel is 1,000 percent adorable.
He is handsome, kind, thoughtful, and the kind of groom whose love for his bride is written all over his face.
I still cannot get over the way his love poured out of his eyes as he approached Lizzie for their first look.
On her parents' property, underneath the willow tree, this bride and groom saw each other for the first time on the day they would say "I do."
They shared beautiful vows with one another, dried their eyes, and then welcomed their amazing wedding party down for photos.
And those photos?
So good.
We had the most beautiful light and the most gorgeous setting, but honestly, the people made the photos. This group was full of personality, and it was so much fun watching everyone settle into the day.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
After portraits at the Gifford property, we headed to St. Joseph's for family photos and to prepare for the ceremony.
More tears.
More smiles.
More laughter.
A beautiful homily was shared by the Deacon, and then the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.
Lizzie and Mitchel kissed, and everyone cheered.
As they exited the church, guests waved streamers and celebrated them before the newlyweds boarded the party bus and headed toward Prairie du Chien.
And the celebration was just getting started.
The Winnie, Their Fur Babies & One Epic Entrance
First stop?
The Winnie.
The party bus must have been a blast because everyone was feeling extra jubilant when we arrived at one of the couple's favorite spots.
Drinks, music, a fun location, and the arrival of their fur babies made the Winnie so perfect. And, who knew the entire wedding crew is obsessed with their fur babies too! After a few photos, Rachel and I headed to The Dousman House to get ready for the grand entrances.
Now, Mitchel's heart was set on riding into the reception on a boat.
And I was SO excited for them when they told me they were actually going to get to do it.
As everyone rushed toward the river, the couple arrived by boat with Winston and Franklin, a huge "JUST MARRIED" banner, and the kind of entrance you simply cannot make up.
Epic, my friends.
Truly epic.
The wedding party took a few more glowy photos around the beautiful Dousman House property before everyone headed inside for their entertaining grand entrances.
The Dousman
A ballroom filled with love, elegant decor, and beautiful light that poured through the gorgeous windows of The Dousman House, which somehow still felt cozy with hundreds of people.
Elevated, and comfortable. Fancy, and welcoming. Completely perfect.
After the entrances, dinner was served buffet style upstairs and downstairs, with a kids' buffet for the littles. And it was delicious.
The Barn Catering never disappoints. And I have to talk about the music because it was such an important part of the atmosphere all day long.
Sam Day provided music during the ceremony and cocktail hour, and it was absolutely beautiful. The music added so much emotion to those quieter moments of the day and helped create the perfect atmosphere as everyone celebrated the newlyweds.
Then DJ Steve Schroeder took over the mic for the reception, and he absolutely brought the party.
Both were incredible, and I was so blown away by the talent and energy they brought to the day.
As everyone finished dinner, the speeches began. And wow. We've heard a ton of wedding speeches over the years, but I still can't believe how absolutely precious each and every word shared for Lizzie and Mitchel was.
They were beautiful. They were funny. They were incredibly sweet. And they were so clearly spoken from people who know and love this couple dearly.
There were tears, and there was some serious laughter. I mean the father of the Groom wasn't kidding when he said you might have to be a super model to be in Lizzie's wedding party. This crew was stunning, but most importantly they were all absolutely wonderful to be around! I feel like I made new friends!
Sunset, Special Dances & One Wild Dance Floor
After the speeches, we snuck outside just as the sun was setting for a few last couples' photos with the Mississippi River and bluffs as their backdrop.
Then the special dances were held out on the veranda on the couple's hand-painted dance floor, surrounded by so much love.
And as soon as those special dances wrapped up, the party headed inside for maybe the wildest DJ dance floor ever.
I mean...
By the end, shirts were missing, wardrobes had been changed, and everyone, including Grandpa, had taken a turn on the dance floor.
My legs took a few days to recover because, well, you know I had to get down there and dance too!
So perfect
This entire day was so much fun.
Lizzie and Mitchel were absolutely amazing, and I feel incredibly blessed to call them and their families dear friends. It was such a special day to be part of. It was also our little one’s first time attending a wedding ceremony, and I'm pretty sure it made a lasting impact. She's quiet obsessed with Lizzie. And honestly, I can't blame her. Lizzie is incredible! It was such an honor to be included in the Preglers' wedding day, and I can't wait to see them back on the dance floor in 2027 for one of their bridesmaid's wedding days, too.
Y'all, have I mentioned how grateful I am for these folks?
Not only do they trust me to document some of the biggest and most meaningful days of their lives, but they invite me in to celebrate alongside them, get to know their families and friends, laugh with them, cry with them, and become part of their stories and that is the icing on the cake.
Lizzie and Mitchel, thank you for letting me be there for all of it.
Your day was emotional, fancy, hilarious, beautiful, completely unforgettable, and so perfectly you.
I hope you know just how loved you are and look back on these memories with joy for always.
Highlight film coming soon … ♥
A huge shout out to The Creative Team:
Photo + Film by Jillian Webb Herrmann | JWebbArt and Rachel Hach
Ceremony St Joe's Catholic Church - Elkader IA
Reception The Dousman House - PDC
Catering by The Barn - Prairie du Chien
Bride's Bouquet by Elkader Floral Shop
Venue Decor, Arrangements, and Bridesmaids bouquets by Michelle Gifford (MOB)
Hair by Dawn Medberry
Hair by Jordan Schubert
Hair by Brooke Gillitzer
Makeup by Alice Gifford
Makeup by Amber Gramlich
Makeup by Karson Schaufenbuel