The Blatz Wedding | Elegant Mississippi River Wedding at The Dousman House in Prairie du Chien

CHASE + HAYLEY | 08.29.2026

Hayley and Chase first reached out to me through a recommendation from dear friends whose wedding I was actually set to photograph the week before theirs. Since Hayley and Chase were long distance and had beautiful proposal photos done in Chicago, we didn’t plan an official engagement session, but it worked out that we got to meet shortly before their wedding. We took a few quick photos, and I could tell they helped ease this beautiful bride’s mind before the big day.

Engagement photos are never mandatory, but I’m always happy when they work out because that little introduction never fails to ease nerves and help us get to know each other before the big day. It was so fun to learn about them and how they met, and to discover that Chase had actually lived for a while in Charlotte, NC, where I used to live, too! They were long distance for a bit before Chase decided he needed to move back to the Midwest, and he and Hayley have been inseparable ever since!

Hayley and Chase’s Midwest wedding brought big city charm back toward the bride’s small-town roots. The couple, who currently live in the Windy City, decided The Dousman House would make the perfect backdrop for their elegant wedding celebration. If I had to describe the entire day in three words, it would be classy, lively, and love filled.

With gorgeous architecture along the Mississippi River and Iowa’s bluffs in the distance, this venue offers some of the most exquisite photo opportunities. With their closest loved ones coming from all over, The Dousman was filled with a cozy glow and soft energy. That is, until the party music started and the live band rocked the socks off this crew, but I’ll get back to that!

I arrived a few minutes early to get situated. I was documenting this wedding solo and wanted to get all of my gear inside without rushing. The rain wrapped up just as I arrived, and I was able to take a few extra minutes around the estate to photograph the venue, the pond, and even caught a few ducks dressed in black, too.

I headed inside to meet the wedding party. Calm and collected, this crew was stunning and so fun to spend the day with. After photographing the details, rings, stationery, jewelry, shoes, and the dress, all those elements that are so special, I moved on to this incredible group of young women. Their joy for their bride and best friend was palpable.

As the ladies relaxed in the bridal suite, the groom and his groomsmen put on their boutonnieres and hung out over lunch in the bar area. These guys were so fun and classy. I mean, is it just me, or does this whole wedding party look like they belong on their own TV show? The entire group looks like movie stars.

Before we took their wedding party photos, it was time to step outside and let this groom see his bride for their first look. Parents and siblings watched through the windows as Hayley approached Chase. The look on his face... y’all. I just adore the emotion and joy when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. Whether it happens during a first look or when they step onto the aisle for a traditional ceremony first look, this moment is so special.

Chase and Hayley took a few moments, just the two of them, to soak in the feeling. Then we danced around The Dousman for their couples portraits, with wedding party and family photos to follow.

The wedding party relaxed inside as guests filled the veranda, and every seat under the white tent filled. The couple’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Jeffery Leininger, arrived from First Saint Paul’s, the couple’s home church in Chicago, to officiate, and it was a beautiful service. The bride’s mom, Julie, and the couple’s future brother-in-law, Seth, both did readings. Rev. Leininger even brought out his guitar to lead in singing.

While The Dousman is a massive venue with epic vibes, it still feels comfortable and elegant for weddings of all sizes.

A few things that caught my eye were the elevated little choices and the elegance their black and white themed décor brought throughout the entire event. From the black and white striped cocktail straws to the golden spiked hors d’oeuvres in tiny square cups, every detail felt intentional. Single stems throughout the centerpieces, floating candles, white roses, and baby’s breath decorated everything from the bouquets to the bar to the altar. The florals were designed and put together by the bride’s sister and maid of honor, Madelyn Vogt. It was all so clean and elegant, simply beautiful.

Since we had all of the couple’s group photos before the ceremony, they chose to forgo extended family formals and opted for casual cocktail hour photos and more candid imagery so they could soak in cocktail hour, too. It was perfect.

And although we always start with a timeline, I like to go into an event knowing things can change. When I noticed the vibe of cocktail hour and the sun getting low, we snuck out for the Blatzes’ sunset photos before they made their grand entrance for dinner. I’m so glad we did, because the speeches... those amazing speeches were something I would never have interrupted.

If you know, you know!

Tears, laughter, shots, songs, and a wrapped-up surprise bottle from the father of the bride made for some of the most unforgettable toasts I’ve witnessed.

And last but not least, I cannot wrap up this post without mentioning the fabulous Bluewater Kings Band, who had everyone on the dance floor. They were amazing! From the first look to the first kiss to the first dance, and even a late-night pizza snack, the Blatzes’ day was absolutely incredible! — I wish we could do it all again!! I can’t wait to document this sweet couple’s sibling’s wedding next!

Hayley and Chase, Thank you so much for the trust you put in me to document your best day. I pray your love continues to grow through the years, that you’re blessed with health, prosperity, and adventure, and that you always find reasons to celebrate one another. No matter what I hope you always look back at your images and feel the love that surrounded and supported you on your beautiful day.

Cheers my friends,

Jillian

The Vendors

Photography: Jillian Webb Herrmann | JWebbArt
Venue: The Dousman House, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin
Catering: The Barn
Floral Design: Madelyn Vogt, Maid of Honor
Officiant: Rev. Dr. Jeffery Leininger, First Saint Paul’s, Chicago
Music: Bluewater Kings Band