Villa Filomena Wedding Photos, Derek + Sara Window Silhouette

When looking for Villa Filomena wedding photos, I couldn’t help but use one of the vintage building’s most interesting features. While the Villa offers boundless opportunities for a romantic Milwaukee wedding photographer, the etched glass is a favorite of mine and clients.

villa filomena wedding milwaukee photographer photos
An etched glass window provides the perfect way to frame a couple romantically at Villa Filomena. I’m always looking for windows, literally and figuratively, into the couple’s story. Crafted with a Nikon D4, Nikkor 85 1.8 lens, exposure ISO 200, 1/125 @ f/4.

Behind the picture

When it comes to wedding portraits, you have time for precious few, so one of my jobs is deciding how to maximize impact with what I have. We made a few portraits on our way into the building, and just before they fluttered off to cocktail hour, I knew I had to make something with the etched glass window on the inside entrance doors.

It started with just the bride with light on her face, which was interesting. Then I realized the etched glass would also be the perfect way to frame the couple in a moment. So I decided to make a silhouette.

Yes, mom, I know they’re out of focus. I photographed the couple both in and out of focus. It was this out of focus shot, one of maybe two, that conveyed more of the mood and romance I wanted. It’s like you’re looking in on the moment but can’t participate. It’s a bit voyeuristic, which adds intrigue.

The couple behind etched glass is one of those portraits I look back on and say “I’m glad I changed it up a bit.” I don’t always have that foresight or luxury. I’m not perfect.

If you’re looking to make your own Villa Filomena wedding photos magical, look for this door just inside the front entrance. Consider natural lighting for the silhouette, or experiment with continuous lighting for individual portraits behind the glass. This portrait was one of the few times I did any sort of conversion in post processing, as I thought color distracted from the mood.

Joel Nisleit is a classic, romantic Milwaukee wedding photographer with a flair for glam. Contact me today so I can serve the aesthetic and historical significance of your wedding.

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