Elisabeth + Brian’s Second Line Wedding with Mama Digdown’s Brass Band

Madison wedding at the Majestic Theater and Madison Central Library

Is there a better metaphor for a wedding day than a second line brass band? To walk, with all your guests, in shared celebration. On display for the world to see, but also asking that larger community to join in your joy, to celebrate with you as well as witness your wedding?

couple kiss outside of Madison Capitol building — This image was made possible with a tilt shift lens, gelled light (for color shifted sky), a perfect moment of connection, and the best capitol building in the USA. I said it, come at me, Texas!

All of which is to say, Elisabeth and Brian’s wedding was so much fun.

We don’t always think of a Second Line march outside of New Orleans (and they have it down to a science there!) but when you have access to an amazing band like Mama Digdowns, you can bring the celebration up north as well.

Elisabeth and Brian’s wedding was otherwise a sort of “Science Fiction” meets “Library Science”. A mix of intricate crafting and planning mixed with wild creative bursts. There were also a lot of sci-fi details that ranged from totally nerdy to absolutely hilarious, and were entirely awesome.

In particular, I will always think fondly on the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Wedding program and the 20-sided dice that determined if they should kiss.

Ceremony: Madison Central Library
Reception: Majestic Theater
Second Line Brass Band: Mama Digdowns Brass Band
Catering: Underground Food Collective
Hotel: Madison Concourse Hotel

<img data-lazy-fallback="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="798" src="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?resize=800%2C798&ssl=1" alt="panorama of couple on interior steps of Madison Capitol building" class="wp-image-29044 lazyload" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?resize=1024%2C1021&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?resize=768%2C765&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?resize=100%2C100&ssl=1 100w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-003.jpg?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-recalc-dims="1" />

This is a bokeh panorama – around 100 images, stitched together, for a depth of field that is unbelievably sharp – showing off Elisabeth and Brian on the steps of the capitol building, and showing off enough of the space to showcase them perfectly.

<img data-lazy-fallback="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-004.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="Madison wedding group walks behind brass band for second line" class="wp-image-29045 lazyload" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-004.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-004.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-004.jpg?resize=768%2C513&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-004.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-recalc-dims="1" />

This is maybe my favorite photo from this wedding – Elisabeth and Brian, laughing, walking behind the brass band for their second line.

<img data-lazy-fallback="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-005.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="groom waits for bride at bottom of hotel staircase, Madison WI" class="wp-image-29046 lazyload" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-005.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-005.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-005.jpg?resize=768%2C513&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/wedding-with-second-line-band-005.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-recalc-dims="1" />

The stairs of the Concourse hotel – perfectly framing Brian as Elisabeth enters

bride gets birdcage veil placed on - Madison, WI

wedding ceremony in main atrium of Madison central library

bride with bird cage veil looking out window in Madison

bride and groom walk down aisle after wedding ceremony at Madison Central Library

groom looks at pocket watch before wedding, Madison WI

bride and groom on outside steps of Madison Capitol with dome behind them

flash composite image of wedding party by madison capitol

couple on stairs of concourse hotel in Madison

bride watches as brass band passes

bridal bouquet of flowers

Interior of Majestic theater wedding reception

bride and groom outside Madison Capitol in summer time

wedding programs with a science fiction theme - Hitchhikers guide to the wedding

black and white photograph of couple outside madison capitol at night

wedding details featured a smalll blue TARDIS and a 20 sided dice

Second Line wedding march through downtown madison with capitol dome behind guests

Couple on interior steps of capitol with dramatic architecture

Groom smiles as he waits for bride at end of aisle in Madison central library

Couple in stacks of Central Library in Madison

bride and groom going down stairs from wedding ceremony, followed by brass band, at madison central library

couple have first dance at Majestic theater wedding in Madison

Dessert and cake table at Majestic theater in Madison

Sound board at majestic theater

vintage plates with menus at majestic theater for wedding reception

a farmhouse style meat and pickle board for a wedding reception at the majestic theater in Madison

bride and her brother laugh during wedding reception at the majestic theater in Madison, wi

groom reads speech from a paper so long that it is hilarious

brass band leads the way to a wedding reception in Madison, Wi

<img data-lazy-fallback="1" decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wedding-with-second-line-band-034.jpg?resize=800%2C534&ssl=1" alt="Marquee outside Majestic Theater in Madison, WI shows off wedding details" class="wp-image-29078 lazyload" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wedding-with-second-line-band-034.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wedding-with-second-line-band-034.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wedding-with-second-line-band-034.jpg?resize=768%2C513&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/beccadilley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wedding-with-second-line-band-034.jpg?w=1200&ssl=1 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-recalc-dims="1" />

Night, the Majestic Theater, and the Madison Capitol.

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Looking for a Madison Wedding Photographer?

Hey, I’m Becca! I grew up in Madison, and now I live in Minneapolis. I don’t charge a travel fee for Madison weddings, and I love the excuse to stop by the union! I’d love to chat with you about all the things you are planning – lets connect!