A Vintage Glam Fall Wedding: Burgundy, Brick & Their Best Boy at The Lageret

Deep burgundy florals, a painted leather jacket, and a golden retriever in a leaf wreath walking down the aisle. Jess and her groom built a day that felt completely, unapologetically theirs, and as Lageret wedding photographers, we were here for every bit of it. The Lageret’s industrial bones gave this fall celebration the kind of moody, textured backdrop that makes our job feel less like work and more like play.

Plaid Shirts and Burgundy Details

The getting-ready energy in that upstairs bridal suite was infectious. Jess and her crew showed up in matching buffalo plaid flannels, red and black with the bride in black and white to stand out. They were loud, laughing, and completely at ease. That kind of energy is a gift for us. Relaxed people make for genuine photos, no stiff posing needed.

The details told a story before anyone said a word. A custom “Mrs. Konkel” hanger, burgundy vow books, blush heels laid out on rustic wood alongside the invitation suite. On the groom’s side, cognac dress shoes sat next to a deep plum tie and novelty socks. Flora by Jamae put together a bouquet that stopped us cold: blush roses, dark dahlias, eucalyptus, and scabiosa pods all woven together. That bouquet against the venue’s worn wood and brick? A photographer’s dream.

Their Dog Stole the Ceremony

Let’s talk about the ceremony, because this one had layers. The Lageret’s main hall is all exposed cream brick, heavy timber trusses, and warm hardwood floors. Climbing greenery clung to the walls. Candles lined the aisle. A hand-lettered sign at the entrance read “Masks up, phones down, hearts open.” That set the tone perfectly.

The groom stood near a wall of trailing ivy, already emotional before anyone started walking. Then their golden retriever came down the aisle in a greenery wreath and burgundy bow tie. The whole room melted. That dog knew exactly what was happening. Jess followed on her dad’s arm, grinning through tears. We pulled in tight for the handoff because that hug between her dad and the groom was one of those moments you don’t want to miss.

For the wide ceremony shot, we went black and white to emphasize the architecture. Those timber beams fanning overhead, the rows of dark crossback chairs, the couple small and centered at the far wall. If you’re considering The Lageret for your wedding, that room does the heavy lifting. The structure itself is the decor.

Portraits in the Industrial Landscape

One of our favorite things about shooting at The Lageret is what surrounds it. Step outside and you’ve got weathered brick, concrete walls covered in creeping vines, and overgrown greenery pressing in from every side. It’s moody without trying. For couple portraits, we used all of it. The vine-covered alley for walking shots. The concrete backdrop for something raw. A quiet patch of ferns for the overhead embrace.

Jess brought out a custom painted leather jacket for a few frames, and then their golden retriever jumped back in for round two. These two were completely relaxed, and honestly, that is when we do our best work. No prompts needed. Just laughter, a kiss on the cheek, and a very happy dog. Overcast fall light gave us soft, even tones that let the burgundy and navy pop.

String Lights, Dinosaurs, and Dancing

The reception space was a whole mood. String lights draped across the timber ceiling, casting warm amber over long farm tables set with red napkins and trailing greenery. Chalkboard signs with hand-lettered quotes. A bar menu on a scrolled banner. Scattered across the centerpieces? Tiny plastic dinosaurs. That detail made us laugh out loud. It’s exactly the kind of personal touch that makes a Lageret wedding stand apart.

The cake was simple and sweet: white fondant with a vine border and a ceramic fox topper reading “Mr & Mrs.” Plates of cookies and pies surrounded it. We shot the cake cutting from above for that graphic, editorial feel against the dark wood below. From there, the night shifted into dancing and photo booth chaos. The last image of the night is one of our favorites: Jess, her groom, and their golden retriever crammed into the photo booth, grinning in black and white. You can’t plan an ending like that.

This is the kind of day that reminds us why we love being Lageret wedding photographers. The venue rewards bold color choices, personal details, and couples who bring their whole personality. If you’re looking for a space in Stoughton that feels cinematic without being fussy, take a serious look at The Lageret. Check out our wedding photography portfolio to see more of our work across Wisconsin venues.