What I’m Up To These Days: Life, Work, and Launching a Madison WI Wedding Venue
It feels like the right time to slow down for a second and share a little update on what’s been going on—both behind the lens and behind the scenes. If we’ve worked together in the past or have followed along for a while, you’ve probably seen glimpses of what I do. But lately, things have been growing and shifting in the best ways—especially with the launch of my own Madison WI wedding venue, Guilded Grey Events. So here’s a look at what I’m up to these days, both personally and professionally.c
Guilded Grey Events Is in Full Bloom
What started as an idea has fully come to life. Guilded Grey Events is officially up and running—and it’s already becoming everything I hoped it would be and more. As a Madison WI wedding venue, it’s both unique and deeply personal. Our first wedding is just weeks away, and portrait sessions have been happening weekly in the greenhouse. Every single one feels like a dream.
The greenhouse is filled with filtered light that moves through antique windows, wrapping around plants, bouncing off textures, and creating this soft, golden glow that I honestly haven’t found anywhere else. It feels quiet, sacred even, with climbing vines, weathered wood, vintage glass, and so many little tucked-away spots that feel like they were made for storytelling.
There’s a rhythm to the sessions out here. Kids run barefoot across the boardwalk. Couples sink into each other in the tall grass. Branding clients bring their whole selves to the moment. It’s intimate. Intentional. Honest. And I feel grateful every day to offer this space exclusively to my photography clients.
Personally: A Quiet but Powerful Shift
Over the past year and a half, I’ve quietly lost over 100 pounds. I haven’t talked about it much—truthfully, I’m a very private person and definitely an extroverted introvert—but this has been a big part of my story behind the scenes.
This journey hasn’t been about dieting or goals on a scale. It’s been about healing. For a long time, I didn’t realize how much stress was silently taking a toll on my body. The weight gain, the fatigue, the joint pain, and feeling like I was just pushing through every day—it all added up.
Once I started removing or reducing the biggest stressors in my life, things began to change. My body stopped being in constant survival mode. The shift wasn’t immediate, but it was powerful. I started sleeping better. My joints stopped screaming. My energy came back. I started to feel like me again.
I feel like I got a second chance—physically, emotionally, mentally. I don’t have a dramatic before-and-after story to post, but I do have a deeper appreciation for this life, this work, and this season I’m in. If you’re in the middle of something heavy, I just want to say this—you’re not stuck. There’s another side to it, even if it takes time.
Guilded Grey Jewelry: One-of-a-Kind Pieces with Heart
Another part of my world that’s been quietly growing is Guilded Grey Jewelry. I’ve been busy creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces that are now carried in several more stores throughout the U.S. It’s a slower, more hands-on process—every piece is made with intention and care—and while it’s challenging, it’s incredibly fulfilling. This part of my work taps into a different kind of creativity, and I’m so proud of what it’s becoming. Whether it’s a meaningful gift or something you wear every day, these pieces are built to carry a little story with them.
Family and Friends
Sloan’s last day of 6th grade was today—cue my mama tears. How do I have a middle schooler already? I swear it feels like I blinked, and here we are.
Each day she amazes me with the young woman she’s becoming. She’s thoughtful, creative, resilient, and has this way of reading a room that most adults haven’t figured out yet. This past year and a half, she grew up faster than I ever expected her to. I tried to shield her from what was happening behind the scenes, especially as Jon and I navigated one of the hardest seasons of our lives. But kids always know. And she knew.
She saw the cracks. She saw me completely break down—unable to breathe from the weight of the stress and anxiety I was carrying. She saw the fear in my face when I couldn’t find the answers and the frustration when I couldn’t fix things fast enough. She witnessed things no child should have to witness, especially when it comes to watching someone they love struggle.
And yet, through all of that, she stayed soft. She stayed grounded. She gave me grace. She somehow knew when I needed quiet, and when I needed her to crack a joke and remind me I’m still me.
It’s not lost on me how much our kids absorb, even when we’re doing everything we can to protect them. And it’s not lost on me how incredibly proud I am of her—not just for finishing another school year, but for the strength and compassion she’s shown through it all.
Here’s to summer break, slower mornings, and healing in the quiet.
Branding Sessions
Branding sessions have become one of my favorite things to photograph. There’s something really energizing about working with other business owners—people who are pouring everything they have into building something meaningful. I love helping them feel confident and seen, and I get just as excited about telling their visual story as I do with weddings or family sessions. These shoots are always full of personality, purpose, and those little details that make a brand come to life. It’s a different kind of connection, and one I truly enjoy every single time.
Weddings: In the Sweet Spot
After photographing hundreds of weddings over the past two decades, I’ve found what works best for me—15 to 20 weddings a year is my sweet spot. It gives me the time and emotional energy to connect deeply with each couple, which is something I truly value.
This year’s couples feel especially aligned. Every wedding I have coming up is with clients I feel personally connected to—people who trust me, care deeply about their day, and value the real, raw moments just as much as the beautiful ones.
These are not Pinterest-perfect weddings. These are real, emotional, joyful, and sometimes chaotic days full of meaning. I don’t care if your hair gets messy, your dress gets muddy, or your timeline goes off course. My job is to see you, and to create something honest and lasting.
Thanks for being here, whether you’ve been part of my story for years or just recently found me. I’m excited for everything ahead—more beautiful sessions, more connection, and more creating what feels real. For more info with the wonderful florist showcased in the images above, check out Melody Rose Designs.
xx
Bobbi
If you’re interested in learning more about holding your micro-wedding or elopement at this Madison Wisconsin wedding venue, please contact me. I’d love to chat about your vision and how we can make it come to life at Guilded Grey Events.
